Dealing with chronic stress and work-related challenges is something that impacts a wide variety of professions. But one role especially close to my heart — and central to my practice — is school and district leadership. I know how easily leaders’ own needs can be de-prioritized while they focus on supporting others. These are challenging times for public school administrators, and intentional reflection and burnout prevention are more important than ever.

According to Pew Research, nearly half of Americans set New Year’s resolutions—and close to 80% of those focus on physical health, such as diet and exercise. These goals are valuable, but they often leave out a foundational part of our wellbeing…our mental health.

As we close out 2025 and move into 2026, it's worth remembering that health includes mental and emotional well-being too. Alongside caring for our bodies, let’s also reflect on how we’ll nurture our minds, emotions, and relationships in the year ahead.

We often treat mental health as separate from physical health, as if it’s optional, invisible, or secondary. But the truth is, mental health is foundational. Chronic stress, anxiety, and trauma don’t just affect our minds. They shape our bodies, our immune systems, our sleep, and our long-term health outcomes. Let’s keep talking. Let’s normalize the idea that struggling is human, and reaching out is brave. Because mental health is health, and healing is possible.

I was honored to join this panel along with other experts and district leaders as we discussed the serious consequences that can come from the unexamined use of technology.

If you have teens, know teens, or work with teens, consider watching as a way to start some meaningful conversations about this important topic.

As both a therapist, a school leader, and a parent, I’ve learned that while technology in the hands of our teens can carry significant risks- isn’t the enemy. It’s a powerful tool that can support connection, identity, and growth when used with intention. In this post, I share a developmentally informed framework for co-navigating tech with our teens—one that’s rooted in empathy, gradual autonomy, and real-life conversations.