School Health Advisory Board
The School Health Advisory Board (SHAB) for Richmond Public Schools was formed to advise the School Board on issues related to student health.
Data is clear that healthier students are better learners. The SHAB, comprised of RPS parents, students, and teachers, as well as content experts in nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and child wellness will take a holistic view of health that encompasses the many factors that influence students’ ability to be healthy, to learn, and to succeed.
In alignment with Dreams4RPS, the district’s strategic plan, the SHAB is poised to address issues such as the nutritional content of school meals, the incorporation of trauma-informed and trauma-resilient practices, and the provision of mental health and social support through activities such as conducting outreach to school staff and families, researching evidenced-based practices, reviewing the school wellness policy, and making recommendations to the school board on an annual basis.
The RPS SHAB is rooted in CDC’s Whole Child, Whole School, Whole Community Framework, an evidenced-based strategy for supporting student wellness. The framework calls for greater alignment, integration, and collaboration between health and education to improve each child’s cognitive, physical, social and emotional development. Other SHABs are active in school districts throughout the state including Alexandria, Arlington, Charlottesville, and Chesterfield, and can provide useful models for structuring work in Richmond.
Upcoming Meetings
Attend one of our upcoming meetings! All are open to the public and held at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St, Suite A from 5:30 - 7:00pm. If you're unable to attend in-person, feel free to join virtually.
- March 8
- May 10
Rev Your Bev!
With so many proven benefits, drinking water should be an important part of every student’s day, both at home and at school. Parents and school staff can work together to facilitate and encourage water consumption among youth. Take a look at Rev Your Bev's Toolkit to learn about the strategies that teachers and staff can use to promote water in schools!
SHAB Members
- Robin Gahan, Chair
- Jenny Aghomo, Vice Chair
- Justine Blincoe, Secretary
- Devonee DeSilva, Student Liaison
- Jasmine Thomas, Student Liaison
- Henry Weber, Student Liaison
- Kai Banks
- Tegwyn Brickhouse
- Elizabeth Doerr, School Board Representative
- Emily Faye
- Tanya Francis, Parent Liaison
- Marlene Gooding
- Syreeta Holton
- Pamela Jamerson
- Kierra Johnson
- Nicole Jones, School Board Representative
- Emily Kavanaugh
- Kieasha King, Teacher Liaison
- Jackie Lawrence
- Shenee McCray
- Heather Montgomery
- Dr. Stefanie Ramsey
- Kevin Starlings
- Na-Keisha White
- Asia Wilson
- Dr. Cleome Winters
Get Involved
Share your Feedback!
To help guide their work, SHAB is collecting community feedback on an ongoing basis. Fill out our Community Feedback Form!
Join a Committee!
Committees include School Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Mental Health.
Email the SHAB for more information.