The upcoming Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Needs (TSD) Conference will feature a valuable new session aimed at helping student transportation professionals focus on their own mental health. By doing so, they can create a positive environment not just for themselves, but also for the students they serve.
Scheduled for Saturday, November 8, the session titled “Mental Health First Aid Supports for Transportation” will be led by Kemberly Edwards, a licensed school counselor. She will share effective strategies that can help transportation staff improve their mental well-being. By adopting these practices, they will be better equipped to assist students dealing with emotional and behavioral challenges.
Edwards has nearly three decades of experience in education and previously served as the director of counseling at Mesquite Independent School District in Texas, where she also managed the CARE Clinic. Her expertise focuses on trauma therapy, and she has worked closely with transportation staff to provide what she calls “wraparound services.” These services address emotional and social wellness, helping staff effectively engage with students.
The CARE Clinic, established in 2017, offers free support to students, their families, and district staff. Last year, it facilitated over 12,000 counseling sessions. Edwards is passionate about helping others tackle the mental health challenges that are increasingly present in educational settings.
The TSD Conference will take place from November 6 to November 11 at the Embassy Suites Dallas-Frisco Hotel and Convention Center. Participants can expect a variety of educational sessions, hands-on training, networking opportunities, and keynote speakers, all centered around improving the transportation experience for students with special needs.
For more details or to register, individuals can visit the conference website.
