In this episode of Founder to Founder, Felicia Wright sits down with Amanda Comitch-Troward, the founder of Mental Heart Healing House, a microschool located in Arizona’s East Valley. The interview explores Amanda's journey into creating a unique microschool that not only serves children but also provides therapeutic support to students and their families. The discussion highlights her holistic, community-driven approach to education, blending therapy with non-traditional learning to address the emotional and mental health needs of her students.
A Holistic Microschool Journey
Amanda started her microschool, Mental Heart Healing House, about four and a half years ago. Initially operating out of a renovated space on the side of her house, her microschool has since expanded, thanks to a generous donation from TLC, moving into a larger facility. Her microschool serves a multi-age, multi-grade population from pre-K to high school, offering something truly special—a focus on the emotional and mental well-being of children.
One unique feature of Amanda’s school is the inclusion of 16-year-old students as peer mentors for younger children, which fosters a sense of responsibility and leadership among teens. This aspect grew from Amanda’s desire to counter the negative stereotypes often associated with teenagers. “The teenagers are really responsible. They have a lot to give," Amanda explains. By allowing older students to mentor preschoolers and elementary-aged children, Amanda’s microschool creates a supportive community where teens thrive by helping others.
The Therapeutic Side of Education
As a former therapist, Amanda found that traditional clinics were limiting in how they could serve families, so she transitioned to a microschool setting. Her mission was clear: to create a space where children could receive more than just academic education—they needed emotional support, especially those facing life challenges such as family changes, grief, or mental health struggles.
To meet this need, Mental Heart Healing House offers a variety of therapeutic services, such as art therapy, music therapy, and equine-assisted therapy. Amanda employs licensed therapists who specialize in working with children, ensuring that every therapeutic activity is thoughtfully integrated into their daily routine.
Students also participate in "Mad Science," where therapy and learning intersect. Every aspect of the microschool is designed to nurture the students' emotional health while allowing them to thrive academically. “We replaced regular classes like art or PE with a therapeutic focus, giving kids the mental health support they need alongside their education,” Amanda shared.
Flexibility for Families
Amanda’s microschool stands out for its flexibility. Families who enroll their children have the option of full-time or part-time attendance, with flexible scheduling to accommodate their needs. Amanda noted that the children’s core academic work is completed online, allowing them to attend school without the pressure of rigid start times or schedules. This approach ensures that families dealing with unique circumstances—whether it’s a parent’s illness or a child’s mental health crisis—can still participate in the learning environment.
The microschool even offers a monthly plan where students can join therapeutic sessions and special classes when needed, allowing parents to use the school’s resources for both themselves and their children. Amanda believes in tailoring the educational experience to each child’s emotional and academic needs, providing a well-rounded and deeply personal learning environment.
Community-Centered Education
One of the most remarkable aspects of Amanda’s microschool is the strong sense of community she has built. The school partners with local businesses and volunteers to provide students with real-world learning experiences. For example, children at Mental Heart Healing House learn to cook and sew with the help of volunteers, and they even take part in 4-H programs that allow them to interact with animals and engage in farm life.
“Arizona has been good to me,” Amanda said. The state's support for microschools, along with the community’s willingness to contribute, has been instrumental in her success. In addition to financial assistance from Arizona’s ESA program, local businesses like Fat Cats, an amusement center, partner with the school to offer fun learning experiences, such as therapy sessions using miniature golf to teach patience.
Advice for Parents
For parents who are unsure about what type of educational environment is best for their child, Amanda’s advice is to take a step back and assess what their child truly needs. “Get quiet and figure out what you really want for your child, not just what you’ve been told they should have,” she advises. She encourages families to research their options and consider microschools, homeschooling, or other alternative education paths that might better serve their child’s emotional and academic well-being.
Amanda’s microschool provides a clear example of how alternative education models can effectively serve children who need more than what traditional schools can offer. By focusing on small class sizes, individualized care, and the integration of mental health support, Mental Heart Healing House is making a significant impact on the lives of its students and families.
For more information about Mental Heart Healing House, visit www.mentalheart.org or call 928-371-7529.
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