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Speaker Bio

teyant germa.jpeg

Teyent Germa, MSW, LICSW

Mental Health Support Specialist, Minneapolis Public Schools

Teyent Germa has worked as a school social worker in Minneapolis Public schools for 23 years  and is currently working as a mental health support specialist. Teyent has extensive knowledge in the delivery of culturally specific mental health support to new immigrant and refugee students whom she worked with for 8 years before holding her current position

 

As a clinical social worker, Teyent works from a strength-based model and understands the importance of working with the whole child, drawing knowledge from the student’s family, community and spirituality. Teyent received her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Minnesota and her Bachelor of Arts (BA) from St. Cloud State University.

Breakout 4B

Biology Before Behavior: Daily Mindfulness as an Equity-Centered Mental Health Strategy for Minnesota Schools

Jonathan Filzen & Teyant Germa

School social workers across Minnesota face rising behavioral needs, growing caseloads, and widening inequities in access to mental health care, especially for Black, Indigenous, and Youth of Color. At the same time, new state requirements for mental health instruction are increasing demands on schools. This session explores how addressing biology before behavior through brief daily mindfulness practices can reduce stress, strengthen regulation, and improve the effectiveness of school-based interventions. Participants will examine research, policy, and frontline implementation, including the expansion of Inner Explorer, a CASEL-approved mindfulness program supported by randomized controlled trials and a major equity-focused investment reaching schools across Minnesota.

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Learning Objectives:

  1. Explain the neurological connection between stress, emotional regulation, & behavior, & how daily mindfulness practices support executive functioning & intervention effectiveness.

  2. Examine research demonstrating the academic, behavioral, & equity impacts of mindfulness practices, particularly for students experiencing adversity & systemic barriers to mental health access.

  3. Experience & apply mindfulness strategies within Tier 1–3 supports, & develop plans to integrate daily mindfulness into MTSS, mental health instruction requirements, & staff well-being practices.

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CEUs: 1.5 BOSW Clinical, BOSW Culturally Responsiveness, PELSB PBIS, PELSB MH, PELSB Cultural Competency

 

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