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From Pilot Project to Community Impact: Empowering a Generation at New Trier High School

Jason Dane

Industry

Education

Challenge

In 2006, mental health education lacked a standardized, evidence-informed curriculum that could effectively engage students while meeting rigorous academic standards. School professionals like Jason Dane were looking for a way to move beyond limited health class lessons to create a comprehensive, community-wide culture of mental wellness.

Results

What began as a small ninth-grade pilot has evolved into a robust partnership that provides New Trier students with a shared vocabulary for mental health. As a professional Community Ambassador, Jason now leverages Erika’s Lighthouse resources to influence educators nationwide and strengthen the vital link between school and community support.

Programs Impacted

Classroom Education, Staff Training

1.3M
Students Impacted
3,400
Schools Supported
$2
Per student
1411%
Program Growth Since 2019

It wasn't until I was able to present at conferences and work with other educators to share these tremendous resources that I really saw I was making a difference—not just in the lives of my students, but in the lives of so many other students as well.

Jason Dane

Kinetic Wellness Teacher & Professional Community Ambassador

Jason Dane

About Jason

Jason Dane is a highly decorated educator and a cornerstone of the Kinetic Wellness (Physical Education/Health) department at New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois. With a career spanning over two decades, Jason has established himself as a national leader in student health, earning prestigious honors such as the Illinois Health Educator of the Year and the Midwest District Health Teacher of the Year.

As a specialist in teen mental health, nutrition, and stress management, Jason’s expertise extends far beyond the traditional classroom. He was an early pioneer in the mental health education space, serving as a key collaborator in the 2006 pilot programs that helped shape the modern Erika’s Lighthouse curriculum. His commitment to evidence-based instruction is reflected in his certifications in specialized simulation training and his role as a Professional Community Ambassador.

In addition to his classroom work, Jason is a sought-after speaker and advocate who presents at professional conferences and community events. He is dedicated to bridging the gap between school districts and community resources, ensuring that educators have the tools they need to foster a culture of empathy, self-advocacy, and mental wellness for every student.

The Challenge

When Jason Dane was approached in 2006, youth mental health was often a siloed topic, confined to a few days of health class without the support of a scalable, evidence-based framework. Educators faced the daunting task of addressing serious topics like adolescent depression and suicide without standardized tools that were both authentic to teens and credible to school leadership. 

Implementation

Working alongside Peggy Kubert, Jason helped pilot what would become the Erika’s Lighthouse curriculum. He integrated Level III Classroom Education into his ninth-grade health classes, utilizing the "peer-to-peer" model where students see themselves reflected in the stories shared. This "out-of-the-box" capability allowed Jason to deliver life-saving information without overwhelming his busy schedule.

Over nearly two decades, the implementation grew. Jason began utilizing the Data Center to make data-informed decisions based on pre- and post-test results. This ensured that the lessons on stress, depression, and help-seeking were effectively increasing student mental health literacy.

The Results

The partnership has transformed New Trier's approach to mental wellness. Conversations about emotional wellbeing have become as "natural and vital as breathing" within Jason’s classes. By becoming a professional Community Ambassador, Jason has shifted his impact "further upstream" , helping other school districts implement these same free, high-quality resources.

Today, Jason uses the most up-to-date best practices to empower students to identify trusted adults and take charge of their own mental health. The "pilot project" of 2006 has become a cornerstone of a movement that believes every student deserves good mental health.

Join the movement to create a mentally healthy generation.

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