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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: Type 2 clear filter
Saturday, January 25
 

10:40am EST

ACE Interface: Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1302
Society has treated toxic stress felt by children as an oddity that is adequately dealt with by emergency response systems. The scientific research provided by the ACE study informs all about the consequences of stress during childhood. This presentation informs how to be aware of and combat this toxic stress.
Speakers
avatar for Shoko Brown

Shoko Brown

School Psychologist, Loudoun County Public Schools
Shoko Brown is a school psychologist at Ball’s Bluff Elementary, Leesburg Elementary and Lucketts Elementary school. She received a specialist level master’s degree in School Psychology from Saint Mary’s College of California. On weekends, she enjoys taking walks, eating spicy... Read More →
avatar for Ashley Olson

Ashley Olson

School Social Worker, Loudoun County Public School District - Ashburn, VA
Ashley Olson has been a school social worker for Loudoun County Public Schools for the last six years. After school she works as a therapist for children, adolescents and teens at NOVA LiveWellBeing. Ashley is not only passionate about supporting student's mental health with direct... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1302
  Type 2

10:40am EST

Building resiliency in kids: How our best intentions can interfere with development and increase anxiety
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am 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 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1407
  Type 2

10:40am EST

Energizing and Cooling Breathing Techniques for Immediate Focus and Stress-Reduction
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1817
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 1817
  Type 2

10:40am EST

Exercise & Mental Health
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1605
There is strong evidence showing a connection between physical and mental health. The World Health Organization, US Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, and an abundance of independent researchers have demonstrated that youth who exercise and participate in sport have a positive physical, mental health, and cognitive correlation. The evidence-based information we will present is targeted towards all grade levels. Children, parents, coaches, and administration will take home recommendations from several reputable agencies, organizations and universities that give individuals measurable and attainable goals for physical activity. Discussion will be had between our presenter and attendees regarding the current activity levels of our youth and what we can be doing to make sure we are ensuring a physiologically and psychologically healthy community. We will present information about how physical activity decreases depression, improves cognition, creates a positive self-image, decreases negative sedentary behavior, improves social skills, decreases the risk of substance abuse, and constructs habits for lifelong well-being.
Speakers
avatar for Daryl Copley

Daryl Copley

Director of Sports Science, National Sports Medicine Institute
Daryl is the Director of Sports Science at National Sports Medicine Institute. He has 15 years experience in the health & fitness industry and is committed to advancing sports performance through proper movement patterns and student-athlete education.
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1605
  Type 2

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

Live your Fittest Life with a Balanced Approach to Nutrition and Wellness
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1305
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 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1305
  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

Mental Skills Training For Everyone
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1202
This session will be focused on educating attendees on mental skills and how they determine much of our health and wellness. It will focus on expressing how attendees can integrate mental skills into their lives to improve overall wellness as well as the lives of their children. The concepts in this presentation are directly correlated with the conference theme of “United for Wellness”. Segments of the presentation will include attendee engagement through their cell phones and attendees having conversations with people next to them. Material covered in this session will be focused on mental wellness and mental skills but it will not cross into the topic of clinical mental health. 
Speakers
avatar for Michael Mabry

Michael Mabry

Mabry Academy
Michael Mabry is the President of Mabry Academy, which is focused on having a massive positive impact on youth sports through their various programs. Michael grew up in Ashburn, attended Broad Run high school and then Christopher Newport University, where he was a standout player... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1202
  Type 2

10:40am EST

Modeling EQ to Kids: Responding by Pressing Pause
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1209
Attendees will learn about modeling emotional intelligence for the youth in their lives by exploring the difference between reacting versus responding and the importance of cultivating response skills. Additionally, attendees will learn techniques for creating mental space between a trigger and a response to navigate a healthy response more effectively.
Speakers
avatar for Ashleigh Conrad

Ashleigh Conrad

Engagement Manager and GOTR Coach, Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia
Ashleigh Conrad is the Engagement Manager and Coach with Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia. Her background includes extensive work in the nonprofit industry and child welfare system, and she has a passion for preparing the children in our community to become the next generation... Read More →
avatar for Caroline Woods

Caroline Woods

Executive Director and GOTR Coach, Girls on the Run
Caroline Woods joined Girls on the Run of NOVA in March 2020. Caroline has a long-standing history with the Girls on the Run, serving as a volunteer, co-founder, and board chair of a council in New Haven County, Connecticut. She is a mission-driven leader with an established career... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1209
  Type 2

10:40am EST

Movement, Breath, & Mindfulness: Giving Young Ones Tools to Self-Regulate & Focus
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1130A/B
The majority of this workshop will be interactive, and participants will be invited to engage in gentle movement, breath, and mindfulness practices. We will explore both calming and energizing practices and discuss ways to make the practices fun and engaging for a variety of ages. Participants will go home with embodied knowledge of the practices and a handout to use as a reference.

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 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1130A/B
  Type 2

10:40am EST

Moving through Grief: How to Support Children's Grief Using Movement and Creative Expression
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1804
This session will provide an overview of children’s grief. This topic is extremely important to talk about as 1 in 13 children will experience the death of a parent or sibling by the age of 18 in the state of Virginia (Judi’s House JAG Institute CBEM, 2023). The presenter will address different stages of development when it comes to children’s grief as children grieve differently than adults, and a child’s grief varies depending on the child’s age and understanding of death (Hope Edleman & Claire Bidwell Smith Motherless Daughters Training, 2023). Because grief and trauma are held in the body (Bessel Van der Kolk, 2014), Dance Movement Therapy is a beneficial modality for processing grief in a more embodied way. Dance Movement theory as it connects to grief will be discussed and participants will have the opportunity to engage in a movement experiential that involves a simple mirroring intervention that can be used with children who are grieving. Participants will also learn about other resources in the community and online to support children who are grieving and be given a tip sheet of how to support children who are grieving to take home with them. This session is the perfect addition to this conference theme as it incorporates movement and creative expression as well as a topic that is often avoided, yet crucial to a child’s development and wellbeing. When childhood grief is left unaddressed there can be consequences to one’s mental and physical health (National Alliance for Children’s Grief). Presentations like this can help support caring professionals and parents/guardians support children who are grieving!
Speakers
avatar for Kelsey Sawyer

Kelsey Sawyer

MA, BC-DMT, Riverbend Grief and Movement Therapy LLC
Kelsey graduated with a Masters in Mental Health Counseling and specialization in Dance/Movement Therapy from Lesley University in 2019. Since then, she has worked as a youth program manager and therapist for children's grief programs across the country. Kelsey had the honor of training... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1804
  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

10:40am EST

Partnering with Parents to Reduce Anxiety in Elementary Age Students
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1207
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 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1207
  Type 2

10:40am EST

Secrets of The Greats for Mental, Spiritual, and Physical Performance
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1608
Elite performers and high achievers have fascinated the world for centuries. Their feats often seem impossible, yet they continue to break records, build new disciplines, and shift paradigms. But how do they do it? For centuries, we believed that elite performers and high achievers were born different. We thought they had innate talent we couldn't possess, born with superhuman discipline, or just surrounded with the right circumstances. We put them on pedestals and assumed their lives were perfect. But nothing could be further from the truth. Being elite isn't easy, it takes immense stress and sacrifice. What separates them from the rest?
Speakers
avatar for Ken Corigliano

Ken Corigliano

Motivational Speaker, MyndState.live
World Champion Athlete, Lt Col USAF, Subject Matter Expert in Human Autonomic System, Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Information Sciences, Geopolitics, Published Author
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1608
  Type 2

10:40am EST

Sleep. The #1 Health Promoting Behavior!
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1611
The CDC recognizes the impact that schools have on promoting health as demonstrated by their “Healthy School Initiative”, which aims to teach students health promoting behaviors that will serve them lifelong. This session will explore sleep as a health promoting behavior necessary for wellness. Mental health is influenced by a combination of factors including genetics, environment, and behavior. We do not have control over our genetics, but we do have control over our environment and behavior. Sleep is a biological behavior that is influenced by external behavioral factors. In this session, we will review sleep physiology (sleep architecture, sleep hygiene, & the impact on growth/development), the impact of disrupted sleep on children (cognition, behavior, & emotional regulation), and explore behavioral strategies that can be used at home and in school to promote adequate sleep (routine, physical activity, screen time). Mental health and wellness cannot be fully explored without including a session on sleep! This session will begin with an ice-breaker activity that uncovers what the audience thinks of when they hear the word “sleep” and what they think happens during 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 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1611
  Type 2

10:40am EST

The Loneliness Epidemic: Its Impact on Youth and How We Can Help
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1205
This presentation will highlight key points from the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy’s advisory declaring loneliness an epidemic. Research and statistics related to the loneliness epidemic with a focus on youth will be reviewed. The presentation will discuss the impact loneliness has on youth’s mental and physical health and specifically review social media’s influence on loneliness. Participants will be provided with guidance on what to look for that might indicate youth are feeling lonely and disconnected. Finally, actionable ideas will be provided to help foster connection for youth.This presentation specifically looks at the impact of loneliness on youth mental and physical health.This presentation will engage participants in small group discussions to share their own feedback and experiences regarding loneliness. Will brainstorm ideas to foster connection.
Speakers
avatar for Mary Rogers Kirby

Mary Rogers Kirby

Licensed Professional Counselor, Creating Solutions
Mary Rogers Kirby received her M.Ed. and Ed.S in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Virginia and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Ms. Kirby has worked in both the public and private behvioral health field for 18 years. She primarily worked with adolescents providing... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1205
  Type 2

10:40am EST

The Nuts and Bolts of Executive Functioning and Behavior
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1612
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 Kelsey Jackson

Kelsey Jackson

M.A., Ed.S, School Psychologist, Loudoun County Public Schools
Kelsey is in her 5th year as a School Psychologist with Loudoun County Public Schools. She has presented on a variety of topics throughout her professional career including executive functioning, mental health awareness for staff and students, bullying prevention, MTSS framework... Read More →
avatar for Catherine Tannuzzo

Catherine Tannuzzo

M.S., NCSP, 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 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1612
  Type 2

10:40am EST

The Perfectionist Paradox: Supporting the High-Achieving, Highly Anxious Child
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1604
Learn about the challenges high-achieving students face, feeling stressed and anxious due to academic pressure. Understand the impact of perfectionism on mental health, especially in young people. Explore the effects of COVID on anxiety and discover practical ways to address it. Gain insights into the link between perfectionism and mood or eating disorders. The workshop provides tools for assessment and evidence-based interventions, supporting those dealing with anxiety and perfectionism.
Speakers
avatar for Rebecca Berman

Rebecca Berman

Clinical Director, Anxiety Institute
Over the last eighteen years, Rebecca Berman has treated adolescents and adults with anxiety-related issues and eating disorders in outpatient, intensive outpatient, day treatment, residential, and inpatient settings. Rebecca earned a dual Master’s Degree in Social Service / Law... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1604
  Type 2

10:40am EST

They're Not Freaking Out, They're Dysregulated: Understanding the Stress Response
Saturday January 25, 2025 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1610
This session will provide parents/guardians with an understanding of the stress response and how it relates to mental health. The presenters will provide a digestible overview of the “Fight or Flight” response using Dr. Tina Payne Bryson and Dr. Dan Siegel’s “Upstairs/Downstairs Brain” analogy. After providing a foundational understanding of the stress response, the participants will learn how to recognize the difference between a dysregulated and regulated state as well as learn practical strategies for promoting regulation in ourselves and our children. Participants will gain an understanding of how a chronic state of dysregulation can lead to mental health conditions such as anxiety and/or depression. Participants will be engaged through the use of a video as well as built-in opportunities to discuss and share with each other.
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 10:40am - 11:30am EST
Room 1610
  Type 2
 
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