Episode 39 | Maria Barrera on Using Tech to Address the Mental Health Crisis in Youth

Summary

In this episode, Kyle Wallgren interviews Maria Barrera, founder and CEO of Clayful, a platform providing essential mental health resources for K-12 students. They discuss the increasing mental health challenges faced by youth, particularly in the wake of the pandemic and the influence of social media. Maria shares her journey in creating Clayful, emphasizing the importance of preventative mental health support and how technology can be leveraged to reach students in need. The conversation highlights the barriers to accessing mental health resources, the role of educators, and the impact of Clayful on students' lives.

Takeaways

- Mental health challenges are prevalent among K-12 students.
- Preventative measures are crucial for mental health support.
- Technology can be a helpful extension in mental health care.
- Access to mental health resources should be equitable for all students.
- Boys are often less likely to seek help, making outreach essential.
- Educators need to shift their mindset about technology in the classroom.
- Real-time support can save lives and prevent crises.
- Building relationships is key to effective mental health support.
- Networking is vital for success in the EdTech space.
- Success stories from Clayful highlight the importance of mental health resources.

Sound Bites

"We need to do something about it."
"It's better to be going to the gym every day."
"We designed a system where we can only get mental health support once we reach a breaking point."

Chapters

00:27 Introduction to Clayful and Mental Health Challenges

01:23 The Inspiration Behind Clayful

04:48 How Clayful Works: Access and Engagement

13:07 Overcoming Barriers in Mental Health Support

16:10 The Role of Technology in Mental Health

19:13 Maria's Impactful Moments

22:12 Maria's Journey: From Engineering to Education

23:52 Success Stories and Impact of Clayful

27:28 Building Relationships and Networking in EdTech

About Maria

Maria Barrera is the founder of Clayful, a platform dedicated to providing essential mental health support tailored for the TikTok generation, positively impacting thousands of K-12 students nationwide. With an engineering degree from Stanford University, she leverages her technical expertise to innovate mental health solutions. Her impressive background includes designing UI/UX for Tesla and Nissan, establishing a tutoring marketplace, and holding leadership roles in growth and monetization at various companies. Barrera has also played a vital role in Series A and B fundraising efforts. Through Clayful, she is committed to creating accessible mental health resources that enhance student well-being.

Connect with Maria

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-barrera-/