The Clayful Story

At Clayful, we believe every child deserves the chance to feel supported, valued, and understood. Mental health is not a privilege—it’s a fundamental right.

Our journey began with a heartbreaking truth: suicide rates among 8-year-olds were rising.

That devastating reality lit a fire within us. We couldn’t stand by. We had to act.

We spoke with teachers, parents, kids, mental health professionals, and industry leaders, and what we uncovered was clear:

• Mental health support too often comes only after a crisis.
• Traditional pathways—appointments, waiting rooms, and long processes—simply don’t work for today’s kids.
• In an on-demand world, mental health support must be immediate and accessible.
• The future of education must extend beyond the classroom, bringing innovative tools and professional support directly into students’ lives.

So, we set out to create something different—a safe, approachable space where kids could connect with a coach in seconds.

Clayful isn’t just a company; it’s a mission

A mission that evolves

At first, Clayful focused on giving kids a safe space to talk to a coach, gain practical strategies, and navigate life’s challenges.

But we quickly realized something deeper: students don’t exist in isolation. To truly support kids, we must also support the people who shape their lives.

• Families are the foundation of a child’s world. Supporting kids means empowering parents and caregivers to build trust, resilience, and strong communication within their homes.
• Educators are champions for kids every day, yet they often carry the weight of their own mental health challenges. Supporting teachers means giving them the tools, space, and encouragement to take care of themselves, so they can continue inspiring their students.

Today, Clayful provides coaching for both students and educators—and soon, we’ll bring this same life-changing support to families.

By addressing mental health at every level, we’re building a model of care that strengthens entire communities, one conversation at a time.

The founders

Clayful was founded in 2021 by Maria Barrera and Melissa Pelochino, two women united by a shared mission: to make mental health support accessible, immediate, and transformative for every child.

For Maria, the mission is deeply personal. As a child immigrating to the U.S. from Colombia, she often felt isolated and unseen. She knows how profoundly life-changing it would have been to have someone to turn to—someone who understood her challenges in her own language and without judgment.

Melissa’s passion stems from her years as a teacher, where she saw mental health challenges create barriers for her students. Bright, capable kids were held back by anxiety and self-doubt. As a mom, she also saw the need for better support at home, fueling her determination to create a solution for all families.

Maria’s engineering expertise and Melissa’s teaching and content background made them the perfect team to tackle this challenge. Clayful is their solution—breaking down barriers to mental health support and meeting kids exactly where they are.

No matter a child’s zip code, background, or circumstances, we’re here to ensure they have access to the mental health support they deserve

Our Commitment to Communities

Clayful isn’t just a program—it’s a partnership, and schools are at the heart of it. As hubs of connection and care, schools are uniquely positioned to support students, families, and educators alike.

By partnering with schools, Clayful makes support proactive, accessible, and part of daily life.

Together, we work to create environments where mental health is prioritized:

• For Students: On-demand access to certified coaches helps kids navigate challenges like friendships, stress, and academics.
• For Families: We provide tools and strategies to strengthen connections at home, with family coaching on the horizon.
• For Educators: Coaching for teachers and staff supports their well-being, so they can show up fully for their students.

Together, we’re building stronger, healthier communities and shaping a brighter future for everyone.

Transform your school community

Clayful creates positive environments, boosts student engagement, and reduces behavioral challenges.

Request a demo to see the impact firsthand.

Every time we resolved something significant i noticed i could actually breathe easier.
‍
Student, age 12

In the past we would have had to stop what we were teaching and deal with like two or three peer conflicts.
Now I tell them to go on Clayful and talk to a coach so they get some strategies to emotionally regulate.
Middle School Teacher

I wanted to thank you one more time, you helped me deal with a huge issue and i might resolve the whole thing in one conversation!
I really appreciate what the Clayful team is doing in today's world because this stuff is life changing and life saving.
Middle School Student

I don’t need one more thing to sit in my curriculum closet.
I need connection. I need people who are willing to do something about real issues happening right now. ‍Clayful does that.
High School Principal

I like that I have a resource to send them to when I have to meet at another time or reschedule.
Middle School Counselor

There was times where I didn’t want to get up but I pushed myself.
An example was this morning I didn’t really feel like making my bed but I told myself if I make my bed then I’ll be set for the day and won’t have to come home to make the bed.
High School Student

I think ive kinda gathered my thoughts on how i felt.
I might talk to my mom about it.
I'm glad this chat stuff exists.
Middle School Student

I was able to say many things that I wouldn’t have been able to in person with another adult. Middle School Student