How Clayful brings mental health support to students’ fingertips

Maria, with a background in technology and entrepreneurship, founded the company Clayful to address mental health challenges facing students, particularly exacerbated by the global pandemic. Observing the critical need for mental health support in education, she immersed herself in the edtech and healthcare industries, participating in OnDeck’s Health fellowship to gain insights into value-based care and the complexities of the U.S. health system. Collaborating with education expert Melissa Pelochino, Maria determined that schools were the optimal entry point for delivering preventative mental health care to children, providing an inclusive solution that does not rely solely on families for support. Schools present a strategic opportunity as they are committed to student welfare, have funding for wellness initiatives, and can significantly impact students' mental health, allowing access to resources regardless of economic background.