Andy Garbacz

Andy Garbacz is a Professor and Co-Area Chair of the School Psychology Program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s School of Education. He holds a Ph.D. in Psychological Studies in Education (School Psychology) from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has extensive experience in clinical, school, and community mental health settings. His research focuses on mental health promotion, optimizing interventions in schools, and fostering family-school partnerships to support youth well-being. He directs the School Mental Health Collaborative and the Family-School-Community Alliance, emphasizing equity and evidence-based practices.

Education:

• Ph.D., Psychological Studies in Education (School Psychology), University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Research Interests:

• Mental health interventions in schools and communities
• Implementation science and randomized trials
• Family-centered prevention (e.g., Resilient Families, Family Check-Up)
• Equity-focused partnerships with marginalized families

Recent Article Trends: Prioritizes family-school collaboration frameworks, equity-centered approaches to mental health, and scalable interventions for diverse populations. Key areas include tiered behavioral supports, parent-teacher partnerships, and reducing systemic barriers in education.

Awards: Lightner Witmer Award (APA), Morgridge Fellow, and Community-Engaged Scholarship recognition for his partnership-driven work.

Grants & Teams: Funded by IES, CDC, NIMH, and other agencies. Leads national initiatives like the Family-School-Community Alliance to advance family-professional wellness and youth development.

Labs/Teams: School Mental Health Collaborative (research-to-policy translation) and Family-School-Community Alliance (national partnerships).