Meet Our Blogger: Danielle!
Q: Welcome to AMHIE, Danielle Can you introduce yourself to our community?
Hi AMHIE community! I’m so excited to be joining the team as your new weekly blogger! I have a background in psychology, and I’m deeply passionate about mental health advocacy in education. Having worked as a lecturer, I’ve seen the huge impact mental health challenges can have on students and educators alike.
In addition to my experience in psychology, I’m also a PhD researcher specialising in forensic investigative interviewing. While my research is focused on interviews and evidence gathering, another passion of mine is about ensuring that mental health and well-being get the attention they deserve in educational settings, from early years all the way to post-graduate study.
Q: What’s the biggest issue you’ve seen when it comes to mental health in education?
A: I’ve noticed that students often face academic pressures, social challenges, and personal struggles all at once. This, understandably, takes a toll on their mental health. What’s even more concerning is that many educators are often left without the tools or resources to properly support students. I’m hoping to help bridge that gap and offer educators the knowledge and strategies they need to address mental health in the classroom and to positively manage their own mental wellbeing.
Q: Can you tell us about your experience working to support student well-being and mental health?
A: In addition to my role as a psychology lecturer and a postgraduate rep, where I organised workshops and talks to provide students with mental health resources, I’ve also worked as a Pastoral Tutor. In that role, I supported students with both academic and personal challenges, helping them navigate issues like isolation, burnout, and stress. These experiences have given me an understanding of the importance of mental health support in education. Now, with AMHIE, my role is to share research-backed insights and practical strategies to help educators better support student well-being.
Q: What can the AMHIE community expect from your blogs?
A: In my blogs, I’ll be diving into hot topics related to mental health in education and exploring long-term issues that will shape its future. I’ll also be offering practical strategies that the AMHIE community can apply to both their own well-being and the well-being of their students.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself outside of your work with AMHIE?
Sure! As a busy mum of four, time is incredibly valuable. When I’m not being a mum or writing my thesis, you’ll usually find me either reading a psychological thriller or listening to a true crime podcast. I also like to push myself outside my comfort zone and last year took part in a charity boxing fight.
Q: What do you hope to bring to AMHIE?
A: I’m excited to bring practical advice based on the latest evidence that helps educators understand how to support their own well-being, as well as the well-being of their students. I’ll be exploring everything from mental health interventions to long-term strategies that can positively impact both educators and students.
Danielle Chandler
7th March 2025