Virginia Family Network Youth and Family Summit 2019 

******* We are sorry, the youth track is full *****

The Family and Youth Leadership Summit brings together parents, youth, community leaders, professionals and policy makers to network, share resources, and discuss topics and issues relevant to family and youth mental health support, resiliency and growing the family and youth voice in Virginia.

This year's adult keynote speaker for the adults will be Russell Barkley, PhD. Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D., is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Virginia Treatment Center for Children and Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA.  He is a Diplomate (board certified) in three specialties, Clinical Psychology (ABPP), Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, and Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN, ABPP).  Dr. Barkley is a clinical scientist, educator, and practitioner who has published 23 books, rating scales, and clinical manuals numbering 41 editions.  He has also published more than 270 scientific articles and book chapters related to the nature, assessment, and treatment of ADHD and related disorders.  He is the founder and Editor of the bimonthly clinical newsletter, The ADHD Report, now in its 25^th year of publication.  Dr. Barkley has presented more than 800 invited addresses internationally and appeared on nationally televised programs such as 60 Minutes, the Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Sunday Morning, CNN, and many other programs on behalf of those with ADHD.  He has received awards from professional societies and ADHD organizations for his lifetime achievements, career accomplishments, contributions to research in ADHD, to clinical practice, and for the dissemination of science.  His websites are www.russellbarkley.org and ADHDLectures.com.

This year's youth keynote speaker is Ronnie Sydney, II, LCSW. Ronnie Sidney, II, LCSW, a Virginia native, is an award-winning author, professional speaker, consultant, and licensed therapist. In third grade, the author-therapist was diagnosed with a learning disability (dysgraphia and ADHD) and spent seven years in special education. Sidney’s early academic challenges ignited a passion within him to pursue social justice and to work with the youth. After graduating Virginia Commonwealth University in 2014, Sidney went on to self-publish Nelson Beats the Odds, Tameka's New Dress, Rest in Peace RaShawn Reloaded, Educators Guide to the Nelson Beats the Odds Series and Nelson Beats the Odds Activity Guide. Sidney’s stories present learning disabilities, trauma, and bullying in a sensitive, easy-to-understand and age-appropriate format for kids.