North Homes provides mental health services in all of our school buildings during the school year.
School-based mental health services strengthen students and their families through prevention and intervention within a school setting. For eligible students, a mental health professional will meet with the student and family to formulate goals in conjunction with feedback from school professionals. Students may receive individual, family, and/or group therapy directed towards changing and reducing symptoms of a mental health condition aimed at improving functioning at home, school, and in the community.
If you are interested in setting up services within the Mahtomedi School District please contact Lindsay Leemann by phone (218) 244 - 7241 or email Lindsay Leemann. She will direct you to the provider in your child's respective school. They will then walk you through the referral and intake process.
If you have any questions regarding the service at Mahtomedi Public Schools or are interested in receiving services, please contact Ms. Leeman.
The therapy dog program at Mahtomedi Public Schools is an additional tool for us to support student joy, engagement, and wellness. Therapy dogs can improve the culture and general mood of the school in their interactions with students and staff by increasing feelings of joy and reducing stress. They can also promote both social and academic benefits by inspiring laughter and fun, improving connections to coursework and classes, and promoting positive interactions between students. Interaction with our therapy dogs is optional for students.
Piper and Riley with their certified trainer, Ms. Julie Brown.
Piper and Riley are our therapy dogs at Mahtomedi Middle School.
Piper and Riley will visit twice a week and will be in or near the counseling office with Ms. Julie Brown, their certified handler, or in her eighth-grade classroom.
Piper is a 3.5-year-old Golden Retriever.
Riley is a 7-year-old English Cream Golden Retriever.
Brewster with his certified trainer, Ms. Ellen Cole.
Brewster is an almost 3-year-old Aussiedoodle. He is ¾ poodle and ¼ Australian Shepherd. Brewster loves to meet new people, snooze on the couch, go for walks, and play outside! Brewster is a Certified Therapy Animal through Pet Partners.
At this time, Brewster visits once a week on Wednesdays and will be at the counseling office, common spaces, and by appointment during Flex Time, with Ms. Ellen Cole, his certified handler.
Click here to see photos of Brewster visiting with our students.
During a crisis and difficult events, we know students are feeling a range of emotions and as educators, it is our job to support students while they are with us at school. Students may also need the opportunity, space, and support to process their feelings at home with their families.
It can be challenging to know how much children know about what is happening in the news. Even if children don't know exactly what's going on, they may know that something is wrong or that people are scared/stressed.
A simple way to start the conversation is to ask, “What have you heard and how are you feeling?" Below are several resources we encourage you to review when having conversations with your child.
Family Resource for Elementary-Aged Students: National Public Radio, What to Say to Kids When the News Is Scary
Family Resource from the Minnesota Department of Education: How to Talk About Traumatic Events and Tragedies
Tips for Families from the National Association of School Psychologists: Managing Strong Emotional Reactions to Traumatic Events
15 Tips for Talking with Children About Violence from the Colorin Colorado website.
The University of Pennsylvania, School of Education Talking to Children After Racial Incidents
Supporting Youth Affected by the Violence in Israel and Gaza: Tips for Families and Educators (National Association of School Psychologists)
Talking to Children About War (National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
Our team of support staff is also available to support you and your child during this time. Click here for our support staff contact information.
Mental Health Resources
*CRISIS TEXT LINE: Text MN to 741741
*Washington County Crisis Response: 651-275-7400 or email Washington County Crisis Response
Mental Health Therapy/Treatment:
Oakdale Location: (651) 777 - 5222
Stillwater Location: (651) 777 - 5222
Maplewood Location: (952) 737-4500
Woodbury Location: (651) 259-9710
*Life Stance Health (formerly Family Innovations)
Stillwater Location:(651) 383-4800
Maplewood Location: (651) 748-5019
Mahtomedi Location: Contact Information on Website
Clinic Locations: Cottage Grove, Hugo, Maplewood, Stillwater, Woodbury
Contact #: 1-844-697-8766
