Celebrating the Success of the School Mental Health Conference — and Passing the Torch

For the past nine years, The Kim Foundation has had the honor of hosting the Nebraska School Mental Health Conference, and the regional version, the Middle America School Mental Health Conference. These conferences brought together school professionals, mental health providers, administrators, counselors, social workers, and community partners who share a commitment to supporting student well-being.

This year’s conference was another powerful reminder of why this gathering matters. Attendees came ready to learn, connect, and return to their schools and organizations with strategies to better support students, staff, and families. From keynote presentations to breakout sessions, the conference created space for honest conversations, new ideas, and a shared commitment to advancing school mental health.

Our keynote speakers helped set the tone for a meaningful and memorable event. Martha and Chris Thomas, co-founders and co-CEOs of The Defensive Line, shared their powerful mission to end youth suicide, especially among young people of color, after turning the heartbreaking loss of their daughter, Ella, into a movement rooted in hope, connection, and life-saving education. Briana Richardson, an educator, speaker, and performer from the Bored Teachers comedy tour, closed out the first day with humor, encouragement, and a reminder to educators that they are seen, valued, and not alone. On day two, Matthew “Dr. Matt” Zakreski, PsyD, brought energy, expertise, and practical insighvt around supporting neurodivergent individuals, organizational wellness, and mental health.

Conference feedback reinforced what has made this conference so special over the years: the people. Attendees shared appreciation for the keynote speakers, the authenticity of the sessions, the practical resources offered, and the opportunity to connect with others doing similar work. One attendee shared, “This is a conference I look forward to attending every year as a way to catch up with others and learn new ideas to take with me to use in sessions with students.” Another noted the value of “the realness of ALL the speakers!”

While we are proud of the success of this year’s event, we are also sharing a bittersweet update. As The Kim Foundation continues to grow and expand our suicide prevention programming, we have made the thoughtful decision to transition leadership of the conference to one of our valued partners, the Nebraska Council of School Administrators.

This decision was made with deep care and confidence in the future of the conference. The Kim Foundation will continue to stay involved and support the event moving forward, and we know it will be in wonderful hands with our friends at NCSA.

We are excited to officially announce that NCSA will host the 2027 Nebraska School Mental Health Conference on May 26–27 at the Younes Conference Center North in Kearney, NE.

It has truly been an honor for The Kim Foundation to help support and advance school mental health efforts alongside so many dedicated professionals. As we pass the torch, we do so with gratitude for the past, excitement for the future, and continued commitment to the mental health and well-being of students, schools, and communities.