Make It Mindful: Filling the Mental Health Support Gap in Schools with Alongside, An AI-Empowered App (with Scott Freschet and Brenda Peña)
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Make It Mindful: Filling the Mental Health Support Gap in Schools with Alongside, An AI-Empowered App (with Scott Freschet and Brenda Peña)

Today we're pleased to bring you an episode of Make It Mindful, a podcast that peels back the layers on today's educational challenges with mindfulness and compassion. Subscribe to Make It Mindful here: https://makeitmindful.transistor.fm

Brenda, as Director of Social Work at Chelsea Public Schools in Massachusetts, shares how Alongside has made mental health resources accessible to students who might shy away from traditional counseling due to stigma or discomfort. This episode explores how Alongside not only supplements existing mental health services by filling gaps but also empowers students by providing immediate, judgment-free support in a format they are comfortable with.

The conversation also touches on the broader implications of AI in education, discussing the potential risks and rewards of relying on technology for emotional support. Scott emphasizes the app's design, which encourages real-world application of coping strategies, ensuring that AI is a gateway to human interaction rather than a replacement. This episode offers a critical look at how technology is reshaping the approach to student wellness and educational support.

Guest Links:
Alongside.care

Co-Host Links:
Seth Fleischauer
Founder and President of Banyan Global Learning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-fleischauer/
Website: https://banyangloballearning.com/

Lauren Pinto
Cofounder of Ambitious Ed, Educational Technology Specialist
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-s-pinto/
Website: https://www.ambitioused.com/

Creators and Guests

Ross Romano
Producer
Ross Romano
CEO, September Strategies. Co-founder, @BePodcastNet. #EquityAwards Program Chair. Advisor, comms & storytelling strategist for #k12, #nonprofit, #edtech orgs.