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LCPS Mental Health and Wellness Conference 2025

We are delighted to have you join us at the upcoming 7th Annual Mental Health and Wellness Conference, organized by:
Loudoun County Public Schools Department of Student Services.
The event will take place at Watson Mountain Middle School on January 25, 2025, running from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Your participation is highly valued, and we are excited to offer you a day filled with valuable resources and support aimed at promoting mental well-being.
The primary goal of the conference is to raise awareness about mental health and provide effective wellness strategies in a diverse and inclusive environment. Your presence is important to us, and we are committed to ensuring that you have a remarkable experience. If you have any specific requirements or language preferences, please do not hesitate to inform us. Our aim is to foster a community that prioritizes well-being, offers support, and promotes understanding.
During the conference, you will have the opportunity to engage in various activities, interact with other participants, and share your insights using our designated hashtags: #lcpsmhwc2025, #unitedforwellness, and #onelcps.

You can tailor your experience by choosing sessions designed for ELEMENTARY, SECONDARY, or ALL LEVELS, based on your interests.

Address: 41480 Steeplechase Loop Dr., Leesburg, VA 20175

If, due to a disability, you need assistance to enable you to participate in a workshop or need a language interpreter, call Parent Resource Services at 571-252-6540 at least five business days prior to the event.

Si debido a una discapacidad usted requiere asistencia para poder asistir a este taller o si necesita un interprete de idioma, llame a Servicios de Recursos Para Padres al 571-252-6540 por lo menos cinco dias antes del evento.

OR

The Loudoun County Public Schools Department of Student Services is hosting the 7th Annual Mental Health and Wellness Conference at Watson Mountain Middle School on January 25, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The conference aims to provide resources and support for mental well-being, promoting awareness of mental health challenges and wellness strategies. Sessions cater to different age groups and are inclusive of all community members, offering accommodations for individuals with disabilities or language needs. Attendees are encouraged to engage in the event’s transformative experience, fostering a culture of wellness, support, and understanding within the community. Use hashtags #lcpsmhwc2025, #unitedforwellness, and #onelcps to share experiences and connect with others involved.

Address: 41480 Steeplechase Loop Dr., Leesburg, VA 20175

When registering for sessions, please review the audience level which will indicate sessions targeting: ELEMENTARY, SECONDARY, or ALL LEVELS

If, due to a disability, you need assistance to enable you to participate in a workshop or need a language interpreter, call Parent Resource Services at 571-252-6540 at least five business days prior to the event.

Si debido a una discapacidad usted requiere asistencia para poder asistir a este taller o si necesita un interprete de idioma, llame a Servicios de Recursos Para Padres al 571-252-6540 por lo menos cinco dias antes del evento.



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Audience: ALL LEVELS clear filter
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Saturday, January 25
 

8:30am EST

Resource Fair
Saturday January 25, 2025 8:30am - 2:30pm EST
Main Gym and Aux Gym-2nd Floor
Registration/Check in
Refreshments
Fundraising efforts from student leadership groups
Live music
Welcome from Dr. Aaron Spence



Saturday January 25, 2025 8:30am - 2:30pm EST
Main Gym and Aux Gym-2nd Floor
  Resource Fair

10:30am EST

Beyond Gentle Parenting: Evidence-based Parenting Practices that Work for Even the Most Challenging Children
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 364
Many parents have tried and failed to live up to the ideals promoted by the gentle parenting movement. Others have discovered that it just doesn’t work for their children. Research on behavior theory and behavioral parenting strategies will be reviewed and concrete guidance on how to implement evidence-based parenting practices will be provided.
Speakers
T

Teri Bullis

Clinical Psychologist, Behavior Solutions for Children and Families, LLC
Dr. Bullis is a Ph.D. level licensed psychologist who was also trained as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst.  After many years as a school psychologist, she founded Behavior Solutions for Children and  Families so that she could offer evidence-based parenting strategies to parents... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 364
  Session 1

10:30am EST

Building Executive Functioning Habits Into Your Every Day Routine
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 215
Executive functioning skills are easier than you think to incorporate into everyday routines. Participants will leave this presentation with practical strategies for simplifying and organizing daily tasks, and methods to teach children of all ages across home and school settings. These skills are linked to behavioral, social, and emotional well-being.
Speakers
avatar for Kate Tannuzzo

Kate Tannuzzo

School Psychologist, Loudoun County Public Schools
Catherine (Kate) Tannuzzo is a School Psychologist in Loudoun County Public Schools with 12 years of experience. Kate received her master's degree from St. John's University in Queens, New York. She has worked at the preschool, elementary, middle, and high school levels, and has also... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 215
  Session 1

10:30am EST

Neurodivergence and Crisis Intervention: Clinical Interventions, Safety Planning, and Resources
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 358
Please join this session to learn more about the intersectionality of Neurodivergence and Crisis Intervention utilizing clinical interventions, safety planning, and community resources.
Speakers
avatar for Juia Hess LCSW

Juia Hess LCSW

Think Happy, Live Healthy LLC
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 358
  Session 1

10:30am EST

New, old and myths of concussions and the link to mental health
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 267
At the conclusion of the presentation the audience will be able to rudimentarily identify the symptomology of a concussion, current evidence based treatments, myths of treatment, the recognition of a declining positive mental health status and the composition of a concussion management team (CMT) to be able to help the student navigate the altered cognitive and mechanical dysfunction.     
Speakers
avatar for Michael Kotelnecki

Michael Kotelnecki

Athletic Trainer, LCPS
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 267
  Session 1

10:30am EST

Raising an intuitive eater: What works for kids and teens?
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 263
 We know that food does not ‘fit a box’ and, therefore, does not have to maintain the labels it too often does. Eating broccoli does not inherently make one healthy, nor does eating a cookie make one inherently unhealthy. This rigid dichotomy can fuel disordered eating and, furthermore, cause poor body image. This can be an even greater risk factor when sports and movement come into play. Building balance earlier on and allowing an open narrative with your children can help form positive and long-lasting behaviors. Therefore, educating children on the benefits of proper nutrition, building and appreciating food, and forming a relationship with food and their body can drastically improve their future selves.
Speakers
avatar for Katherine Lusorio MS, CNS, LDN

Katherine Lusorio MS, CNS, LDN

Certified Nutrition Specialist, Enlighten Nutrition, Counseling and Care, LLC
Helena is a Registered Dietitian who is dedicated to helping clients re-discover a healthy relationship with food and their body.  Helena has her Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Nutrition Sciences from The George Washington University, Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition... Read More →
avatar for Tressa Largent MS, RD

Tressa Largent MS, RD

Registered Dietitian, Enlighten Nutrition, Counseling and Care, LLC
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 263
  Session 1

10:40am EST

Energizing and Cooling Breathing Techniques for Immediate Focus and Stress-Reduction
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 255
What does it mean to “just breathe” when we are overwhelmed with stress and anxiety? How can adults and young children focus or function during panic attacks? We often tell children to take a break to calm down. But do kids know how to do it effectively without getting even more frustrated? Instead of the usual “take a deep breath” and “count to ten,” this interactive session will introduce very specific breathing techniques that are easier to follow and remember.
Speakers
avatar for Chandana Achanta

Chandana Achanta

Yoga Teacher and Mindfulness Instructor
Chandana Achanta is a certified children and adult yoga teacher and mindfulness instructor. She has extensive training in the psychology of yoga. She conducts free workshops on breathing techniques and yoga practices at schools and public libraries in Northern Virginia. She is passionate... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 255
  Session 2

11:30am EST

Adventures Through Grief: the Journey So far
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
Room 271
Utilizing Therapeutically Applied Role Playing games in a grief setting
Adventures Through Grief is a grief-specific, Therapeutically Applied Role-Playing Game group designed to support adolescents and young adults experiencing bereavement. This group uses tabletop role-playing games (like Dungeons & Dragons) in a play-based group format to create a safe and engaging environment for participants to build community and process their experiences. Blue Ridge Hospice has seen amazing results with our own groups, and received a grant to expand the implementation of these groups to eight grief centers across the US (including training and funding for each participating site). In this session we will share an overview of what the groups have been like at BRH, the reason we chose this approach and what we have learned in training others for expansion.  
Speakers
avatar for Tina Thomas LCSW

Tina Thomas LCSW

Children and Families Grief Support Coordinator, Blue Ridge Hospice
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
Room 271
  Session 2

11:30am EST

Communicate, Collaborate, & Co-Parent Like A Champ!
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
Room 368
Parenting is hard! Effective co-parenting is vital for the emotional health of our children. Join us for an engaging discussion that empowers parents to navigate co-parenting challenges collaboratively, ensuring that the needs of your children remain at the forefront. Learn evidence-based strategies to improve communication, conflict resolution, and boundary-setting together.
Speakers
avatar for Casey Sarafinas

Casey Sarafinas

Licensed Professional Counselor, Just Breathe Therapy LLC
Casey A. Sarafinas, LPC is the owner and licensed psychotherapist at Just Breathe Therapy LLC in Leesburg, Virginia. With twenty years of experience in counseling and education, Casey currently provides mental health counseling for older teens, college students, adults, and couples... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
Room 368
  Session 2

11:30am EST

Designing, Leading & Living Holistic Approaches to Wellness in Education: Fostering Growth Mindset
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
Room 269
In this session, we will explore how to create a school-wide inclusive culture of wellness, backed by research on effective practices for youth and educator well-being. We’ll also share practical mindfulness tools to support self-regulation.
Speakers
avatar for Golnar Abedin

Golnar Abedin

Lead Clinical Faculty, AUSEI Education Consulting, LLC
avatar for Elan Gepner-Dales

Elan Gepner-Dales

Executive Director, SKY Schools USA, AUSEI Education Consulting, LLC
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
Room 269
  Session 2

11:30am EST

I’ve Got This!! Empowering Students with Tools for Self-Regulation
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
Room 259
Self-regulation affects a child’s ability to control emotions, attention, and physical well-being. Low levels of self-regulation are predictive of higher rates of disruptive behavior and rejection by peers, lower academic achievement, and difficulty managing stress. Movement, breath, and mindfulness can be used in fun, creative ways to help children learn to self-regulate.

Speakers
avatar for Nancy McGovern

Nancy McGovern

Yoga Therapist, Corner of the Sky
Nancy McGovern is an RYT-500, C-IAYT certified yoga therapist with a Master of Science in yoga therapy from Maryland University of Integrative Health. Nancy teaches weekly classes for teens at several Newport Academy locations as well as classes for stress reduction at a local yoga... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
Room 259
  Session 2

11:30am EST

Mental Health in Virginia: Responding to the Data
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
Room 272
This presentation will share research data and insights associated with mental health trends across generations with a specific focus on Virginia. The data will be shared through multiple lenses: age/generation, ethnicity and gender. A specific callout will be addressed: the impact of digital distress on Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Data and knowledge are important resources for parents, providers, and the community.
Speakers
avatar for Anita Ward

Anita Ward

Chief Growth Officer, Care Solace
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
Room 272
  Session 2

11:30am EST

Music for Mental Wellness, Mindfulness, and Emotional Expression: Practical Tools for Students, Parents, and Teachers
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
Room 367
Learn practical music therapy techniques to support mental wellness, mindfulness, and emotional regulation. Discover evidence-based tools for creating calm, focus, and connection through music. Participants will leave with actionable strategies and resources to foster emotional growth, manage transitions, and enhance learning environments.
Speakers
avatar for Brandon Somers, MT-BC

Brandon Somers, MT-BC

Music Therapist–Board Certified - Affiliation/, A Place To Be VA
Through his role, Brandon engages with clients and their families by integrating music, theater, and film into therapeutic programs. He emphasizes self-expression and confidence building, creating inclusive spaces where individuals feel heard and valued. Brandon’s work as a Music... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
Room 367
  Session 2

11:30am EST

New, old and myths of concussions and the link to mental health
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
Room 267
At the conclusion of the presentation the audience will be able to rudimentarily identify the symptomology of a concussion, current evidence based treatments, myths of treatment, the recognition of a declining positive mental health status and the composition of a concussion management team (CMT) to be able to help the student navigate the altered cognitive and mechanical dysfunction.     
Speakers
avatar for Michael Kotelnecki

Michael Kotelnecki

Athletic Trainer, LCPS
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
Room 267
  Session 2

11:30am EST

Raising an intuitive eater: What works for kids and teens?
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
Room 263
 We know that food does not ‘fit a box’ and, therefore, does not have to maintain the labels it too often does. Eating broccoli does not inherently make one healthy, nor does eating a cookie make one inherently unhealthy. This rigid dichotomy can fuel disordered eating and, furthermore, cause poor body image. This can be an even greater risk factor when sports and movement come into play. Building balance earlier on and allowing an open narrative with your children can help form positive and long-lasting behaviors. Therefore, educating children on the benefits of proper nutrition, building and appreciating food, and forming a relationship with food and their body can drastically improve their future selves.
Speakers
avatar for Katherine Lusorio MS, CNS, LDN

Katherine Lusorio MS, CNS, LDN

Certified Nutrition Specialist, Enlighten Nutrition, Counseling and Care, LLC
Helena is a Registered Dietitian who is dedicated to helping clients re-discover a healthy relationship with food and their body.  Helena has her Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Nutrition Sciences from The George Washington University, Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition... Read More →
avatar for Tressa Largent MS, RD

Tressa Largent MS, RD

Registered Dietitian, Enlighten Nutrition, Counseling and Care, LLC
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
Room 263
  Session 2

11:30am EST

The Nuts and Bolts of Executive Functioning and Behavior
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
Room 215
In a changing world with technology advancing by the minute, the way we are educating and parenting
our children is becoming more challenging. It’s becoming harder for teachers and parents to engage
students and set expectations both at home and at school. Executive functioning, while not a new
concept, is becoming more of a topic of interest as organizing, planning, time management, and
prioritizing are linked to behavior, social, and emotional skills. Students and families that have strong
executive functioning skills are more likely to handle daily responsibilities without as much worry.
Students that have a system to tackle homework, studying, and planning for the future are likely to be
more independent and resilient. Executive functioning skills are not innate, however; they must be
taught and practiced. These skills can be taught from a very young age. This presentation will provide a
brief overview of executive functioning and will include practical strategies for immediate use in both
the home and school settings for children, teens, and adults. Participants will leave the presentation
with strategies and an understanding of how these strategies can support common behavioral
challenges such as school refusal, becoming easily overwhelmed with everyday tasks, low frustration
tolerance, and low stamina for work and home tasks. Furthermore, participants will also be given access
to our Google drive of ready-made resources for immediate use.
Speakers
avatar for Kate Tannuzzo

Kate Tannuzzo

School Psychologist, Loudoun County Public Schools
Catherine (Kate) Tannuzzo is a School Psychologist in Loudoun County Public Schools with 12 years of experience. Kate received her master's degree from St. John's University in Queens, New York. She has worked at the preschool, elementary, middle, and high school levels, and has also... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
Room 215
  Session 2

11:30am EST

What Does the Brain have to do with Behavior?
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
Room 372
Wonder what is causing challenging behaviors in your child? Understanding how the brain and nervous system can affect behavior will change your perspective on kids’ responses that challenge us and them. In this interactive session, we will explore key shifts in perceptions and practice positive new brain-based strategies. 
Speakers
avatar for Kelly Henderson

Kelly Henderson

Formed Families Forward
avatar for Melissa Lebling

Melissa Lebling

Outreach and Family Support Specialist, Formed Families Forward
Melissa Lebling, is a mother to seven children, all who have had their fair share of challenging behaviors. She is the Family Support and Outreach Specialist at Formed Families Forward in Fairfax, Virginia. As an adoptee, a biological mother, a former foster parent, and an adoptive... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
Room 372
  Session 2

11:30am EST

Empowering Today's Generation: Strategies for Managing Anxiety
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
Room 369
This session will explore the fundamental causes of anxiety, focusing on how reconnecting with basic health practices- such as regular physical activity, proper nutrition, and time spent in nature can help reduce anxiety levels. 
Speakers
avatar for Jodi Place

Jodi Place

Middle School Administrator
Jodi Place has served as a public educator for over 25 years. Prior to becoming a school administrator, she was a Nationally Board Certified English teacher. As an administrator, she has experience leading in traditional high school and middle school settings as well as alternative... Read More →
avatar for Alixandra Tate

Alixandra Tate

School Counseling Coordinator, Loudoun County Public Schools
Alix Tate currently serves as a School Counseling Services Coordinator for Loudoun County Public Schools. Prior to this role, she was an elementary school counselor, high school counselor, and Director of School Counseling. She earned a Master's Degree in Pre-K-12 School Counseling... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
Room 369
  Session 3

1:40pm EST

Adventures Through Grief: the Journey So far
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 1:55pm EST
Room 271
Utilizing Therapeutically Applied Role Playing games in a grief setting
Adventures Through Grief is a grief-specific, Therapeutically Applied Role-Playing Game group designed to support adolescents and young adults experiencing bereavement. This group uses tabletop role-playing games (like Dungeons & Dragons) in a play-based group format to create a safe and engaging environment for participants to build community and process their experiences. Blue Ridge Hospice has seen amazing results with our own groups, and received a grant to expand the implementation of these groups to eight grief centers across the US (including training and funding for each participating site). In this session we will share an overview of what the groups have been like at BRH, the reason we chose this approach and what we have learned in training others for expansion.  
Speakers
avatar for Tina Thomas LCSW

Tina Thomas LCSW

Children and Families Grief Support Coordinator, Blue Ridge Hospice
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 1:55pm EST
Room 271
  Session 3

1:40pm EST

Designing, Leading & Living Holistic Approaches to Wellness in Education: Fostering Growth Mindset
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 1:55pm EST
Room 269
In this session, we will explore how to create a school-wide inclusive culture of wellness, backed by research on effective practices for youth and educator well-being. We’ll also share practical mindfulness tools to support self-regulation.
Speakers
avatar for Golnar Abedin

Golnar Abedin

Lead Clinical Faculty, AUSEI Education Consulting, LLC
avatar for Elan Gepner-Dales

Elan Gepner-Dales

Executive Director, SKY Schools USA, AUSEI Education Consulting, LLC
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 1:55pm EST
Room 269
  Session 3

1:40pm EST

Mental Health in Virginia: Responding to the Data
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 1:55pm EST
Room 272
This presentation will share research data and insights associated with mental health trends across generations with a specific focus on Virginia. The data will be shared through multiple lenses: age/generation, ethnicity and gender. A specific callout will be addressed: the impact of digital distress on Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Data and knowledge are important resources for parents, providers, and the community.
Speakers
avatar for Anita Ward

Anita Ward

Chief Growth Officer, Care Solace
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 1:55pm EST
Room 272
  Session 3

1:40pm EST

Beyond Gentle Parenting: Evidence-based Parenting Practices that Work for Even the Most Challenging Children
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 364
Many parents have tried and failed to live up to the ideals promoted by the gentle parenting movement. Others have discovered that it just doesn’t work for their children. Research on behavior theory and behavioral parenting strategies will be reviewed and concrete guidance on how to implement evidence-based parenting practices will be provided.
Speakers
T

Teri Bullis

Clinical Psychologist, Behavior Solutions for Children and Families, LLC
Dr. Bullis is a Ph.D. level licensed psychologist who was also trained as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst.  After many years as a school psychologist, she founded Behavior Solutions for Children and  Families so that she could offer evidence-based parenting strategies to parents... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 364
  Session 3

1:40pm EST

Communicate, Collaborate, & Co-Parent Like A Champ!
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 368
Parenting is hard! Effective co-parenting is vital for the emotional health of our children. Join us for an engaging discussion that empowers parents to navigate co-parenting challenges collaboratively, ensuring that the needs of your children remain at the forefront. Learn evidence-based strategies to improve communication, conflict resolution, and boundary-setting together.
Speakers
avatar for Casey Sarafinas

Casey Sarafinas

Licensed Professional Counselor, Just Breathe Therapy LLC
Casey A. Sarafinas, LPC is the owner and licensed psychotherapist at Just Breathe Therapy LLC in Leesburg, Virginia. With twenty years of experience in counseling and education, Casey currently provides mental health counseling for older teens, college students, adults, and couples... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 368
  Session 3

1:40pm EST

Empowering Today's Generation: Strategies for Managing Anxiety
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 369
This session will explore the fundamental causes of anxiety, focusing on how reconnecting with basic health practices- such as regular physical activity, proper nutrition, and time spent in nature can help reduce anxiety levels. 
Speakers
avatar for Alixandra Tate

Alixandra Tate

School Counseling Coordinator, Loudoun County Public Schools
Alix Tate currently serves as a School Counseling Services Coordinator for Loudoun County Public Schools. Prior to this role, she was an elementary school counselor, high school counselor, and Director of School Counseling. She earned a Master's Degree in Pre-K-12 School Counseling... Read More →
avatar for Jodi Place

Jodi Place

Middle School Administrator
Jodi Place has served as a public educator for over 25 years. Prior to becoming a school administrator, she was a Nationally Board Certified English teacher. As an administrator, she has experience leading in traditional high school and middle school settings as well as alternative... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 369
  Session 3

1:40pm EST

Energizing and Cooling Breathing Techniques for Immediate Focus and Stress-Reduction
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 255
What does it mean to “just breathe” when we are overwhelmed with stress and anxiety? How can adults and young children focus or function during panic attacks? We often tell children to take a break to calm down. But do kids know how to do it effectively without getting even more frustrated? Instead of the usual “take a deep breath” and “count to ten,” this interactive session will introduce very specific breathing techniques that are easier to follow and remember.
Speakers
avatar for Chandana Achanta

Chandana Achanta

Yoga Teacher and Mindfulness Instructor
Chandana Achanta is a certified children and adult yoga teacher and mindfulness instructor. She has extensive training in the psychology of yoga. She conducts free workshops on breathing techniques and yoga practices at schools and public libraries in Northern Virginia. She is passionate... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 255
  Session 3

1:40pm EST

I’ve Got this!! Empowering Students with Tools for Self-Regulation
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 259
Self-regulation affects a child’s ability to control emotions, attention, and physical well-
being. Low levels of self-regulation are predictive of higher rates of disruptive behavior
and rejection by peers, lower academic achievement, and difficulty managing stress.
Movement, breath, and mindfulness can be used in fun, creative ways to help children
learn to self-regulate.

Speakers
avatar for Nancy McGovern

Nancy McGovern

Yoga Therapist, Corner of the Sky
Nancy McGovern is an RYT-500, C-IAYT certified yoga therapist with a Master of Science in yoga therapy from Maryland University of Integrative Health. Nancy teaches weekly classes for teens at several Newport Academy locations as well as classes for stress reduction at a local yoga... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 259
  Session 3

1:40pm EST

Music for Mental Wellness, Mindfulness, and Emotional Expression: Practical Tools for Students, Parents, and Teachers
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 367
Learn practical music therapy techniques to support mental wellness, mindfulness, and emotional regulation. Discover evidence-based tools for creating calm, focus, and connection through music. Participants will leave with actionable strategies and resources to foster emotional growth, manage transitions, and enhance learning environments.
Speakers
avatar for Brandon Somers, MT-BC

Brandon Somers, MT-BC

Music Therapist–Board Certified - Affiliation/, A Place To Be VA
Through his role, Brandon engages with clients and their families by integrating music, theater, and film into therapeutic programs. He emphasizes self-expression and confidence building, creating inclusive spaces where individuals feel heard and valued. Brandon’s work as a Music... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 367
  Session 3

1:40pm EST

Neurodivergence and Crisis Intervention: Clinical Interventions, Safety Planning, and Resources
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 358
Please join this session to learn more about the intersectionality of Neurodivergence and Crisis Intervention utilizing clinical interventions, safety planning, and community resources.
Speakers
avatar for Juia Hess LCSW

Juia Hess LCSW

Think Happy, Live Healthy LLC
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 358
  Session 3

1:40pm EST

What Does the Brain have to do with Behavior?
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 372
Wonder what is causing challenging behaviors in your child? Understanding how the brain and nervous system can affect behavior will change your perspective on kids’ responses that challenge us and them. In this interactive session, we will explore key shifts in perceptions and practice positive new brain-based strategies. 
Speakers
avatar for Kelly Henderson

Kelly Henderson

Formed Families Forward
avatar for Melissa Lebling

Melissa Lebling

Outreach and Family Support Specialist, Formed Families Forward
Melissa Lebling, is a mother to seven children, all who have had their fair share of challenging behaviors. She is the Family Support and Outreach Specialist at Formed Families Forward in Fairfax, Virginia. As an adoptee, a biological mother, a former foster parent, and an adoptive... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 372
  Session 3
 
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