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More than 200 Christian school leaders, educators, and staff members gathered in person in Denver, Colorado, and virtually for ACSI’s one-day mental health symposium, Secure & Sound: Cultivating Mental Health and Safety in Christian Schools.

The event brought together schools from across the country to discuss the growing mental health challenges facing students and educators while exploring practical ways Christian schools can cultivate healthier and safer learning environments. In total, 67 leaders, educators, and staff attended in person, while 148 registered online to watch the livestream.

The day opened with keynote presentations from Dr. Adam Wilson, Associate Professor of Counseling at Denver Seminary, Dr. Lynn Swaner, and John Ford, who addressed topics including youth mental health, mental health policies in Christian schools, and the current state of school safety. Wilson spoke on the state of youth mental health and encouraged schools to intentionally develop healthy social school development that supports students emotionally, socially, and spiritually.

Swaner’s keynote focused on mental health policies and procedures in Christian schools and highlighted some of the top mental health challenges schools are currently reporting. Throughout her presentation, attendees participated in table discussions where educators exchanged ideas and strategies for strengthening mental health support systems within their own campuses.

The day also included several breakout sessions designed to give attendees practical tools and strategies for supporting both student and staff well-being. Experts including Suzanne Eitzen, Jill Hart, Dr. Tracey Twinam, Nancy Gillespie, Jerry Nelson, Jon Widmier, Dr. Mark Mayfield, Brendan Sullivan, Carissa Jaquish, and Dr. Tyler Amidon led sessions on topics such as mental health-informed practices, exceptional learners, burnout and compassion fatigue, cyberbullying prevention, crisis preparedness, educator wellness, and balancing school safety with a positive school culture.

One standout session was led by Nancy Gillespie, who focused on recognizing early warning signs of mental health issues in youth. Gillespie shared that more than 50% of mental health conditions develop before age 14, and 75% manifest before age 18. She helped attendees better understand the difference between normal and abnormal teen behavior and discussed what warning signs educators and staff should look for when supporting students. Her session emphasized the importance of awareness and early intervention in helping students receive support before challenges become more serious.

Technology and online behavior were also central themes throughout the symposium. During his sessions on cyberbullying, online harassment, burnout, and compassion fatigue, Dr. Mark Mayfield addressed the growing impact digital interactions and emotional strain can have on both students and educators. His presentations encouraged schools to develop strong policies while also caring for the emotional well-being of faculty and staff.

Attendees also heard from Jon Widmier about creating a culture of wellness among faculty and staff, while Dr. Tyler Amidon discussed the challenge of balancing school safety with maintaining a positive school culture.

The symposium concluded with a panel discussion focused on practical ways schools can improve and implement mental health support. Panelists discussed how schools can connect students with outside resources, how spiritual development supports mental health, and ways educators can reduce burnout. They also reflected on the light and hope they have witnessed while working through difficult situations, leaving attendees encouraged and equipped to continue supporting their school communities.