School Wellness with Al Levin

About School Wellness with Al Levin

How do educators best promote wellness for students and staff? Join host Amanda Hampton, a certified Prevention Specialist, and the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence as we discuss supporting mental health in K-12 education. We will discuss innovative strategies and initiatives to create nurturing environments. Together we will gain insight and inspiration, and learn about evidence-based tools to positively impact student and teacher well-being. Tune in and join a community dedicated to building schools where children and the adults who support them are healthy and thriving. Discover more resources from the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention at ohiosbcoe.org.

Publisher

Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention

Category

education · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 Aug 2023

Latest episode

10 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

33 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   10 Sept 2026

   Michelle Stephen Memorial Episode - Exploring Prime for Life: A Program for Substance Misuse Prevention

   About the Guest: Memorial Episode - with and dedicated to Michelle Stephen Michelle Stephen served as the Director of Programs and Training at the Prevention Research Institute (PRI). PRI is a private nonprofit organization focused on reducing alcohol and drug-related problems and promoting thriving lifestyles aligned with individual values. With a history reaching back to its establishment in the 1980s, Michelle played a crucial role in overseeing program development and training. Under her leadership, PRI's initiatives expanded from parental guidance programs to universal and indicated prevention programs. Her notable contributions include the evolution of the Prime for Life program across numerous versions and editions, evolving based on the latest research. Episode Summary: Dive into this insightful episode of School Wellness with Amanda Hampton as she converses with Michelle Stephen, Director of Programs and Training at the Prevention Research Institute. They discuss the Prime for Life program aimed at reducing substance misuse through prevention and persuasive methodology. With a robust history dating back to the 1980s, the program continues to evolve, now preparing for its tenth version, incorporating the latest research. In this episode, Michelle explores the comprehensive range of programs offered by the Prevention Research Institute, from the early roots of parent-centric approaches to current universal and indicated prevention models. The narrative also delves into the systemic implementation of programs like Prime for Life in schools and communities, focusing on lifestyle risk reduction concerning alcohol and drug use. Emphasizing a positive, motivational framework, Prime for Life is constructed around personal values and the choices that protect these values, setting itself apart from conventional programs by being highly adaptive to various settings and age groups while ensuring evidence-based effectiveness. Key Takeaways: Comprehensive Prevention Program: Prime for Life focuses on reducing substance misuse by incorporating a persuasive communication process and individual values. Evolving and Evidence-Based: The program has undergone numerous versions since the 1980s, each grounded in current research and adapting to societal changes. Universal and Indicated Prevention: The flexibility of the Prime for Life program allows it to serve both universal and at-risk student populations, filling a critical gap in school and community settings. Engagement Through Values: The program fosters engagement by aligning prevention strategies with personal values rather than focusing solely on the negatives of substance use. Global Reach and Training Model: Implemented worldwide, the program employs a 'train the trainer' model to extend its reach, supported by continuous training and coaching to maintain fidelity. Notable Quotes: "We are dedicated to helping people really thrive their values." - Michelle Stephen "Our programs are not an information model... information alone generally does not change behavior." - Michelle Stephen "We begin with what's important to you, and how do you want to keep that going in your life." - Michelle Stephen "It's a motivational experience for people around values." - Michelle Stephen Resources: Prevention Research Institute (PRI): prime4life.org (http://prime4life.org/) Prime for Life: Resources and program details can be found by contacting support@prime4life.org or visiting PRI's official website. Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence: OhioSBCOE.org (*%20OhioSBCOE.org) Listen to the full episode to explore how the Prime for Life program is transforming the landscape of substance misuse prevention, impacting communities and educational environments worldwide. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from School Wellness, brought to you by the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence.

2. 

   27 Aug 2026

   Mark Pohl: Ohio Schools Enhance Safety with Expert Violence Prevention Training

   About the Guest(s): Mark Pohl is the founder of the Pohl Group, a violence prevention, response, and recovery organization. With a diverse professional background spanning military service and federal law enforcement, Mark brings a wealth of expertise from roles in the Ohio Army National Guard, as a probation officer in Montgomery County, and as a federal agent with the Department of Defense. During his tenure, he specialized in significant investigations related to national security and counterfeiting. Following the 9/11 attacks, Mark was attached full-time to the FBI, working on counterterrorism strategies. He collaborated on creating threat assessment processes, aiming to prevent targeted violence in communities and schools. Ken Wall and Mark Rogers, both retired FBI agents with 25 years of service, are key members of the Pohl Group. Ken is recognized for leading national crisis response teams, managing significant incidents from mass casualties to terrorist events. Mark Rogers is renowned for his training coordination expertise and crisis negotiation skills, contributing profoundly to de-escalation and training programs at the Pohl Group. Episode Summary: Join Amanda Hampton on the "School Wellness" podcast, this time featuring Mark Pohl from the Pohl Group. Together, they explore crucial insights into violence prevention and safety in schools and communities across Ohio. Amanda delves into Mark's rich experiences within military service and federal law enforcement, shedding light on how these roles shaped his current work in violence prevention and response. The discussion underscores the importance of effective threat assessment and community preparedness as pivotal components in combating targeted violence. Mark elaborates on their comprehensive training model, emphasizing its preventive, responsive, and recovery pillars. He delves into their methods, which are designed to enhance preparedness in various sectors, from schools to corporate settings. Noteworthy is their focus on behavioral threat assessment, a key requisite for Ohio's educational institutions under House Bill 123. The episode further touches on the significance of de-escalation training and the incorporation of modern issues, like AI and online safety, into their offerings. Through Ken and Mark Rogers' added expertise, the Pol Group delivers a program aimed at creating safer environments through practical, engaging, and scenario-based training methodologies. Key Takeaways: The Pohl Group champions a holistic prevention, response, and recovery training model to tackle targeted violence in communities and schools, emphasizing behavioral threat assessment under House Bill 123. Their trainings cater to various sectors, blending face-to-face sessions with scenario-based activities to reinforce the application of learned skills in real-life situations. Mark Pohl advocates for building resilient communities through strategic partnerships and actionable education in violence prevention. A growing area of focus for the organization includes equipping young people with personal safety skills relevant to today's digital threats, such as online dangers and sexting. Collaborations with a wide range of stakeholders, including schools, corporations, and healthcare facilities, underscore the Pohl Group's commitment to community safety. Notable Quotes: "We had to reinvent the wheel...to help us figure out how to identify those that were in our communities that posed a threat." "We've recently started a new program that we're very excited about to help give students in the state of Ohio personal safety training." "We provide resiliency training...our program was designed because Ken Wall was in charge of resiliency training for the FBI." "Through a behavioral threat assessment process, we could more accurately predict when somebody might be on what we call the 'pathway to violence.'" Resources: The Pohl Group: [For more information on their trainings and programs] Ohio School Based Center of Excellence at Miami University (https://ohiosbcoe.org/): [learn more about their support for school wellness] House Bill 123: State legislation mandating behavioral threat assessment teams in schools Stop the Bleed and Tac Med Programs: Resources for emergency and trauma response For a deeper understanding and more valuable insights from industry experts on how to safeguard your community effectively, don't miss the full episode. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from "School Wellness" with Amanda Hampton.

3. 

   4 Aug 2026

   Empowering Students: Dr. Anedra Million on Prevention & Mental Health Advocacy

   About the Guest(s): Dr. Anedra Million is an accomplished educator with nearly three decades of experience in various teaching roles, including second, fourth, fifth, and sixth grades, as well as positions as an assistant principal and principal. Currently, she teaches sixth-grade Social Studies and Science at Creekview Elementary School in Middletown City School District, Ohio. Dr. Million was the 2024 Mrs. Ohio America. Her passion for education and mental health advocacy is deeply embedded in her professional and personal life. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of "School Wellness," Amanda Hampton hosts Dr. Anedra Million, a veteran educator and the 2024 Mrs. Ohio America. Together, they explore the role of prevention and school partnerships in supporting mental health and wellness for children. Dr. Million discusses her three-decade-long journey in education, highlighting her experience in teaching various grade levels and holding administrative roles. Her commitment to prevention and mental health advocacy stems from witnessing the challenges faced by students who lack necessary support systems. The conversation delves into Dr. Million's proactive strategies for enhancing mental health in schools, such as implementing morning meetings, wellness journals, and mindfulness breaks. She shares her passion for creating safe spaces for students to express and manage their emotions. As Mrs. Ohio America, Dr. Million's platform emphasizes mental health and substance misuse prevention, advocating for the use of kindness and empathy in combating mental health challenges. Her insightful stories and experiences underscore the significance of preventive measures in education and the profound impact they can have on students' lives. Key Takeaways: Prevention and Mental Health: Dr. Million emphasizes the critical need for prevention in schools, viewing it as essential rather than supplementary. Classroom Strategies: Implementation of morning meetings, wellness journals, and mindfulness activities foster a supportive classroom environment. Platform and Advocacy: As Mrs. Ohio America, Dr. Million used her platform to spotlight mental health issues, focusing on children's invisible struggles. Relationship Building: Establishing strong, trusting relationships between educators and students is vital for effective learning environments. Parental Involvement: Encouraging parents to engage in open conversations with their children daily is crucial for supporting children's emotional well-being. Notable Quotes: "Prevention isn't an extra, you know, it's an essential." "Children just having the opportunity to see how many reasons that they have to keep going, to never give up, to continue to shine their light." "Every child needs at least one adult in their life that refuses to give up on them." "Mental health and prevention programs are not just programs, they're people. We have real-life stories behind each of these situations." "You have to continue to understand the power of this work and to continue to recharge yourself." Resources: Ohio School Based Center of Excellence at Miami University: Website Stay informed and inspired by tuning into more episodes of "School Wellness" for insightful discussions on education and wellness led by Amanda Hampton. Whether you're an educator, parent, or advocate, the podcast offers valuable perspectives and strategies to support young minds.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.3 / 5

3 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 21 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

17

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

60

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Guest appearances

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