Boston School Psychs Podcast

This week on the Boston School Psychs Podcast, we are joined by Laura Shachmut, a school psychologist with Boston Public Schools, for a conversation about leadership, systems-level practice, and the evolving role of school psychologists in supporting students and school communities. Laura shares her professional journey, reflecting on the experiences that shaped her career and her passion for creating positive, student-centered learning environments.The discussion explores the many ways school psychologists can influence school systems beyond individual evaluations and counseling services. Laura highlights the importance of prevention, consultation, PBIS, and school-wide initiatives that promote positive outcomes for all students. She shares insights into how school psychologists can contribute to school climate, strengthen collaboration among educators, and support equitable practices that help students thrive.Throughout the episode, Laura discusses the value of leadership at every level of practice. She reflects on her work supporting district initiatives, mentoring future school psychologists, and helping build systems that foster student success. The conversation emphasizes that leadership is not limited to formal titles but can be demonstrated through collaboration, relationship-building, and a commitment to continuous improvement.Laura also discusses her role as chair of the Behavioral Health Services Communications Committee within Boston Public Schools. She shares how intentional communication helps strengthen professional identity, highlight the impact of school psychologists, and foster greater connection across a large and diverse department. The conversation examines how effective communication can support advocacy efforts and help school psychologists tell the story of their work in meaningful ways.Tim and Laura also reflect on the importance of graduate training, professional growth, and developing the next generation of school psychologists. They discuss the rewards and challenges of the profession, the lessons learned throughout a career in education, and the importance of maintaining a focus on student outcomes while navigating increasingly complex school systems.Whether you are a graduate student, early-career professional, or experienced practitioner, this episode offers valuable insights into leadership, collaboration, systems-level practice, and the many ways school psychologists can create meaningful change for students, families, and school communities.

This week on the Boston School Psychs Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Andria Amador, Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services for Boston Public Schools, for an in-depth conversation about comprehensive school psychological services and the systems that support student success. Drawing on her leadership experience in one of the largest school districts in the country, Dr. Amador shares how Boston Public Schools has expanded and redefined the role of school psychologists to better meet the academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs of students.The discussion explores the structure and vision of the Behavioral Health Services Department and the many ways school psychologists contribute beyond assessment. Dr. Amador describes how school psychologists in Boston Public Schools provide counseling, consultation, crisis response, prevention services, systems-level support, and leadership within schools. She explains how the district has worked to align services with the NASP Practice Model while building a framework that supports both students and practitioners.Tim and Dr. Amador also discuss the importance of prevention and early intervention in creating healthy school communities. The conversation highlights the role of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and other school-wide initiatives designed to improve outcomes for all students. Listeners will gain insight into how comprehensive services can strengthen school climate, increase access to mental health supports, and promote student well-being.A major focus of the episode is workforce development and the future of the profession. Dr. Amador shares how partnerships with universities, training programs, and community organizations have helped Boston Public Schools recruit, train, and retain highly qualified school psychologists. She discusses the value of creating strong internship experiences, supporting early career professionals, and building leadership pathways within the field.Throughout the episode, Dr. Amador emphasizes the importance of collaboration and systems thinking in school psychology. Real-world examples illustrate how school psychologists can partner with educators, families, administrators, and community providers to address complex student needs and improve outcomes at both the individual and systems levels.Whether you are a graduate student exploring the profession, an early career school psychologist seeking guidance, or an experienced practitioner interested in comprehensive service delivery, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving role of school psychologists and the impact they can have within schools and communities.

This week on the Boston School Psychs Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Carolyn Hall for an engaging conversation on leadership, school psychology practice, and the systems-level work that helps create meaningful change for students and school communities. Dr. Hall shares her professional journey into school psychology, reflecting on the experiences that shaped her path from work in adult psychiatric settings to her leadership role supporting school-based behavioral health initiatives within Boston Public Schools.The discussion explores the evolving role of school psychologists and the importance of developing systems that promote academic, behavioral, and social-emotional success for all students. Dr. Hall shares perspectives on how school psychologists can expand their impact beyond traditional responsibilities by engaging in consultation, prevention efforts, and collaborative problem solving. Tim and Dr. Hall discuss the importance of creating sustainable systems that support student needs while strengthening school teams and improving outcomes across entire school communities.Listeners will also gain insight into the role of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), evidence-based interventions, and data-based decision making in school practice. Dr. Hall discusses how school psychologists can contribute to identifying student needs, monitoring progress, and implementing supports that lead to meaningful academic and behavioral growth. The conversation highlights how school psychologists can play a critical role in strengthening school systems while helping ensure that interventions remain practical, equitable, and effective.The episode also emphasizes leadership and advocacy as essential components of school psychology practice. Dr. Hall shares reflections on stepping into leadership opportunities, building confidence, and recognizing that meaningful change often begins with small actions and relationships. Real-world examples demonstrate how collaboration with educators, administrators, families, and community partners can strengthen services and increase support for students.Finally, the conversation reinforces an important message for the field: leadership is not limited to formal titles. School psychologists at every stage of their career can influence systems, advocate for students, and create lasting change within their schools and communities. Whether you are a graduate student, early career professional, or experienced practitioner, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration to help you expand your impact.

This week on the Boston School Psychs Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Jennifer Greif Green of Boston University and Cynthia Lê of Boston Public Schools for an in-depth conversation on Project Provide, a federally funded initiative designed to strengthen the school mental health workforce. Together, they share how this multi-million dollar grant is supporting the recruitment, training, mentorship, and retention of school psychologists, school counselors, and school social workers across the district.The discussion explores how Project Provide was developed through strong collaboration between Boston Public Schools, local universities, and community partners. Dr. Green and Cynthia explain how these partnerships create meaningful, paid internship opportunities that allow graduate students to fully engage in their training without the added burden of outside employment. They also highlight the program’s dual focus on both recruitment and retention, including structured mentorship models and ongoing professional development to support current staff.Listeners will gain insight into how data-based decision making and continuous feedback have shaped the program over time. The conversation highlights how improvements across cohorts have been driven by intentional adjustments, strong evaluation practices, and a commitment to using participant feedback to refine systems and supports. This emphasis on continuous improvement has contributed to increased satisfaction and stronger outcomes for those involved in the program.The episode also dives into the broader impact of workforce development in school mental health. Dr. Green and Cynthia discuss the importance of investing in training pipelines, building sustainable systems, and creating environments where professionals feel supported and valued. They share how these efforts ultimately expand access to services and improve outcomes for students and families.Finally, the conversation highlights what keeps them hopeful in a time of growing mental health needs in schools. From a renewed national focus on youth mental health to the power of relationships and shared mission, this episode underscores the importance of collaboration and long-term investment in the field. Whether you are a graduate student, early career professional, district leader, or experienced practitioner, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration for strengthening school mental health systems in your own community.

This week on the Boston School Psychs Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Anastasia “Stacy” Skalski, former Director of Professional Policy and Practice at the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), for a powerful conversation on advocacy, leadership, and the impact of the NASP Practice Model. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Stacy shares insights from her career connecting research, policy, and practice to strengthen school psychological services and improve outcomes for students. The discussion explores the NASP Practice Model and how it serves as a framework for delivering comprehensive, high-quality services in schools. Stacy breaks down the key components of the model, including foundational practices, direct and indirect services, and the systems-level work that supports safe, supportive learning environments. Tim and Dr. Andria Amador reflect on how Boston Public Schools adopted and implemented the model over time, leading to expanded roles for school psychologists and significant growth in staffing and services. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of advocacy at the local, state, and national levels, including the role of NASP’s Public Policy Institute (PPI) in empowering school psychologists to use their voice. The conversation highlights how advocacy skills can be developed and applied in everyday practice, from communicating with administrators to engaging with policymakers. Real examples illustrate how building confidence in advocacy can lead to meaningful changes in school systems and increased support for students. The episode also emphasizes the importance of partnerships in advancing school psychology. Stacy discusses how collaboration with educators, administrators, and allied professionals helps expand understanding of the school psychologist’s role and increases the impact of services. Dr. Amador shares how intentional partnerships within Boston Public Schools and with universities and community organizations have strengthened training, service delivery, and system-wide initiatives. Finally, the conversation reinforces a central message for the field: school psychologists must take an active role in shaping how their work is understood and implemented. By embracing advocacy, building partnerships, and applying a comprehensive framework for practice, school psychologists can create lasting change for students, families, and school communities. Whether you are a graduate student, early career professional, or experienced practitioner, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration to help you expand your impact.

This week on the Boston School Psychs Podcast, we are joined by Sarah Hayden and Mike Sweeney Morrison, school psychologists in Boston Public Schools, for a practical and engaging conversation about navigating the first year as a school psychologist. Together, they share real-world advice to help early career school psychologists build confidence, stay organized, and provide meaningful support to students and school teams.The discussion explores what “Day 1” actually looks like, from managing logistics and learning school systems to building relationships with teachers, staff, and administrators. Sarah and Mike offer practical strategies for handling multiple schools, balancing caseload demands, and using organizational tools to stay on top of referrals, deadlines, and evaluations.Listeners will gain insight into how to select appropriate assessment batteries, avoid over-testing, and clearly explain eligibility decisions. The episode also highlights how school psychologists can effectively communicate and defend their data in meetings, especially when navigating disagreements or high-pressure situations with parents and team members.The conversation emphasizes the importance of strong collaboration within MTSS and RTI frameworks, including how to work closely with teachers to implement practical, evidence-based interventions before moving to evaluation. Sarah and Mike share examples of how small, targeted supports can make a meaningful difference for students while also being manageable for busy educators.Finally, the episode explores how school psychologists can maintain boundaries, navigate ethical dilemmas, and find support through mentorship and professional relationships. The discussion highlights the importance of self-care, emotional awareness, and building a network of colleagues who understand the unique demands of the role.Whether you are a graduate student, first-year school psychologist, or supporting someone entering the field, this episode provides practical advice and insights that can be applied immediately.

This week on the Boston School Psychs Podcast, we are joined by Katherine Cowan, former Director of Communications for the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), for an engaging conversation about advocacy, communication, and building the voice of school psychology. Together with Dr. Andria Amador, Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services for Boston Public Schools, the discussion explores how school psychologists can effectively communicate their impact and advocate for meaningful systems change.Kathy reflects on her 25 year career with NASP and shares key lessons on the importance of collaboration, strategic communication, and using data to support advocacy efforts. She discusses how the field has evolved over time, including efforts to expand understanding of school psychologists as mental health professionals and the ongoing work to address workforce shortages. Listeners will gain practical strategies for translating their daily work into clear, compelling messages that resonate with educators, administrators, and policymakers.Dr. Amador shares how Boston Public Schools has applied these communication and advocacy principles to strengthen the role of school psychologists across the district. From developing infographics and annual reports to training staff on elevator pitches and consistent messaging, she highlights how intentional communication can elevate both individual practice and system-level impact.Together, they emphasize that advocacy is not separate from the role of a school psychologist, but a natural extension of the work already being done to support students. This episode offers actionable insights for school psychologists at all levels who want to build confidence in their voice, strengthen their professional identity, and expand their impact within schools and beyond.

This week on the Boston School Psychs Podcast, we are excited to share a special crossover episode with The School Collective Podcast. Dr. Andria Amador, Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services for Boston Public Schools, is joined by fellow school psychologists and School Collective hosts Dr. Chris Ponce, Amy Shatila, and Brook Roberts for a collaborative conversation about leadership, mentorship, and the evolving role of school psychologists.Together, the group reflects on what they have learned from hosting podcasts and engaging with school psychologists across different contexts. The group shares stories from early career experiences, first NASP conferences, and the moments that helped shape their professional paths. The conversation blends professional reflection with lighthearted questions, highlighting the relationships and shared experiences that sustain the field.This crossover episode is a celebration of collaboration across podcasts and across professional spaces. It is a reminder that when school psychologists share their stories, elevate one another’s work, and stay curious together, they strengthen the impact of the profession and the support provided to students, families, and schools.

This week on the Boston School Psychs Podcast, we are joined by María del Carmen Needham, bilingual school psychologist and passionate advocate for emerging bilingual students, for an insightful conversation about culturally responsive school psychology and supporting multilingual learners. Together with Dr. Andria Amador, Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services for Boston Public Schools, the discussion explores how relationships, advocacy, and thoughtful practices can help schools better serve students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.Carmen shares how her lived experience shapes her work with emerging bilingual students and families, and offers practical guidance for school psychologists who want to improve their practice with multilingual learners. The conversation highlights the importance of slowing down, asking meaningful questions, and avoiding assumptions when concerns arise. Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of second language acquisition, the role of family voice, and how to distinguish between language differences and potential learning or developmental needs.Dr. Amador discusses how Boston Public Schools is working to diversify the school psychology workforce, build strong professional community, and provide ongoing training to support culturally responsive services. The episode also explores how school psychologists can grow their impact through advocacy at the school, district, state, and national levels, and why representation and visibility matter in the profession.Together, they highlight how culturally responsive practices begin with strong relationships and a commitment to continuous learning. This conversation is a reminder that when school psychologists lead with curiosity, humility, and advocacy, they help create schools where every student and family feels seen, valued, and supported.

This week on the Boston School Psychs Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Byron McClure, nationally certified school psychologist, founder of School Psych AI, and co author of Hacking Deficit Thinking, for an inspiring and practical conversation about the future of school psychology. Together with Dr. Andria Amador, Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services for Boston Public Schools, the discussion explores how innovation and strengths based practices can expand the impact of school psychologists in meaningful ways.Dr. McClure shares the story behind School Psych AI and offers practical guidance for how school psychologists can begin using AI tools ethically and effectively in their daily work. The conversation focuses on building AI literacy, starting small with everyday tasks, and using technology as a thought partner rather than a replacement for professional judgment. Listeners will hear how Boston Public Schools is taking a thoughtful, system wide approach to training school psychologists and integrating AI into practice.The episode also dives into strengths-based practices and the importance of shifting from deficit thinking to a more balanced, holistic view of students. Dr. McClure and Dr. Amador discuss how school psychologists can acknowledge real challenges while still centering student strengths, especially in psychological reports, team meetings, and everyday interactions. They share concrete examples of how language, mindset, and intentional action can change how students and families experience school psychology services.Together, they highlight how school psychologists can take action within their own sphere of influence, whether through small daily practices or larger systems level change. This conversation is a powerful reminder that when school psychologists combine innovative tools with strengths based thinking, they are better equipped to do work that truly matters for students, families, and school communities.

This week on the Boston School Psychs Podcast, we’re joined by Alex Freeman, CBHM/MTSS Coach for the Behavioral Health Services team in Boston Public Schools, for an in-depth conversation about leadership, coaching, and the evolving role of school psychologists within a large urban district.Alex shares how he decided to become a school psychologist and reflects on his professional journey from school-based practice to a district-level coaching role. He discusses how his work has expanded beyond traditional responsibilities to include coaching school teams, supporting tiered systems of support, and helping schools bring the Comprehensive Behavioral Health Model to life.The conversation highlights how leadership develops within school communities and the impact that coaching and systems-level support can have on students, families, and school staff. Alex shares examples of how expanded roles and data-based decision-making contribute to safer, more supportive learning environments across Boston Public Schools.Looking ahead, Alex discusses the opportunities and challenges of coaching within a large district and reflects on what sustains and motivates him in school mental health work during times of high need. He also shares his vision for how school psychologists can continue to lead in school climate, equity, and student wellbeing. Together, they explore how school psychologists can serve as leaders, collaborators, and change agents in building safe, supportive, and equitable schools.

This week on the Boston School Psychs Podcast, we’re joined by Hani Murad and Paola Enciso, school psychologists in Boston Public Schools and union representatives, for an in-depth conversation about union advocacy and its impact on educators and students across the district.Hani and Paola share their professional backgrounds and reflect on what motivated them to step into union advocacy roles. They discuss how union representatives advocate for school psychologists and other educators in Boston, including efforts to improve working conditions, ensure appropriate protections, and secure the resources staff need to effectively support students.The conversation highlights how union advocacy helps create meaningful change, with reflections on recent examples where advocacy efforts made a tangible difference for staff and students. Hani and Paola also explain how collaboration between staff, union leadership, and administration plays a key role in advancing shared goals within Boston Public Schools.Looking ahead, they discuss current priorities for union advocacy in Boston schools and share ways school psychologists and school staff can get involved in advocacy efforts to support their colleagues and strengthen services for students.Together, they explore how union advocacy supports the evolving role of school psychologists and helps sustain the systems needed to serve students, families, and school communities effectively.

This week on the Boston School Psychs Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Sheila Desai, Director of Equity and Inclusive Practices at the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), along with Dr. Andria Amador, Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services for Boston Public Schools, for an in-depth conversation about strengthening culturally responsive practices in school psychology.Dr. Desai shares insights from her leadership at NASP, including recommendations and resources that support school psychologists in building equity-focused, culturally responsive systems. She discusses how culturally responsive practices extend beyond individual interactions and into broader school-wide approaches that promote belonging, inclusion, and more equitable outcomes for students.Dr. Amador reflects on the ongoing work happening across Boston Public Schools to embed culturally responsive practices into daily school psychology work, from engaging families and communities to ensuring that behavioral health supports are accessible, relevant, and respectful of diverse cultures and experiences.Dr. Desai also looks back on her years as a BPS school psychologist during the early stages of the Comprehensive Behavioral Health Model (CBHM), sharing what it was like to be part of the model’s launch when it existed in only ten pilot schools. She highlights how equity conversations shaped CBHM’s development and how the model has grown into a district-wide system in 2025.Together, they explore how culturally responsive practices strengthen school communities, support student wellbeing, and help school psychologists serve as advocates for equity in both direct practice and systemic work.

This week on the Boston School Psychs Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Achilles Bardos and Dr. Carolyn Hall for an insightful discussion about universal behavioral health screening and its impact on student wellbeing.Dr. Bardos, CEO and founding member of Edumetrisis, LLC, and co-developer of the Behavior Intervention Monitoring Assessment System (BIMAS-2), shares the story behind the tool’s development and how it has evolved over more than three decades to support prevention, progress monitoring, and data-driven decision-making. He explains how integrating technology into behavioral assessment has transformed how schools nationwide identify and support students’ social-emotional needs.Dr. Hall, Program Director for Boston Public Schools’ Comprehensive Behavioral Health Model (CBHM), describes how BPS became one of the first large districts in the country to adopt universal behavioral health screening, at a time when only about five percent of schools were doing so. She highlights how the district piloted multiple screeners before selecting the BIMAS-2, and how school psychologists now help lead implementation, data analysis, and follow-up supports across schools.Together, they discuss how the collaboration between Edumetrisis and BPS has strengthened prevention systems, enhanced equity in identifying student needs, and influenced national practice. They also reflect on the real-world impact of screening, from guiding multi-tiered supports to saving lives.

This week on the Boston School Psychs Podcast, we’re joined by Arabiye Artola Bonanno and Pravash Kumar, school psychology doctoral interns completing their internship year in Boston Public Schools (BPS). BPS is the only school district in Massachusetts to offer a doctoral-level training program within the district, and we are proud that the program was recently awarded APPIC status.Together, they discuss how their internship has helped them bridge the gap between research and real-world practice, the rewarding experiences that have shaped their growth, and how collaboration with educators across settings strengthens student support. They also reflect on working within a highly diverse school district, gaining deeper insight into equity, cultural responsiveness, and resource allocation across schools. Lastly, they share how this internship experience is influencing their future roles as school psychologists and their goals for impact at both the school and system levels.

This week on the Boston School Psychs Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Amber Harris, NASP Treasurer and Assistant Professor at Louisiana State University Shreveport, along with Dr. Andria Amador, Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services in Boston Public Schools.Together, they explore the power of connection in school psychology such as how fostering relationships, advocacy, and community can strengthen and sustain the profession. Reflecting on her 15 years of experience as a school psychologist and her leadership at both the state and national levels, Dr. Harris shares meaningful insights on supporting one another in the field. The conversation also touches on the popular Facebook forum she moderates, Said No School Psychologist Ever, and how it provides a unique space for connection and professional growth.

This week on the Boston School Psychs Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Ivonne Borrero, Psy.D., Assistant Director of Behavioral Health Services for Boston Public Schools.With over three decades of experience, Dr. Borrero shares practical tips for supporting multilingual learners, drawing from her work as an assistant director, bilingual school psychologist, adjunct professor, and clinical psychologist. She discusses how school psychologists can foster inclusive practices, strengthen family collaboration, and promote equitable support for multilingual learners.

This week on the Boston School Psychs Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Eric Rossen, Executive Director of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), along with Dr. Andria Amador, Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services in Boston Public Schools.Together, we explore how NASP is advocating for school psychologists, helping build community, promoting meaningful discussions, and addressing challenges such as workforce shortages in school psychology. Dr. Rossen and Dr. Amador also share how the NASP Practice Model can serve as an advocacy tool to support an expanded, more comprehensive role for school psychologists, one that goes beyond assessment to utilize the full range of skills we are trained in.

Welcome to the Boston School Psychs Podcast! These conversations with Boston school psychologists highlight the people, practices, and partnerships that strengthen behavioral health and promote student well-being across Boston Public Schools. Episodes will be released every Wednesday, beginning with today’s episode.In our very first episode, we are honored to sit down with Dr. Andria Amador, Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services in BPS and the driving force behind the Comprehensive Behavioral Health Model (CBHM). A nationally recognized leader, Dr. Amador has led the transformation of behavioral health in Boston schools from a small pilot to a district-wide framework that is now shaping practice across the country.This conversation comes at a timely moment: Boston Public Schools has been awarded the 2025 NASP Excellence in School Psychological Services Award at the Exemplary level, which is the highest honor our field can bestow on a district. Together, we celebrate this recognition, reflect on CBHM’s growth, and hear Dr. Amador’s perspective on leadership, equity, and the future of school-based behavioral health.Listeners will learn:How Dr. Amador’s personal and professional journey led her to school psychology leadership in Boston.The evolution and impact of CBHM over the past 14 years.Milestones that make her most proud, and her advice for new school psychologists entering the field.Why equity, multilingual hiring, and diversifying the workforce are central to the future of behavioral health.What keeps her hopeful and motivated in a time of great need.Join us as we go beyond a kit, a kid, and a closet, and into the comprehensive role of school psychologists building safe and supportive schools, one conversation at a time.