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.

11:40am EST

A Trauma-informed Wellness Workshop for Parents of Children Diagnosed with Developmental Disabilities

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:30pm EST

Room 1210

Daily wellness practices can improve the mental, physical, and social-emotional well-being of parents and educators, thereby positively influencing their capacity to implement strategies that support learning outcomes for children that have developmental disabilities. This workshop will demonstrate how these practices can be used by parents and/or elementary educators in their daily life to support their emotional well-being, decrease stress, and engage with children mindfully.

Speakers

Jessica Woolson

Specialized Instructional Facilitator-Behavior, Loudoun County Public Schools

Jessica Woolson is a master’s level board certified behavior analyst (BCBA), certified early childhood developmental specialist, yoga teacher, and wellness educator. Most recently, Jessica completed a 200-hour Mindfulness, Social-emotional Learning, and Yoga Teacher Training through... Read More →

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:30pm EST
Room 1210

Type 3

Audience ALL LEVELS

11:40am EST

Connection, Curiosity and Compassion – Understanding and Navigating Challenging Behaviors

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:30pm EST

Room 1208

This workshop will focus on how to regulate and connect with your children, so they feel safe, seen and valued. Participants will learn that all behaviors are functional and “make sense” to the child, even the most difficult ones. Participants will learn how to become curious about behaviors and try to get to the root of the challenges. The focus will be on evidence-based strategies away from punitive punishment and towards supports for children navigating their feelings and reactions. Dealing with challenging behaviors all the time can be exhausting for families, an emphasis will also be placed on giving compassion to your child and yourself tips will be given to increase your compassion and understanding.
Information presented is founded in Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) and the emerging field of Relational Neuroscience - the study of the behavioral, social and emotional brain. We are all “United in Wellness”, and learning about how and why our children are having challenging behaviors will help bring build wellness in us and our children.
The workshop will include some researched, neuroscience facts (in parent/caregiver friendly language), along with stories and examples of real life experiences. The presentation will use slides, brief video clips interactive discussions. Handouts with links will allow the participants to delve deeper into the topics after the workshop.

Speakers

Melissa Lebling

Outreach and Family Support Specialist, Formed Families Forward

Melissa Lebling, is a mother to seven children, all who have had their fair share of challenging behaviors. She is the Family Support and Outreach Specialist at Formed Families Forward in Fairfax, Virginia. As an adoptee, a biological mother, a former foster parent, and an adoptive... Read More →

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:30pm EST
Room 1208

Type 3

Audience ALL LEVELS

11:40am EST

Energizing and Cooling Breathing Techniques for Immediate Focus and Stress-Reduction

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:30pm 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

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 11:40am - 12:30pm EST
Room 1817

Type 3

Audience ALL LEVELS

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

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

Type 3

Audience SECONDARY

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

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

Audience SECONDARY

11:40am EST

Mental Health Considerations for Managing and Treating Adolescents with Concussion

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:30pm EST

Room 1606

Our clinical and research team has published several papers from our clinic here in Northern VA that outlines the impact that increased mood symptoms (i.e., anxiety and depression) has on concussion recovery outcomes in adolescents. We have translated these empirical findings to clinical care that executes a precision medicine approach for ameliorating the effects of concussion and expediting recovery to the classroom and/or athletic field. Our treatment strategies are contingent upon good at-home compliance and adherence – which are greatly benefitted by parent/guardian support. This presentation will provide an overview of the identification and treatment of post-concussion mood with adherence recommendations for at-home and in-school support. This session aligns with several conference themes such as the promotion of health and wellness, resilience, anxiety, and stress management. Participants’ knowledge of presentation content will be assessed via Poll Everywhere before and after the presentation.

Speakers

R.J. Elbin

PhD, Director of Research for the Musculoskeletal Service Line

Dr. R.J. Elbin is Director of Research for the Musculoskeletal Service Line and a clinical research partner to the Inova Sports Medicine Concussion Program. Dr. Elbin received a doctorate in Kinesiology from Michigan State University in 2010 and completed a two-year post-doctoral... Read More →

Sabrina Jennings

Clinical Neuropsychologist, Inova Sports Medicine Concussion Program

Dr. Sabrina Jennings is a fellowship-trained clinical neuropsychologist with specialization in sport concussion management. She joined Inova Health System in 2020 and has been practicing since 2018. She serves as Fellowship Director in the Inova Sports Medicine Concussion Program... Read More →

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:30pm EST
Room 1606

Type 3

11:40am EST

Mental Skills Training For Everyone

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:30pm 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

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 11:40am - 12:30pm EST
Room 1202

Type 3

Audience ALL LEVELS

11:40am EST

Modeling EQ to Kids: Responding by Pressing Pause

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:30pm 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

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 →

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 11:40am - 12:30pm EST
Room 1209

Type 3

11:40am EST

Movement, Breath, & Mindfulness: Giving Young Ones Tools to Self-Regulate & Focus

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:30pm 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

Nancy McGovern

Yoga Therapist, Corner of the Sky

Nancy McGovern is an RYT-500, C-IAYT certified yoga therapist with a Master of Science in yoga therapy from Maryland University of Integrative Health. Nancy teaches weekly classes for teens at several Newport Academy locations as well as classes for stress reduction at a local yoga... Read More →

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:30pm EST
Room 1130A/B

Type 3

Audience ALL LEVELS, ELEMENTARY

11:40am EST

Moving through Grief: How to Support Children's Grief Using Movement and Creative Expression

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:30pm 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

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 11:40am - 12:30pm EST
Room 1804

Type 3

Audience ALL LEVELS

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

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

Audience ALL LEVELS, SECONDARY

11:40am EST

Music Therapy and the Iso Principle - Music Meeting You Where You Are

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:30pm EST

Room 1807

The iso principle is a commonly used tool in therapeutic settings which involves matching your energy, emotional level, and interaction style to meet the needs of your client. This principle has been proven to aid in relaxation, improve mood, build resiliency, lower heart rate, stabilize breathing, and increase self-regulation skills. This tool can be used in a variety of settings, including classroom/school settings, individual therapeutic sessions, group sessions, medical settings, and independently at home. The iso principle is an ideal therapeutic tool to incorporate into your daily work, particularly when interacting with individuals in an elevated or dysregulated emotional state. Music is a
particularly effective way to use the iso principle, as will be demonstrated in the experiential portion of the presentation, with the presenters using musical instruments such as drums and shakers to exemplify the iso principle in action. Presenters will also be demonstrating how to use the iso principle with body percussion, instruments that you can make at home, and even the timbre of your voice to provide resources that are accessible to all
communities.

Speakers

Kalysta Bryant

Music Therapy Intern

Kalysta Bryant Bio: Kalysta Bryant is a medical music therapy intern at A place to Be. Kalysta graduated from Shenandoah University with a bachelor’s degree in music therapy in May of 2023. She is currently interning at Inova hospitals; working in oncological, neuro rehabilitative... Read More →

Jenna Ploski

Board-Certified Music Therapist, A Place To Be

Jenna Ploski is a music therapist working at A Place To Be in Leesburg and Middleburg Virginia. Jenna graduated with a double major in music therapy and theatre arts with a vocal concentration and psychology minor from SUNY Fredonia. She completed her music therapy internship also... Read More →

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:30pm EST
Room 1807

Type 3

Audience ALL LEVELS

11:40am EST

Sleep. The #1 Health Promoting Behavior!

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:30pm 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

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 11:40am - 12:30pm EST
Room 1611

Type 3

11:40am EST

Supporting the Safety and Wellness of Students in School through the Title IX Process

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:30pm EST

Room 1609

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education programs that receive federal financial assistance. This presentation will review current Title IX regulations on sexual harassment, how to file a formal complaint, and support and resources available to students who experience sexual harassment. The Title IX grievance process will also be reviewed.

Speakers

Christopher Moy

Division Title IX Coordinator, Loudoun County Public Schools

Christopher Moy is LCPS Division Title IX Coordinator. In this role, he oversees the Title IX process in responding to incidents of Title IX Sexual Harassment.

Marco Pereira

Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Loudoun County Public School District - Ashburn, VA

Marco Pereira is a passionate advocate and protector of children for the past 12 years, dedicating his life to ensuring their safety and well-being. Mr. Pereira spent 10 years investigating child exploitation, human trafficking, and abuse cases at the federal, local, and state level... Read More →

Danyelle Reese

Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Loudoun County Public Schools

Danyelle Reese is a committed public service professional with 14 years of experience in various capacities. She holds degrees in Psychology, Human Services, and a Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling. As an advocate for wellness, Dr. Reese emphasizes the importance... Read More →

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:30pm EST
Room 1609

Type 3

Audience ALL LEVELS

11:40am EST

The Dangers of Fentanyl and the Current Youth Substance Use Trends

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:30pm 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

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 →

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 11:40am - 12:30pm EST
Room 1206

Type 3

11:40am EST

The Joy of Breathing: Practices for a Calm Mind

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:30pm EST

Aux Gym

Breathing is an essential part of our vitality, yet we under utilize this readily available tool to help navigate life’s challenges! This workshop is designed to develop an active understanding of breathwork rooted in yogic tradition called Pranayama and how to utilize simple techniques to create a big impact on our mental health. The many practices of yoga, including pranayama, are designed to create a unification within ourselves to allow for the reduction of an overactive mind and support individual mental health. There are many studies showing the positive effects of yoga on the mental and physical wellbeing of our youth. A 2023 study by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found “practicing yoga made young people more aware of their need to relax and positively impacted their mental health and wellbeing.” In 2020, a study by Int. J. Nur. Edu. and Research found pranayama specifically was effective in reducing stress in adolescents (ages 12-17). Attendees will be given a brief anatomy lesson on how the breath impacts every organ, taught ideal posture for effective oxygen intake, and 6 different pranayama practices to both stimulate and calm the mind. All attendees will be asked to participate in the pranayama practices. Most practices will be seated, but some may ask for a standing position. All practices can be modified for individual needs. A handout will be provided describing each of the techniques in detail to continue the practice at home and with family members.

Speakers

Kirsten Shabanowitz

Yoga and Meditation Teacher, Kiss of Yoga, LLC

Kirsten Shabanowitz, owner of Kiss of Yoga LLC, is a RYT 200 yoga and meditation teacher for kids through adults. Kirsten is a big believer in the power of yoga to support mental and physical health and offers classes and workshops to deepen understanding. Her goal is to not only... Read More →

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:30pm EST
Aux Gym

Type 3

Audience ALL LEVELS

11:40am EST

The Nuts and Bolts of Executive Functioning and Behavior

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:30pm 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

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 →

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 11:40am - 12:30pm EST
Room 1612

Type 3

Audience ALL LEVELS

11:40am EST

The Perfectionist Paradox: Supporting the High-Achieving, Highly Anxious Child

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:30pm 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

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 11:40am - 12:30pm EST
Room 1604

Type 3

Audience ALL LEVELS

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

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

Audience SECONDARY

11:40am EST

Family Power and Engagement

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:50pm EST

Room 1403

This workshop will cover strategies to engage and communicate with your children and teens. Parents will learn the power of Restorative Language and Circles and how to increase positive affect with their children. Learn how to use restorative problem-solving and communication while building relationship.

Speakers

Lisa Harris

MSW, School Social Worker, Loudoun County Public Schools

I started off my social work career as a case manager for a six-family transitional housing program in Alexandria, Virginia. I was responsible for helping her families strengthen their parenting skills, maintain goals for stability, attain jobs, and find long term housing. I have... Read More →

Jennifer McLemore

LCSW, School Social Worker, Loudoun County Public Schools

My name is Jennifer McLemore (she/her) and I am a school social worker as well as a member of the Lightridge Unified Mental Health Team. I love helping students and supporting the Lightridge community. Before joining the staff at Lightridge, I worked for seven years at John Champe... Read More →

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:50pm EST
Room 1403

Type 3

Audience ALL LEVELS