Supporting Student Mental Health: NAMI’s Ending the Silence Program
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PDT
Register
Webinar Details
Keenan and the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), in partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), are pleased to present Ending the Silence for School Staff. This evidence-based presentation covers warning signs of mental health conditions and suicide, facts and statistics, how to approach students who may be struggling, and how to work with families.
1 in 6 youth experience a mental health condition annually, and in 2025, 40% of U.S. high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Educators and school staff are essential partners in supporting youth who may be struggling. School staff are in a unique position to help, as they connect with youth often enough to notice the early warning signs of mental health struggles. NAMI’s Ending the Silence program serves as a valuable tool to empower educators to identify early signs of mental health issues and confidently connect students with support.
Who should attend:
- Educators
- School Administrators
- School Counselors
- Any Adult Working with Youth
Presented By:
Webinar Details
Watch our insightful webinar where we will delve into the intricacies of the Hazard Communication Standard and the Chemical Hygiene Standard.
This session will provide a comprehensive comparison of these two critical safety standards, highlighting their requirements and applications in various settings. You will gain valuable knowledge on written plans, safety data sheets, labeling, inventories, training, and the roles of Chemical Hygiene Officers. Whether you are involved in laboratory operations or general hazardous chemical management, this webinar equips you with the essential information to ensure compliance and enhance workplace safety.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from industry experts and enhance your understanding of chemical safety protocols.
Presentation Download
Click the button below to instantly access the presentation.
Meet Our
Subject Matter Experts
Les Forster and Mary Gaukel Forster
Mary and Les have presented Ending the Silence for School Staff for several years, presenting to teachers, counselors, and administrators on behalf of NAMI of Santa Cruz County. Mary's work in education included serving for decades as a teacher and administrator in grades K-12, and she retired as Principal at Delta High School at Cabrillo College. She currently serves as the School Transformation Coach for Costanoa High School in Santa Cruz, and as a mentor for aspiring school administrators. Les retired as Principal at Cypress High School in Live Oak, and for seven years has coordinated the County Office of Education's Inside Education program, and volunteers for Teen Kitchen Project. Both have served as CASA advocates, serving youth in both the dependency and juvenile justice systems, which has given them a renewed focus on the importance of advocating for greater awareness of, and support for youth mental health.