Adrian, MI – May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and at the Lenawee Intermediate School District (LISD), it’s a time to recognize the dedicated School Mental Health Professionals (SMHPs) who support students’ emotional well-being throughout the county. While the team includes several passionate individuals, three—Monica Flores, Ashley Bobzean, and Chelsea Deck—shared reflections on their work, the impact they strive to make, and the importance of mental health in schools.
At the core of their roles, LISD’s mental health professionals aim to be accessible, understanding, and trusted support systems for students. “Our main goal is to fill in gaps that are seen by staff and families—to support general education students who wouldn't otherwise have access to mental health services while in school,” explained Ashley Bobzean. She added that collaboration with teachers, counselors, and families is what allows her to be truly effective in supporting students’ individual needs.
Monica Flores emphasized the growing pressures students face today. “Many adults say being a kid is easy because they don’t have ‘real’ responsibilities yet, but the reality is that many students are juggling more than people realize,” she said. “They’re expected to perform, stay well, and grow emotionally—all at once.”
Support is a recurring theme—both for students and among the professionals themselves. “The support of my team allows me to be most effective,” said Chelsea Deck. “Not just my Mental Health Professional Team, but the team within my school district. Without their support, I wouldn’t be as effective.”
Monica noted how valuable it is to regularly collaborate with her colleagues. “Being able to consult with peers on challenging cases and best practices has made me feel more confident and successful in my work,” she shared. Over time, the team has built strong relationships not only through work but also outside of it, including dinners and check-ins that help them navigate the emotional weight of their roles.
Each professional pointed to specific, meaningful outcomes that reaffirm the importance of their work. Chelsea said she feels proud when a student reports using coping skills and noticing improvements in their thoughts or behaviors. Monica highlighted the moments when students apply what they’ve learned—whether setting boundaries or communicating more clearly—as affirmations of their growth. Ashley shared that one of the most powerful experiences is when students begin to recognize their own progress. “When a student realizes they’ve become better at managing anxiety or feel less stressed about school, it’s rewarding to know they see the impact of their own efforts.”
The conversation around mental health in schools has shifted in recent years. Chelsea noted that more educators are now seeking ways to support students and are increasingly open to mental health professionals working directly with them during the school day. Ashley added that visibility and accessibility have helped normalize mental health services. “Students can meet with us any day of the week, without the barriers that can come with community-based therapy like waitlists or insurance limitations.”
As Mental Health Awareness Month continues, the team at LISD hopes the community recognizes just how much students carry—and how important it is to respond with empathy. “If we truly understood the pressure students are under, we could respond with more grace, guidance, and compassion,” Monica said. “Our kids need that now more than ever.”
Ashley added a reminder that this work is part of a broader effort across the district. “Our team is one of many ways LISD is bridging access for students and mental health needs,” she said. “We’re happy to support students and schools in any way we can.”
Whether it’s a conversation in a hallway, a strategy shared in a quiet moment, or simply showing up when a student needs someone to talk to, the impact of this team is woven into the everyday lives of students across Lenawee County—and that’s worth celebrating.