Students and counselors spotlight growth of Santa Paula Unified wellness centers

The Santa Paula Unified School District on Tuesday heard a multi-site update on its growing network of school wellness centers, where counselors and trained student "wellness peers" lead activities such as sound baths, yoga, drum circles and anti-vape education.

The presentation, delivered by site counselors, student peers and a contracted facilitator, highlighted usage and programming at multiple sites. "So far this year we started hosting sound baths and yoga sessions for all grade levels," said Eva Hernandez, school counselor at Barbara Webster Elementary. Hernandez told trustees the Barbara Webster center had documented about 1,100 visits as of Jan. 14 and that staff open the space for brief 5–10 minute check-ins.

District presenters gave similar snapshots across the system: Bernie's Den at Blanchard Elementary reported roughly 1,200 outdoor visits and expanded parent workshops; Glen City Global STEAM Squared Academy reported 1,741 student visits as of Jan. 16 and 16 wellness activities districtwide; the Perch wellness center at Ido Middle School reported 2,823 visits in approximately the past month; and Santa Paula High School's "The Nest" recorded 1,198 visits as of Jan. 15, including 28 referrals to mental-health services.

"Being a wellness peer has really helped my confidence," said Emma Zamora, an elementary wellness peer who spoke during the presentation. Several other student peers described how the centers give students a place to relax, connect and learn coping skills.

Anna Maria Lugo, a contracted sound-bath facilitator working with the district, shared pre‑ and post‑session survey data collected from more than 220 student participants. She said the percentage of students reporting they felt "very calm" rose substantially after sound-bath sessions and that reported focus and clarity also increased.

Board members asked how data are disaggregated and how referrals to outside partners work. District staff said wellness counselors collect demographic information (including gender and English‑learner status) and that tiered supports route students needing higher‑level care to the district's mental‑health counselors or Ventura County Behavioral Health, though some trustees pressed for clarity on the time lag between referral and services.

Trustees also raised sustainability questions for middle- and high-school centers that rely on grant funding. Administrators said they track program outcomes and are preparing contingency plans as budget work continues.

The board did not take action; staff offered to provide more detailed demographic and referral‑timing data at a future update.