Dr. Kay De Simone, DSW, LCSW, is The Mental Health Engineer and expert on the stressors and wellness of high-achieving individuals. With over two decades of clinical experience, she specializes in mental wellness consulting, keynote speaking, and training for educational institutions and organizations in high-stakes industries like health, tech, and finance.
Dr. De Simone helps employees, leaders, students, and parents develop practical tools for emotional resilience and peak performance. As a researcher on identity-based trauma and imposter syndrome, her approach is rooted in evidence-based strategies that foster long-term success. She is known for her warm, humorous, and results-driven methods, ensuring that the mental wellness of high achievers becomes a reliable predictor of both joy and sustainable success.
Why Schools and Companies Need to Work With Dr. De Simone
The stakes are too high not to take action. Research shows that poor mental health reduces productivity by up to 35% (HelloAlma), increases absenteeism, and leads to higher healthcare costs. Additionally, high achievers in competitive programs face heightened stress, burnout, and anxiety, making it even more challenging for them to stay centered, healthy, and productive. Mental wellness directly influences an individual’s ability to achieve goals, maintain physical health, and thrive professionally. Schools and companies that invest in mental wellness see improved performance and a boost in morale and retention. Dr. De Simone offers organizations and schools the tools to create an environment where mental wellness drives success—transforming it from a “woo-woo” concept into a powerful, results-oriented strategy.
The Stakes Are Too High Not to Act
In today’s high-pressure academic and professional environments, the stakes are too high to ignore mental wellness. Dr. De Simone brings not only clinical credentials and extensive experience but also a unique perspective as a prep school mother with over 20 years of involvement in some of the country’s most selective schools and colleges. This personal experience provides her with direct insight into the pain points and needs of students, parents, and administrators. She understands the immense pressure that comes with these environments, giving her a unique vantage point to address the well-being of all stakeholders.
Dr. Kay De Simone began her career as a young professional in high-paced, results-oriented environments such as Skadden Arps, American Airlines, and Northwell Health Systems. These roles gave her firsthand experience with the pressures of delivering under tight deadlines, managing complex teams, and navigating the demands of top-performing organizations. Before transitioning to her clinical career, Dr. Kay developed a deep understanding of corporate dynamics and the unique stressors professionals face. This foundation allows her to offer culturally competent and practical mental wellness strategies tailored to the fast-paced demands of industries like law, healthcare, tech, and business, strengthening her clients’ personal and organizational success.
Schools and companies cannot afford to overlook the mental health of their students and employees—partnering with Dr. De Simone is an investment in a thriving, resilient community.
The Mental Health Engineer Approach
Deliverables, humor, results, warmth, and efficiency define Dr. De Simone’s work. As The Mental Health Engineer, she believes that mental wellness should be treated as a key asset in personal and organizational success. Through skill-building, tool development, and evidence-based strategies, Dr. De Simone ensures that mental wellness is approached with the same emphasis and investment as any other performance metric. Her services are designed to equip individuals and organizations with the strategies, emotional intelligence, and stress management skills they need to excel personally and professionally—ensuring success, health, and joy not just for today but for the long haul.