Lake County Gazette

Mental Health Coordinator

Geoa Busto is a Mental Health Coordinator specializing in behavioral health at Westminster Public Schools (WPS). She has been with WPS for nearly six years, bringing experience and expertise to her role.

Geoa began her WPS career as a School Psychologist Intern at Hodgkins and later served at Fairview Elementary for several years. She holds dual endorsements as a School Psychologist and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), providing her with a unique perspective that integrates clinical behavioral health practices with school environments.

In her current position, Geoa supports Tier 3 behavioral needs and enhances the capacity of teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, and staff to better serve students with challenging behaviors. Her approach is based on the belief that "every behavior is a form of communication" and understanding the underlying reasons can lead to effective support and intervention.

Geoa grew up in Littleton, Colorado, and graduated from Heritage High School. She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), including an Education Specialist (EdS) degree with an emphasis in behavior analysis. She will soon complete her Educational Leadership License, further strengthening her leadership skills in mental health.

When asked why she chose the mental health profession, Geoa said, "I truly believe that every child is one caring adult away from a completely different life. " Her dedication to building systems that ensure all students—and staff—have the mental health support they need is evident in her work.

Fun Facts About Geoa:

- Favorite Food: Tacos

- Favorite TV Show: Law & Order: SVU

- Favorite Movie: The Longest Ride and The Gorge

- Music Preferences: Country music fans Warren Zeiders and Morgan Wallen

- Sports: Loves watching baseball and playing volleyball

- Favorite Author: Brené Brown

- Dream Superpower: Ability to duplicate herself to get everything done

- Hobbies: Paddleboarding, crafting, walking her dog, and spending time outdoors

Favorite Quote: "Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. " – John Maxwell

What WPS Means to Me:

"WPS is my second home. It’s innovative; it’s an outlet to do the important work the right way; and it’s a place that believes in doing things differently for the betterment of students and staff. "

WPS expresses gratitude for having passionate leaders like Geoa making a difference daily.