Katie Epema is the Director of School-Based Mental Health at the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), where she oversees trauma-informed schools, youth suicide awareness and prevention, and supports school social workers. Prior to working at DESE, Katie supported the developmental and emotional well-being of infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their parents through her work with the Parents as Teachers program. She holds a bachelor of social work degree and a master’s of education in neuroscience and trauma, and is passionate about supporting both staff and student well-being.