In this episode of the Prepared School Psych podcast, host Jenny interviews Misty Bonta, an LEP with over 18 years of experience across various educational roles. Misty shares her career journey from working in public schools to launching her own private practice, 'Get Psyched,' focusing on mental health training, assessment, and counseling. She discusses her passion for systemic change, highlighting successful initiatives such as programs for foster youth and building comprehensive mental health support systems. Misty also emphasizes the importance of collaboration, describing effective team dynamics and the impact of neuropsychology on her assessment approach. The episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for both seasoned and new school psychologists.

Resources:

1. Misty Bonta's website: https://getpsychedinc.com/
2. Upcoming trainings that Misty is offering: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/get-psyched-llc-69252969983 (live) and on-demand https://getpsychedinc.com/workshops/
3. The term ERMHS is used often in this episode. It stands for Educationally Relevant Mental Health Services.
4. The Life & Times of a School Psych FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/458125637612383
5. School Neuropsych Program: https://www.schoolneuropsych.com/

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Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:09 Meet Misty Bonta, LEP
02:52 Misty's Professional Journey
10:19 Building Programs and Making an Impact
15:27 Supporting Neurodivergent Students with Complex Trauma
18:49 Challenges in the Learning Environment
19:15 Understanding School Neuropsychology
20:44 The Value of Observations in Assessments
22:52 Collaborative Efforts in Mental Health Programs
30:45 Building Supportive Professional Communities
35:14 Advice for New School Psychologists
36:58 Balancing Personal and Professional Life
38:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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.