Research Project Coordinator
Research Project Coordinator
Rachel Johnson, PhD
SMHC Post-Doctoral Fellow
Madeline Wadington, PhD
SMHC Post-Doctoral Fellow
Dr. Garbacz is a Professor in the School Psychology Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research emphasizes building, testing, and scaling programs that interconnect school, home, and community systems to promote mental health and reduce the risk of later mental health concerns. Dr. Garbacz focuses on universal, school- and community-wide programs to support all children and youth as well as programs and practices for children and youth who need additional support. Dr. Garbacz is actively engaged in research examining the Teachers and Parents as Partners intervention, the Family Check-Up model, as well as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.
Katie Eklund, PhD
Dr. Eklund is an Associate Professor in the School Psychology Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She received her doctorate in Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara and her Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan. Prior to entering academia, Dr. Eklund worked in public education for 10 years as a school administrator, school psychologist, and school social worker. Dr. Eklund’s research focuses on school mental health, including early identification and intervention for children who have behavioral and/or social-emotional concerns, social emotional learning, school climate, and school safety.
Dr. Kilgus is a Professor in the School Psychology program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is also Co-Director of the School Mental Health Collaborative, a national research and technical assistance center. He is also the Executive Director of METRICS, a national school mental health technical assistance center. Dr. Kilgus’ research has informed the development and testing of school-based early interventions for students exhibiting externalizing and internalizing concerns. He has also contributed to the development and validation of several social-emotional and behavioral assessments, including universal screening, problem analysis, and progress monitoring tools.
Spectrum News 1 article from May 2024 about METRICS, a nationwide hub for school mental health grants. The School Mental Health Collaborative received a $10.4 million grant to coordinate this center.
From PBS Wisconsin (January 2024), Steven Potter reports on how peer support, school staff and psychology researchers are trying to keep up with the growing rate of mental health issues among students. Katie Eklund is interviewed as part of this report.
From PBS Wisconsin (December 2023), Steven Potter reports on how peer support, school staff and psychology researchers are trying to keep up with the growing rate of mental health issues among students. Katie Eklund is interviewed as part of this report.
Green Bay Press Gazette article from October 2023 about METRICS, a nationwide hub for school mental health grants. The School Mental Health Collaborative received a $10.4 million grant to coordinate this center.
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