Philadelphia SESI Employees Honored with 2025 Lenny Learning Mental Health Leadership Award

Philadelphia SESI Employees Recognized with the 2025 Mental Health Leadership Award

Esteemed Specialized Education Services, Inc. student service coordinators, Aatiqah Ali, Excel Middle Years Academy, and Gina Gibson, Excel Academy North, have received the 2025 Lenny Learning Mental Health Leadership Award. This is a national recognition honoring individuals who advance youth mental health through creative, collaborative, and student-centered work. The awards are given to school counselors, district leaders, and nonprofit practitioners who are committed to building systems where young people feel seen, supported, and able to thrive.

“We are fortunate to have professionals like Aatiqah and Gina leading the way in supporting students’ social-emotional and mental health needs,” said Jennifer Green, regional director. “Their dedication, creativity, and commitment to building safe, nurturing environments exemplify the very best of our mission, and we are so proud of this well-deserved recognition.”

Aatiqah Ali’s Leadership in Student Mental Health and Social-Emotional Support Programming

Ali leads daily Social Emotional Support Programming and full-scope student support at Excel Middle Years Academy. She created identity-affirming clubs and creative outlets, including entrepreneurship and fashion groups that double as therapeutic spaces, while overseeing schoolwide systems like Harambe, a student-led morning meeting focused on reflection, belonging, and community building.

“Being honored for my work in mental health leadership is both an honor and a powerful reminder of the importance of advocating for emotional well-being in our communities,” said Ali. “This recognition highlights the value of creating safe, supportive environments where students and staff can thrive mentally and emotionally.”

Ali recalled a student who balanced caring for siblings while pursuing a military career. Through participation in student clubs and the student government, he gained confidence and leadership skills. Today, he is a military veteran and continues to stay in touch. Ali measures her success through improved student attendance, behavior, academic performance, student confidence, and long-term outcomes such as alumni giving back to their school community.

Gina Gibson’s Trauma-Informed Mental Health Leadership

Gibson serves as Excel Academy North’s sole counselor, leading trauma-informed Tier 1–3 mental health supports. She developed a post-pandemic mental health screener now used network-wide. Additionally, she designs Social Emotional Support Programming, integrating schoolwide themes and individualized counseling, runs a peer mediation program in partnership with Temple University, supports student basic needs, and cultivates leadership through mentorship pipelines.

“Being recognized for my work in mental health leadership is deeply meaningful because it reflects the passion and care I’ve poured into supporting those whose voices are often unheard,” said Gibson. “In Philadelphia, this honor feels especially personal, as it celebrates the community I’ve walked alongside, listened to, and advocated for every day. It reminds me that the connections we build, the hope we nurture, and the spaces we create for healing matter most.”

Gibson highlighted a teen mother who transitioned from an alternative education program while struggling with depressive symptoms and attendance. Through consistent check-ins and support, she graduated, gained independence, and returned as an alumna to mentor other at-risk youth. Gibson evaluates the impact of her initiatives through student and staff feedback, pre- and post-assessments, and indicators like attendance, behavior trends, and overall school climate.

What the 2025 Mental Health Leadership Award Represents

The Lenny Learning Mental Health Leadership Award honors educators who implement meaningful, measurable, and culturally responsive improvements in youth mental health. Ali and Gibson exemplify this spirit, and we are proud to call them our teammates.