Skip To Main Content

Logo Image

North Kitsap School District

Logo Title

Mental Health and Wellness

Mental Health and Wellness: Caring for Our Most Valuable Resource

North Kitsap recognizes the critical role of its employees in providing excellent services to the community. The organization values its staff as its most valuable resource and understands that without their dedicated and skilled work, fulfilling their responsibilities to clients and stakeholders would not be possible.

To prioritize the mental health and wellness of their staff, North Kitsap has developed various strategies. They acknowledge the importance of mental health and wellness as essential components of overall health, which can positively impact employees' work performance, productivity, and job satisfaction.

North Kitsap encourages open communication and dialogue about mental health issues and provides resources for those who need help. They offer an employee assistance program that provides confidential counseling and support to staff. Mental health benefits are also provided to ensure that employees have access to the care and treatment they need, including coverage for counseling and therapy, as well as access to mental health professionals and resources.

The organization promotes work-life balance, encourages employees to take time off when needed, and provides mental health training to raise awareness of mental health issues, stress management, and resilience-building. They also recognize the critical role of leaders in promoting mental health and wellness, encouraging them to prioritize their own mental health and model healthy behaviors for their staff.

North Kitsap believes that prioritizing mental health and wellness is essential to the well-being of their staff and the success of the organization. They will continue to work towards promoting mental health and wellness in the workplace, with the goal of helping their staff maintain good mental health, build resilience, and thrive in their work and personal lives.

Staff Resources

Washington State Health Care Authority

The Washington State Health Care Authority is an organization that provides health care coverage for public school employees in the state. They offer a range of health insurance options to meet the needs of school employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. The Health Care Authority is dedicated to ensuring that school employees have access to affordable, high-quality health care services, so they can focus on their work of educating our children.

SmartHealth 

Washington State's voluntary wellness program, SmartHealth, is designed to assist you in your quest for a healthy lifestyle. It is a complimentary program that is included in your SEBB benefits, which means you won't have to pay anything to participate.

Kitsap Public Heath District

The Kitsap Public Health District is a governmental agency that serves the Kitsap County community in Washington State. Its mission is to protect and promote the health and well-being of the community through disease prevention, health promotion, and emergency preparedness. The agency provides a range of services, including communicable disease control, environmental health, health promotion and education, and emergency preparedness and response. 

Secondary Traumatic Stress... What is it?

The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development characterizes Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) as the emotional turmoil that emerges when a person indirectly encounters the traumatic experiences of another individual. Often referred to as compassion fatigue, the burden of attending to someone's distressing experiences can generate genuine symptoms in caregivers, including teachers.

Secondary Traumatic Stress Tool

Mental Wellness Resources

The following links may provide information and/or support to better understand and cope with a variety of mental health topics.

Use the Wellness Plan Template to create your own coping plan.

Contact Us

Human Resources Department
18360 Caldart Ave NE
Poulsbo, WA 98370
Fax (360) 396-3935
 

Janet Paeth
Director of Human Resources
(360) 396-3003
 

Angela Wageman
Assistant Director of HR and Payroll
(360) 396-3039
 

Josephine Urie
Personnel Specialist
(360) 396-3005
 

Haley Warr
Personnel Specialist
(360) 396-3006
 

Lisa Pruett
Benefits & Leave Specialist
(360) 396-3043
 

Therese Caldwell
Secretary to Executive Director
(360) 396-3007
 

Natalie Moncada
Executive Assistant
(360) 396-3036
 

Sarah Schager
Administrative Assistant
Substitute Coordinator
Student Teacher Liaison
(360) 396-3008