Children are our greatest asset and the promise of society’s future, and we hold the power to shape their destiny. Two North Texas leaders, Joan Buchanan Hill, Ed.D., the Catherine M. Rose Head of School at the Lamplighter School, and Andy Keller, Ph.D., a leader in mental health policy and the driving force behind the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, recently shared their insights on the important roles we all play in nurturing the next generation through the intertwined worlds of education and mental health.
Nurturing Curiosity and Resilience in Education
For Dr. Hill, education is more than just teaching—it is about fostering curiosity and resilience in our youngest learners. As the leader of Lamplighter School, she is responsible for guiding 460 bright and inquisitive students through the early stages of their educational journey. She is keenly aware of the challenges these children face in today’s fast-paced, achievement-oriented world.
Dr. Hill describes her mission as one of balance and believes that while academic rigor is essential as children grow, it is equally important to cultivate emotional intelligence. Children, especially the youngest ones, need time to reflect, process, and build resilience—the human capacity to face, overcome, and be strengthened by adversity. The Lamplighter curriculum integrates social-emotional learning to help students develop resiliency that will empower them to navigate life’s ups and downs.
A Visionary Approach to Mental Health
Dr. Keller brings the urgency of mental health into focus by highlighting the commonly overlooked fact that mental health disorders are pediatric conditions. Research has shown that three-quarters of mental illnesses begin before an individual’s brain fully develops around age 25, and one-half of mental illnesses begin before a person turns 14. Yet the reality is that it takes about 10 years on average from when a child first develops a mental illness until they seek treatment. This delay can have profound negative effects, not only on individuals but on society as well.
The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute is changing this narrative. Dr. Keller is an advocate for early intervention and believes that with the right support, most children can recover from mental illness and flourish.
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The Power of Community and Technology
Drs. Hill and Keller agree that while technology and social media keep people connected with their loved ones and friends from any distance, it is no substitute for real-life interactions and should be used in healthy moderation. Human connections truly matter. Both leaders emphasized the need for balance, advocating for environments where children can learn to connect deeply with others in person and through the thoughtful use of technology. Community involvement is important in education and mental health, including support services like Lamplighter’s Parent Perks program to help parents navigate the complexities of raising children in a digital age.
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A Hopeful Vision for the Future
On the Learning from Leaders Podcast, Drs. Hill and Keller leave listeners with a sense of optimism. They share a common goal to empower young minds with the education and mental health support they need to confidently face the future. While rooted in different fields, their work converges on the belief that by supporting our children today, we are building a stronger, more resilient society for tomorrow.
In a world that often feels fragmented and hurried, their insights offer hope. By focusing on the well-being of our youngest learners and ensuring they have the academic and emotional tools they need, Drs. Hill and Keller are helping to create a future where every child can thrive.
