Overview
BWell has brought the Institute’s researchers together with the school district’s educators to advance the mental health and wellness of students, staff and families. Unlike traditional research models, RPPs prioritize co-design, sustained collaboration, and the production of knowledge that’s directly relevant to both local contexts and the broader evidence base.
Youth mental health has emerged as a critical public health concern, with schools increasingly recognized as a primary site for both prevention and intervention. However, systemic challenges such as limited access to providers, inadequate resources, and persistent stigma continue to hinder effective and equitable support (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2022). At the same time, educators face competing demands and insufficient training in mental health, leaving a gap between student needs and the capacity of schools to meet them (Atkins et al., 2017). This partnership offers a promising framework for addressing these challenges by integrating the methodological rigor of researchers with the expertise of practitioners.
Grounded in a shared set of studies reaching back to 2019, today BWell is recognized by the National Network of Education Research-Practice Partnerships as the only university-school district RPP focused on mental health and wellness.
Research
Since 2019, the partnership has generated actionable insights on effective school-based strategies, supported continuous improvement, and built capacity for systemic change.
BWell studies include:
- Voices of Students, Families, and Educators
- Wellness Center Project
The Team
Principal Investigators (PI)
- Julia Zigarelli, PhD, Institute Deputy Director and Clinical Associate Professor, Renée Crown Wellness Institute
- Michelle Reininger, PhD, Director of Research Partnerships & Data Initiatives, Renée Crown Wellness Institute
BVSD Youth Advisory Council
Our Team
- Anahi Collado, PhD, Assistant Research Professor
- Kachine Kulick, PhD, Researcher and Curriculum Developer
- Christopher Mellinger, PhD, Research Scientist
- Chloe Nowak, Temporary Research Assistant
- Antonella Onofrietti Magrassi, PhD, Research Associate
- Leah Peña Teeters, PhD, Program Director
- Ashley Potvin, PhD, Research Associate
- Michelle Shedro, MA, Outreach and Educator Program Manager; Senior Research Project Manager
- Michele D. Simpson, JD, Faculty Affiliate & Research Associate
- Diego Vidaurre, Undergraduate Student Assistant