Student Wellness Series

LGBTQ Student Challenges

Webinars on the Mental Health Issues Impacting Today’s Students

Schools have a responsibility to ensure that every child learns safely.

Over the last year, more than 300 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been proposed or passed across the country. The impact on children is profound: higher rates of suicide, substance abuse, anxiety, and depression. Unfortunately, these laws and policies put educators in a difficult position of having to choose between politics and people—between the best interest of children and the dictates of polarized communities.

Join Robin McHaelen and Paget Hetherington on Wednesday, June 22 at 3:00 PM ET as they explore the ethical dilemmas surrounding LGBTQ policies and help educators identify strategies for managing them, regardless of the current climate in your community.

Meet the Presenters

Robin P. McHaelen, MSW

Robin is the Founder and former Executive Director of True Colors, Inc. She helped create one of the first LGBTQ+ mentoring programs in the country in 2005. She has co-authored two books, a book chapter, and several articles on LGBTQ+ youth and is a nationally recognized thought leader. She is the recipient of numerous awards and is an adjunct professor at Central Connecticut State University, teaching intergroup communications and human sexuality. In 2021, Robin was appointed by Connecticut’s Governor Lamont to the newly formed Hate Crimes Commission.

Paget Hetherington

Paget Hetherington has been helping children learn since the beginning of her 25-plus-year career. After getting her start selling children’s books to publishers, she went on to lead sales and marketing efforts for global publishing and education technology companies. As the Vice President of Marketing at Gaggle, Paget’s focus is the safety and well-being of students.

What Is Gaggle?

Content Analysis

Machine learning technology flags concerning content in students’ school-issued accounts for review and blocks potentially harmful content

Expert Review

Gaggle helps K-12 districts see the early warning signs so they can take action to protect students from harming themselves or others—before it’s too late

Rapid Response

In severe situations concerning student mental health or safety, district-appointed contacts are immediately notified by phone, even after standard business hours