Her Story
About Nancy
Nancy Salomon serves as a SAP liaison for school districts in the Lehigh Valley, combining her background as a K-8 teacher with her dedication to student mental health support. She earned a BA in History from Western Connecticut State University, followed by an education certification from the same institution, and a master's degree from Mount St. Mary College in May 2002. Certified to teach in Connecticut and New York, Salomon is also a QPR trainer focused on suicide prevention. In addition to her professional role, she acts as co-task force leader for the local suicide coalition, serves on the national board of VEDUM, and supports families through Local Outreach of Suicide Survivors. Her work in the field began five and a half years ago following personal tragedy, and she emphasizes breaking stigmas around mental health while advocating for greater resources and community support.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nancy
01What do you attribute your success to?
A couple of weeks after my son died, his twin looked at me and said, Mom? Life is for the living. And that really resonated with me... at that point, I realize that I'm here, and I have to live. My son didn't choose to get sick... I can help other people understand this.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
You can let your situation do one of three things. You can let it destroy you. [or put it] behind you. or develop you. The choice is up to you.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be who you are and be proud. It's okay to be vulnerable. And we all need a bright light out there.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
There's not enough help out here. They're struggling, and they are waiting sometimes years to see a professional... our society sees Mental health in a negative way. Kids are too afraid to speak up... There's not enough money in the field. The pay is so poor. People can't afford to live. And more and more grants are being taken away. Funding is gone.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Number one is our family. No matter what. My family, my community, But making sure that we're all taking care of each other as a whole person. Mental health is part of regular health, physical health. And until we work To destroy the stigmas That go along with it. For mental health. We're not going to advance the society. Our children need this.
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