BRANDON, Fla. — A new wellness room at Brandon High School called the Eagle’s Nest is now available to students.

Carrie Zeisse, CEO and President of Tampa Bay Thrives, partnered on the project, and says it’s a space where students can go to get resources to help them manage stress and anxiety. They can also participate in peer-led therapeutic conversations.

“To be able to make some students’ day easier so that they can dial in to the rest of their academic program is really everything,” said Zeisse. “Mental health is so fundamental to how we navigate our life.”

The calming and inviting space was designed by students and is being used by students.

“I feel relaxed, I feel very nice, very comfortable, it’s a space where I want to be, where I need to be,” said Tyliest Montgomery, a senior at Brandon High School.

The space marks the second wellness room. Ziesse says the first — at Sligh Middle Magnet School — is showing positive impacts on students.

“For the kids who were involved in a wellness room program, there was a 70% increase in attendance which is phenomenal, we say a 14% decrease in behavioral issues and referrals,” said Zeisse.

School leaders at BHS hope the Eagle’s Nest has a similar impact.

“For people to do well, it’s all about knowing there’s someone there that cares about you just feeling accepted,” said school counselor Mary Brown-Joseph.

Feeling accepted in a place putting priority on supporting mental health.

“Just gives you a chance to let loose and be yourself, honestly,” said Montgomery.