A young girl whose family is experiencing socio-economic challenges. A middle school boy with autism who lost both of his parents as a toddler. A high school student who was sexually assaulted and now deals with panic attacks. These are just a few of the many youths who have been part of Lee Health’s Kids’ Minds Matter initiative over the past 10 years and who have felt its positive impact throughout their mental health journeys.
Kids’ Minds Matter was founded in 2016 by Scott Spiezle and Susan Goldy to raise awareness about the urgent need for pediatric mental and behavioral health care services. A small group of advocates recognized that children’s mental health was becoming a growing crisis in our community. Since then, Kids’ Minds Matter has worked to meet children and families where they are, helping them access care, overcome barriers and receive critical guidance — from mental health support to essential needs. The organization has gone from 1,000 visits ten years ago to more than 24,500 visits in 2025.
Through initiatives like the Mental Health Navigators program, along with investments in provider recruitment and clinic expansion, Kids’ Minds Matter has significantly improved how children in Southwest Florida access timely, high-quality mental and behavioral health care.
Mental Health Navigators combine personal experience with professional expertise to guide families to the support they need. With compassion, understanding and no judgment, navigators empower families to independently manage challenges, strengthen family life and improve outcomes and overall wellbeing for their children.
In 2025 alone, Kids’ Minds Matter’s support helped achieve several major milestones that are transforming access to pediatric mental health care in Southwest Florida. Through the Mental Health Navigator program, students experienced a 41% reduction in school absences and a 52% reduction in hospitalizations, demonstrating measurable improvements in both stability and wellbeing. In addition, outpatient services expanded with the opening of the new Golisano Children’s Hospital Pediatric Behavioral Health location at Bimini Square in Cape Coral, and eight new pediatric behavioral health providers were hired to meet growing community demand.
Normal is Overrated youth groups is another program designed to create a welcoming environment where teens and adolescents can connect with their peers under the guidance of a professional moderator. Open to students in grades six through 12, these groups foster connection through shared experiences, help reduce stigma and empower young people to share their voices and their stories.
Participants engage in meaningful discussions and build genuine connections with others who “get it.” The peer-led groups provide a space where adolescents and teens feel heard, valued and supported.
These programs, and many others offered by Kids’ Minds Matter, have made a lasting impact on children, teens, parents and caregivers across Southwest Florida for a decade.
The organization’s influence extends beyond the direct services and into public policy. Advocacy efforts have reached lawmakers in Tallahassee, contributing to the passage of Florida’s Live Healthy legislative package in 2024.
The landmark legislation includes provisions aimed at strengthening Florida’s health care workforce, including mental and behavioral health professionals, and expanding access to critical mental health services statewide. It represents a significant step forward for pediatric mental and behavioral health care.
However, demand for pediatric mental health services remains high throughout Southwest Florida. Rapid population growth and unique regional challenges continue to put increasing pressure on children and their families, driving the need for expanded services and support.
Kids’ Minds Matter remains committed to meeting those needs by strengthening emotional resilience, sparking meaningful conversations and equipping families with practical tools to navigate life’s ups and downs – helping young people shine brighter today and in the years ahead.
Anne Frazier is the System Director of Development at Lee Health Foundation. The foundation works to raise awareness and much-needed funds to bring quality, lifesaving health care to Southwest Florida.
