School Mental Health Conference
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The Middle America School Mental Health Conference (MASMHC) gathers professionals from across the region to promote the need for strong mental health services in schools; to provide resources and training; and to advance early intervention and wraparound services for youth and families.
Registration Now Open!
Sponsorships & Vendor Booths
Learn more about our sponsor levels and benefits by viewing our downloadable sponsorship and booth form:
Meet Our Keynotes
Martha and Chris Thomas are the co-founders and co-CEOs of The Defensive Line, an organization dedicated to ending youth suicide, especially among young people of color. Inspired by the loss of their daughter, Ella, they channeled their personal tragedy into a mission of hope, connection, and life-saving education.
Martha spent over 20 years as a classroom educator before stepping away in 2022 to lead The Defensive Line’s prevention programming full-time as Chief Education Officer. Her deep understanding of schools and students drives the development of workshops and training that resonate in real-world classrooms. Chris brings more than three decades of leadership experience in the corporate world, known for his warmth, humor, and powerful ability to connect with audiences. His advocacy for equitable mental health care is rooted in lived experience and fueled by an unwavering belief in the power of community.
Together, Martha and Chris have spoken to audiences across the country—from school districts like Dallas ISD and Fort Worth ISD to national stages including the NFL Network, ESPN, CNN, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. They are recipients of the 2019 AFSP Lifesaver Award and serve on multiple mental health-focused boards, including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Whether presenting at a healthcare summit or leading a suicide prevention training, they speak with authenticity, vulnerability, and a shared belief that connection is our greatest source of strength. They live in Coppell, Texas with their rescue dog Rebel and are proud parents to Solomon, a professional football player. When not working, they can be found cheering from the sidelines, gardening, running marathons, or tuning in to a good podcast.
More keynotes to be announced soon!