Inspire Shasta, Episode 9: Mental Wellness in Schools: Supporting Students, Staff & Systems

Episode Summary:
In this insightful episode of Inspire Shasta, we dive into mental wellness in our schools. Hosts Jenn Cobb and Maggie Joyce sit down with two passionate advocates for student and staff well-being: Kelly Rizzi, Director of School and District Support at the Shasta County Office of Education (SCOE), and Pattie Bay, School Counselor at Sycamore Elementary.

Together, they explore the science behind mental health, trauma-informed practices, the Neurosequential Model of Education, restorative practices, and tangible ways to support both students and educators in navigating mental and emotional challenges.

You’ll hear inspiring stories, science-backed strategies, and practical tools that are transforming school culture across Shasta County—plus, thoughtful advice for parents, caregivers, and anyone who supports young people.

🧠 Topics Covered:

• The importance of grounding school wellness initiatives in brain science and empathy
• How SCOE supports districts through customized, responsive professional development
• The science of flipped lids, self-regulation, and classroom mini-lessons
• How schools like Cypress and Turtle Bay are implementing the Neurosequential Model of Education
• Common mental wellness challenges in students (e.g., anxiety, trauma, dysregulation)
• Tools and techniques for emotional regulation (5-4-3-2-1, safe place visualization, deep breathing)
• The power of restorative practices for both students and adults
• Advice for parents to support mental health at home, including car conversations and modeling vulnerability
• Misconceptions around youth behavior and mental health
• The value of relationships, safe adults, and helping kids build emotional vocabulary and agency

💡 Key Quotes:

"Behavior is communication. When we chase the 'why,' mindsets shift." – Kelly Rizzi
"You are not anxiety. You are a human being experiencing anxious feelings." – Pattie Bay
"Our kids need to know it's okay to have strong emotions—they're not broken because of them." – Jenn Cobb

🧰 Resources & Tools Mentioned:

• Neurosequential Model of Education (Dr. Bruce Perry)
• TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention)
• ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Training
• Restorative Chats & Accountability Projects
• Mini-lessons on brain science and regulation
• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

🗣️ Final Thoughts:

Mental wellness is not a one-time lesson—it’s a daily practice embedded into school culture, family dynamics, and community support. From understanding how trauma affects brain development to empowering students with regulation tools, this episode highlights how we can all play a role in creating emotionally safe and supportive environments for youth.

🔗 Learn more: Visit ShastaCOE.org.

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