Influential Woman · Mental Health Education
Dr. Jill N. Rubinstein, Ed.D., CAS
Mental Health Educator, The Middle Path
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Her Story
About Jill
Dr. Jill N. Rubinstein, Ed.D., CAS, is a Mental Health Educator, founder of The Middle Path, and an experienced educator dedicated to improving the well-being of professionals in helping fields. After beginning her career in education in 2005 as an elementary school teacher, district wide instructional coach, and educator of pre-service teachers, she transitioned into mental health education in 2020 to address the growing emotional and psychological challenges facing educators, healthcare professionals, coaches, and other service-oriented professionals. In 2021, she founded The Middle Path to make practical mental health education more accessible and affordable through workshops, organizational training, skills groups, and individualized support. With more than two decades of experience spanning education, leadership, and mental health, Dr. Rubinstein combines evidence-based strategies with practical, real-world application to help organizations build healthier, more resilient workplaces. She holds a Doctor of Education from the University of Colorado Denver, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Colorado College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Colgate University. A Certified Addiction Specialist with additional certifications in CAMS Care and Mental Health First Aid, she is recognized for her ability to create meaningful connections, foster psychological safety, and empower individuals through compassionate, relationship-centered learning. Her contributions to education were recognized with the Colorado Council of Supervisors of Math's Math Leadership Award in 2018. Beyond her professional work, Dr. Rubinstein is committed to advancing education, equity, and mental wellness through service and leadership. She has served as a Trustee for the Education Foundation of Eagle County and as a board member of the Colorado Council of Teachers of Mathematics, while maintaining membership with Psychology Today. Guided by values of joy, connection, generosity, justice, equity, acceptance, understanding, and self-love, she advocates for expanding access to mental health resources and encouraging organizations to invest in the well-being of their teams. Through The Middle Path, she continues to help individuals and organizations cultivate sustainable resilience, prevent burnout, and create healthier, more supportive communities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jill
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to building meaningful relationships with the people I serve. I strive to make every person feel seen, heard, and understood, which creates trust and authentic connections. By leading with empathy and genuine care, I am able to foster relationships that encourage people to learn, grow, and work with me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to listen to myself and follow what feels right. If a career path no longer aligns with my values or purpose, it is okay to make a change. Being willing to shift my professional focus has allowed me to pursue work that is both meaningful and impactful.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to continue learning while recognizing and valuing the knowledge and skills they already possess. Never underestimate your abilities or the contributions you can make. As you build the career and life you envision, remain open to the encouragement and support of other women, because strong professional communities help everyone succeed.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges in mental health and wellness education is the cost of accessing quality care, which prevents many people from receiving the support they need. In addition, workplace pressures and societal expectations surrounding achievement have negatively impacted overall well-being, with many people closely tying their identity to their work. At the same time, there is a significant opportunity for organizations to prioritize employee wellness by investing in mental health education and skills training, making these resources more accessible and sustainable.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my personal life, I value joy, connection, generosity, justice, and fun. Professionally, I am guided by equity, acceptance, understanding, and self-love. These values shape the way I teach, build relationships, and support individuals and organizations in creating healthier, more compassionate environments.
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