Today, the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health, the state’s hub for school-based mental health research, training, professional development, and clinical services, announced the 2024 Iowa School Mental Health Awardees at the 2024 Iowa BEST (Behavioral, Equitable, Social-Emotional, Trauma-Informed Health in Schools) Summit in Coralville, Iowa.
“Through two distinct awards, we show the world what ‘school mental health’ is and the deeply dedicated and caring people behind it,” said Allison Bruhn, executive director for the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health. “Each story we tell, each leader we spotlight, becomes a catalyst for change, proving that prioritizing student well-being isn’t just possible – it’s essential.”
The Iowa School Mental Health Hero Award honors an educator or practitioner for their exemplary contributions to school mental health in Iowa. This individual demonstrated admirable leadership and a commitment to broadening, strengthening, and advocating for mental health and wellness supports within their school, district, or organization, resulting in positive outcomes during the 2023-24 school year. The recipient of this award has been integral in helping students, educators, and/or school staff reach new heights in their well-being (e.g., physical, mental, spiritual, and behavioral).
The Mental Health Influencer of the Year Student Award recognizes outstanding youth leaders who lend their voices and talents to mental health awareness initiatives. These students have impacted decision-makers or policymakers to expand mental health supports within their school, district, region, or state. To qualify for this award, a nominee had to be enrolled in one of Iowa’s PreK-12 schools during the 2023-24 school year.
This year’s awardees are:
2024 Iowa School Mental Health Hero
Natalie Nesbitt, School Counselor, Benton Community School District (Van Horne, Iowa)
For the past 13 years, Natalie Nesbitt has served as a school counselor in the Benton Community School District in Van Horne, Iowa. As a middle and high school counselor, Natalie currently cares for around 750 students. Fueled by her personal passion for well-being, Nesbitt has enthusiastically spearheaded efforts in the Benton Community School District to improve access and reduce stigmas surrounding mental health.
Nesbitt implemented Future, Ready, and Well, a school-wide conference dedicated to fostering the eight areas of wellness, organized the Benton High School chapter of the Green Bandana Project, and facilitated the school’s Clarity Group, a student-led mental health support group. The school’s recent addition of Stella, a trained therapy dog, further emphasizes Nesbitt’s commitment to student well-being. Nesbitt championed Stella’s arrival, attended all necessary training, and welcomed her into her family home.
While Nesbitt’s numerous projects and accomplishments demonstrate her impact, it is the meaningful relationships she builds that most profoundly resonate. Nesbitt is described by her nominators as someone whose sincere advocacy has moved stakeholders to implement impactful supports that benefit both schools and the wider Benton community. Her students point to her welcoming presence and steadfast support as essential to their success, as her genuine care helps them navigate a variety of daily challenges.
Nesbitt earned her Master of Arts in School Counseling and bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Northern Iowa.
2024 Mental Health Influencer of the Year Student Award
Rachel Dunnwald and Sydney Fischer, Linn-Mar High School (Marion, Iowa)
Rachel Dunnwald and Sydney Fischer, recent graduates of Linn-Mar High School, are the 2024 Mental Health Influencer of the Year Student Awardees.
Dunnwald and Fischer, noticing indifference towards mental health in their fellow classmates, and wanted to make a positive change. They organized a suicide prevention awareness football game on September 29, 2023, spearheading a team of students through the planning and execution of a successful event, which featured a resource area, “Tomorrow Needs You!” t-shirt design and sales, and efforts to increase awareness about how students can access help. Their group fundraised more than $2,000 to donate to the local I’m Glad You Stayed Project. Dunnwald and Fischer also distributed helmet stickers to both the Linn-Mar and opposing Muscatine High School football team, sure to involve the entire community.
Dunnwald and Fischer are described by their nominator as quiet, powerful leaders. Additionally, Dunnwald and Fischer both served on the leadership team for the school’s Mental Health Matters club, a group that provides students with resources, a supportive environment, and a place to educate themselves about mental health topics. Last year, Dunnwald and Fischer participated in the club’s QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training, which equips members with life-saving skills in suicide prevention.
Dunnwald currently attends the University of Iowa, pursuing a degree in social work. Fischer also attends the University of Iowa, majoring in business.
This is the third year of the Iowa School Mental Health Awards program. The program honors those who have made notable contributions to fostering a positive mental health culture within an Iowa PreK-12 school, district, or Area Education Agency (AEA) during the 2023-24 school year.