MHLA Awards 25-26 Winner

Alicia Wilson

NY Regional Director of Social Work

School

Uncommon Schools NYC

Years in education

23

“Being recognized for my work in mental health leadership is a testament to the tireless efforts I’ve made to support and empower individuals and communities. This acknowledgement not only validates my dedication but also inspires me to continue creating positive change and promoting mental wellness. It means the world to me and my community, as it reflects our collective commitment to fostering a culture of care and compassion.”

Alicia Wilson is the Director of Clinical Social Work at Uncommon Schools, where she leads SEL and mental health strategy across 24 NYC schools and supports broader network adoption. She designed a post-pandemic SEL framework, launched student voice surveys to inform programming, and created a tiered support model that integrates SEL into advisory, classrooms, and counseling. Alicia also scaled Lenny Learning across the region and helped embed shared core values into school culture to strengthen cohesion and belonging. Her leadership has transformed how schools approach behavioral health—bridging academics and SEL, elevating student voice, and shifting systems toward proactive care.