The Wellness Center

A woman in a green hoodie and jeans stands in a room with several round tables and white chairs. A person with headphones sits at a table eating, with a fire-shaped decoration on a brick wall and colorful mural in the background.
Group of kids sitting and standing around a round table playing a game with green balls and small colored cards on a white tablecloth, in a decorated indoor setting.
Group of young people attending a classroom or workshop, some raising hands, some sitting and listening, with colorful posters and a neon dinosaur sign on the brick wall.

  • During lunch blocks, the Wellness Center offers:

    • A relaxed indoor space away from a busy campus and inclement weather

    • Games, activities, and creative outlets

    • The option to talk—or just sit and relax

    • A sense of belonging in a large school where finding your place can take time

    Students are welcomed by parent volunteers and Mrs. Billmire, who are present to help, connect, or simply make the space feel friendly and safe.

    This is a privilege space and students are encouraged to treat it as a place to look out for themselves and each other.

  • The Wellness Center is not a replacement for therapy or clinical mental health care, but it is an essential part of the support system a school can provide. It offers students a safe, supervised space, a caring adult presence, and meaningful connection and community during the school day. Schools play a significant role in student well‑being, and Myers Park continues to invest in programming, prevention, and support. At the same time, the most impactful mental health care happens through partnership with families and ongoing conversations at home.

    Students experience the Wellness Center as a calm, welcoming environment where they can reset, regulate, and reconnect. They may visit during lunch, supported by trained adult volunteers who provide a steady, approachable presence.

    Throughout the day, the Wellness Center hosts a range of initiatives that strengthen emotional health, including:

    • Wellness activities and skill‑building sessions that promote coping strategies and self‑regulation

    • Panel discussions and student‑led programming that foster connection and reduce stigma

    • Support groups and small‑group sessions that offer a safe space to share experiences and access guidance tailored to student needs

    Together, these elements create a supportive, accessible environment where students can find connection, learn new skills, and receive the encouragement they need to navigate challenges.

  • The Wellness Center was made possible by the family of Jason Huff, a former Myers Park High School student who passed away in 2022, and the Myers Park High School Foundation.

    This space stands as a reflection of care, remembrance, and a shared commitment to supporting students.

  • Susan Billmire is a counselor and Graduation Coach. She works closely with students to provide support, oversees the Wellness Center, and checks in with students who may be struggling.

  • Parent and community volunteers are essential to keeping the Wellness Center open and welcoming during lunch blocks.

    Volunteers help:

    • Greet students

    • Play games or engage in activities

    • Create a warm, positive atmosphere

    We are grateful for our community’s support and our volunteer needs are currently met. Future opportunities will be posted here as they arise.

Students experience school differently. The reflections below represent everyday ways students describe feeling supported at school.

  • Having a calm place to go during the school day helps me feel more at ease, even when nothing specific is wrong.

    — MPHS Student

  • Lunch can feel like a lot, so being able to come inside and slow down really helps.

    — MPHS Student

  • Playing a game or just sitting with other people can make the rest of my day feel easier.

    — MPHS Student

  • I don’t always want to talk. Sometimes it just helps to be somewhere that feels comfortable.

    — MPHS Student