Libby Kuffner Nealis

Libby Nealis has worked in education policy and advocacy for more than 15 years, largely focused on issues of school mental health and student support services, both within general and special education. Libby began her career working as a Legislative Assistant in the U.S. House of Representatives working on education, health and justice issues. She went on to represent the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA) and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), promoting social-emotional learning, mental health and behavioral support services, and improving school safety and violence prevention in our nation’s schools.

While most of her career has focused on legislative policy, she says she has learned a great deal from the school professionals she has represented and worked with over the years. She is committed to sharing more about how model school behavioral and mental health programs promote better student outcomes. She believes that seeing this in action is more rewarding than following the slower pace of advancements through federal legislation.

Now the parent of a 9 year-old daughter with cerebral palsy, Libby uses her professional experience and knowledge to advocate not only on behalf of her daughter’s unique needs, but to work with her community and school district to improve services for all children and assist fellow parents with resources and support. She holds a Masters in Social Work from the University of Texas and a B.S. in Psychology from Georgetown University.