Salina, KS – January 6, 2025 – St. Mary’s Grade School and Sacred Heart Jr./Sr. High School, as part of Salina Catholic Schools, are proud to announce an innovative partnership with local community mental health providers to enhance access to mental health services for students and families. This collaboration unites the schools with Central Kansas Mental Health Center (CKMHC), Maureen Francois Counseling, and Lydia Kirchman with North Star Guidance to deliver comprehensive, school-based mental health support.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to promoting student well-being and academic success by addressing the growing need for accessible mental health resources within the community. By bringing these services directly into the schools, the initiative aims to reduce barriers such as transportation and scheduling challenges, ensuring that students can receive the care they need in a supportive and familiar environment.
The initiative is made possible through a grant from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) under the Mental Health Intervention Team (MHIT) program. Previously available only to public schools, this funding has recently been extended to accredited private schools, enabling Salina Catholic Schools to join this vital effort to expand mental health services for students.
Key Collaborators:
Central Kansas Mental Health Center (CKMHC): CKMHC’s School-Based Clinical Services Coordinator, Derek Knopp, brings extensive experience to the initiative. A graduate of Bethany College with advanced training from Newman University, Mr. Knopp has served as a school-based therapist in the Salina area for three years. In his current role, he collaborates with school districts across CKMHC’s five-county region to coordinate therapeutic services tailored to the needs of youth. Derek and his family are parishioners at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
Maureen Francois, LSCSW, LCSW, RPT: Maureen is the co-owner and founder of Wild Hope, a counseling therapy practice with locations in Salina and Kansas City. A graduate of the University of Kansas with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work, Maureen is clinically licensed to independently provide therapy, specializing in trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions for clients from diverse backgrounds. With advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and as a Registered Play Therapist (RPT), she is dedicated to fostering healing and resilience through compassionate, tailored care. Maureen and her family are parishioners at St. Mary’s Queen of the Universe.
Lydia Kirchman, LCMFT: Lydia is passionate about fostering emotional wellness within her hometown community. Specializing in working with children, adolescents, and families, she addresses issues such as anxiety, depression, and emotion regulation. Lydia’s client-centered approach creates a safe space for personal growth and healing. Lydia and her family are parishioners at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
School Liaisons – Zoe Greenemeyer, Counselor, and Corey Ritter, Assistant Principal, will serve as the school liaisons for St. Mary’s Grade School, while John Hamilton, Counselor, and Bryce Woodall, Assistant Principal, will serve in the role at Sacred Heart Jr/Sr High School.
“Mental health is a cornerstone of student success,” said Geoff Andrews, Superintendent of Schools for the Catholic Diocese of Salina. “By partnering with the mental health professionals in our community, we’re taking an important step toward ensuring that our students have the resources they need to thrive both academically and personally. I am so excited that Kansas included accredited private schools so that our students can receive the support they need”
Through this partnership, Salina Catholic Schools and their mental health collaborators aim to:
Provide on-site therapeutic services tailored to individual student needs.
Equip students, families, and staff with tools to foster emotional resilience.
Promote a culture of mental health awareness and open dialogue within the school community.
For more information about this partnership, please contact Superintendent of Schools, Geoff Andrews, geoff.andrews@salinadiocese.org