Brittany Reuman

My name is Brittany Reuman and I am one of two School Counselors in the Lyman School District. I have been a School Counselor for 13 years at both the elementary and the secondary levels. Being in the presence of young people and a staff that loves them dearly is heart-warming to me, and I feel lucky to have found that here at Lyman.

Personally, I am a farmer’s wife. I and my husband, Drew, have been married for 13 years and have three beautiful children – Dutch, Kirbi and Clyde. They keep us very busy and on our toes every day. In my free-time, I enjoy singing, shopping, playing games/cards, watching/playing sports, reality tv and hanging out with my family and friends!

The program, Networks of Support, was introduced to me approximately two years ago. This was a program that I saw as a game changer for our students, staff, and overall school climate and culture. It took very little time before I was sold based on the experience that I felt at each training leading up to our school’s implementation. It is a program that embraces all of the ideals that I believe will maximize our students’ needs and potentials. We are in our first year of implementation; however, it feels like the program’s impact has been immeasurable already. I’m looking forward to seeing how this program will continue to impact our kiddos as time goes on!

Outcomes:

Groups became increasingly unified, exhibiting a shared commitment to healthy norms, and actively encouraged peers in help-seeking behaviors, fostering a supportive environment where every member feels valued and understood.

Social Network Health's interactive training fostered an even more dynamic relationship network. Within these groups, vulnerable members can draw strength from adaptive members, leading to more changes in who they identify as valued connections.

Schools have reported significant improvements in various metrics, including increased daily attendance, higher graduation rates, enhanced identification of Trusted Adults, greater willingness to seek help, and improved connectedness among students and staff. Additionally, school disciplinary issues have notably declined, reflecting the program's positive impact on the school climate and student well-being.

Network Enhancing Facilitation Strategies

Creating an environment for collaborative learning to develop protective strengths and networks through:

From Individual To Group Focus

Moving from a focus of individual skills to recognizing and developing group strengths.
Reflecting on how group strengths benefit individuals and the group.
Extending these benefits to the larger group.
Supports formation of key relationship and culture Intentional scaffolding.