Friday, October 16, 2026
Oceanside High School’s psychologist, Nina Weisenreder, was named the 2024 recipient of the Gil Trachtman Leadership in School Psychology Award by the New York State Psychological Association, last month, recognizing her contributions to the field of school psychology.
Dr. Weisenreder will be presented with the award at the annual NYSPA conference on Oct. 17, honored for her role in shaping innovative mental health programs that have greatly impacted the lives of students, families and staff in the Oceanside School District.
The award recognizes professionals who have made a significant impact on student mental health, reflecting the values of collaboration, compassion and evidence-based practice.
Weisenreder’s leadership has been most visible in her coordination of the high school’s Wellness Center, where the focus is on promoting student mental health and wellness through psycho-educational initiatives and community-building activities. The center was created in response to growing concerns about student mental health in recent years, exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic but noted even before it began. Under her guidance, it has become a hub for open conversations about mental health and has offered students help with managing stress, anxiety and other mental health challenges.
“Social connection is critical for resilience and managing stress, and that’s what we strive to foster here at the Wellness Center,” Weisenreder said. “We offer an open space where students can gather, talk openly, and find coping strategies that work for them. The focus is on creating an inclusive community that reduces stigma around mental health and offers students practical support.”
One unique aspect of the center is its universal approach. Unlike traditional counseling, which often involves one-on-one sessions, the center is open to all students, providing them with a safe space to explore wellness topics during free periods or lunch breaks. They are invited to take part in a variety of activities, from discussions of coping with anxiety and stress to art projects that promote positive mental health.
Last year, the center partnered with the Oceanside Library to give English as a New Language students library cards and introduce them to resources specifically tailored to English learners. Weisenreder’s work has been ahead of the curve in identifying and addressing students’ mental health concerns. She noted that the challenges of social isolation, heightened by technology and social media, were affecting students well before Covid-19 spread. But the pandemic served as a tipping point,she said, amplifying those issues and making the need for comprehensive mental health support all the more urgent.
“We were already seeing trends toward more social isolation and disconnection, and those are key factors that contribute to mental health struggles, especially for teenagers,” she said. “With the rise of social media and 24-hour news cycles, students are often overwhelmed by information, much of which is anxiety-inducing. It’s important that we teach them how to filter what they can control from what they can’t.”
This understanding has informed much of the programming at the Wellness Center. Weisenreder and her team emphasize coping strategies that encourage students to focus on what they can control, rather than becoming consumed by abstract or far-removed worries. They also encourage them to pursue hobbies and interests that promote mental wellness.
One of the key factors in the success of the center, Weisenreder said, is the overwhelming support she has received from the school district administration. She credits Oceanside High Principal Brendon Mitchell, as well as the district’s associate principals, academic directors and central administration, for encouraging innovation and providing the necessary resources to build a robust mental health program.
“We are fortunate to have leaders who support trying new things, taking risks, and always putting our students’ well-being first,” Weisenreder said. “Our Wellness Center would not be what it is today without the collaboration of excellent teachers, staff, and our administration. Together we’re pooling our knowledge and resources to set our students up for success, both academically and emotionally.”
She also highlighted the importance of collaboration with her colleagues in Pupil Personnel Services, who include school counselors, social workers and psychologists. “While not every school may have the capacity to build a full-time Wellness Center with dedicated staff, there are elements that can be replicated,” she said. “Whether it’s creating a space for students to connect, promoting hobbies, or offering psychoeducational materials, every school can take steps to support student wellness.”
As Weisenreder prepares to accept the Trachtman Award, she remains focused on continuing to build on the success of the Wellness Center and expanding its impact. For her, there is always more that can be done to support students’ mental health and well-being.
“Oceanside is a special place,” she said. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work here, and I look forward to what we can accomplish next.”
