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NAM Project outlines peer‑mentor mental‑health program to Everett School Committee
Summary
The NAM project described a peer‑to‑peer mental‑health program that trains young adult peer mentors to present in schools, shared that it has ARPA funding to expand in Everett, and answered committee questions on parent notification and student participation.
Donna Casik, clinical director of the NAM project, told the Everett School Committee on Feb. 2 that the organization uses a peer‑to‑peer model in which trained 18‑to‑25‑year‑old mentors share lived experience to normalize conversations about mental health in schools. "We train incredible young adults... they talk about their lived experience," Casik said, describing how peer mentors discuss recovery and practical supports rather than only clinical definitions.
Casik said the program began after a family loss and has operated in Everett schools for about a decade, offering classroom presentations, suicide‑prevention training and adult education. She told the committee NAM currently has some ARPA funding to expand its work and requested ideas about how to reach more students across Everett’s schools.
Committee members pressed on operational safeguards and outreach. Miss Cardillo asked whether parents or authorities are notified if a student raises a serious concern; Casik said NAM alerts the school counselor and follows the district’s protocols for follow‑up. "We will notify that counselor that ‘this young person asked a question that we find concerning. Can you do some follow‑up with them?’" Casik said, adding that the group is a guest in classrooms and must follow school rules.
Members also discussed reaching younger students and parents: Miss Garin asked about elementary programming and Casik said NAM adapts the language and content for younger grades and tries to engage parents through events such as a district “parent university.” Mayor Vancampen offered to meet with NAM and city youth‑development staff to explore integrating NAM into city programs and to discuss possible use of available ARPA funds.
The superintendent and members noted district investments in licensed clinicians and other in‑school supports that complement NAM’s programming; the superintendent said the district has counseling and referral partnerships (including Cambridge Health Alliance) and a broader set of mental‑health services in schools.
The committee did not take formal action on NAM’s request but thanked the presenters and agreed to follow up on partnership and funding conversations.
