NHASP is deeply saddened to learn of the deaths of Dr. Ryan Long, his wife Emily Long, their son Parker, and their daughter Ryan. Ryan Long was a Past President of NHASP and most recently worked as a school psychologist for the Oyster River Cooperative School District. He also had professional ties to Plymouth State University, Seacoast Mental Health, and NAMI-NH, and previously worked as a clinical mental health counselor. With the start of a new school year quickly approaching, the loss of Ryan, Emily, Parker, and Ryan will be grieved by coworkers, students, classmates, and many others. Hyperlinks to resources from the National Association of School Psychologists are provided below. These informational resources are available for free, and we hope you find them useful as you support children, their parents, and teachers in times like these.
Death and Grief in the Family: Providing Support at School
Addressing Grief: Tips for Teachers and Administrators
Of course, the tragedy on Monday is understandably a source of distress for all of us. As you support the needs of others, please make sure to pay attention to your own needs, and utilize the strategies that fit best for you. But if you need help, your school psychology community is here to support you. If NHASP can help, please reach out to current NHASP President, Joe Mahoney at jmahoneynhasp@gmail.com. And if you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health and/or substance use crisis, you can call and speak to trained and caring clinical staff. Call the NH Rapid Response Access Point at 833-710-6477, or call or text 988.
We will be back in touch with our members very soon with more support resources and opportunities for community and connection. Until then, please give someone you love an extra hug tonight.
Sincerely,
Joe Mahoney, President
Sam Broadhead, Past President
on behalf of New Hampshire Association of School Psychologists
