The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on most people in some way, as they have struggled in their own ways, whether it be with stress, grief, anxiety, or uncertainty. Educators nationwide have found themselves with the added stress of the pandemic on top of an already busy to-do list. 

Ensuring that employees stay healthy and well is more important than ever for staff and students. Research indicates a direct correlation between employee wellness and student health and achievement. Understanding this need, the CFBISD Board of Trustees and district leadership created a new Employee Assistance Specialist position to provide accessible and confidential mental health support to employees.

“Having a comprehensive, coordinated approach to employee wellness is essential to employee well-being,” said Dr. Les Black, CFBISD Board of Trustees President. “We want our teachers and staff to have easy access to mental health resources so they can thrive professionally and personally during these very challenging times.”

Using ESSER funds, the District hired Kristina Smith, who goes by Tina, to fill this new role. The position is grant-funded for a minimum of three years.

"Teaching and working for a school district is rewarding but can be challenging," Smith said. "The pandemic has affected our profession greatly by adding more stress and uncertainty as well as forcing us to change how we do everything, leaving behind our old 'normal.' So many of us are dealing with loss and immense grief." 

Since her August 16 start date, Smith has already assisted more than 30 employees. Smith provides education, tools, and resources for living healthy lifestyles and assists employees with mental health needs. These include brief individual counseling, grief support, stress management, after-school support groups, overall health and wellness tools, and strategies for managing emotions and conflict. Smith also provides referrals and can connect individuals to outside resources and support.

"To be effective at our job, we have to start by taking care of ourselves," Smith said. "We cannot pour from an empty cup. Therefore, it is important to fill our cups. Not taking care of ourselves physically and mentally subjects us to illness and fatigue, which is the leading cause of burnout. We must first take care of ourselves to be able to support our CFBISD students and families. The District was able to create this much-needed position to support our employees' overall health and wellness."

In addition, campuses and departments can schedule a variety of health and wellness workshops and training with Smith, such as self-care sessions, grief support sessions, Living with Resilience groups, and more, along with Campus Support Days where she stays at a campus for a day and campus employees can utilize their breaks to connect with her for support. Smith also provides support to campuses after a crisis.

"Mental and physical health is essential; none of us can pour from an empty cup," she said. "District health and wellness events focus on education, support, and helpful strategies to build resilience and healthy lifestyles."

Smith has several years of experience as a counselor. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Texas and her master's degree from Southern Methodist University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in working with adolescents and adults. In her previous role at a domestic violence organization, she provided prevention education to youth and educators in CFBISD. She also has provided comprehensive counseling services to survivors of domestic violence, focusing on children and teens. 

"I worked closely with school counselors and administrators to identify and support students experiencing relationship abuse, provide trauma-informed counseling services, crisis intervention, and connect students to resources," Smith said. "I became more involved with CFBISD by working at our Counseling Connections Center serving CFBISD families, students, and staff. Through my experience, my passion for working with educators was ignited. I saw first-hand the importance of supporting our educators who give so much love and support to students. When the District created the Employee Assistance Specialist position, I was honored to join the CFBISD family full time."

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dogs. 

"I have a four-pound Yorkie named Daisy who brings me so much love and joy," Smith said. "I love to travel, and​ my favorite place to be is on a beach listening to the ocean waves. Born and raised in the Dallas area, I am a huge Dallas Cowboys fan, win or lose."

Smith is excited to be in CFBISD and connect with employees. 

“My favorite thing about working in CFBISD is the people,” she said. “I am surrounded by supportive and caring people who are passionate about the work they do. It feels like you’re part of a family here. I love this role because it allows me to provide a safe space for employees to be heard and supported. I am able to connect with employees and I am honored they share part of their life and experiences with me. I am in awe of the strength and resilience I see. The best thing is when you can tell someone feels like a bit of weight has been lifted off their shoulders after seeking support.”

CFBISD employees can follow Smith on Twitter at @Tina_Smith1 and will receive a monthly newsletter in their district email from Smith, including tools for health and wellness, community resources, and events. Employees should also be on the lookout for upcoming Health and Wellness Program events and initiatives such as Living with Resilience groups, yoga and mindfulness classes, coping with grief, health and wellness campus challenges, financial planning and well-being, nutrition and healthy living, and self-care workshops.

For assistance or to schedule an appointment with Smith, CFBISD employees may contact her by phone at 972-968-6681 or email at smithkrist@cfbisd.edu. Appointments with Smith are offered both in-person and virtually. In-person sessions may occur at the employee's campus during a planning/conference period or lunch in a confidential meeting place. Employees may also do in-person sessions at the Educational Services Building A, located at 1820 Pearl St. in Carrollton.