Beyond Awareness: How K-12 Leaders Are Transforming Student Mental Health Support

Heather has been in education for 21 years, with sixteen of that time spent as a school counselor.  Most recently, she served as the Kentucky Department of Education’s Coordinator for Comprehensive School Counseling.  As President of the Kentucky School Counselor Association, she advocates for school counseling around the state and nation.  She was also honored to have been named the 2022 Kentucky School Counselor of the Year.  Heather has presented nationally for conferences in Georgia, Nevada, Florida, California, Tennessee, and Texas on topics including SEL Implementation within MTSS, Trauma-informed practices, building a comprehensive school counseling program, and college and career readiness.  Her current role is serving as the MTSS Coordinator for the third largest district in Kentucky, Boone County Schools.

Keira Soler is an esteemed educator with a passion for improving instruction and nurturing learners of all ages. With a robust background in instruction, classroom culture, and community collaboration, Keira Soler has been instrumental in driving positive change throughout her career.

Having served in various roles within the education sector, Keira Soler currently holds the position of Assistant Coordinator of School Culture PreK-12 at CSDNB since August 2023. In this capacity, she collaborates closely with school and department administrators to implement inclusive cultures and multi-tiered systems of supports for all students, emphasizing social-emotional learning curriculum and behavioral interventions. Keira Soler also plays a pivotal role in building the capacity of school administrators, deans, and behavior support assistants to effectively implement MTSS strategies and address student behavior needs. Additionally, she convenes and chairs the district school culture committee, overseeing the positive climate of all PK-12 schools and ensuring inter-school consistency in approaches to student conduct and school culture.

Prior to this role, Keira Soler served as Interim Assistant Principal at DiLoreto Elementary and Middle School, where she provided invaluable support to the principal, staff supervision, and discipline enforcement. She actively engaged with parents on students’ academic, conduct, and social-emotional needs, utilizing a restorative approach to address student behavior.
Before stepping into administrative roles, Keira Soler served as a Recovery Facilitator and Districtwide Instructional Coach, where she led the development of out-of-school time programs, facilitated professional development sessions, and collaborated with teachers and administrators to improve instructional practices and student engagement. Her dedication to enhancing education extended to her roles as an English Language Development Teacher and Dual Language Teacher, where she taught and supported students in grades 2 through 8, contributed to curriculum development, and provided training on instructional strategies for English learners.

Keira Soler holds a Master of Arts from the University of Connecticut, a Bachelor of Science from Springfield College, and an Administrative Certificate from Sacred Heart University. She has also received numerous accolades and certifications throughout her career, including the Superintendent Heartbeat Award, Teacher of the Year (District Finalist), and certifications in educational leadership, teaching, and language instruction. Notably, she was a finalist for the prestigious District Administration National Awards of Distinction Program, a recognition that celebrates innovative leadership in public education.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Keira Soler is actively involved in activities and organizations such as the Association of Middle Level Education (AMLE), Coaching Council and the Massachusetts Association for Bilingual Education (MABE), demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
In summary, Keira Soler is a dedicated educator who strives to create positive and inclusive learning environments where all learners can thrive and succeed. Through her expertise, passion, and collaborative spirit, she has made lasting contributions to the field of education and the communities they serve.

Elizabeth Styles is a dedicated education leader with a passion for innovation and student-centered learning. As the Director of Teaching & Learning for Secondary Education, she is committed to transforming educational experiences by creating dynamic and inclusive learning environments. Elizabeth’s approach is anchored in data-driven decision-making, ensuring that instructional strategies meet the diverse needs of every learner.

With a career marked by impactful initiatives, Elizabeth has spearheaded the evaluation and continuous coaching of secondary principals, enhancing their professional development. She led a district-wide initiative on Kagan Cooperative Learning structures, integrating collaborative teaching methodologies across K-12 education. Elizabeth also orchestrated personalized learning opportunities for staff through Viking University, focusing on student engagement and staff wellness.

Her leadership extends to partnership initiatives with higher education and local industries, creating pathways for students to excel post-graduation. Elizabeth’s collaborative efforts have improved academic outcomes across various programs, including Honors+, AP, IB, and CCP courses.