Melissa Corona, head of the Instructional Services Department, directs the Mental Health Clinician (MHC) team. Melissa assumed her position with Instructional Services after nearly two decades of work as a special education teacher and principal with Bloomingdale Public Schools. Melissa joined the ISD in January 2024. Melissa can be reached at mcorona@vbisd.org.

Paula Kanaan, LMSW is the direct supervisor of the MHC team. Paula has been with the MHC team since its inception in 2019. She was a MHC serving in Bloomingdale and Mattawan schools from 2019 to September 2024. Paula filled the open supervisor position in October 2024. Paula comes with a diverse background of clinical experience, having previously worked in foster care, community mental health, medical social work, and private practice. Paula can be reached at pkanaan@vbisd.org.

The VBISD Mental Health Clinician team is made up of of 20 staff members committed to supporting the well-being of students in the county. These dedicated clinicians provide trauma-informed care, assessments, crisis intervention, and support services to students within the school system. Their goal is to help students meet their own chosen life, mental health, recovery, and school objectives. Whether addressing emotional challenges, coping with stress, or navigating mental health concerns, these clinicians play a vital role in fostering a healthier and more resilient student community.