Presented By: Ashley O’Neal, LMSW

School Social Worker, Tallgrass Student Learning Center, Topeka, Kansas

Presentation Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the foundational principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and how they apply in a school setting.
2. Identify key CBT tools that are developmentally appropriate and effective for use with students in individual or small group settings.
3. Demonstrate how to implement simple, evidence-based CBT interventions for common issues such as anxiety, negative self-talk, and emotional regulation.
4. Integrate CBT strategies into existing social work practice to support student mental health and academic success.
5. Empower students with lifelong coping skills by teaching them to recognize and reframe unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.

Presenter Bio

Ashley O’Neal, LMSW, is a passionate school social worker at Tallgrass Student Learning Center in Topeka, Kansas, where she supports students with behavioral and emotional challenges. She brings an extensive background in corrections and court-involved settings, where she worked directly with gang-involved youth and adults experiencing severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI). Ashley formerly served on the Kansas Gang Free Task Force and is a strong advocate for reentry programs, crime prevention, and intervention strategies that equip high-risk populations with the skills needed to become pro-social, contributing members of their communities.

In her current role, Ashley integrates her mental health and justice system expertise with school-based social work, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed practices to help students regulate emotions, develop resilience, and succeed academically. She is known for her creative, relationship-centered approach to intervention and her commitment to empowering students through practical, skill-based support.

Zoom Link

Zoom link will be sent 1 week before, 1 day before, and the morning of the presentation. If you need technology support the day of due to broken zoom link or barriers please email KSSWA at: ksswa.ks.info@gmail.com

This a free event available to KSSWA Member's only. If you are interested in becoming a member please visit our Membership page for more information.