Samantha LaPres

Samantha LaPres is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in mental health and educational programming. Currently serving as the Director of Mental Health & Culture at DSST Public Schools, Samantha has developed a network-wide vision for social and emotional programming supporting over 6,000 students. Responsibilities include managing a team of over 30 mental health providers and collaborating with educational leaders to ensure effective interventions and crisis response systems. Prior roles include serving as a School Social Worker, where Samantha led a Student Intervention Team and implemented a multi-tiered support system that significantly improved student intervention rates. Samantha's background also includes positions as a Teacher Leader Advisor for the Louisiana Department of Education and Curriculum Writer for the St. Bernard Parish School Board, showcasing a strong commitment to enhancing educational practices and mental health support. Samantha holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Colorado Boulder.