Executive Director, Student Wellness & School Culture
San Diego County Office of Education
San Diego, California, United States
Mara Madrigal-Weiss is the Executive Director of Student Wellness and School Culture at the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE). She leads several SDCOE initiatives, including mental health and wellness programs, support for foster youth, education for homeless students, and the PASS AmeriCorps programs.
Mara has promoted student mental health and wellness for over twenty years. For the past eight years, she has led her team's efforts to enhance mental health awareness and literacy, combat stigma, and improve suicide prevention and intervention practices across the county. She works closely with the state to streamline resources and promote best practices in the field.
Mara's academic achievements showcase her deep understanding of the field. She holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology and three master’s degrees in Human Behavior, School Counseling, and Educational Leadership, providing her with a comprehensive knowledge base to enhance her advocacy work.
Mara's leadership extends beyond her role at SDCOE. Since 2017, she has been designated by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and has served as a Commissioner on the Behavioral Health Services Oversight Accountability Commission. During her tenure, she held the position of Vice Chair for two years and Chair for three years, which attests to her ability to drive change and make a significant impact in the field.
She is motivated by her passion for enhancing the mental health and wellness of students, staff, and families across systems.
She is genuine and heartfelt, valuing relationships, kindness, and laughter above all else.
Policy to Practice: Exploring a Comprehensive Approach to Suicide Intervention in K12 Schools
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM East Coast USA Time