The start of K12prWell.
In March 2018, an unplanned phone call between two stressed-out school PR friends led Shawn and Kristin to raise the question of workplace wellness within the demands of school PR.
Today, K12prWell is a conversation that spans North America, including multiple NSPRA and state chapter workshops, an e-mail distribution list with nearly 400 members and a record-setting #K12prChat on Twitter.
The three pillars of K12prWell
Personal Habits, Healthy Boundaries and Workplace Structures — these are the foundation of workplace wellbeing for high-performing professionals.
Meet the founders
Kristin Magette, APR
Kristin served as communications director for the Eudora, Kan., School District from 2006 to 2018, and spent most of these years on the KanSPRA board, including a term as president and four years as treasurer.
After publishing her book, Embracing Social Media, in 2014, Kristin gained opportunities to speak nationally about social media strategy and leadership for schools.
She now serves school districts and health and wellness organizations as a communications strategist for CEL Marketing PR & Design.
Shawn McKillop, APR
Shawn McKillop, APR, developed a passion for education when he served as communications advisor to the Minister of Education for the province of Ontario. Having since served the Grand Erie District School Board, he now works as manager of communications and community engagement for the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board.
Shawn was a strategic leader for two award-winning campaigns supporting student mental health and well-being. He is dedicated to continue collaborating with social workers to promote mental health and wellness for all.
What people are saying
“
K12prWell reminds me that how I manage stress isn’t just good for me and my family. It keeps me at my best for my district.
”
— CHRISTY MCGEE, APR“
I’ve learned so much from Kristin and Shawn about avoiding career burnout and protecting my own mental health. School PR pros have a responsibility to care for ourselves in order to serve our school and community.
”
— CINDY WARNER, APR“
In many conversations, K12prWell has become proof that we are all better school PR professionals when we care for ourselves!
”
— MELISSA ROBINETTE“
Hearing Shawn and Kristin present at NSPRA in D.C. forever changed the way I view my work and life.
”
— KRISTIN BOYD-EDWARDSWith help from licensed mental health pros
From the earliest days of K12prWell, Shawn and Kristin have defined their role as champions of best practices for mental wellbeing. They rely on ready collaboration with licensed mental health leaders to guide the development of presentations, messages and other resources to be shared.
Heather Carter, MSW, RSW
is chief of social work and attendance services for York Region District School Board in Aurora, Ontario.
Christina Mann, LSCSW
is a statewide behavior social-emotional learning specialist serving school districts through the Kansas Technical Assistance System Network.
Laura Shaughnessy, MA, LPC
is an individuals and couples counselor in Kansas City. She also was appointed to the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board by Governor Laura Kelly.