Mental Health

Head Start programs play a vital role in supporting the social-emotional and mental health of children and families. The program focuses on ways to help keep little problems little and make bigger problems easier to handle. Protective factors can help develop children’s ability to cope so that they can become resilient, heal, and recover.

Clinic Sites:     Belfry 606-353-1287     Inez 606-298-7902     Martin 606-285-3142     Paintsville 606-789-3518     Pikeville 606-432-3143

Mental Health Consultant Services & School Based Therapist Schedules

Head Start programs are uniquely positioned to provide protective factors, such as strong, trusting relationships and safe, stable environments that promote healing for children, families, and staff. Services include workshops designed to help with development of children’s social-emotional skills both at home and in the classroom, and use of effective discipline strategies. Discussions regarding strategies how to deal with challenging behaviors and providing help during times of change and access community resources are provided.

Anyone interested in learning about these services and more may contact a Head Start Family Advocate. Contact information is located under the Contact Us tab located at the top of this page or by contacting Brooke Lemaster, Mental Health Services Manager, at blemaster@bsacap.org or calling 606-789-1600.

Mental Health Consultant: Brandi Smith, LCSW

School Based Therapist Schedule:

Allen Elementary Katlyn Turner Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri 8am-3pm
Betsy Layne Elementary
 Brandi Smith
Mon/Tues/Wed 8am-3pm
DACE Elementary
 Tabitha Fields
Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs
8am-3pm
May Valley Elementary
 Keirstan Tackett
Thurs/Fri 8am-3pm
Prestonsburg Elementary Joshua Grindrod Thurs/Fri 8am-3pm
South Floyd Elementary Seth Huff Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri 8am – 3pm
Stumbo Elementary Ethan Gayheart Wed 8am-3pm

Mental Health Consultant: Dani Vanderpool, LPCC

School Based Therapist Schedule:

Central Elementary
 Heather Kestner
Mon-Fri 8am-3pm
Flat Gap Elementary
 Rachelle Kestner
Wed/Fri 8am-3pm
Highland Elementary
 Tyler Mullins
Wed-Fri 8am-3pm
Porter Elementary
 Tyler Mullins
Mon/Tues 8am-3pm
W.R. Castle Elementary Brittany Collins Mon-Fri 8am-3pm

Mental Health Consultant: Stacy Welch

School Based Therapist Schedule:

North Magoffin Elementary
Holly Handshoe
Mon/Tues 8am-3pm
Salyersville Grade School
Amy Montgomery
Wed/Thurs 8:00am-3pm
South Magoffin Elementary
Danielle Ahadi-Akhalaghi
Fri 8am-3pm

Mental Health Consultant: Kristi Maynard, LCSW

School Based Therapist Schedule:

Eden Elementary
Dezeree Newsome
 Thurs 8am-3:00pm
Inez Elementary
Dezeree Newsome
 Fri 8am-3pm
Warfield Elementary
Dezeree Newsome
 Wed 8am-3pm

Mental Health Consultant: Dani Vanderpool, LPCC

School Based Therapist Schedule:

Paintsville City Elementary
 Rachelle Kestner Tues/Thurs 8am-3pm

Mental Health Consultant: Tasha Miller, LPCC

School Based Therapist Schedule:

Belfry Elementary Angela Buelis Tues-Fri 8am-3pm
Bevins Vacant TBD
Dorton Elementary Marquita Bailey Mon-Fri 8am-3pm
Elkhorn City Elementary
 Jamee Dempsey
Mon-Fri 8am-3pm
Feds Creek Elementary
 Hannah Belcher
Mon-Wed 8am-3pm
Johns Creek Elementary
 Penelope Campbell
Mon-Fri 8am-3pm
Kimper Elementary
 Angela Buelis
Mon 8am-3pm
Millard Elementary Tonya Cantrell Mon-Fri 8am-3pm
Mullins Elementary Hannah Belcher

Sabrina Fleming

 Thurs-Fri 8am-3pm

Mon-Fri 8am-3pm
Phelps Elementary Lavinnia Blackburn Mon/Tues 8am-3pm
Pikeville Elementary
 Naomi Adkins Mon-Wed 8am-3pm
Valley Elementary Trista Robinson

Kayla Blackburn

 Mon-Fri 8am-3pm

Mon-Fri 8am-3pm
green heart soap in teacup

Staff Wellness

Practice Self-Care. Take time to replenish….

  • Connect with Nature: Take a walk, enjoy the lake, watch a sunset, or garden.

  • Relax & Recharge: Take a warm bath, listen to running water, or appreciate the sounds of nature.

  • Be Creative: Express yourself through art, music, journaling, or photography.

  • Stay Social: Have lunch with a friend or join an interest group.

  • Explore & Experience: Take a day trip, visit new places, or revisit favorite spots.

  • Prioritize Health: Listen to your body, maintain regular check-ups, and build a relationship with your doctor.

  • Nourish Your Body: Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and exercise regularly.

  • Seek Support: Utilize health insurance incentives, ask for help, and access professional services when needed.

  • Celebrate Yourself: Acknowledge your accomplishments and appreciate your progress!