Effective School Solutions (“ESS” or the “Company”), a leading provider of school-based behavioral health services, today announced the appointment of Susan Norris, PhD, as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Dr. Norris is an accomplished executive with more than two decades of leadership experience in behavioral healthcare. She joins ESS from Deer Oaks Behavioral Health, where she served as CEO, overseeing a workforce of nearly 600 professionals across 23 states. During her tenure, she drove significant growth while enhancing clinical quality and advancing access to care. She previously held senior and executive leadership roles at Kepro, InfoMC, Comprehensive Care Corporation, and MHNet Behavioral Health.

In addition to her leadership background, Dr. Norris is a trained clinical psychologist and formerly a licensed mental health counselor. Her early-career experience as a behavioral health provider continues to inform her leadership philosophy and deep commitment to expanding nationwide access to high-quality behavioral health services.

Dr. Norris officially assumed her role as CEO of ESS on October 1, 2025. In her first weeks, she will connect with ESS team members and stakeholders across the Company’s community to gain insights into their work and perspectives.

“I am honored to join ESS at such an important time,” said Dr. Norris. “The need for accessible, high-quality school-based behavioral health services has never been greater. I look forward to building on the strong foundation ESS has created and working alongside this exceptional team to expand our impact nationwide.”

With Dr. Norris at the helm, ESS is well-positioned to continue its mission of transforming schools into places where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

About Effective School Solutions:

Effective School Solutions (ESS) is the country’s largest provider of school-based mental health care. The company partners with school districts to help them implement culturally-inclusive mental health and behavioral support programs proven to improve care, strengthen academics, address trauma, and maintain students in-district – helping every child reach their greatest potential. To learn more about Effective School Solutions, please visit: https://www.effectiveschoolsolutions.com/.

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With Dr. Norris at the helm, ESS is well-positioned to continue its mission of transforming schools into places where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.