SWSC FOCUS Care Coordination

The Southwest School Corporation was proud to launch the © FOCUS Care Coordination Program in September 2025, made possible through a $902,115.94 grant from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute’s 2025–2027 Juvenile Behavioral Health Competitive Grant Pilot Program.

The program officially began district-wide on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, with a dedicated © FOCUS team in place at each building to provide direct support to students and families. Since its launch, the FOCUS team has strengthened connections among students, families, schools, and community resources while providing individualized support for students experiencing behavioral health needs.

© FOCUS is an intermediate intensity care coordination model developed by Innovations Institute at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work. The model modernizes traditional case management practices and utilizes a trauma-informed approach and lens to ensure authentic partnership with families and individualized, family-anchored, comprehensive, accountable plans of care.

Through © FOCUS, Southwest Schools will see:

• Improved student well-being and reduced discipline issues.
• Wraparound services including counseling, mentorship, and family engagement.
• Stronger partnerships with healthcare providers and community agencies.
• Professional training for staff through the University of Connecticut’s Innovations Institute

Shelby Chandler leads the © FOCUS team as Care Plan Supervisor. She brings valuable experience from her work with the Debra Corn Foster Care Program, where she coordinated services for children in foster care and their families. Shelby will oversee the FOCUS program across all schools, ensuring quality services and strong connections with families.

• Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Development

• Email: schandler@swest.k12.in.us

• Associate in Psychology; Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Minor in Sociology)
• Email: atolliver@swest.k12.in.us

A new member of the © FOCUS Care Coordination team, Anne McLain brings more than 20 years of experience in social services, including 10 years with the Indiana Department of Child Services. Most recently, she served as a Care Coordinator with Indiana Mentor, supporting foster families and collaborating with community partners to meet the needs of children. Anne will now support SES students and families through care coordination.

• Bachelor of Science in Criminology
• Email: amclain@swest.k12.in.us

We are excited to welcome Bryanna Foster to the © FOCUS team! Bryanna brings valuable experience supporting children, adolescents, and families through service coordination, behavioral health, family engagement, and client advocacy. In her previous roles, she has connected families with community resources, collaborated with schools and other service providers, monitored progress, and helped develop plans to support long-term success. Her passion for reducing barriers and helping families access the support they need makes her a wonderful addition to our FOCUS team!

• Associate's in Social Work
• Email: bfoster@swest.k12.in.us

Dominique Ruiz has experience in behavioral health case management, helping children and families navigate complex challenges. Known for her dedication to building strong relationships and connecting families with resources, Dominique will serve students and families at Carlisle Elementary/Middle School.

• Bachelor’s in Psychology

• Email: druiz@swest.k12.in.us

• Born and raised in Sullivan County, Paige Chickadaunce is committed to serving her community. She has experience as a peer mentor, peer educator, and ABA therapist trainee, with a strong background in crisis response and student wellness.

  
  

  • Bachelor’s in Psychology with minors in Education and Mathematics

  • Email: pchickadaunce@swest.k12.in.us