Akron Children’s brings on trauma, resiliency coach
Partnership with Covelli Enterprises helped make school outreach role possible
Akron Children’s Hospital, in partnership with Covelli Enterprises, has hired a new community education outreach coordinator in the pediatric health care provider’s school health services division.
In the role, Nicholas Morio will work with schools in the Mahoning Valley, Akron and Canton to educate teachers and staff of the impact childhood trauma can have on learning, and help create positive classroom experiences for students.
Hiring Morio was made possible by Warren-based Covelli Enterprises, the largest franchisee of Panera Bread, according to a release from the company, which has donated nearly $70,000 to mental and behavioral health services at Akron Children’s.
Some of the money is from the company’s inaugural “Chip in for Children’s Mental Health” campaign, during which the proceeds from a special chocolate chip cookie sold at 23 Covelli Enterprises-owned / operated bakery / cafes in the Valley, Akron and Canton over two weeks in May helped the cause, the release states.
“There is a great need for mental and behavioral health services, especially among children and young adults,” Sam Covelli, owner of Covelli Enterprises, said. “At Covelli Enterprises we see it as our duty to support organizations that are at the forefront of addressing this critical need within our local communities, such as Akron Children’s.”
The school health services division works to raise awareness of and elevate education around trauma and its impact on children and families through a trauma-informed social and emotional learning initiative.
According to the hospital system’s website, the division provides services in 43 districts in 10 counties for the 2023-24 school year, with more than 92,000 students with access to school health services.
Morio will join Missy McClain to serve Akron Children’s local school partners. Services they provide include training, specific classroom planning and support for teachers and school administrators, and group professional development to build an understanding of the social and emotional needs of students and the practices that can increase student engagement, reduce negative student behaviors and improve staff satisfaction.
“Trauma can happen to anyone, but we can help our children cope and build resilience,” McClain said. “We need to ensure all students belong in a safe and welcoming school community. It’s about giving the teacher as much support and as many tools as possible to help them meet the social and emotional needs of students every day. The more a student is in the classroom, attending school regularly, building connections with positive adults, and feel that they belong in their classrooms, the more they will learn, thrive, and maintain physical and mental health.”