The Whole Team for the Whole Child: How OhioRISE Supports Students with Complex Needs
When it comes to learning, educators know there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The same is true for students with complex behavioral and mental health needs. In this episode, we explore how the Ohio Department of Medicaid's OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence) program has transformed the way those students get the support they need, bringing together schools, families, healthcare providers, and community partners to build individualized supports across multiple systems to help children succeed at home, in the classroom, and beyond.
LEARN MORE | Check out the OhioRISE brochure to learn more about the program or click here to visit the OhioRISE website and explore the resources and program details, including a map to find the care management entity in your county. You can also email OhioRISE@medicaid.ohio.gov with your questions.
SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK | If you'd like to share your thoughts on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear on future episodes, please email educationmatters@ohea.org.
SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.
LEARN MORE | Check out the OhioRISE brochure to learn more about the program or click here to visit the OhioRISE website and explore the resources and program details, including a map to find the care management entity in your county. You can also email OhioRISE@medicaid.ohio.gov with your questions.
SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK | If you'd like to share your thoughts on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear on future episodes, please email educationmatters@ohea.org.
SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.
Featured Public Education Matters guest:
- Jessica Horowitz-Moore, Ohio Department of Medicaid Deputy Director of Children's Health Engagement
- Jessica Horowitz-Moore is a multidisciplinary leader dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families. She currently serves as the Deputy Director of Children’s Health Engagement with the Ohio Department of Medicaid, advancing statewide strategies that support child well-being. Previously, she was the Chief of Student and Academic Supports for the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. With experience as a public defender, child abuse prosecutor, and elementary school principal, Jessica brings a unique, cross‑sector perspective to removing barriers to learning. She holds a JD from Hofstra University and both an MBA and bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University
In this episode:
- 00:00 - Supporting the Whole Child
- 02:20 - OhioRISE: A New Way to Support Kids with Complex Behavioral Health Needs
- 03:23 - Care Coordination and Wraparound Support
- 04:34 - Rethinking Crisis Response
- 06:26 - Helping Students Thrive in Every Environment
- 09:47 - What Educators Need to Know
- 12:39 - Keeping Kids Connected to Their Schools
- 13:32 - Measuring Success
- 15:05 - The Wide Range of Student Needs
- 16:37 - Why These Supports Matter
- 17:44 - Stories of Hope and Transformation
- 20:13 - Successful Kids, Families, and Communities
- 20:48 - Finding Resources and Learning More
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About us:
- The Ohio Education Association represents approximately 115,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
- Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children.
This episode was recorded on August 25, 2026.
