Student Wellness Initiatives - A Whole Child Approach to Education

Join us in March for our Third Thursday Member Meeting on March 16 at 6:00 pm.  In addition to our usual social time, we will learn about effective programs to bring science and wellness to K-12 students in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District.

Speakers:

Jennifer Sachs, Chief of Educational Services for the Mt. Diablo Unified School District

Jennifer has worked in education for over 28 years.  Prior to coming to Mt. Diablo, she worked in several districts as the Director of Educational Services, Assistant Director of Curriculum & Instruction, site principal, teacher, and instructional assistant.  Jennifer has experience partnering with TK-12 and community college systems to support the enrichment of educational programs for underserved students.

Laney Cline King, MSW, LCSW, GHK Program Director

Laney has worked in the nonprofit and public-school sectors with children and families for over 20 years as a psychotherapist, adjunct professor, health coach, and garden educator.

Growing Healthy Kids (GHK) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing K-12 garden-based science education in the Mt Diablo Unified School District. GHK brings unique outdoor educational learning opportunities to over 7,000 students in Bay Point, Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill, and Walnut Creek. Through equitable access to school gardens and other outdoor learning spaces, GHK boosts academic engagement while inspiring healthful eating habits and improving student well-being. Launched as a pilot program in 2013, GHK currently provides garden and wellness education to 13+ schools with a staff of 17.

Over the years, GHK has worked closely with district and school administration to build strong relationships aimed at the common goal of serving students’ needs. GHK programs are in high demand and have strong support from teachers, administrators, and district trustees. The GHK program and staff are well respected and have been recognized at the local, state, and national levels as leaders in the field of Garden Education and Farm to School programming. This recognition is evidenced by invitations to speak at state and national conferences, multiple awards, acknowledgment by regional organizations and politicians, and successful grant applications.

Laney Cline King, MSW, LCSW, is the GHK Program Director and has worked in the nonprofit and public-school sectors with children and families for over 20 years as a psychotherapist, adjunct professor, health coach, and garden educator.

Learn more at

https://growinghealthykidsbayarea.org/