We’re celebrating 7 million teletherapy sessions since 2009 by highlighting the inspiring leaders and innovators at Presence who are dedicated to building solutions for schools and students with diverse needs.
Fletcher Hutson has over a decade of experience leading sales and revenue teams, helping high-growth organizations scale, and guiding customer-facing teams through key milestones. Before joining Presence, Fletcher led key initiatives at PowerSchool, a top K-12 edtech provider, where he helped drive revenue across North America for multiple service lines.
What’s your role at Presence?
As Chief Revenue Officer, I lead our sales and customer success teams. We’re the first point of contact for school district leaders, helping them address their unique district’s needs. Teletherapy is still a relatively new concept, especially in school settings. While many people are familiar with seeing a doctor via telemedicine, they don’t always think about students receiving special education-related and mental health support through teletherapy. I’m fortunate to be able to share stories of the impact of teletherapy services and to open the door to opportunities that could help them support their students better.
What motivates you to champion remote services for schools?
One of the best things about working with schools is how rewarding it is. Knowing that Presence is truly a mission-driven company motivates me every day. Every activity we engage in, or new district we partner with, ultimately supports students who need it most. And I’m proud to work for an organization where our efforts make a real impact on students’ lives. It’s incredibly fulfilling.
“We always ask ourselves “How can we best support schools where they are?”
What are 7 key challenges teletherapy addresses for schools?
1. Continuity of services through uncertain or uncontrollable times
Everyday, schools deal with all sorts of disruptions and challenges: be it natural disasters or unexpected events that feel out of their control and affect everyone. Teletherapy helps ensure students get the support they need, even in really tough situations. It allows clinicians to reach students remotely, providing continuity of services no matter the circumstances.
2. Reliable, long-term solutions to meet student needs
More schools are relying on teletherapy as a long-term solution. COVID-19 accelerated the adoption of remote services, including healthcare. And now, virtual appointments are a normal part of our lives. More and more schools are seeing the value in teletherapy and realizing it’s not just a temporary fix—it’s here to stay. It’s exciting to see it become a standard approach in education.
3. Learning tools and activities that engage today’s students
Today’s students are incredibly tech-savvy. They’re already comfortable interacting through screens, playing games. and learning on digital platforms. Online therapy probably feels natural and familiar—in fact, it’s often preferred. Sometimes, we adults are so focused on what we think is best for students that we forget they might actually embrace remote therapy!
4. A safe, comfortable setting for mental health support
The mental health crisis in the U.S. is a serious concern, especially for teens. The CDC reports that 20% of adolescents aged 12-17 are not getting the mental health support they need.¹ For some students, knowing they can speak with a therapist privately online—without the worry of running into them around town—makes them more open to getting the help they need. There’s something to be said about the anonymity teletherapy provides.
5. Scalable solutions that meet fluctuating special education-related and mental health needs
The need for special education-related and mental health services is growing, yet schools are often struggling to meet these demands due to a shortage of qualified clinicians. Teletherapy solves the problem of bringing services to these students. And, as schools focus more on early intervention and a wider range of student needs, teletherapy can help schools scale resources to keep up with increasing demand.
6. Support that relieves and strengthens onsite staff
Teletherapy helps schools meet the rising demand for more specialized services by complementing—rather than replacing—existing staff. Partnering with Presence allows schools to expand their reach with services like speech-language therapy, psychoeducational evaluations, and mental health support, especially with limited resources onsite. Growing caseloads, schedules, and overwhelmed staff find the extra support a much-needed relief. Everybody’s feeling motivated, energized, and ready to serve.
7. Specialized services for every unique student need
Say a school is struggling to find bilingual support, we can easily connect them with a qualified provider to meet those needs. This extends to other specialized services, including support for students who are deaf or hard of hearing, or those requiring special devices or accommodations. That’s where our vast network of providers comes in—we’re able to match districts with experienced clinicians who fit each student’s unique needs. Plus, teletherapy makes it possible to get individualized services to students sooner.
What does 7 million teletherapy sessions mean to you?
It shows that teletherapy is making a real difference in the lives of students who need it most. 7 million sessions is not a small number—reaching this milestone is a real indicator of the difference we’re able to make with teletherapy and our acceleration shows that school districts see teletherapy as a viable method to help kids.
“Reaching this milestone is a real indicator of the difference we’re able to make with teletherapy and shows that school districts see teletherapy as a viable method to help kids.”
What’s your hope for the future of teletherapy?
Education is the #1 predictor of positive life outcomes. Over the years, I’ve met thousands of educators in different roles in large school districts and the smallest rural communities. And no matter where they are or what challenges they face, one thing remains constant: their unwavering commitment to prioritize students in everything they do. That dedication gives me hope as we navigate the challenges of the world.
I’m optimistic about how technology can drive educational equity. It’s opened doors to incredible innovations like teletherapy, shining a light on new ways to support students where they need it most. I’m confident that companies like Presence will continue to leverage technology to expand access to education and work towards a better future for all.
See how teletherapy is making a real difference in special education. Discover the milestones we’ve reached on our way to 7 million sessions.
Stay tuned as we continue to get to know the dedicated team at Presence, committed to diverse learners and the future of education through teletherapy.
