Transform Discipline

Promote Youth Mental Health

Helping school systems, communities, and youth-serving organizations transform discipline practices to promote youth behavioral health.

office located in Bellingham, WA 

Purpose

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Cascadia Youth Mental Health PLLC was founded on the belief the best youth mental health care happens outside the therapy room, in the environments where children live, learn, and play. Services focus on partnering with youth-serving systems to collaboratively create policies, systems, and environments that promote youth mental health. ​

areas of focus

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school Discipline

substance use school discipline policy & practice
Positive behavior supports
​school behavioral health Programs
​Social-emotional Learning

School-based substance use & Truancy Interventions
Restorative Practices
Multi-Tiered social-emotional behavioral supports
Inequities in school discipline

Featured Service

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Learn More

The School Discipline System Check-Up℠ is a strategic consulting project that helps middle and high schools:

• Take stock of your current overall school discipline system strengths and gaps.
• ​​Address discipline practices and policies that exacerbate inequities and increase risk for youth substance use, behavioral health challenges, and juvenile justice involvement.​
• Update building-level practices and procedures for responding to substance use violations, including vaping.​
• Assess and refine the role of school security measures, such as law enforcement and security officers, in school discipline procedures.
• Assess readiness, capacity, and next steps for Restorative Practices & other discipline interventions that promote student behavioral health and prevent substance use.
• Access tailored recommendations, meeting facilitation, and coaching.

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Now recruiting schools for 22-23 School Year. Also still accepting requests for Technical Assistance (hourly consulting support may be available at not cost to your school).

​Please submit a contact form or email  for more information.

Potential funding sources:

• Schools in WA State ESD 189, and portions of ESD 123 and ESD 105 regions may be eligible for 100% of project to be funded through regional Youth Marijuana Prevention and Education Program Funding.
• Schools in WA State may be able to partner with CPWI Coalitions to fund this project.
• Schools across the US may be able to partner with Drug Free Communities Coalition to  fund this project. 

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Meet the founder

Tammy dee,  Principal consultant

MSW, University of Washington, Seattle 2012
​LICSW, WA State #LW60922289

Tammy Dee, MSW (she/her) is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with 15 years of experience in school discipline reform, youth substance use and violence prevention, and youth behavioral health. She primarily provides consulting services focused on school discipline and school mental health programs. She also holds an ESA School Social Work Certificate with OSPI (Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction) and worked as a School Social Worker for 6 school years prior to beginning her private practice. In addition, she has taught undergraduate Social Work courses, conducted research on the implementation of Restorative Practices in schools in Australia, and co-authored research articles and a book chapter on child abuse and neglect. She is especially passionate about helping schools transform discipline systems to prevent youth substance use and juvenile justice involvement, and promote equitable youth mental health outcomes.

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More about Tammy

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2019-2021 training & consulting Projects

Current or Recent Projects

Regional School discipline policy & practice consulting for the WA State North Sound and Southeast Youth Marijuana Prevention Education Program Regions

School Discipline Consulting with middle and high schools in Skagit and Whatcom Counties in partnership with CPWI and DFC coalitions

Tier 2-3 Student Support Team Consulting, Referral System Development, and Role Clarification

Tier 1 Restorative Circles Training

Tier 2 Restorative Conferences Training

Integrated Social-Emotional and Behavioral Supports Trainings (6 Schools/Groups trained in 2019)

Population Health Equity Consulting

Youth Substance Use Pre-Diversion Program Development & Consultation

Co-Facilitated Motivational Interviewing Trainings

Restorative Practices Program Readiness Assessment, Program Development, and Training

Quick tips

for Educators to promote student mental health

Take a look below (hover over icons) for research-based insights on strategies to promote youth mental health. These tips are for parents, educators, and youth-serving professionals working tirelessly to raise courageous, resilient, and compassionate children and teens. ​*Mobile-responsive not currently available. 

Positive Expectations

We often tell children what NOT to do; without telling them what to do instead. Teaching children what you WANT them to do can help reduce behavior problems. Set & teach clear, positive behavioral expectations.

Accomodations

Going out of your way to prevent distress in children with excessive worries or fears can actually make their anxiety worse. Empathy & validation PLUS gradual & safe exposure to challenges build courage and confidence!

Independence & Responsibility

Children and teens need opportunities to develop confidence in their knowledge, skills, and abilities. A good rule: try not to do things FOR them that they can do themselves.

Stress & the Brain

Stressed humans can't access the parts of their brain that allow them to think rationally and reflect on their behaviors. Recognize when children (and adults) are experiencing a fight, flight, or freeze response. Model mindful moments and relaxation strategies.

Attention & Reinforcement

Pay attention to what you're paying attention to! Highlight the times a child is meeting (or working hard to meet) expectations and positively reinforce their efforts. A good rule: 5 positive reinforcements for every 1 correction.

Boundaries & Enforcement

Clearly set and consistently enforce boundaries. The belief that a child will be caught misbehaving is what deters misbehavior; not punitive consequences! Try restating what behaviors you expect of them. Be consistent with your boundaries!