Anne Spear - Listening First: Elevating Student and Staff Voice in Mental Health System Design

Building successful mental health supports and responses for students requires more than adopting new programs—it requires listening deeply to the voices of those it is meant to serve, from adoption through implementation. In this session, Dr. Anne Spear will share how central office leaders, school administrators, and counselors can meaningfully integrate student and staff perspectives when designing supports, and to monitor what is working and what needs to be adjusted during the year when implementing strategies. By centering lived experiences, schools can move beyond surface-level awareness campaigns and ensure that strategies truly reflect the needs, preferences, and realities of their communities. Further and most importantly, schools can understand how students will engage in supports.

Participants will explore why student access and engagement in mental health supports often remain a persistent challenge, even when resources exist. Dr. Spear will highlight practical approaches for understanding barriers to engagement, building trust with stakeholders, and creating systems that prioritize both joy and well-being. The session will also emphasize the importance of monitoring implementation to demonstrate impact—ensuring that mental health initiatives are not only adopted, but also effective, sustainable, and embraced by students and staff alike.