October 1, 2024
Having Mental Health Clinicians from Amoskeag Health in the Manchester School District makes a big difference for students and the community. They provide essential support that helps children both inside class and beyond. Clinicians like Scott Schilling work within the schools, building strong relationships not only with the students but also with teachers, gym instructors, lunch staff, and administrators. These connections are key to supporting the children effectively.
For instance, when Scott first met a young girl who was anxious and nervous about their meeting, he learned that she liked hula hooping and jump roping. After their initial session in his office, Scott took her to the gym to do these activities together. This simple act helped her relax and opened a channel for trust and communication. From that point on, she looked forward to their meetings, showing how powerful it can be to connect through shared activities and interests.
Another example involves a first grader dealing with some serious issues at home. She often came to school disheveled but full of energy, making it hard for her to focus. By engaging her with activities she enjoyed, like playing with Legos sets she brought in, Scott built a relationship that made her feel seen and valued. This not only helped her manage better at school but also taught her kindness and the joy of sharing, leading her to leave some Legos for other kids to enjoy while visiting Scott’s office.
Another case involved a girl who faced severe anxiety every morning, to the point where she refused to go to school. Scott, along with her parents, a social worker, the guidance counselor, and her teacher, came up with a plan for her to start each day by meeting with someone she trusted. This significantly reduced her anxiety, allowing her to have a much better end to the school year.
These stories show how important early intervention and relationship-building in the schools are for setting students up for future success. Scott and his colleagues help students develop coping skills and people skills that they carry with them as they grow. By addressing issues early, they can prevent more significant problems from arising later in life, planting the seeds for long-term well-being.
Amoskeag Health being present in the schools also removes barriers that might prevent students from getting the care they need. Many families face challenges like lack of transportation or conflicting work schedules that make it hard to attend clinical appointments. By bringing services directly to the schools, clinicians like Scott ensure that students receive consistent support without adding stress to their families.
Having Mental Health Clinicians in the Manchester School District not only supports individual students but also strengthens the entire school community. By building strong relationships and integrating into the school environment, they create a supportive network that helps children overcome challenges and succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
These moments show the deep impact that Amoskeag Health’s behavioral health clinicians make in our schools, helping students feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. Your support helps make these critical services possible. Consider making a donation today to keep this support growing for our community’s children.