Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Emily Rau as the new School-Based Mental Health Program Director. This newly established position aims to enhance mental health services and support across the district. With a robust background in social work and educational support, Emily brings a wealth of experience and passion for student success to her new role.
In this pivotal position, Emily will assist the Saginaw ISD Special Education and Instructional Services Departments in the coordination and oversight of School-Based Mental Health Services. She will manage mental health-related grants, including 31n, 31p, 31aa, and 31o, while leading a dedicated team of Mental Health Practitioners. Emily will also collaborate with local, regional, and state partners to foster comprehensive mental health support for students throughout Saginaw County.
Emily Rau, who holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Michigan State University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan, has spent the past six years in various educational roles. Her previous experience includes working as a Restorative Justice Facilitator and Program Coordinator, as well as a Student Support Specialist, where she honed her skills in behavior interventions and social-emotional learning.
"We are excited to welcome Emily to the Saginaw ISD team," said David Krantz, Director of Special Education. "Her commitment to building intentional relationships and her dedication to meeting the diverse needs of our students and staff make her the ideal person for this role. We are confident that Emily will be instrumental in advancing our mental health initiatives."
Emily shared her enthusiasm for her new role, stating, "I am looking forward to working alongside passionate mental health practitioners, educators, and other involved community organizations. We are all braving the storm together, and together, we can make a huge stride toward mental wellness."
Saginaw ISD is committed to promoting mental wellness and providing exceptional support to students and staff. The addition of the School-Based Mental Health Program Director position emphasizes the district's dedication to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment.
ABOUT EMILY RAU
Emily Rau is the School-Based Mental Health Program Director for the Saginaw Intermediate School District. Emily has spent the last 6 years working in various capacities within the educational system. She is passionate about building intentional relationships at all levels to support students and staff to help meet their diverse needs and strive towards their best outcomes.
Emily earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Michigan State University, and her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Michigan. After completing her MSW, Emily worked as a Restorative Justice Facilitator and Program Coordinator, helping students learn conflict resolution through the restorative circle process. She then moved on to a role as a Student Support Specialist, where she worked closely with all staff and students through behavior interventions, social and emotional learning, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
Through all of her academic and professional experiences, Emily has honed a distinctive skill set and dedication to serving all individuals. She is looking forward to working alongside our Mental Health Practitioners and various community partners to foster mental wellness for our school communities.
In her personal time, Emily enjoys spending time with her wife, Katelyn, their spunky daughter Remi, goofy Goldendoodle Jude, and sassy cat Zoë. She also enjoys doing CrossFit, listening to music, and visiting with friends and family close and far.
ABOUT SAGINAW INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) is an educational service agency that provides effective and innovative leadership, services, resources, and programs throughout Saginaw County. Saginaw ISD provides career and technical education, early childhood, finance, human resources, instruction, pupil accounting, special education, technology, and transportation services. In addition, Saginaw ISD operates multiple educational programs to meet the unique needs of students ages birth to 26 across Saginaw County, including: Hartley Outdoor Education Center, Head Start/Early Head Start and Great Start to Readiness Programs, Great Lakes Bay Early College, Saginaw County Juvenile Detention Center School, and Special Education Center Programs.
Saginaw ISD serves 12 local school districts, five public school academies, and 22 non-public schools, with a total enrollment of approximately 26,000 students. Public school districts supported include: Birch Run Area Schools, Bridgeport-Spaulding Community School District, Carrollton Public Schools, Chesaning Union Schools, Frankenmuth School District, Freeland Community School District, Hemlock Public School District, Merrill Community Schools, Saginaw Public School District, Saginaw Township Community Schools, St. Charles Community Schools, and Swan Valley School District.
MEDIA CONTACT
Coty Kuschinsky - Saginaw ISD Chief of Staff and Communications Supervisor