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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: SECONDARY clear filter
Saturday, January 25
 

9:40am EST

Building resiliency in kids: How our best intentions can interfere with development and increase anxiety
Saturday January 25, 2025 9:40am - 10:30am EST
Room 1407
Parents are bombarded with parenting advice. However, our best intentions can create unintentional roadblocks to building resiliency in kids, potentially increasing anxiety. Join us to discover effective strategies for fostering your child's resilience and breaking the cycle of anxiety.
Speakers
avatar for Matthew Christian

Matthew Christian

Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Therapist, Insight Into Action Therapy
Matt Christian, LCSW, is a therapist at Insight Into Action Therapy, specializing in working with teens, families, and adults. His work focuses on treating anxiety, depression/mood disorders, addiction, and trauma. Clients have commented that his genuine, “down-to-earth” approach... Read More →
avatar for Katherine Lutz

Katherine Lutz

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Insight Into Action Therapy
Katherine Lutz, LCSW-S, is a therapist at Insight Into Action Therapy. She specializes in working with children and adolescents. She is an enthusiastic proponent of the power of play, utilizing the “language of children” to guide youth in expressing, processing, and problem-solving... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 9:40am - 10:30am EST
Room 1407
  Type 1

9:40am EST

Much Ado about Eating Disorders
Saturday January 25, 2025 9:40am - 10:30am EST
Room 1404
What are eating disorders? What factors contribute to the development of disordered eating behaviors and eating disorders? How do I get help if I am struggling, or help a friend or loved one who is struggling? This presentation will dive into the nutrition and therapeutic factors that contribute to the development of, and treatment of, eating disorders. This presentation will also identify and discuss positive nutrition and self care behaviors that can protect against poor body image and cultivate a healthy relationship with food. Participants will be able to identify signs and symptoms of an eating disorder, identify positive nutrition-related and self care behaviors that can be protective against poor body image and a negative relationship with food. In this presentation, we will talk about all things eating disorders; their etiology, their presentation, and their treatment. This presentation can appeal to students, administrators, and caregivers in that we will discuss cultivating a healthy relationship with food and body.
Speakers
avatar for Susan Kouzel

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 9:40am - 10:30am EST
Room 1404
  Type 1

9:40am EST

No More Birds and Bees: Talking to Children and Teens about Healthy Relationships
Saturday January 25, 2025 9:40am - 10:30am EST
Room 1602
Pervasive misconceptions hold that sexual violence prevention requires uncomfortable one-off conversations with teenagers (e.g., the traditional “Birds and Bees” script). However, recent evidence-based programming (e.g., Foshee, et al., 2012) demonstrates the efficacy of ongoing parental/caregiver involvement in employing developmentally appropriate approaches to educating children about consent and healthy relationship skills. This presentation will provide parents/caregivers and educators with evidence-based, actionable steps to incorporate educating children and teens about such skills in everyday interactions.
Speakers
avatar for Leighanne Greenberg

Leighanne Greenberg

Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator, LAWS Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services
Leighanne Greenberg is the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator at LAWS. Leighanne recruits and trains Loudoun County Community members to answer hotline calls, help out around LAWS Community Services Center, and get involved in prevention/awareness. 
avatar for Katherine Parker

Katherine Parker

Violence Prevention Specialist, LAWS Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services
Katherine Parker is the Violence Prevention Specialist for LAWS Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services in Leesburg, VA. In her role, she implements programming related to interpersonal violence prevention, such as trainings & workshops, as well as safe & healthy relationship... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 9:40am - 10:30am EST
Room 1602
  Type 1

9:40am EST

No More Nagging: Connecting to Tackle the “To Do” List and Beyond
Saturday January 25, 2025 9:40am - 10:30am EST
Room 1607
This presentation will focus on RELATIONSHIP, as much as the tasks your child needs to do - as the connection between you is the most important contributor to your child’s development. In fact, your relationship is the vehicle through which you can help your child develop the skills to manage emotions, learn to prioritize, and tackle the things they need to get done. That does not mean that the “to do” aspects of communicating with your student - the homework, studying, chores - are not needed! When you are not seeing follow-through, it can be challenging, frustrating, anxiety-producing, for both you and your student! You’ll leave with practical, proven and relationship–based strategies to minimize those frustrations for you AND your student, increase task completion and ownership, and foster empathy and connection.
Speakers
avatar for Bridges Therapy&Wellness

Bridges Therapy&Wellness

Clinical Psychologist, Bridges Therapy and Wellness Center
Dr. Mullaley completed her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, with an Emphasis in Child and Family Psychology, at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. She has worked in therapeutic schools and in private practice over the past 20 years, and has co-owed Bridges Therapy... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 9:40am - 10:30am EST
Room 1607
  Type 1

9:40am EST

The Dangers of Fentanyl and the Current Youth Substance Use Trends
Saturday January 25, 2025 9:40am - 10:30am EST
Room 1206
Attendees will gain a thorough understanding of the current landscape of youth substance use trends, information about the dangers of fentanyl, as well as tips and suggestions regarding how to engage in conversations with your child. In addition, school based and community resources will be shared.
Speakers
avatar for Blaise Carland

Blaise Carland

Student Assistance Specialist, Loudoun County Public Schools
Blaise Carland is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.  He has been in the field for 31 years working with adults, families, and teens addressing Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues in settings ranging from long term residential to Private Practice.  For the past 8 years he has... Read More →
avatar for Sherry Hoover

Sherry Hoover

Student Assistance Specialist, Loudoun County Public Schools
Ms. Hoover was born in raised in Northern Virginia area. She has a Master’s in Counseling and Master’s in Forensic Psychology from Marymount University in Arlington, VA. In the State of Virginia has been a Licensed Professional Counselor for over 16 years and prior to that provided... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 9:40am - 10:30am EST
Room 1206
  Type 1

9:40am EST

What Every Parent Needs to Know About Raising a Resilient Teen
Saturday January 25, 2025 9:40am - 10:30am EST
Room 1204
Coping with adversity and building resilience are essential to healthy child and adolescent development and the theme of this year’s conference promoting mental health and wellness. Resilience is also an important protective factor against teen risk, including suicide. A common myth is that being resilient is a trait people are born with, but research suggests that resilience can be taught and nurtured. Parents play an integral role in helping their teens build resilience. In this interactive presentation, participants will learn about how a supportive and stable relationship with a caregiver is the number one predictor that children will develop resilience and the connection between resilience, positive mental health, and reduction in suicide risk. Participants will learn about five research-based strategies to help their teens develop resilience connected to Positive Psychology, Mindfulness, Mindful Self-Compassion and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The strategies that will be explored in the presentation including include modeling resilience yourself by engaging your own challenges and using coping skills, helping teens identify and activate their strengths, using positive and compassionate communication with your child, embracing imperfection and creating a safe space to make mistakes, and practicing self-care with your teen. Participants will be given opportunities to discuss and practice each strategy in a space with activities that involve personal reflection and small and large group sharing. Participants will leave with local and national resources to learn more about resilience and how to support their child’s resilience.
Speakers
avatar for Lacey Rosenbaum

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 9:40am - 10:30am EST
Room 1204
  Type 1

10:40am EST

GRIT & BEAR It: (B)uilding (E)motional (A)cademic (R)esilience in Teens
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1402
Navigating the teen years can be tough. It is a period of significant changes, physically, mentally, and experientially; every week brings new opportunities and challenges. Resilience is the ability to cope with difficult situations in a healthy way. Resilient students adapt well to changes and bounce back after experiencing adversity. Resilience is more than just coping. Resilient students are more prepared to seek new ways to overcome challenges and achieve goals. Resilience can present as being realistic, thinking rationally, looking on the bright side, finding the positives, expecting things to go well, and moving forward, even when things seem difficult or challenging. A 2022 study found that those who have developed resilience are more likely to have better overall well-being than those who have not. A 2021 study surveying 1,032 college students concluded that emotional resilience was linked to reduced stress and greater life satisfaction. The factors that cultivate a young person's ability to be resilient also develop wellbeing, however, it is important to note resiliency develops from adversity; without adversity there is no resilience. Resilience is not something people are born with; it is a skill that can be learned and developed over time. This session will present practical suggestions for parents/guardians as well as resources available in the school setting and community.
Speakers
avatar for Cassandra Asekhauno

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 →
avatar for Tracy Wood

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 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1402
  Type 2

10:40am EST

Managing Youth Depression in middle and high-schoolers in a post-pandemic world.
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1406
Is your child sad? Lonely? Isolating? Withdrawn? Hopeless? Incidence of depression in youth has risen exponentially over the last 15 years, with even greater incidence during and since the pandemic. In a post-pandemic world, our youth have had to confront and deal with life and global stressors in a way that few ever imagined. This has increased concerns about teens' tendency to withdraw, isolate, and display a lack of motivation, as well as associated safety issues, such as self-harm and suicide. This presentation will present an easy-to-understand overview of depression and address relevant factors such as genetics, environment, culture, and identity. Significant emphasis will be given to providing parents with tools to help manage their child’s depression. Audience engagement will be encouraged, and strategies and resources will be provided for parents, and those in supporting roles in a teen’s life.
Speakers
avatar for Dave Edwards

Dave Edwards

Clinical Director, Evolve Family Counseling & Sports Psychology
Licensed Professional Counselor; 35 years working with youth/families; professional soccer coach.
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1406
  Type 2

10:40am EST

No More Birds and Bees: Talking to Children and Teens about Healthy Relationships
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1602
Pervasive misconceptions hold that sexual violence prevention requires uncomfortable one-off conversations with teenagers (e.g., the traditional “Birds and Bees” script). However, recent evidence-based programming (e.g., Foshee, et al., 2012) demonstrates the efficacy of ongoing parental/caregiver involvement in employing developmentally appropriate approaches to educating children about consent and healthy relationship skills. This presentation will provide parents/caregivers and educators with evidence-based, actionable steps to incorporate educating children and teens about such skills in everyday interactions.
Speakers
avatar for Leighanne Greenberg

Leighanne Greenberg

Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator, LAWS Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services
Leighanne Greenberg is the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator at LAWS. Leighanne recruits and trains Loudoun County Community members to answer hotline calls, help out around LAWS Community Services Center, and get involved in prevention/awareness. 
avatar for Katherine Parker

Katherine Parker

Violence Prevention Specialist, LAWS Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services
Katherine Parker is the Violence Prevention Specialist for LAWS Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services in Leesburg, VA. In her role, she implements programming related to interpersonal violence prevention, such as trainings & workshops, as well as safe & healthy relationship... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1602
  Type 2

10:40am EST

No More Nagging: Connecting to Tackle the “To Do” List and Beyond
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1607
This presentation will focus on RELATIONSHIP, as much as the tasks your child needs to do - as the connection between you is the most important contributor to your child’s development. In fact, your relationship is the vehicle through which you can help your child develop the skills to manage emotions, learn to prioritize, and tackle the things they need to get done. That does not mean that the “to do” aspects of communicating with your student - the homework, studying, chores - are not needed! When you are not seeing follow-through, it can be challenging, frustrating, anxiety-producing, for both you and your student! You’ll leave with practical, proven and relationship–based strategies to minimize those frustrations for you AND your student, increase task completion and ownership, and foster empathy and connection.
Speakers
avatar for Bridges Therapy&Wellness

Bridges Therapy&Wellness

Clinical Psychologist, Bridges Therapy and Wellness Center
Dr. Mullaley completed her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, with an Emphasis in Child and Family Psychology, at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. She has worked in therapeutic schools and in private practice over the past 20 years, and has co-owed Bridges Therapy... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1607
  Type 2

11:40am EST

GRIT & BEAR It: (B)uilding (E)motional (A)cademic (R)esilience in Teens
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:30pm EST
Room 1402
Navigating the teen years can be tough. It is a period of significant changes, physically, mentally, and experientially; every week brings new opportunities and challenges. Resilience is the ability to cope with difficult situations in a healthy way. Resilient students adapt well to changes and bounce back after experiencing adversity. Resilience is more than just coping. Resilient students are more prepared to seek new ways to overcome challenges and achieve goals. Resilience can present as being realistic, thinking rationally, looking on the bright side, finding the positives, expecting things to go well, and moving forward, even when things seem difficult or challenging. A 2022 study found that those who have developed resilience are more likely to have better overall well-being than those who have not. A 2021 study surveying 1,032 college students concluded that emotional resilience was linked to reduced stress and greater life satisfaction. The factors that cultivate a young person's ability to be resilient also develop wellbeing,
however, it is important to note resiliency develops from adversity; without adversity there is no resilience. Resilience is not something people are born with; it is a skill that can be learned and developed over time. This session will present practical suggestions for parents/guardians as well as resources available in the school setting and community.
Speakers
avatar for Cassandra Asekhauno

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 →
avatar for Tracy Wood

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 11:40am - 12:30pm EST
Room 1402
  Type 3

11:40am EST

Managing Youth Depression in middle and high-schoolers in a post-pandemic world.
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:30pm EST
Room 1406
Is your child sad? Lonely? Isolating? Withdrawn? Hopeless? Incidence of depression in youth has risen exponentially over the last 15 years, with even greater incidence during and since the pandemic. In a post-pandemic world, our youth have had to confront and deal with life and global stressors in a way that few ever imagined. This has increased concerns about teens' tendency to withdraw, isolate, and display a lack of motivation, as well as associated safety issues, such as self-harm and suicide. This presentation will present an easy-to-understand overview of depression and address relevant factors such as genetics, environment, culture, and identity. Significant emphasis will be given to providing parents with tools to help manage their child’s depression. Audience engagement will be encouraged, and strategies and resources will be provided for parents, and those in supporting roles in a teen’s life.
Speakers
avatar for Dave Edwards

Dave Edwards

Clinical Director, Evolve Family Counseling & Sports Psychology
Licensed Professional Counselor; 35 years working with youth/families; professional soccer coach.
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:30pm EST
Room 1406
  Type 3

11:40am EST

Much Ado about Eating Disorders
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:30pm EST
Room 1404
What are eating disorders? What factors contribute to the development of disordered eating behaviors and eating disorders? How do I get help if I am struggling, or help a friend or loved one who is struggling? This presentation will dive into the nutrition and therapeutic factors that contribute to the development of, and treatment of, eating disorders. This presentation will also identify and discuss positive nutrition and self care behaviors that can protect against poor body image and cultivate a healthy relationship with food. Participants will be able to identify signs and symptoms of an eating disorder, identify positive nutrition-related and self care behaviors that can be protective against poor body image and a negative relationship with food.

In this presentation, we will talk about all things eating disorders; their etiology, their presentation, and their treatment. This presentation can appeal to students, administrators, and caregivers in that we will discuss cultivating a healthy relationship with food and body.
Speakers
avatar for Susan Kouzel

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 11:40am - 12:30pm EST
Room 1404
  Type 3

11:40am EST

What Every Parent Needs to Know About Raising a Resilient Teen
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:30pm EST
Room 1204
Coping with adversity and building resilience are essential to healthy child and adolescent development and the theme of this year’s conference promoting mental health and wellness. Resilience is also an important protective factor against teen risk, including suicide. A common myth is that being resilient is a trait people are born with, but research suggests that resilience can be taught and nurtured. Parents play an integral role in helping their teens build resilience. In this interactive presentation, participants will learn about how a supportive and stable relationship with a caregiver is the number one predictor that children will develop resilience and the connection between resilience, positive mental health, and reduction in suicide risk. Participants will learn about five research-based strategies to help their teens develop resilience connected to Positive Psychology, Mindfulness, Mindful Self-Compassion and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The strategies that will be explored in the presentation including include modeling resilience yourself by engaging your own challenges and using coping skills, helping teens identify and activate their strengths, using positive and compassionate communication with your child, embracing imperfection and creating a safe space to make mistakes, and practicing self-care with your teen. Participants will be given opportunities to discuss and practice each strategy in a space with activities that involve personal reflection and small and large group sharing. Participants will leave with local and national resources to learn more about resilience and how to support their child’s resilience.
Speakers
avatar for Lacey Rosenbaum

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 11:40am - 12:30pm EST
Room 1204
  Type 3
 
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Saturday, January 25
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