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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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Type: Session 3 clear filter
Saturday, January 25
 

11:30am EST

Empowering Today's Generation: Strategies for Managing Anxiety
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:20pm EST
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

1:40pm EST

Adventures Through Grief: the Journey So far
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 1:55pm EST
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

1:40pm EST

Designing, Leading & Living Holistic Approaches to Wellness in Education: Fostering Growth Mindset
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 1:55pm EST
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

1:40pm EST

Mental Health in Virginia: Responding to the Data
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 1:55pm EST
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

1:40pm EST

Apathy to Action: Inspiring Teens to Engage and Excel
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
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
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 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 355

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
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

1:40pm EST

Breaking the Cycle: Using CAMS to Support Youth and Avoid Hospitalization LIMITED
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
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
avatar for Dylan Beckner LCSW

Dylan Beckner LCSW

Founder, Beckner Counseling
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 366

1:40pm EST

Communicate, Collaborate, & Co-Parent Like A Champ! LIMITED
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
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

1:40pm EST

Empowering Today's Generation: Strategies for Managing Anxiety LIMITED
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
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

1:40pm EST

Energizing and Cooling Breathing Techniques for Immediate Focus and Stress-Reduction LIMITED
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
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

1:40pm EST

From Stressed to Strengthened: Practical Wellness Strategies for Parents and Students LIMITED
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
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
avatar for Seetal Parikh-Chopra

Seetal Parikh-Chopra

Ryan Bartel Foundation
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 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 363

1:40pm EST

Horse Sense for Human Healing: Equine-Assisted Services and Youth Wellness LIMITED
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Speakers
avatar for Katie Fallon

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 →
avatar for Elizabeth Young

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 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 354

1:40pm EST

Hungry for What? Navigating Disordered Eating and Body Image Issues with Students LIMITED
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
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
avatar for Christie Dondero Bettwy

Christie Dondero Bettwy

Executive Directo, Rock Recovery
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 331

1:40pm EST

I’ve Got this!! Empowering Students with Tools for Self-Regulation LIMITED
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
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

1:40pm EST

Live your Fittest Life with a Balanced Approach to Nutrition and Wellness LIMITED
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
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
avatar for Christen Zammit

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 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 359

1:40pm EST

Much Ado about Eating Disorders LIMITED
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
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
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 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 371

1:40pm EST

Music for Mental Wellness, Mindfulness, and Emotional Expression: Practical Tools for Students, Parents, and Teachers LIMITED
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
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

1:40pm EST

Neurodivergence and Crisis Intervention: Clinical Interventions, Safety Planning, and Resources LIMITED
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
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

1:40pm EST

Partnering with Parents to Reduce Anxiety in Elementary Age Students LIMITED
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
This presentation will focus on the use of the Cool Kids program as an intervention to reduce feelings of anxiety in elementary age students. The school psychologist works with the student to change how they think about anxiety provoking events, and then develops a plan with the parents to change the behaviors.
Speakers
avatar for Joel Esslinger

Joel Esslinger

School Psychologist, Loudoun County Public Schools
I have worked as a school psychologist for 29 years, with 23 of those years in LCPS.   I have served as the psychologist for several LCPS schools, including elementary/middle/high, and currently am assigned to two elementary schools.  Unique job responsibilities/special interests... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 329

1:40pm EST

Preparing for Adulthood LIMITED
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
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
avatar for Craig James LCSW, MAC, LSATP

Craig James LCSW, MAC, LSATP

Insight Into Action Therapy
avatar for Sarah Wires LCSW-S, CSAC-S

Sarah Wires LCSW-S, CSAC-S

Insight Into Action Therapy
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 330

1:40pm EST

Sleep. The #1 Health Promoting Behavior! LIMITED
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Many behaviors promote health and wellness. Nutrition and exercise often come to mind, however adequate sleep is essential for our physical and mental health. This session will explore sleep physiology, restorative changes occurring during sleep, the impact of inadequate sleep, and behavioral interventions that promote sleep.
Speakers
avatar for Chastity Van Pelt

Chastity Van Pelt

Family Nurse Practitioner & Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, BLISS Pediatric Sleep Support
Chastity Van Pelt has been a Family Nurse Practitioner since 2008. She graduated from Michigan State University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and later completed her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Michigan in 2008. She has 9.5 years of clinical... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 327

1:40pm EST

What Does the Brain have to do with Behavior? LIMITED
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm EST
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
 
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