Faculty Participate in Professional Development, Mental Health First Aid

The following day, New York Times bestselling author and industry expert Dr. Lisa Damour virtually met with faculty. Dr. Damour has partnered with the School for several years to further prepare teachers and administrators for working with girls in an ever-changing world. The discussion focused on helping students who feel anxious; growth-giving stress versus unhealthy stress; feelings of helplessness and how to problem solve; managing both internal and external motivation; and wellness practices such as breathing exercises, recovery time, and relationships to technology. 

Later in the year, Dean of Academics Martha Griswold will participate in a TABS discussion about the book Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic–And What We Can Do About It by Jennifer Breheny Wallace. She will also be attending a workshop by educator Cindy Blackburn that’s designed to help teachers understand AI and how ChatGPT can be used as an educational resource.

In addition to CPR training, faculty and staff members also had the opportunity to participate in Mental Health First Aid training. The training, which included virtual and in-person workshops, is skills-based and helps people identify, understand, and respond to signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge.

“We offered the Mental Health First Aid course as a part of the School’s commitment to Living Well at Chatham Hall,” said Dean of Students Josh Doyon. “The training really helped faculty and staff learn how to better evaluate and take steps to better care for every student in a variety of possible situations.”

A pillar of the new athletics, health, and wellness center, mental health is at the forefront of Living Well at Chatham Hall. Learn more about the School’s commitment to health and wellness through the Boundless Potential campaign at www.chathamhall.org/bp.