With School2Skills collaboration, Rogers opens doors for future mental health professionals

Offering a new world of possibilities can be as simple as opening doors. 

Rogers Behavioral Health was happy to welcome area high school students for visits to Oconomowoc as part of the Waukesha County Business Alliance’s School2Skills program. The program gives students the chance to visit local organizations to learn more about careers in manufacturing and health care. 

At Rogers, students could talk with professionals and participate in activities to learn more about what a career in mental health might look like. In March, Waukesha High School students visited. Oconomowoc High School students stopped by in April.  

“Connecting with the Waukesha County Business Alliance School2Skills program is an investment in the future of compassionate care,” says Heather Parker, manager of Community Partnerships. “By opening our doors at Rogers Behavioral Health, we aren’t just showcasing career paths; we are reducing the stigma around mental health and inspiring the next generation of professionals to see how their unique talents—whether in clinical care, operations, or advocacy—can truly change lives.” 

Kelly Piacsek, PhD, executive vice president of Research, says experiences like this help students explore a wide range of opportunities in health care careers, both in and out of direct patient care. 

“It’s exciting to help students see how innovation, research, technology, and clinical care all play a role in improving mental health outcomes,” Dr. Piacsek says. “Hands-on exposure is one of the most powerful ways for students to understand what a career in health care or research can look like. Connecting classroom learning to real-world innovation helps students understand the mental health field better and see what’s possible for their future.”