Hopkins County, Kentucky – The Hopkins County Board of Education announced the creation of a new district‑wide position, Director of School Counseling and Mental Health Programs, and named Dr. Whitney Peay to fill the role. The appointment, effective this month, reflects the board’s proactive vision to align counseling standards with mental‑health practices throughout the county’s schools.
Unified leadership for student well‑being
In her own words, Dr. Peay said the role is “a direct reflection of our Board of Education’s proactive vision to make sure we’re aligning our mental health and school counseling standards within the state of Kentucky.” The position will oversee all counseling services in the district, bridging the gap between traditional guidance counseling and clinical mental‑health intervention.
Supporting counselors, clinicians, and families
Dr. Peay explained that she will support school counselors in developing comprehensive counseling programs while working closely with clinical counselors and other mental‑health professionals to ensure consistent, evidence‑based practices. “All the way from the person at the front door, all the way to the superintendent,” she said, “we’re breaking down the stigma of mental health and making it clear that it’s okay to not be okay.”
Standardized protocols for struggling students
One of the director’s primary goals is to standardize protocols so that every adult a student interacts with—teachers, administrators, support staff—has clear steps to take when a child shows signs of distress. Dr. Peay emphasized that mental‑well‑being is the foundation for academic success: “If you don’t have that, you’re not gonna be able to learn. Yes, we love to have our students excel academically, but that foundation is the mental health piece.”
Addressing anxiety and depression
The new director highlighted anxiety and depression as the most pressing concerns among students in the district. By focusing on early identification and intervention, the district hopes to improve overall school climate and academic outcomes.
Parental involvement encouraged
Dr. Peay also called on parents to engage in difficult conversations about feelings and to partner with counselors and teachers. She described the approach as a “team effort” that empowers families to support their children’s emotional health.
First of its kind in the area
According to the board, this is the only position of its kind in the region, signaling a commitment to prioritize mental‑health resources at the K‑12 level. The role was created in response to growing awareness of the impact of mental‑well‑being on learning and community health.
Looking ahead
As the director settles into her new responsibilities, Dr. Peay plans to evaluate existing counseling programs, introduce consistent training for staff, and expand access to mental‑health professionals in schools. The board expects that a unified, district‑wide strategy will help students thrive academically and emotionally, reinforcing Hopkins County Schools’ dedication to nurturing the whole child.
Original reporting: 14 News WFIE Evansville (news) — read the source article.
