The Coalition for Expanding School-Based Mental Health engages in many activities to fund, advocate, and advance expanded school mental health programs in schools around the state. These activities include advocating for legislative change and drafting bills to fund ESMH programs, launching an informative website, and planning an annual summit that involves and informs a statewide network of more than 850 providers, school mental health staff, legislators, parents, and others who care about the well-being and success of each child. You can make a difference by joining one of three Coalition committees that need your involvement and skills!
We need you! Want to dig deeper and help the Coalition in a more meaningful way? Join a Committee!
Coalition for Expanding School-Based Mental Health in Wisconsin Committees
School Mental Health Navigators Community of Practice
Formed in 2020, the SMH Navigator Community of Practice gathers monthly online for an opportunity for navigators to connect on best practices, challenges, and share resources. Whether you are called a navigator or have taken on the tasks without the title, we want to learn from you!
Am I a school mental health navigator?
You may have this role in your school community without carrying the title, but essentially school mental health navigators help students and families connect to resources and facilitate communication between teachers, staff, families and providers. They know the local community resources and many may have lived experience that helps them quickly engage with families and align as a supportive resource. In some schools this position assists with scheduling appointments, connecting with families in their home and more.
Legislative Committee
The Legislative Committee works to create and adapt policy, engage in legislative activities to fund expanded school mental health programs, and advocates on behalf of the coalition.
Innovative Practice & Comprehensive Model Committee
The Innovative Practice & Comprehensive Model Committee recommends presenters for both the annual summit and for non-coalition events & conferences. The committee responds to inquiries, disseminates current best practices, and communicates the school-based mental health model and best practices at engagements.
Summit Planning Committee
The Summit Planning Committee works to identify speakers, topics and resources for the Summit. Help guide the experience for participants!
Board Members
Executive Committee
Chris Crowe (Chair) Director & Principal, North Star Academy
Daniel Baran (Vice-Chairperson) Board Secretary & Treasurer, Professional Services Group, Inc
Kathy Markeland (Treasurer), Executive Director, WI Association of Family & Children’s Agencies
Jessica Bigboy (Secretary) Parent Peer Specialist Wisconsin Family Ties
Members-at-Large
Charles Bauernfeind, School Coordinator, School Community Partnership for Mental Health, Milwaukee Public Schools
Greta Blancarte Wellness Coordinator, Ashland School District
Tina Buhrow Co-Chair Children’s Mental Health Collective Impact Executive Council, Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health
Sara Daniel, Vice President of Educational Services, SaintA
Phyllis Greenberger Lead Advocacy Specialist, Disability Rights Wisconsin
Linda A. Hall, Director, Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health
Molly Herrmann, Project AWARE Consultant, WI Department of Public Instruction
Julie Hueller, Manager, Racine Collaborative for Children’s Mental Health, Racine Unified School District
Jenny Miller, Manager of School-Based Mental Health Services, Children’s Wisconsin – Community Services
Andrea Mitchell, Wellness Program Supervisor, Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan
Kristi Nelson, Director of Day Treatment and Clinical Services, Northwest Counseling & Guidance Clinic