Advancing Youth Mental Health in Colorado

Public Release of Independent Research and Panel Discussion

Tuesday, June 2 at 5 p.m.

This past school year, The Mindfulness and Positivity Project partnered with Dr. Tatiana Bailey and her team at Data Driven Economic Strategies to conduct an independent evaluation of our digital classroom lessons across five Colorado school districts, reaching hundreds of students and their teachers.

At a time when schools face rising behavioral challenges and educator burnout, this research offers promising insight into scalable, preventative approaches that strengthen both student resilience and teacher well-being.

Early findings suggest:

  • Increased use of coping and mindfulness strategies

  • Improved student self-awareness and emotional regulation

  • Strong classroom adoption and educator satisfaction

We invite community leaders to join us as Dr. Bailey presents the findings. Following the presentation, a panel of regional leaders will discuss what these results mean for the future of youth mental health and educator resiliency in Colorado.

Who Should Attend

Media professionals, superintendents, principals, state education leaders, community mental health partners, and philanthropic funders invested in scalable solutions.

Event Details

Tuesday, June 2
5:00–7:00 p.m.
117 S Wahsatch
Colorado Springs, CO

FREE and open to the public

Light appetizers and beverages provided.

Event Speakers

  • Tatiana Bailey, PhD

    Executive Director, Data Driven Economic Strategies

    PRESENTER AND PANELIST

    Tatiana Bailey has her master’s in applied economics and her doctorate in public health, both from the University of Michigan. In the economic development field, Dr. Bailey presents nation-wide, year-round on the current national, state and local economies. She also participates in various economic development initiatives and has particularly focused on closing the skills gap. In the health care arena, Dr. Bailey has focused on programs that aim to increase access and quality while reducing costs. She also presents to audiences who wish to be better informed about the general framework of the health care system in the United States.

    Dr. Bailey founded and is director for the nonprofit, Data-Driven Economic Strategies (DDES), which focuses on rigorous, unbiased monthly economic reporting and workforce development initiatives particularly for underserved communities. DDES produces monthly economic reports for various Colorado cities and does in-depth economic presentations across the country . She also serves as an economic development resource to both businesses and government. Dr. Bailey is an appointee to the Colorado governor’s council of economists, and an appointee to the Pikes Peak State College Advisory Council. In 2016, Dr. Bailey was a “Woman of Influence,” and in 2018, was named “Business Leader of the Year.”

  • Deb Mahan

    Vice President, Collaboration & Advocacy, Mindful Philanthropy

    PANEL MODERATOR

    Deb Mahan brings over 30 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit and business sectors, with a focus on fostering collaboration and driving systemic change. With a background in psychology and a specialization in trauma, she has dedicated her career to advancing mental health and well-being. Deb previously served as Executive Director of Gazette Charities Foundation, Southern Colorado affiliate of The Anschutz Foundation, where she led strategic initiatives to address community needs. She also convened the Colorado Mental Health Consortium, bringing together experts, providers, and policymakers to advocate for transformative mental and behavioral health legislation.

    Deb joined Mindful Philanthropy in January 2025 as Vice President of Collaboration and Advocacy. In this role, she leads the development of regional and issue-focused action groups to engage philanthropic funders, policymakers, and community leaders in advancing innovative mental health solutions. Deb is committed to equipping change agents with the resources, networks, and strategies needed to drive impactful funding and systemic reform. Through her work, she strives to build a nationwide community dedicated to creating lasting solutions for mental health and well-being.

Panelists

  • Dr. Wendy Birhanzel

    Superintendent, Harrison School District 2

    Dr. Birhanzel brings more than 20 years of experience in public education to her role. Under her leadership, the district has been named the best education workplace in the region and has achieved its highest staff retention rates.

    As Principal of Centennial Elementary and Wildflower Elementary, she helped both schools earn National Blue Ribbon status and recognition as National Title I Distinguished Schools. Later, as Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Officer, she expanded rigorous academic programming to benefit all students.

    Dr. Birhanzel serves on several boards and has been recognized with numerous honors, including the 2025 CASSA Colbert Cushing Award, 2025 AASA Woman Superintendent of the Year, and Colorado’s 2023 Superintendent of the Year. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership in Urban School Settings from the University of Southern California.

  • Lauren Eckhart, PsyD, MA

    Clinical Director, Colorado Springs Division, Pediatric Mental Health Institute, Children's Hospital Colorado

    Dr. Lauren Eckhart is a Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychologist and Director of Patient Care Services for Outpatient, Community Partnerships, and Prevention at the Pediatric Mental Health Institute at Children’s Hospital Colorado. She also serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor of Clinical Practice in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

    In recent years, Dr. Eckhart has led the development and oversight of Children’s Hospital Colorado’s mental health services in Colorado Springs and the Southern Region and now leads innovative, system-wide program development across the broader continuum of care. She is deeply passionate about trauma-informed care, as well as team member wellness and resilience, and is actively involved in initiatives advancing these priorities.

  • Stephanie Hanenberg

    Interim Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, UCCS

    Stephanie Hanenberg brings more than 20 years of experience in education and healthcare to her current role, where she oversees 32 departments and programs dedicated to supporting UCCS students through their academic journey.

    As the assistant vice chancellor for health and wellness, Hanenberg oversaw the Gallogly Recreation and Wellness Center, one of the first in the nation to integrate campus recreation, mental health, health, nutrition, and wellness promotion services. She also saw patients as a family nurse practitioner, and served on the American College Health Association.

    Prior to UCCS, Hanenberg was the sole provider in a clinic within a local high school with a focus on providing care to underserved populations, and the director of nursing at a local private boarding school. She earned her undergraduate degree in nursing and her master’s degree in nursing as a family nurse practitioner at UCCS.

  • Jim Johnson

    Principal, GE Johnson Foundation

    Jim has more than 30 years of experience in the construction industry. Starting as a laborer in 1976, Jim rose through the ranks, eventually becoming President and CEO in 1997. His leadership focuses on strategic vision, company culture, and community service. Jim also founded the GE Johnson Construction Company Foundation to support workforce development, the arts, and youth initiatives.

    Recognized for his philanthropic efforts, Jim has received several accolades, including the Colorado Governor’s Citizenship Medal and induction into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame. He serves on numerous boards, contributing to causes in health, education, and community development.

    Jim and his wife, Laura, reside in Colorado Springs and enjoy time at their ranch in Westcliffe, CO, and in Vail.

  • Anne Laye-Cross

    Second Grade Teacher, Skyway Elementary School

    Following in her father’s footsteps as a teacher and mentor for the youth in the Cheyenne Mountain area, Anne has spent the last 29 years teaching second grade at Skyway Elementary, the same school she attended as a child.

    Anne graduated from Cheyenne Mountain High School in 1991 and received her bachelors in education at the University of Northern Colorado, with a minor in special education and language arts.

    Following a stint as a long-term substitute teacher at Bates Elementary in District 11, Anne found her way home to Skyway. In 2002, she also received her masters degree from University of Phoenix in curriculum and instruction. In 2021, Anne received the Colorado Association of Science Teachers elementary teacher of the year award. 

    In addition to teaching, Anne has served on PTOs, accountability committees, helped with school special events, was President of the National Charity League and continues to volunteer in the community. She has also coached youth soccer, basketball and volleyball. Every June, Anne works with cadets whose assignment is overseeing campers at the United States Air Force Academy’s Sports Camps. 

    Anne and her husband, Jerry, are the proud parents of their daughter, Elaine, who recently completed her first year as a student at Lake Forest College.

Gratitude for Our Event Sponsors

Healthier, Happier Classrooms

Our zero-prep digital classroom lessons help students and teachers improve their mental health together, in just five minutes a day.

“I have never been more excited in my 28 year career to implement something in my classroom.”

– Anne Laye-Cross, Skyway Elementary School