LCPS Mental Health and Wellness Conference 2025: Full Schedule

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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10:30am EST

Anxiety’s Impact on Self-worth and Resiliency in Adolescents: What Parents Need to Know

Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 216

We will explore the inverse relationship between anxiety and self-worth and the resulting impact of that
inverse relationship on adolescents’ ability to be resilient. The presentation will include statistics,
definitions and risk factors. There will be a specific emphasis on the role of social media. Participants
will be provided with strategies and resources to help support their adolescent.

Speakers

Lauren Boyle

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, NOVA LiveWellBeing

Lauren Boyle, LCSW, has worked in the Northern Virginia Region for over 20 years.She received her Bachelor's in Social Work degree from James Madison University, with a majorin Social Work and a minor in Family Issues. She then completed her graduate studies at VirginiaCommonwealth... Read More →

Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 216

Session 1

Audience SECONDARY

10:30am EST

Apathy to Action: Inspiring Teens to Engage and Excel

Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 355

This presentation defines apathy and offers strategies to encourage students to engage and excel in academic and personal goals. Five strategies will be addressed: breaking habits, stopping overthinking, developing a growth mindset, confronting avoidance, and envisioning your best possible self. This presentation will provide understanding on combating indifference and enhancing motivation.

Speakers

Cassandra Asekhauno

School Counselor, Loudoun County Public Schools

Cassandra Asekhauno has been a School Counselor at Riverside High School for 5 years. She is one of the PEER sponsors as well as the school counseling liaison to NHS. Prior to joining the Ramily, Cassandra was a Counselor for the Pathway to the Baccalaureate Program at NOVA for 9... Read More →

Tracy Wood

School Counselor, Loudoun County Public Schools

Tracy Wood has been a school counselor with Loudoun County Public Schools since 2015. She has worked at Dominion High School and is currently at Riverside High School. At Riverside, Tracy is one of the sponsors of Sources of Strength, a nationwide strengths-based suicide prevention... Read More →

Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 355

Session 1

Audience SECONDARY

10:30am EST

Building Resilience in Today’s Teens

Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 266

This presentation will provide an understanding of resiliency, through a bio-psycho- social lens of the modern-day teenager, in an easy-to-understand format. Strategies and resources for parenting will be provided.

Speakers

Dave Edwards

Clinical Director, Evolve Family Counseling & Sports Psychology

Licensed Professional Counselor; 35 years working with youth/families; professional soccer coach.

Madison Lockamy, M.A.

Resident in Counseling, Evolve Family Counseling & Sports Psychotherapy

Daniel Savage

Evolve Family Counseling & Sports Psychotherapy

Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 266

Session 1

Audience SECONDARY

10:30am EST

Horse Sense for Human Healing: Equine Assisted Services and Youth Wellness

Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 354

Human services incorporating horses to benefit people have grown tremendously in
popularity in recent years. These services support physical, cognitive, and
social/emotional well-being. Learn more about the purposes, professionals, and
particulars of equine-assisted services, and how these holistic services can help youths
to manage stress, regulate emotions, and build relationships.

Speakers

Katie Fallon

Founder and Executive Director, Bridle Paths

Katie Fallon is a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH), Intl.Advanced Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) with twenty years ofexperience in facilitating sessions for participants with a wide range of physical,cognitive, psychological, and emotional... Read More →

Elizabeth Young

Bridle Paths

Elizabeth Young is a seasoned Licensed Professional Counselor with three decades ofexperience in mental health and school administration. She has led and supervised alarge team of school social workers in critical areas like human trafficking, foster care,special education, and child... Read More →

Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 354

Session 1

Audience SECONDARY

10:30am EST

Hungry for What? Navigating Disordered Eating and Body Image Issues with Students

Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 331

Participants will gain an understanding of healthy eating and body image and the influences that put students at risk for developing eating disorders and body dissatisfaction. The presentation will cover ways for students to build resilience, knowledge, and coping skills to develop a healthy relationship with food and body image.

Speakers

Christie Dondero Bettwy

Executive Directo, Rock Recovery

Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 331

Session 1

Audience SECONDARY

10:30am EST

No More Birds & Bees: Preventing Violence & Talking to Teens About Healthy Relationships LIMITED

Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 258

Caregiver involvement is key to promoting healthy behaviors in teens. Pervasive misconceptions hold that sexual/dating violence prevention requires uncomfortable one-off conversations with teenagers (e.g., the traditional “Birds & Bees” script). This workshop will provide parents/caregivers evidence-based, developmentally appropriate, actionable steps for teaching consent & healthy relationship skills in everyday interactions.

Speakers

Jen Farnsworth

Violence Prevention Specialist, LAWS Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services

Jen Farnsworth, MPH (she/her) works as one of the Violence Prevention Specialists at LAWSDomestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services in Leesburg, VA where she lives her passion inpreventing violence within relationships & families. With a Master’s in Public Health focused onmaternal... Read More →

Katherine Parker

Violence Prevention Specialist, LAWS Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services

Katherine Parker, MSW (she/her) is one of the Violence Prevention Specialists at LAWS DomesticViolence & Sexual Assault Services. In her role, she works across Loudoun County to implementviolence prevention programming & healthy relationship education to diverse audiences, includingyouth... Read More →

Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 258

Session 1

Audience SECONDARY

10:30am EST

Over Control vs Under Control – A Transdiagnostic Perspective LIMITED

Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 202

This 1 hour presentation reviews the concept of over control (OC) and under controlled (UC) individuals. It defines the differences of OC and UC and how diagnosis presents in these individuals. The presentation will review bio-temperament and how it presents in an OC vs UC individual. After defining and reviewing the differences we will look at two specific treatment interventions that are evidenced based and the review the similarities and the differences. Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (RO DBT) are the two treatments that will be reviewed in this presentation. It will begin with a review of DBT and the goals and objectives of the treatment followed by what RODBT is and the goals and objectives that treatment. The presentation will provide hands on interventions that parents can use when supporting with students/children who are OC or UC. Participants will leave the training with a better understanding for what treatment (ie: DBT or RO DBT) to pursue when a child is over controlled versus under controlled, and a good understanding of the differences between the two behavioral therapies by reviewing case examples.

Speakers

Alicia Ayvas, LCSW, CEDS-C

Clarity Counseling

I am a certified eating disorder specialist and supervisor as well as hold certification in DBT. have been working in the field of eating disorders since 2008 and I am committed to help client’s understand and fully overcome their eating disorder's so that they have peace within... Read More →

Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 202

Session 1

Audience SECONDARY

10:30am EST

Preparing for Adulthood LIMITED

Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 330

The transition to adulthood is becoming increasingly challenging with the numerous obstacles one faces along the way. Parents and supporters play a vital role in how they help adolescents thrive. From managing anxiety to independence to interdependence and the particular skills required during this period, we’ll discuss the key struggles and strategies for success. You will leave having gained valuable tools and insights to guide your teen’s growth and success during their journey.

Speakers

Craig James LCSW, MAC, LSATP

Insight Into Action Therapy

Sarah Wires LCSW-S, CSAC-S

Insight Into Action Therapy

Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 330

Session 1

Audience SECONDARY

10:30am EST

Supporting Children With “Big Emotions” (and Parents Who Raise Them) LIMITED

Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 264

Raising children with "big emotions" (who are sensitive, strong-willed, and/or anxious) can be challenging. Not only must parents manage dysregulation of children, but the entire family dynamic is impacted by the kids’ big reactions. Although traditional strategies are often ineffective, specific techniques can be used to foster resilience in children and confidence in parents.

Speakers

Rachel Bailey

Parenting Specialist

Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 264

Session 1

Audience SECONDARY

10:30am EST

Live your Fittest Life with a Balanced Approach to Nutrition and Wellness LIMITED

Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 359

In this presentation you will learn the 4 foundational habits to live your healthiest and most balanced life. Instead of thinking about what should be taken away from our lifestyle, we should be thinking about what needs to be ADDED for greater vitality. This includes how to create a balanced plate so that our kids are shown a nutritious way of fueling their bodies, incorporating movement to increase our overall energy and improve our mood throughout the day, how to make drinking water cool for your kids so they are not solely relying on sugary drinks. And the importance of recovery and how to wind down to lower stressors throughout the day. I am excited to help walk you through steps to add greater vitality and life into your day so you can live your healthiest life with your family.

Speakers

Christen Zammit

Owner, Fit Body Boot Camp

6 years in the Health and Fitness Industry. 5 years as a nutrition coach for the Fit Body Boot Camp organization. Has guided and helped thousands of individuals on their transformation journey to a healthier lifestyle. Currently owns and leads Fit Body Boot Camp in Ashburn and travels... Read More →

Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 359

Session 2

Audience SECONDARY

10:30am EST

Supporting Children With “Big Emotions” (and Parents Who Raise Them) LIMITED

Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 264

Raising children with "big emotions" (who are sensitive, strong-willed, and/or anxious) can be
challenging. Not only must parents manage dysregulation of children, but the entire family dynamic is
impacted by the kids’ big reactions. Although traditional strategies are often ineffective, specific
techniques can be used to foster resilience in children and confidence in parents.

Speakers

Rachel Bailey

Parenting Specialist

Saturday January 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 264

Session 2

Audience SECONDARY

11:30am EST

Anxiety’s Impact on Self-worth and Resiliency in Adolescents: What Parents Need to Know LIMITED

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST

Room 216

Speakers

Lauren Boyle

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, NOVA LiveWellBeing

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
Room 216

Session 2

Audience SECONDARY

11:30am EST

Breaking the Cycle: Using CAMS to Support Youth and Avoid Hospitalization LIMITED

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST

Room 366

The Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) offers a structured way to understand and address suicidal thoughts, helping keep individuals out of the hospital. By promoting open communication, CAMS identifies risk factors and develops coping strategies, supporting middle and high school students in navigating emotional challenges and enhancing well-being.

Speakers

Dylan Beckner LCSW

Founder, Beckner Counseling

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
Room 366

Session 2

Audience SECONDARY

11:30am EST

Building Resilience in Today’s Teens LIMITED

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST

Room 266

Speakers

Dave Edwards

Clinical Director, Evolve Family Counseling & Sports Psychology

Licensed Professional Counselor; 35 years working with youth/families; professional soccer coach.

Daniel Savage

Evolve Family Counseling & Sports Psychotherapy

Madison Lockamy, M.A.

Resident in Counseling, Evolve Family Counseling & Sports Psychotherapy

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
Room 266

Session 2

Audience SECONDARY

11:30am EST

From Stressed to Strengthened: Practical Wellness Strategies for Parents and Students LIMITED

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST

Room 363

Parents play a key role in their teen's mental health, yet their mental well-being often goes unnoticed. This session offers practical, research-based strategies to help parents manage stress, prioritize self-care, and foster resilience. Participants will learn experiential practices like mindfulness and expressive arts to use alone or with teens.

Speakers

Seetal Parikh-Chopra

Ryan Bartel Foundation

Lacey Rosenbaum

Program Director, Ryan Bartel Foundation

Lacey Rosenbaum, PhD, MEd, is a psychologist with expertise in mental health literacy, resilience promotion, trauma-informed care, and suicide prevention. Dr. Rosenbaum is currently the program director for the Ryan Bartel Foundation, helping the foundation expand mental wellness... Read More →

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
Room 363

Session 2

Audience SECONDARY

11:30am EST

Much Ado about Eating Disorders LIMITED

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST

Room 371

Eating disorders do not discriminate, and impact people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and socioeconomic statuses. We know so much more about eating disorders as a field now than we did even 1 year ago. In this presentation, we will focus on eating disorders from multiple lenses. 1. What are eating disorders and how do they come to be? 2. Nutritional considerations 3. How to talk about food and body image as an adult 4. Warning signs and therapeutic considerations 5. What to do to help you or your loved ones get better

Speakers

Susan Kouzel

Registered Dietitian-Nutrition Director, Prosperity Eating Disorders and Wellness Center

Susan Kouzel is the Nutrition Director and Registered Dietitian at Prosperity Eating Disorders and Wellness Center. She has worked with teens and adults with all different types of eating disorders since 2016, and is passionate about helping individuals reach a full recovery. She... Read More →

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
Room 371

Session 2