Joanna Bivins serves as a subject matter expert for the Region 5 Comprehensive Center (R5CC). She has been working with West Virginia (WV), providing technical assistance related to addressing the shortage of school-based mental health supports through a collaborative made up of Department of Education staff, higher education, professional association members, and community providers. Her current focus is developing activities to educate others on the roles of the school-based mental health providers, ultimately implementing a comprehensive model of supports through the WV Tiered Systems of Supports and providing them to professionals to reduce staff burnout. Joanna lives in Nashville, Tennessee and enjoys the great music options that come from living in a city full of singer-songwriters. In her off time, Joanna can typically be found somewhere outside, especially if there is a kayak and river nearby.
