Stronger Students, Stronger Communities: The Behavioral Health Connection

In this episode of Lead, Lift, Inspire, we explore the growing importance of behavioral health in supporting students and strengthening communities. From classrooms to career pathways, schools are often the first place needs emerge—but lasting impact requires strong partnerships beyond the school walls. Mrs. Greta Metcalf holds a Master’s degree in Education in Community Counseling and became co-owner of Jackson County Psychological Services in 2004, leading community-based programs including psychiatry, school-based therapy, and community-based services In 2004, she became co-owner of Jackson County Psychological Services, leading school and community-based programs across western NC counties, and was later appointed to the Governor’s Task Force on Safer Schools and the Task Force on Mental Health and Substance Use, contributing to statewide policy improvements. She also helped develop a regional continuum of care for schools, social services, and juvenile justice, expanding her expertise in cross-system collaboration and evidence-based treatment models. Since 2018, as Clinical Director of HIGHTS, she has led the expansion of youth mental health and substance use services and built a multidisciplinary internship and workforce development program to strengthen the behavioral health system in Western North Carolina.Dr. Angela Hill is a passionate and results-driven school leader with more than 20+ years of experience in curriculum and program design, staff development, and coaching educators to implement high-quality instruction. When not at school, she enjoys reading/ listening to fiction novels (the world is too real for non-fiction at this time), spending time with her family and friends, and watching true crime shows.