PEP’s Therapeutic Schools boast a diverse team of staff with specialized expertise, all working together to support the whole child. This approach recognizes that children’s needs are deeply interconnected, and that social, emotional, cognitive, academic, physical, and mental health all influence one another. In every PEP classroom, teachers work alongside mental health professionals, and across our schools you’ll also find occupational therapists, speech therapists, vocational specialists, art and music therapists, and family support staff — each one contributing to a comprehensive network of care.
Among these vital team members, one role stands out for the way it bridges physical and mental health: the Behavioral Health Nurse. Every PEP Therapeutic School has a full-time nurse, supported by additional float nurses who ensure every building is always fully staffed. These nurses are not only providing healthcare screenings, assessments, and medication monitoring, they are helping students make meaningful connections between their physical and mental well-being.
Connecting Mental and Physical Health
PEP’s Nursing Supervisor, Katie Biller, explains that Behavioral Health Nursing has always existed at PEP, but now it’s fully integrated into every student’s experience. “We’ve always had nursing support for kids receiving psychiatric services,” she says. “Now we offer it universally to every student who walks through our doors. We’re truly connecting mental and physical health.”
PEP’s nurses perform a wide range of services, including:
- Healthcare screenings and nursing assessments
- Monitoring medications and physical symptoms
- Taking vitals and tracking health changes
- Providing behavioral health education
- Meeting with students to discuss mental health or medication side effects
- Collaborating closely with families to extend care at home
But what truly sets PEP’s nurses apart is how they build relationships and respond to crisis. All are trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), a hallmark of PEP’s trauma-informed approach. This training enables them to remain calm and supportive in the most challenging moments, whether a student is experiencing an emotional meltdown, a medical emergency, or both. “Our nurses are in the room, on the floor, wherever the students need them,” says Biller. “They know the kids, they know their histories, and they know how to help.”
Their work often goes far beyond what most school nurses are asked to do. In other districts, nurses may focus on immunizations or illness management. At PEP, they are also educators and emotional supports, helping students understand their medications, their diagnoses, and how their bodies and emotions interact. For example, a student might share, “I don’t want to take my medication because it gives me a headache,” and the nurse helps them unpack not only the physical symptom but also the emotional barriers that come with it.
Paul's Story
One powerful story that illustrates this impact is that of Paul*, a student at PEP Hopewell managing diabetes. When he first arrived, Paul’s blood sugar levels were dangerously high — often exceeding 400 mg/dL. PEP Hopewell nurse Aminah Basit knew she had to help him stabilize his health, but she also understood that trust would have to come first. Paul had lived in multiple homes, making it difficult for him to rely on adults. Aminah patiently built that trust, teaching him how to check his blood sugar, dial up and administer insulin, and recognize when his levels were too high or too low. Over time, her consistency and compassion paid off. Today, Paul’s blood sugar levels are well-managed, and he’s proud of the control he’s gained over his own health.
This story is just one example of how Behavioral Health Nursing at PEP changes lives. Across PEP’s Therapeutic Schools, nurses not only respond to medical issues but also teach students — and sometimes parents — how to manage complex health and emotional needs. Whether supporting a child through trauma, calming a student in crisis, or helping a family understand a care plan, PEP’s nurses make lasting differences in their students’ lives every day.
At PEP, Behavioral Health Nursing is more than a service. It’s a reflection of our belief that caring for the whole child means recognizing the inseparable connection between body, mind, and heart. By embedding behavioral health nurses into every school, PEP ensures that students receive the compassionate, integrated support they deserve. It’s one more way we’re living out our belief that every child can grow, learn, and thrive when every part of their well-being is cared for.
Learn More
For more information about what is happening at PEP’s Therapeutic Schools, visit our website. Contact Nicole Molnar, sr. director, clinical services, at 216-361-7760 ext. 110 or via email to see if a student in your district may be a good fit for Positive Education Program.
Please note, referrals to PEP’s Therapeutic Schools are made through school districts in consultation with parents. Interested parents or caregivers should contact their school administrator.
*Not his real name