Gabby McNulty, a Behavioral Health Counselor at Beech Street Elementary School through is making waves in both the mental health and dance communities. Growing up as a dancer, Gabby recognized the toll that the art form can take on mental well-being. This realization led her to create Exhale, a dance conference focused on mental wellness. Now in its fourth year, Exhale has expanded beyond dance to support broader mental health initiatives, helping both dancers and families in need.
Gabby is deeply concerned about the state of pediatric mental health, particularly the staggering three- to eight-month-long waitlists for children to see a therapist. Recognizing the alarming lack of resources, she is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and providing support to struggling dancers and families. Her fundraising efforts have been impressive. She has raised over $25,000 to date to support pediatric mental health services.
In her work at Beech Street Elementary, Gabby noticed that many children lacked the experience of playing board games with their families, possibly due to financial barriers. Inspired by this, she launched an initiative to collect board games for a family engagement night. Through community support and an Amazon wishlist, Gabby and her team collected 90 board games, ensuring that every family who attended the event in February left with one. The initiative, which began in November, was a resounding success. Beech Street’s Guidance Counselor, Kerry Crow, shared that students were thrilled to open their games immediately, reinforcing the power of simple activities in strengthening family bonds.
Gabby is currently planning 10 events along the East Coast under the Exhale umbrella, ranging from self-love classes to yoga sessions and dance conferences. She is passionate about expanding these initiatives to provide more resources, not only for dancers but also for families and children in need. Exhale’s mission remains clear: “We promote kids first, dancer second.”
Beyond large-scale events, Gabby’s daily work at Beech Street focuses on equipping students with the tools they need to manage their emotions. She teaches them techniques like deep breathing and effective communication, ensuring they understand that emotional responses are normal. “We aren’t robots—it’s okay to react,” Gabby says. “At Beech, we teach them to use their toolbox.”
Gabby also emphasizes the importance of guiding parents in navigating their children’s mental health challenges. “What do parents do when their child has a mental health issue?” she asks. “We want to help them know their options.” Her commitment to providing families with resources and support is evident in all aspects of her work.With her ongoing efforts, Gabby McNulty continues to make a lasting impact, one that bridges the gap between mental health advocacy, dance, and family engagement. Whether through Exhale, her work at Beech Street, or her larger community projects, Gabby is dedicated to ensuring that children and families have the resources they need to thrive.
