In this AASA Radio episode, Dave Schuler, the executive director of AASA, focuses on mental health awareness in educational settings. Our distinguished guests include Superintendents Shari Camhi (Baldwin, N.Y.), Tobin Novasio (Hardin, Mont.) as well as Paul Imhoff and Ann Levett discussing initiatives in their respective districts aimed at improving student and staff mental health. Programs range from school mindfulness and wellness centers to parent engagement initiatives and partnerships with mental health organizations. The episode highlights the importance of developing relationships, creating supportive ecosystems, and integrating mental health awareness into the educational framework.
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Dr. Paul Imhoff has been a public educator for over 30 years, earning his Bachelor’s and Doctor of Education Degrees from Miami University and his Master’s Degree from the University of Dayton. Imhoff was an Ohio superintendent for 16 years, serving the Mariemont Schools in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the Upper Arlington Schools in Columbus, Ohio. He was selected as the Ohio Superintendent of the Year in 2018 and was the President of AASA in 2021/2022. Currently, Imhoff serves as the Director of Government Relations for the Buckeye Association of School Administrators, Ohio’s Superintendent Association. In addition, Imhoff is active in the AASA Leadership Network, leading the Mental Health Cohort and the Eastern States Consortium, and is a veteran of the Ohio Army National Guard.

Dr. M. Ann Levett of AASA is a career educator who has served at every level in education, from teacher to Superintendent to School Board member in K-12 education, and in faculty and administrative positions in higher education.
Tobin Novasio is in their first year as superintendent at Hardin Public Schools in south central Montana and 18 years as a superintendent in Montana. President of Montana Rural Education Association, AASA Mental Health Cohort Steering Committee member, Hope Squad National Advisory Board member, Cook Center for Human Connections Advisory Council and participant in inaugural AASA/JED Foundation District Comprehensive Approach cohort.

Dr. Shari L. Camhi is the superintendent of Baldwin School District and past president of the National School Superintendent’s Association (AASA). She also serves on the National Assessment Governing Board. With more than 30 years’ experience in both education and business, Dr. Camhi has received numerous accolades and recognition for her innovative contributions to K-12 instruction, including Education Week’s “Leaders to Learn From,” NSPRA’s “New Superintendent to Watch,” Education Dive’s “Administrators to Watch.”

David Schuler is a highly experienced, successful and well-regarded educational leader. He was a superintendent for 22 years prior to taking on the Executive Director role at AASA. He has served in rural, urban and suburban settings, including 17 years as superintendent of High School District 214, Illinois’ largest high school system.