In Spring 2025, Montana’s rural education community embarked on a focused, evidence-based mental wellness pilot. Sparked by Dr. Cindy Fouhy, Ph.D. and in partnership with the HeartMath^® Institute, Montana Small Schools Alliance (MSSA), and Montana Professional Learning Collaborative (MtPLC), the initiative aimed to address persistent and unique stressors afflicting teachers in isolated, resource-limited schools. This pilot sought to empower educators through accessible, practical mental health tools during some of the busiest months of the academic year.

Students from the Mission Achievement Success Charter School practicing with the Inner Balance™ Coherence Plus Technology

Jeff Goelitz: A big hello, JoAnn. It’s good to be with you. I talk regularly with educators and what comes up frequently is how students are increasingly ill-equipped to learn. The downward trend in academic achievement shows that, but also shows the very impactful results from student mental health issues, post-pandemic. Your school is bucking that trend with astronomical gains in academics. What explains that?

This spring, The Woodlands College Park High School in Woodlands, Texas became the birthplace of a potentially exciting movement in student well-being, thanks to the vision and leadership of student Sai Balaji. By founding the very first Heart Coherence Club, Sai set out to spark a culture of inspiration — encouraging students to become the best versions of themselves while lifting up those around them.

Since opening in January 2023, Spirit Horse Ranch has conducted 2,250 HeartMath^® sessions, helping individuals regulate their emotions, build resilience, and recover from trauma. Ranch sessions integrate equine-assisted learning with HeartMath tech- niques, teaching participants to manage stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional well-being. Serving wildfire survivors, youth facing personal crises, first responders, and mental health practitioners, the program has provided a vital resource for healing on Maui.