School-Based MHFA Program Coordinator
Behavioral Health Springboard, UNC-CH School of Social Work
Mebane, North Carolina
Amaris Sampson is an experienced mental health professional with a diverse background in various settings and workplaces including inpatient treatment for mental health and substance use, community-based agencies, utilization review experience for all levels of care, and school-based settings for short and long-term suspensions. Now as the School based mental health first aid program coordinator for the UNC-CH Behavioral Health Springboard, Amaris looks to bring her firsthand experience in implementing Youth and Teen MHFA to schools and youth serving organizations across the state of North Carolina. Amaris earned a Masters in Social Work from North Carolina State University and obtained her full clinical social work license in 2020. In her previous role as the District Mental Health Specialist for Durham Public Schools, Amaris led a number of programs and emerged as a leader in DPS for the DHHS State Initiative for Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid. In addition to being an instructor for Youth, Teen, and Adult Mental Health first aid, Amaris is also trained as an instructor for Restorative practices and certified in Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress (SPARCS) through the NC Child Treatment Program. Amaris oversaw the Co-located mental health agencies in the district that provide school-based therapy services to students. Additionally, she modernized standard operating procedures and data collection for this program. Amaris supported the district in training for safety assessments while consulting with school teams on complex mental health challenges and re-entry planning for students returning to school following a mental health crisis. Amaris has a heart of service that is focused on advocating for all students while removing barriers to care that can impact their success. Amaris looks to expand her knowledge and growing passion for raising mental health awareness in minority communities and will be starting at John Hopkins University in the summer of 2025 where she will be pursuing her Doctorate in Public Health. Amaris is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and enjoys giving back to her community and being of service to others. In her free time she enjoys spending time with friends, family, her dog Gisele, and is a active member withing her church community working with youth.
Sunday, May 4, 2025
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM ET