Prioritizing Student Well-Being

MATER DEI'S WELLNESS PHILOSOPHY

At Mater Dei, our comprehensive wellness program prioritizes the mental, emotional, and social growth of students, ensuring that well-being remains central to the educational experience. Rooted in our Catholic tradition and the core values of Honor, Glory, and Love, the program collaborates with school counselors, teachers, and other departments to support spiritual growth, academic excellence, and general well-being. Through the Be Well, MD! wellness curriculum, students are equipped with tools to manage stress, build resilience, navigate challenges with confidence, and cultivate healthy relationships and a strong sense of community.

Our wellness philosophy recognizes that emotional, spiritual, cognitive, and academic well-being are interconnected, with each influencing students' learning and overall success every day in the classroom.

This philosophy is reflected in our practices by:

Integrating it into classroom communication and assessment, both written and digital, to foster an environment where students thrive academically and emotionally.
Creating a warm and welcoming classroom environment that promotes safety, trust, and understanding.
Incorporating Be Well, MD! skills into everyday classroom activities to promote mindfulness, self-awareness, and healthy coping strategies.
Collaborating with the wellness team to provide support to students as needed.

MATER DEI'S WELLNESS COUNSELING SERVICES AND RADY CHILDREN'S HEALTH

In Fall 2020, Mater Dei partnered with CHOC Children’s Psychology (now Rady Children's Health) to enhance wellness initiatives, address students' mental health needs, and develop a curriculum focused on their emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.

The Be Well, MD! wellness curriculum, created through collaboration between Mater Dei Catholic educators and Rady Children's Health licensed clinicians and psychologists, integrates evidence-based practices with faith-centered principles to nurture well-rounded, resilient individuals.

HOW TO ACCESS MD WELLNESS COUNSELING AND RADY CHILDREN'S HEALTH SERVICES

Located within the Counseling Department, the Wellness Counseling/Rady Children's Health Team consists of the MD Executive Director of Wellness Counseling Services, a licensed psychologist, a licensed clinical social worker, and a resource specialist. The team is available to support students with mental health concerns, offering brief assessments, crisis intervention, and check-ins during the school day. Additionally, they provide referrals for therapy, small group sessions, and resources for mental health prevention and educational programs.

Students, parents, coaches, teachers, and staff can submit an online referral to address various concerns and seek support.

Referrals can be made for the following concerns:

Academic Challenges
College and Career Guidance
Test-Taking Anxiety
Time Management
Stress Management
Family Issues
Difficulty Making Friends
Low Self-Esteem
Depression
Anxiety
Self-Harm
Suicidal Thoughts
Sexual Harassment/Assault
Concerns About a Peer
Therapy Referrals*
Athletic & Performance Stress Referrals*
Other

*Our Rady Children's Health Resource Specialist provides remote assistance to families, connecting them with outpatient therapy providers within the community. Families can access this support by completing the MD Counseling Referral Form.

*MD students can access a Mental Performance Consultant (MPC) for an additional fee. MPCs help athletes develop psychological skills to overcome mental barriers, manage stress, build confidence, enhance focus, and navigate challenges like performance anxiety, pressure, and injuries.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I SUBMIT A REFERRAL?

Referrals are triaged during school hours by the Executive Director of Wellness Counseling Services. Mild concerns are forwarded to the student’s school counselor, who meets with students for everyday stressors such as relationship issues, stress, test-taking anxiety, and similar challenges. Moderate-to-severe concerns are referred to MD Wellness/Rady Children’s Health.

Please see below for an overview: Referral Prcoess

If this is an emergency outside of school hours (7:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. - Monday - Friday), please visit your nearest emergency department or call 911.

Additional Resources:

OC Links-Crisis Assessment Team :855-625-4657
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (call or text)
Crisis Text Line: Text hello to 741-741

HOW TO ACCESS ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Therapy can be incredibly beneficial for adolescents, who often face a wide range of stressors, including challenges related to school, friendships, and family dynamics. It offers a safe and supportive environment for them to process these stressors while developing essential skills in self-awareness, emotional regulation, and effective communication.

You can also submit a MD Counseling Referral to have our Rady Children's Health Recourse Specialist/Social Worker assist in connecting you with community therapy providers.

For more information, please visit:

WELLNESS CURRICULUM - BE WELL, MD!

MEET THE MD WELLNESS COUNSELING AND RADY CHILDREN'S HEALTH TEAM

Mrs. Kellie Bauer Executive Director of Wellness Counseling Services

Email Kellie Bauer (714) 641-5458
Dr. Ana d'Abreu Licensed Psychologist
Mr. Javier Blas, LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Dr. Chris Min Psychologist/Manager of School-Based Mental Health
Ms. Nataly Alvarado Social Worker/Resource Specialist

RESOURCES TO SUPPORT STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING