August 18, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Glenn Liebman
CEO
(518) 360-7916
MHANYS’s SMHRTCenter 4th Annual School Mental Health Summer Academy:
Two-Day Program Headlined By Fireside Chat with New York State Commissioners,
Featured Youth Panel, and Breakout Sessions to Help Prepare for New School Year
Albany, NY – MHANYS’s School Mental Health Resource and Training Center (SMHRTCenter) is proud to host its 4th Annual School Mental Health Summer Academy virtually on Tuesday, August 19, and Wednesday, August 20, 2025. The two-day event features a packed and engaging program under the theme of Promoting Mental Health Equity and Resilience in Schools. The powerful lineup of distinguished experts and presentations promises to deliver insight, inspiration, and innovative strategies to help schools gear up for the year ahead.
“The MHANYS’s SMHRTCenter School Mental Health Summer Academy has become a cornerstone of the back-to-school season calendar,” said Glenn Liebman, MHANYS CEO. “The transition from summer into the new school year can be a particularly challenging time compounded by stress and anxiety. The Summer Academy features two mornings focused on aspects of youth mental health and substance use, emerging issues, and best practices aimed at empowering educators, administrators, students, and families, while fostering awareness, resilience, and building healthier school communities. In addition to the breakout sessions, we are thrilled to host the Fireside Chat: New York State Commissioners Share Ways to Promote Mental Health Equity and Resilience in Schools featuring the New York State Commissioners of the Office of Mental Health Dr. Ann Sullivan, State Education Department Dr. Betty Rosa, and Office of Addiction Services and Supports Dr. Chinazo Cunningham.”
The School Mental Health Summer Academy is free and open to members of the school community including school administrators, educators, school social workers, school psychologists, school counselors, nurses, health and physical educators, other school personnel and support staff and community-based organizations who work with schools. The event will be held virtually from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19, and from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Check out additional information about the School Mental Health Summer Academy in the preview published in MHANYS Journal: Strength in Community Vol. 3 published in late July here. The schedule and registration is available here. Educators have the opportunity to earn CTLE credits.
“Just as students prepare for the new school year by packing their backpacks with supplies, the School Mental Health Summer Academy equips educators and school staff with the essential tools and strategies to teach mental health and wellness to all students K-12,” said Renee L. Rider, Director, SMHRTCenter. “The lessons and experiences shared during the School Mental Health Summer Academy provide a roadmap for adopting transformational policies to enhance mental health and wellness inside and outside the classroom. We’re deeply grateful to the New York State Education Department, the Office of Mental Health, and the SMHRTCenter’s School Mental Health Advisory Council for their continued leadership and support.”
New York State Education Department Commissioner Dr. Betty A. Rosa said, “As we prepare for the start of a new school year, supporting student mental health remains one of the most important priorities for school administrators, educators, and staff. The Annual School Mental Health Summer Academy offers a valuable opportunity to share practical tools and resources that school personnel can use to create supportive, inclusive environments where all students can thrive. It also continues the essential work of destigmatizing mental illness and making mental health support more accessible to every student who needs it. I’m proud to collaborate with MHANYS’s SMHRTCenter, along with my colleagues at the Office of Mental Health and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, as we work together to meet the mental health needs of students across New York State.”
Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “The start of school should be an exciting time and positive experience for students and educators alike. Now in its fourth year, the School Mental Health Summer Academy prepares teachers and school personnel for the issues they may encounter during the coming school year so they can help young students successfully transition from summer break into the classroom. We are proud to partner with MHANYS’s School Mental Health Resource and Training Center and provide educators with the tools they can rely on to support the mental well-being of their students.”
Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, “Young people are going through significant changes in their lives, which can lead to an increased risk for substance use and other behavioral health issues. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State has made strong steps to increase services for this age group, and this event represents a great opportunity for us all to come together to discuss ways we can further improve these services and reach more young people in need.”
The School Mental Health Summer Academy kicks off with a Youth Panel entitled Students’ Perspectives on the State of Mental Health. This panel discussion will feature a moderated discussion with a diverse group of youth from all across New York State to illuminate the issues facing students today. The breakout sessions include:
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Supporting Students with Cultivating Their Digital Wellness
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Utilizing Protective Factors to Build Resiliency and Improve School Culture
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Cultural Humility and Racial Equity: Engaging Families and Reframing Narratives
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Mental Health Matters Day: Learn and Experience the Power and Resilience of Youth Advocacy
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The Positive Impact of NYS’s My Brother’s Keeper on Youth Mental Health
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Making Healthy Decisions: Understanding the Risks of Cannabis Use and Vaping Among Youth
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Getting into SHAPE: Building Stronger School Mental Health Systems
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How Schools Can Help Support New Americans Experiencing Life Transitions
About Mental Health Association in New York State
The Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS) improves the lives of individuals, families, and communities by raising mental health awareness, ending stigma and discrimination, and promoting wellness and recovery. MHANYS was incorporated in 1960. We have 24 affiliates in 50 counties throughout New York State. We are an affiliate of Mental Health America.
MHANYS established the SMHRTCenter in 2018 to support all New York State public and private schools to implement Chapter 390 of the Laws of 2016, which requires mental health instruction as part of the K-12 health education curricula. Through our mental health presentations to schools, curriculum development materials, monthly Educator Café and Family Education Webinar series, and mental health and wellness toolkits, we support students, educators, and the entire school community with teaching mental health and wellness.
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