ED&D Podcast: Episode 12

Heather Nemour, MASP, is a Program Specialist, Student Wellness & School Culture for the San Diego County Office of Education.

Ms. Nemour supports the 42 school districts and schools across the county and is involved in a variety of countywide and statewide efforts in suicide prevention, mental health & wellness and positive school climate. Previously, Ms. Nemour was instrumental in the development, oversight and sustainability of a network of five school-based Family Resource Centers that support over 70 schools in the South Bay.  She has eight years of experience as an Adjunct Professor teaching sociology courses in the surrounding community colleges and National University.

Mara Madrigal-Weiss, Director of Student Wellness & School Culture, and Foster and Homeless Youth Education Programs with the San Diego County Office of Education

Mara Madrigal-Weiss’ experience includes working with school communities as a Family Case Manager, Protective Services Worker and Family Resource Center Director. 

Mara has been dedicated to promoting student mental health and wellness for over 19 years. As a restorative practices tactician and trauma informed trainer she has also dedicated her efforts to building the capacity of schools to provide positive and engaging cultures where students and staff feel safe, respected and valued. For the past five years Mara has led the efforts of her team to enhance mental health literacy and suicide prevention and intervention practices across the county and works closely with the state to streamline resources and promote best practices in the area.   

Mara has presented at workshops across the nation for education and other youth-serving partners. She is a past president of the International Bullying Prevention Association (IBPA) the only international association dedicated to eradicating bullying worldwide. Mara is a member of the California Department of Education’s Student Mental Health Policy Workgroup. At present Mara serves as the designee of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction as a Commissioner on the Mental Health Services Oversight Accountability Commission (MHSOAC), she is the Vice Chair of the Commission, leads the Prevention and Early Intervention project and is a member of the Mental Health in Schools, Suicide Prevention and Mental Health in the Workplace projects of the MHSOAC.