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Matt Smith Named EDCOE’s Director of Mental Health and Wellness

10:00 AM - April 18, 2022

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EDCOE recently applied for and received the Mental Health Student Services Act Grant to assist in expanding access to mental health services for children and youth, including countywide student assessments and campus-based mental health services. This grant will facilitate community partnerships to better link families to ongoing mental health services and made it possible to create the position of the Director of Mental Health and Wellness at the El Dorado County Office of Education (EDCOE). Matt Smith will be stepping into that role at the end of this school year.

Matt began his career in education in 1993, first as a high school teacher, and then transitioning into Assistant Principal and Principal roles. For the past eight years, he has served as the Superintendent/Principal for the Camino Union School District, where his vision to better meet the needs of students, led to the development of the Camino Wellness Center. 

“After two years of intense trials in El Dorado County, the health and wellness of our students is a priority. We envision a comprehensive and responsive support system embedded within the fabric of all schools,” noted Dr. Ed Manansala, County Superintendent of Schools. “Matt Smith is a committed, trusted, and proven leader who knows what it takes to implement a meaningful support system for students, families, and educators.”

Matt commented, “It is a privilege to be joining the EDCOE team and to be tasked with connecting our district, community, and county resources together to develop programs and systems that support our countywide schools to identify and respond effectively to student needs. It is incredibly important for all schools to have programs of mental health support, and I look forward to working with our county leaders to make it happen.”

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