Bear Shea

Background

About Bear Shea

As the Mental Health and School Counselor specialist for the Maine Department of Education, a new position in the department, I have been tasked with identifying and supporting best practices for student and educator mental health, applying a mental health perspective in examining state policies and increasing awareness and implementation of school-based Trauma Informed Practices. As the coordinator for the DOE Climate, Culture and Resilience Team, I lead team members to provide resources for schools to support equity, family engagement, restorative practices, social emotional learning and to reduce barriers for homeless, migrant and vulnerable student populations. As a clinician, I am passionate about working with children and young adults through a non-violent, restorative and relational approach with a Trauma informed lens. I strive to create a safe academic space, focusing on accessible, relevant and effective clinical support for students and their families while developing and providing trainings for educators and school leadership on best practice prevention and intervention.