Boston School Psychs Podcast - Episode 7: Strengthening Culturally Responsive Practices in Schools

This week on the Boston School Psychs Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Sheila Desai, Director of Equity and Inclusive Practices at the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), along with Dr. Andria Amador, Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services for Boston Public Schools, for an in-depth conversation about strengthening culturally responsive practices in school psychology.

Dr. Desai shares insights from her leadership at NASP, including recommendations and resources that support school psychologists in building equity-focused, culturally responsive systems. She discusses how culturally responsive practices extend beyond individual interactions and into broader school-wide approaches that promote belonging, inclusion, and more equitable outcomes for students.

Dr. Amador reflects on the ongoing work happening across Boston Public Schools to embed culturally responsive practices into daily school psychology work, from engaging families and communities to ensuring that behavioral health supports are accessible, relevant, and respectful of diverse cultures and experiences.

Dr. Desai also looks back on her years as a BPS school psychologist during the early stages of the Comprehensive Behavioral Health Model (CBHM), sharing what it was like to be part of the model’s launch when it existed in only ten pilot schools. She highlights how equity conversations shaped CBHM’s development and how the model has grown into a district-wide system in 2025.

Together, they explore how culturally responsive practices strengthen school communities, support student wellbeing, and help school psychologists serve as advocates for equity in both direct practice and systemic work.