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School Wellness

School Wellness

By: Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention
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How do educators best promote wellness for students and staff? Join host Amanda Hampton, a certified Prevention Specialist, and the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence as we discuss supporting mental health in K-12 education. We will discuss innovative strategies and initiatives to create nurturing environments. Together we will gain insight and inspiration, and learn about evidence-based tools to positively impact student and teacher well-being. Tune in and join a community dedicated to building schools where children and the adults who support them are healthy and thriving. Discover more resources from the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention at ohiosbcoe.org.2024 Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • Honey Bell-Bey Youth-Led Prevention and the PARTS program
    Dec 1 2025
    Show Notes - About the Guest: Honey Bell-Bey is a seasoned prevention specialist with a passion for integrating the arts into prevention strategies for young individuals. With a lifetime devotion to prevention work, Honey has been instrumental in numerous wellness initiatives throughout Ohio, particularly in the Cleveland area. Honey started as a peer educator in her youth, creatively engaging in grassroots prevention strategies, and has been pivotal in professionalizing prevention through credentialing and certification efforts. She is actively involved in various educational and community programs, including the PARTS initiative, which effectively combines Prevention, Academics, Resiliency, and Training to foster success among youth. Honey is also known for her vibrant work in poetry, using it as a powerful tool to connect and inspire. Episode Summary: In this illuminating episode of "School Wellness with Amanda Hampton," Amanda is joined by Honey Bell-Bey, an influential figure in the field of prevention and a passionate advocate for youth empowerment in Ohio. Throughout the conversation, Honey delves deep into her journey and dedication to prevention work, emphasizing the critical role that arts play in engaging young people in meaningful ways. From her beginnings as a peer educator to her current involvement with various educational initiatives, Honey shares her insights on the evolution of prevention strategies, particularly in Ohio, and the transformative impact they have on communities. Honey Bell-Bey captivates listeners with her in-depth discussion about prevention frameworks, particularly highlighting the CSAP strategies, which include areas like education, alternatives, and environmental initiatives. She reflects on Ohio's leadership in prevention efforts, noting the importance of credentialing in professionalizing the field. The episode also touches on the critical distinction between prevention and treatment, the challenges and triumphs within the discipline, and Honey's personal journey, underscoring the significance of personal wellness for those in the helping professions. With practical examples like the PARTS program, Honey illustrates how engaging young people as partners in prevention generates a ripple effect of positive change across communities. Key Takeaways: Integration of Arts in Prevention: Honey Bell-Bey emphasizes the role of the arts, including poetry and performance, in making prevention strategies engaging and effective for young people. Ohio's Leadership in Prevention: The state of Ohio is seen as a frontrunner in prevention efforts, with robust credentialing systems that elevate the professional standing of prevention specialists. Importance of Youth Engagement: Honey highlights the value of youth voice and engagement in prevention work, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment among young individuals. Distinction Between Prevention and Treatment: Understanding the difference between these two areas is crucial for effective intervention, focusing prevention efforts on avoiding the need for treatment. Community Involvement and Awareness: There's a pressing need for communities to spread awareness about available resources and prevention efforts to ensure services reach those who need them most. Notable Quotes: "I've worked in prevention most of my adult life in some capacity or another." — Honey Bell-Bey "Ohio definitely leads the way. We are leaps and bounds ahead of other states." — Honey Bell-Bey "Give young people what you are passionate about... Give them a piece of you." — Honey Bell-Bey "Prevention adds protection and it adds protection for the individual, for the family, and for the community." — Honey Bell-Bey "You have the capacity to reach whatever you want to reach...you are innately resilient." — Honey Bell-Bey Resources: Ohio Prevention Professionals Association (mentioned as a resource within the transcript) OCAM (Ohio's Coaches and Mentors Network) - For resources on prevention certification and mentorship. Join us for the full episode to dive deeper into the insightful conversation with Honey Bell-Bey, as she shares her profound experiences and knowledge in the field of prevention, and stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions on "School Wellness with Amanda Hampton."
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    46 mins
  • Season 3 Trailer for School Wellness Podcast
    Nov 25 2025

    Welcome to Season Three of the School Wellness Podcast, an initiative by the Ohio School Based Center of Excellence for Prevention and Early Intervention. This season will have 15 episodes and kicks off with influential conversations surrounding youth-led prevention, school mental health, and self-care frameworks in education. Delve into expert interviews that reveal the strategic efforts being made to ensure the health and well-being of children and educators in Ohio and beyond.

    Key Takeaways:
    • Youth-led prevention is crucial for empowering communities, an initiative actively supported by EyesUp Appalachia and leading consultants.

    • Integrating PAX Good Behavior Game in classrooms positively impacts school climate and student interaction.

    • The Balance, Boundaries and Breaks framework is a way for educators to maintain mental well-being in stressful environments.

    • Effective school safety and evidence-based curricula address both immediate and long-term educational needs.

    • Student voices, like those of Sydni Howard and Aarush Mantreau, are pivotal in shaping peer-driven prevention programs.

    ...and so much more!

    Notable Quotes:
    • "Engaging students directly in prevention drives real change in local communities." – Christi Scott Bartman, Executive Director

    • "Teachers implementing PAX Good Behavior Game see transformative classroom dynamics." – Theresa Stahl, Teacher

    • "Our framework helps educators find sustainable ways to include self-care into their daily routines." – Evan Whitehead, SheRay's Associates & Balance Boundaries & Breaks(TM)

    • "Safety in schools is about creating environments where learning can thrive without fear." – Mark Pohl, The Pohl Group

    • "This curriculum provides essential tools to educators for combating substance abuse effectively." – Michelle Stevens, Prime for Life

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    2 mins
  • Emily Torok - Streamlining Support for School Safety Initiatives
    Aug 1 2025
    About the Guest:

    Emily Torok is the Director at the Ohio School Safety Center. With a history in Ohio Homeland Security, Emily initially supervised multiple school safety efforts. Her career trajectory evolved with Governor DeWine's administration prioritizing school safety as a standalone focus, allowing her to dedicate her expertise solely to this area. Emily has effectively channeled her initial interest in counterterrorism into creating safer educational environments across Ohio.

    Episode Summary:

    Join host Amanda Hampton on "School Wellness," presented by the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence at Miami University, as she dives into the crucial topic of school safety with guest Emily Torok from the Ohio School Safety Center. Amanda and Emily discuss the inception, mission, and the expansive set of resources the Ohio School Safety Center offers to K-12 and higher education institutions across the state. This episode is rich with valuable insights into the pivotal role of safety planning and the Center's initiative to streamline communication and support for schools.

    The Ohio School Safety Center, established under the direction of Governor DeWine, has created a centralized "one-stop shop" for school safety measures. By offering resources such as the Safer Ohio School Tip Line, behavioral threat assessments, and the annual School Safety Summit, the Center aims to prevent, prepare for, and respond to acts of violence and self-harm. Emily explains the importance of both physical and emotional safety in schools and illustrates how her team collaborates with various stakeholders to enhance student security.

    Key Takeaways:
    • The Ohio School Safety Center was created to centralize safety initiatives, providing schools with streamlined access to resources such as threat assessments, grants, and training.
    • Behavioral threat assessment teams play a crucial role in identifying potential threats and offering preventive solutions, encompassing both intent and capability evaluation of students.
    • The Center actively involves students in safety discussions through initiatives like the State Student Safety Advisory Council, emphasizing the importance of student voices in decision-making.
    • October is designated as School Safety Month, presenting an opportunity for schools to engage in various awareness activities and remind the community of available safety resources and measures.
    • A strong emphasis is placed on building trusted relationships within schools, as they form the foundation of effective safety and violence prevention strategies.
    Notable Quotes:
    1. "Just because you're not the school resource officer doesn't mean that you don't have a role to play—it's those relationships with your students."
    2. "Our mission here is to help both schools and first responders prevent, prepare for, and respond to acts of violence through a holistic solutions-based approach."
    3. "The Ohio School Safety Center is, in essence, a one-stop shop for all things school safety."
    4. "When students report bullying, suspicious activity, or self-harm, it's important they feel their concerns will be acted upon without retaliation."
    5. "Safety is everyone's priority… It's about having information that can be helpful."
    Resources:
    • Ohio School Safety Center: safer school tip line
    • Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
    • Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
    • Behavioral Threat Assessment Training: Available on the Ohio School Safety Center's website

    Listen to the full episode for comprehensive insights into enhancing school safety and learn how these initiatives can benefit and safeguard educational communities across Ohio. Be sure to stay tuned for more episodes from "School Wellness" for in-depth discussions on crucial educational topics.

    Discover more resources from the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention at OhioSBCOE.

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    54 mins
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