In this episode of the Prepared School Psych podcast, Jenny Ponzuric is joined by Kevin Dahill-Fuchel, Executive Director of Counseling in Schools. With over three decades of experience in school-based social work, Kevin shares how his team has helped transform mental health support for students and school communities across New York City.

Kevin reflects on his early experiences providing crisis support following events like 9/11 and Superstorm Sandy, and how those shaped his leadership approach. He discusses the transition to remote counseling during COVID-19, the long-term social-emotional effects of remote learning, and the importance of embedded mental health professionals in schools.

Listeners will gain insights into restorative practices, the role of school leadership in social-emotional support, and why building authentic adult relationships within schools matters. Kevin emphasizes that true preparedness stems not just from credentials—but from showing up as a whole person.

Resources:Counseling and school website https://www.counselinginschools.org/team/kevin-dahill-fuchel/

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Time Stamps:

00:00 – Introduction and Welcome

00:54 – Favorite TV Shows (The Bear)

02:47 – How Colleagues Would Describe Kevin as a Mental Health Provider

03:28 – Kevin’s Journey with Counseling in Schools

05:36 – Evolution from Clinic Model to School Integration

07:48 – Gaining Trust of School Staff

09:15 – Barriers to Access and the Role of Embedded Counselors

09:49 – Crisis Leadership: Lessons from Superstorm Sandy

12:56 – Importance of Listening and Not Rushing into Action

15:50 – Crisis Response Post-COVID and Eliminating the "Trauma Gap"

18:22 – Staff Support and Internal Communication During COVID

21:01 – Managing Student Risk Remotely

22:33 – Long-Term Impacts of Remote Learning

24:06 – Chronic Absenteeism and Student Motivation Post-COVID

24:56 – Strategies for Building Robust Social-Emotional Support

25:36 – Restorative Practices and the Power of Circles

27:28 – Humanizing the Role of Educators and Support Staff

29:16 – Gaining Buy-In from School Staff and Leadership

31:22 – Long-Term Change and School Culture

32:15 – Increased Mental Health Needs and Decreased Hope

33:59 – Modeling Positivity and Connection for Students

35:00 – Dual Role of Awareness and Emerging Mental Health Challenges

36:02 – How School Psychologists Can Better Support Students

37:01 – Learn More About Counseling in Schools

38:00 – Advice for New Mental Health Providers

40:08 – How the Work at Counseling in Schools Promotes Preparedness

42:00 – Closing Remarks

The information and advice provided are for guidance purposes only, and all participants are required to follow federal and state law and their school district guidelines and policies.