Mental Health Awareness
School safety is a top priority at Graham County Schools.
Support personnel can often go unnoticed or unappreciated. These individuals provide social, emotional, mental and physical intervention, services, and support. They collaborate and work hard to address the school environment, and the outside factors that may impact students. They also work to eliminate barriers, so all students learn, thrive and grow. They work with students in many ways to strengthen mental health services.
Many children today are affected by social determinants of health that influence their education, health and future. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic that deeply worsened our society, students were struggling with mental and behavioral health issues.
Since the pandemic, it has only worsened. The Graham County school district committed to the health and well-being of each student. Research provided by Public Schools First, NC has shown that the presence of a school social worker can improve graduation rates, student mental and behavioral health, and reduce disciplinary issues and violence.
This week, we recognize the social worker, counselors, nurses, and mental health liaison for Graham County Schools:
* Trudy Brackett is the lead school nurse for Graham County Schools, and the primary nurse for both Robbinsville Middle and High schools. Brackett obtained a master’s in nursing from the University of Arizona and has been active in nursing for over 18 years. She promotes health and wellness, by developing and implementing health plans for students based on specific need, carrying out health assessments and screenings for identifying student’s mental and physical health concerns or deficits; utilizing resources to provide referrals for intervention and mediation; and advocating for quality student care. Brackett enjoys collaborating with the teachers, counselors, coaches and other staff at Graham County Schools to achieve success in both the classroom and on a personal level.
* Amanda “Shandy” Daniels is the guidance counselor for Robbinsville High School. She received her bachelor’s in English education from Western Carolina University. She continued her education while teaching English and received her master’s from Southeastern Oklahoma University in the field of school counseling. Daniels is responsible for helping high school students prepare for the next steps in their lives, whether it be work force, trade school, college or military to name a few. She is a team player and works well with the crisis team to meet the needs of her students.
* Amber Davis has been the school counselor at Robbinsville Elementary since 2015. She received her bachelor’s in sociology with a minor in anthropology from Wake Forest University. She completed a master’s in school counseling from Western Carolina University. Davis helps students feel comfortable in the school setting and provides extra support to students who have a need. Elementary school is where students start to develop their academic self-concept and feelings of competence and confidence as learners. They begin to develop decision-making skills and communication skills. Davis is a vital part of Robbinsville Elementary and works well with the other team members to help students succeed.
* Katrina Nelms is the social worker for both Robbinsville High and Middle schools. She received her bachelor’s in social work from Western Carolina University and her licensure from N.C. State University. She had spent the past seven years in school social work and has 10 years of experience in the profession. Nelms is someone who shows love and compassion to every student. She ensures students receive the supportive listening, positive feedback and resources that may be needed. If Nelms is unable to provide the support that is needed, she will find someone who can. She is a valuable asset to Graham County Schools and helps to promote academic and social success.
* Dale Walsh has been the counselor at Robbinsville Middle School for the past 10 years. Walsh also has four years of community-college counseling experience. He has a bachelor’s in psychology from UNC-Chapel Hill and a master’s in counseling from Western Carolina University. Walsh works with students individually; in small group settings and within the classroom, to assist with their academic, social, emotional and personal development at the crucial age of adolescence. He helps students set short- and long-term goals that can improve attendance, reduce and solve conflicts and prevent thoughts of suicide.
Along with the physical safety in Graham County Schools, mental health is also important in school safety. The efforts to maintain positive school cultures is an ongoing battle across America.
Graham County is not immune to the fight.