Taelyn Mathews and her passion for meeting kids where they are

Taelyn Mathews is a school-based therapist with Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center. She’s based in Iola Middle and High Schools and has a master’s degree insocial work.

As the school year ends, it’s a good time to check in with Mathews about what she’s experienced this school year—her first in USD 257. What are students struggling with? How does she help?

It’s clear Mathews is a therapist who deeply cares about the kids she works with, someone whose passion is with helping kids, as she says, deal with the messiness of life.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an appropriate time to focus on mental health by speaking with people like Mathews.

Here’s our conversation. Hope you enjoy it.