Boston School Psychs

This week on the Boston School Psychs Podcast, we sit down with Laura Shachmut, a Boston Public Schools school psychologist with extensive experience supporting students, families, and school communities. Laura shares her journey into school psychology, reflects on how the role has evolved over time, and discusses her passion for systems-level work and equitable practices.

In addition to her work supporting students, Laura is an active leader within our department. She serves as chair of the Communications Committee, helping strengthen how we connect, collaborate, and share our work across the district. She talks about the importance of leadership, building positive school cultures, and creating systems that lead to better outcomes for students. Laura also reflects on meaningful moments from her career and the relationships that make school psychology such a rewarding profession.

Whether you're interested in school psychology, educational leadership, or creating more supportive school environments, this episode offers valuable insights from an experienced practitioner.

✨ New episodes every other Wednesday

🎧 Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube by searching Boston School Psychs and the channel will pop right up.

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/j__-Ouu6R-E?si=05LoBO6tyWkM8d7x

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boston-school-psychs-podcast/id1845054541

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36dU8URcCPWS5gMQRnHAFa

Special thank you to Dr. Byron McClure for providing an engaging department-wide training on strengths-based practices in school psychology for our BPS Behavioral Health Services team.🙏

The training challenged us to reflect on how we can continue to recognize and build upon the strengths and resilience of the students we serve each day.

The event was also an opportunity to celebrate two incredible colleagues, Ann and Ellen, as they begin their well-earned retirements. Their years of dedication and commitment to supporting students have made a lasting impact on Boston Public Schools.

Thank you, Dr. McClure, for sharing your expertise, and congratulations to Ann and Ellen on this exciting new chapter. We are grateful for all you have contributed to our department and school communities. 💙✨

Boston Public Schools Behavioral Health Services was proud to participate in our first-ever Pride Parade as a department!🏳️‍🌈

Thank you to all of the school psychologists who joined us in showing support for LGBTQ+ students, families, and communities. Your presence reflects our commitment to creating safe, affirming, and inclusive school environments where every student feels seen, valued, and supported. We look forward to continuing this work together and celebrating the diversity that strengthens our school communities every day.

This week on the Boston School Psychs Podcast, Dr. Andria Amador joins us for an inside look at the Behavioral Health Services Department in Boston Public Schools and what it means to provide comprehensive school psychological services. Dr. Amador shares how BPS has implemented the NASP Practice Model, expanded the role of school psychologists beyond assessment, and built a system that supports students through prevention, intervention, consultation, counseling, and systems-level work.

We also discuss the different roles school psychologists can hold within the district, the importance of university partnerships and training programs, and how school psychologists contribute to positive school climates through initiatives such as PBIS and mental health supports.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Amador offers practical insights for districts looking to strengthen their services and create more meaningful opportunities for school psychologists. Whether you are a graduate student, early career school psychologist, or experienced practitioner, this episode provides valuable ideas and inspiration for expanding your impact in schools.

✨ New episodes every other Wednesday

🎧 Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube by searching Boston School Psychs and the channel will pop right up.

YouTube Link: youtube.com/watch?v=XWLuGz8TLyM&feature=youtu.be

Apple Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boston-school-psychs-podcast/id1845054541

Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/36dU8URcCPWS5gMQRnHAFa

Happy Pride Month from the Behavioral Health Services department! This June, we proudly celebrate the diversity, strength, and resilience of our LGBTQ+ students, staff, and families. At Boston Public Schools, we are committed to creating safe, affirming spaces where every identity is seen, valued, and supported.

Let’s continue to uplift voices, foster belonging, and champion love in all its forms this month and every month.

Supporting wellness, one piece at a time 💙🧩💚

We’re proud to highlight New Mission High School in recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month. A staff-centered community puzzle, organized by Co-Head of School Mr. Kareem Cutler, created space for connection, reflection, and care throughout the school day.

Our very own Behavioral Health Services’ school psychologist Dr. Lisa van Luling along with school social workers Ms. Cynthia Victor & Ms. Mindy Simmons are grateful to be part of a school community that prioritizes mental health as a foundation for both staff and student success.

💙💚

Yesterday at Ellison-Parks Early Education School, all students in grades K-3 participated in a 30-minute mental health and wellness session. Students rotated through engaging stations that included yoga, arts and crafts, gratitude activities, and affirmation bookmarks. 💚

Today, families and caregivers will also have an opportunity to participate in mental health and wellness activities designed to support connection, reflection, and self-care.

A special thank you to BPS School Psychologist Madison Blake for helping coordinate these meaningful events and for sharing these photos. 🙏

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, students at Brighton High School participated in a Mental Health Awareness presentation on May 8th. Led by Tracey Lalsingh, Maria Monterio-Roby, and Laura Shachmut, the event provided an opportunity for students to engage in meaningful conversations about mental health, wellness, and the importance of supporting one another. Events like these help promote awareness, strengthen connections, and create school communities where students feel supported and empowered. 💚🧠