Director of Prevention and Mental Health Student Services, San Joaquin County Office of Education​

Nora Hana has been working in the field of education for 25 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Developmental Psychology and a master’s degree in Elementary Education, along with multiple subject credentials, a pupil personnel services credential in school counseling, and an administrative credential. She is also a certified Youth Mental Health Specialist. 

Nora has conducted trainings for teachers and administrators on a variety of topics, including behavior guidance, the Resiliency Wheel Care Model, consensus-building methods, grant administration, high-quality programming strategies, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and many more. In her current position as Director in the Division of Comprehensive Health, she provides prevention programs and mental health resources for the county. She serves on state committees addressing student social, emotional, and mental health. 

Nora established and runs the California Healthy Kids Resource Center, a statewide, comprehensive resource center for the California Department of Education.  When Nora acquired the contract, she instinctively tied mental health to many of the different components of prevention programming. Her background in understanding coping skills and student trauma helped to shape how she advises and seeks out new programming for schools. Nora is currently serving on the California Mental Health Advocacy for Children and Youth (CMHACY) board, serving as the treasurer.