Social-Emotional Wellness is Key: How NAMI Chicago is Helping ITW David Speer Academy Students Thrive

A group of ITW David Speer Academy students sit in a circle at classroom desks with a NAMI staff member. They are actively discussing something and look very comfortable and safe with the group.

Published On: July 24th, 2025Categories: 2025, Campus Life, ITW David Speer Academy, Students

We firmly believe that students need more than just academic support to succeed—they need emotional and social tools to help them navigate life both in and out of the classroom. Mental health and wellness play a vital role in a student’s ability to learn, build relationships, and grow into confident, capable young adults.

Many of our campuses partner with organizations to support students’ mental health. A standout example is ITW David Speer Academy’s collaboration with NAMI Chicago (National Alliance on Mental Illness), which has had a significant impact on their school community. Since 1979, NAMI Chicago has offered vital mental health resources, advocacy, and trainings across the whole city and in schools.

At Speer, Paris Jackson, NAMI peer support manager and coordinator for their campus, provides weekly one-on-one sessions as well as support groups to Speer students. These supports have helped students feel heard, manage emotions, improve communication, and build healthy relationships.

“Our goal is to teach students how to support themselves and others,” Paris Jackson, NAMI peer support manager and coordinator at Speer, said. “We help them learn to deal with their anxiety, mental health, and emotional well-being. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch them grow more comfortable expressing themselves and building meaningful relationships.”

Paris Jackson leading a support group at ITW David Speer Academy.

Hear directly from students about how NAMI made a difference in their lives:

Deziray Simmons

When junior Deziray Simmons joined the NAMI program, she was looking for someone to talk to outside of her family and friend circle. What she found was more than just a listening ear—she found a trusted adult who helped her find her voice.

Through sessions with Paris Jackson, NAMI’s youth counselor, Deziray learned how to communicate more effectively, respect different perspectives, and regulate her emotions. She especially appreciated that Jackson never judged or compared her experiences to his own. Instead, he offered helpful feedback and coping skills, which helped build her confidence both in the classroom and on the basketball court.

“The program really brought me out of a dark space,” Deziray shared. “It helped me express my emotions, maintain good grades, and build stronger relationships with my family and friends.”

Today, Deziray says she’s in a good place—happy, grounded, and excited about school. She strongly recommends that other Noble campuses invite NAMI in, due to the powerful impact it has had on her life.

Alani Vasquez

For recently graduated senior Alani Vasquez, NAMI has been a critical resource.

“It helped me mentally,” she said. “I feel like I can express my feelings in a better way now, without worrying about being judged.”

Alani attended NAMI sessions for a good portion of her last semester and says they helped her build confidence, communicate better, and stay calm in stressful situations. That emotional balance made a difference in the classroom, too—she felt more connected, more focused, and more motivated to attend school every day.

Alani says NAMI played a major role in keeping her on track to graduate. She hopes more students have the chance to participate.

Leah Garcia

Another recently graduated senior, Leah Garcia, nearly gave up on school before she found support through NAMI.

“It was easier to talk to someone I didn’t know,” she explained. “Paris never judged me. He listened, gave helpful advice, and helped me communicate better with my family.”

Leah was in the program for over three months and credits it with helping her stay in school, build emotional awareness, and learn how to make better decisions. Thanks to NAMI, she was ready to graduate with confidence and resilience.

Why This Work Matters

Mental health challenges among young people are on the rise, and schools play a critical role in supporting students’ emotional well-being. Programs like NAMI are more than just helpful—they’re essential. By giving students the tools to express themselves, regulate emotions, and build supportive relationships, we are investing in their future.

At Speer, we are proud to offer this kind of support to our students. The voices of Deziray, Alani, and Leah remind us just how impactful it can be when young people feel heard, supported, and empowered.