GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thirty-six Thiel College education students gained valuable insights into addressing student mental health challenges during a regional workshop that brought together educators, counselors and behavioral health professionals to explore strategies for supporting students and families.
The workshop, held Sept. 10 at Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV, focused on preparing future teachers to recognize mental health concerns, respond to students' emotional and behavioral needs, and connect families with appropriate resources.
Organized by Herb Hunt of HH Events, the event introduced Thiel’s education students to trauma-informed care, early intervention strategies and multi-tiered systems of support, which provide different levels of academic, behavioral and emotional assistance based on students' needs.
A panel of educational leaders and mental health professionals shared practical approaches to addressing challenges that extend beyond the classroom. Panelists included Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District Superintendent David McDeavitt; Cybill Reed, director of special education at Intermediate Unit 6; school psychologist Anna Smith; and Tammi Davis, a licensed professional counselor with IU6.
Additional presenters included Mark Matta, CEO of Psych-Med; Brenda Marino, interim executive director of IU4; David Delux of Clarion Psy Center; and Stacy DeCarbo, a counselor with the New Castle Area School District.
Together, the speakers addressed student privacy, family advocacy, behavioral health services and the importance of collaboration among teachers, school administrators, counselors and community organizations.
For Thiel's future educators, the experience reinforced the importance of recognizing when students need additional support and understanding the resources available to help them succeed.
“I learned how important it is for teachers to know that we have resources available to help us support our students with their mental health,” Thiel student Sarah Zimmer ’27 said. “Having these resources can help guide me in knowing what to look for, how to respond, and when to reach out for additional support. It reminded me that I do not have to handle everything on my own and that there are people and resources available to help me better support my students.”
Thiel student Emily Gongaware said the workshop emphasized the importance of understanding the individual circumstances students bring into the classroom.
“One thing I really took away was the importance of meeting students where they are. I thought that was such a meaningful reminder, because every student is different and may be dealing with things we don’t always see,” Gongaware said. “The workshop gave me a lot to think about and so much information that I can take with me moving forward as a future educator. I really enjoyed this opportunity.”
The Thiel College Education Department expressed its appreciation to Hunt, Michaelene Gentsy and the participating professionals for sharing their expertise and helping prepare the next generation of teachers to support students’ academic, social and emotional well-being.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.