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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
  • Theresa Stahl - PAX GBG Teacher and Title I

    Theresa Stahl - PAX GBG Teacher and Title I
    Jan 21 2026
    About the Guest(s):

    Theresa Stahl is an experienced educator with a career spanning nearly 40 years. Currently, she teaches third and fourth grade reading intervention at Ansonia Local Schools in Ohio. Known for her commitment to creating supportive and inclusive classroom environments, Theresa has actively implemented the PAX Good Behavior Game strategies to foster respectful and focused behavior among her students. She is recognized for adapting educational methods to meet the needs of a diverse student body in a partially rural community setting.

    Episode Summary:

    In this engaging episode of "School Wellness," host Amanda Hampton sits down with veteran educator Theresa Stahl to delve into the effective use of the PAX Good Behavior Game in her classroom. With nearly four decades of teaching experience, Theresa shares compelling insights into how evidence-based strategies can create a trauma-informed and supportive learning environment. The episode offers a deep dive into adapting behavior intervention techniques for young students, focusing on promoting positive behaviors such as respect and attentiveness.

    Through a detailed discussion, Theresa outlines her journey with PAX, a system she embraced approximately six years ago. Her implementation begins with constructing a "vision chart" to set clear behavioral expectations in a positive light, steering away from traditional "do's and don't's" lists. Theresa provides real-life examples of how this method encourages students' cooperation and attentiveness, ultimately leading to a more productive classroom environment. She shares her innovative approach to Granny's Wacky Prizes, which motivate students while being cost-effective and easy to implement. Theresa's candid experiences provide valuable insights for educators keen to embrace modern behavior management methodologies.

    Key Takeaways:

    • The PAX Good Behavior Game creates a trauma-informed, supportive classroom environment by focusing on managing undesirable behaviors and reinforcing positives.

    • Implementing a vision chart focused on proactive student engagement.

    • Granny's Wacky Prizes motivate students with creative, low-cost activities that align with classroom goals of respect and attentiveness.

    • School-wide adoption of PAX strategies amplifies their effectiveness, aligning all students and staff toward common behavioral expectations.

    • Starting with a few core PAX strategies can help new teachers integrate these methods cohesively into their classrooms.

    Notable Quotes:

    1. "PAX is...a way to achieve a happy and peaceful classroom." - Theresa Stahl

    2. "They [students] are invested in the behavior and in the plan and in trying to do what they're supposed to." - Theresa Stahl

    3. "It has to really be pervasive in your day. And if possible, school-wide is most effective." - Theresa Stahl

    4. "I really like to use activities that make them think a little bit too, so like I have one called 5, 4, 3, 2, 1." - Theresa Stahl

    Resources:

    • PAXIS Institute – Home of the PAX Good Behavior Game, providing evidence-based behavioral strategies for educators. The podcast introduction is provided by Carmen Irving from PAXIS.

    • Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
    • Ohio Mental Health Network for School Success

    • Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence – Supporting prevention and early intervention in Ohio schools.

    Listen to this insightful episode to hear directly from Theresa Stahl about her practical experiences and strategies for effective classroom management using the PAX Good Behavior Game. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from the "School Wellness" podcast.
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    24 mins
  • Betsey Sigrist-Sheppard - Teaching with PAX Good Behavior Game

    Betsey Sigrist-Sheppard - Teaching with PAX Good Behavior Game
    Jan 15 2026
    About the Guest(s): Betsey Sigrist-Sheppard is a dedicated educator with six years of experience in teaching early education, primarily in kindergarten and second grade. She currently teaches at Columbus City Schools in Columbus, Ohio. Betsey is known for her innovative methods in creating engaging classroom environments and is particularly recognized for her work with PAX Good Behavior Game. Her passion for teaching was inspired by her second-grade teacher, who seamlessly integrated academic and social-emotional lessons into engaging learning experiences. Betsey is an advocate for trauma-informed classrooms and promotes a positive, inclusive learning community for her students. Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of School Wellness, hosted by Amanda Hampton, listeners are introduced to the concept of a trauma-informed classroom and how PAX Good Behavior Game is being effectively implemented in school settings. Amanda Hampton talks with Betsey Sigrist-Sheppard, a second-grade teacher with Columbus City Schools, about her experience and strategies in creating a supportive and engaging learning environment for young students. The episode explores Betsey's journey in education, inspired by her own transformative experiences in elementary school, and the community-focused approach she brings to her classroom today. Betsey shares her perspectives on the implementation and success of PAX in managing classroom behaviors and reinforcing positive student actions. From initial training during the COVID-19 pandemic to establishing a comprehensive PAX community within her school, Betsey offers valuable insights into the use of PAX strategies to foster a trusting and effective classroom dynamic. The discussion also delves into the challenges of adopting new behavioral strategies and the significant impact that the PAX program has had on the school environment, from increasing predictability in classrooms to helping students manage attention and interpersonal relationships. Key Takeaways: Implementation of PAX: Betsey Sigrist-Sheppard successfully incorporates PAX into her classroom to promote positive behaviors and manage undesirable ones using various strategies and games.Positive Community Building: PAX strategies help create a positive school community, turning classrooms into teams and families, reinforcing care for self, others, and the environment.Maintaining Consistency and Safety: By establishing predictable routines and expectations, Betsey ensures a physically, emotionally, and psychologically safe environment for students.Supportive Network: The episode highlights the importance of a support network of teachers and PAX partners in promoting and implementing effective behavioral strategies across the school.Adapting to Challenges: Betsey discusses the challenges of initial implementation and how pacing and support from the PAX community help in successfully integrating new tools into her teaching practice. Notable Quotes: "I had a really amazing second grade teacher when I was in elementary school who created a classroom environment that was so engaging and fun…""I really strive to create a class where our class is a community, our class is a team, our class is a family.""The PAX Vision was super easy because we always want a set of rules in the classroom, and the PAX Vision is a set of rules, and it is student created.""Having the internal PAX team, it's kind of been just like a quick check with each other, like hey, how's it going? How, how is it potentially not going?""Even though there are a few Kernels, they don't all have to be implemented right away." Resources: PAX Good Behavior Game: Paxis.orgColumbus City Schools: Columbus City SchoolsNationwide Children's Hospital: Nationwide Children's Hospital Tune in to the full episode to explore Betsey Sigrist-Sheppard's innovative approaches to fostering a vibrant, supportive learning environment through PAX and learn more about how these strategies can be implemented in classrooms to encourage positive behavioral development. Stay connected for more episodes on school wellness and educational excellence.
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    36 mins
  • Jake Ross - Empowering Appalachian Communities through Mental Health Support and Resilience

    Jake Ross - Empowering Appalachian Communities through Mental Health Support and Resilience
    Jan 6 2026

    Jake Ross is a seasoned licensed independent social work supervisor and therapist, practicing in Ohio with additional licensures in Virginia, Indiana, and Florida. With over 20 years of experience in social work and child welfare, Jake currently serves as a senior trainer and consultant at Presidential Consultants, where he facilitates dynamic learning experiences aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of professionals in helping professions. Jake is also the founder of the Ross Wellness Group, focusing on empowering millennial men to manage stress and lead fulfilling lives.

    Episode Summary:

    Join Amanda Hampton in an insightful episode of School Wellness as she chats with Jake Ross, a dedicated professional from Presidential Consultants. With a focus on mental health and child welfare, Jake shares his journey and profound commitment to making a difference in the Appalachian region and beyond. From anecdotal experiences to strategic insights, Jake offers a comprehensive look into the challenges and strengths present within the communities he passionately serves.

    This episode delves into the core mission and vision of Presidential Consultants, an organization dedicated to improving helping professions through education and training. Explore the unique challenges and cultural characteristics of the Appalachian region, including geographic isolation and resource scarcity, that impact mental health and wellness. Jake emphasizes the importance of shifting language and mindset around mental health, transforming stigma into supportive dialogue, and adapting evidence-based practices to suit regional needs. Learn about the protective factors and resilience inherent in Appalachian culture and discover how community collaboration and self-care play a vital role in fostering mental wellness.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Jake Ross brings over two decades of expertise in social work, advocating for mental health and child welfare across the Appalachian region and beyond.

    • Presidential Consultants aims to equip helping professions with the necessary tools and knowledge through dynamic and accessible training programs.

    • Appalachian communities, while facing unique challenges such as geographic isolation and resource scarcity, exhibit remarkable resilience.

    • Shifting the dialogue around mental wellness from crisis-oriented to proactive and preventive can help dismantle stigma and encourage community engagement.

    • Emphasizing self-care and community collaboration are essential strategies in strengthening mental health across various populations.

    Notable Quotes:

    1. "I'm really big on trying to leave this world a better place than I came into it." - Jake Ross

    2. "Often Appalachian folks don't ask for help. They figure it out." - Jake Ross

    3. "I woke up first thing in the morning and say, what am I going to do to take care of myself so that I can pour into others the best that I can." - Jake Ross

    4. "It's all about that general awareness. If we're all generally aware of what these issues look like, what these red flags are, then we can start to keep an eye out." - Jake Ross

    Resources:
    • Appalachian Children Coalition: The ACC mission is to improve the health and well-being of our region's children. Through collective advocacy and strategic investments, we aim for a future where every child has access to the care that they require at home, in school, and in their communities.

    • Presidential Consultants: PresidentialConsultants.com (Website not explicitly mentioned, but inferred as a resource for more information)

    • LinkedIn: Follow Presidential Consultants for blog posts and their Work Live Wellness series.

    • Ross Wellness Group: Founded by Jake Ross, focusing on millennial men's well-being.

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    43 mins
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