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Conference Keynote

Andrea Berryman Childreth

Navigating Mental Illness: Embracing Imperfection, Shame & Courage to Find Hope & Balance

Join award winning author, speaker and mom Andrea Berryman Childreth on her journey to finding balance and hope while raising her mentally ill daughter, and battling bipolar disorder, herself.  Andrea will share insight and tips into what has worked and what has flopped over the last 30 years navigating the shame, stigma, pain and triumphs of mental wellness.

Andrea Berryman Childreth is a four-time, award-winning author of the book ON THE EDGE: Help and hope for parenting children with mental illness. The book journals her family’s personal experience raising a mentally ill daughter and the shame, stigma and challenges they faced, while hiding behind a mask of normalcy and feeling completely helpless and out of control at home. Additionally, it provides a realistic and practical guide to parenting a child with mental illness including common diagnoses, advice on navigating health insurance or the school system, and help with setting expectations at home. 

We will be doing giveaways throughout the conference day, of Andrea's incredible book "On The Edge."  You can also purchase a copy of "On The Edge" at http://ontheedgebook.com/

Conference Workshops

"You Can't Make Me Go!"- Assessment & Treatment of School Avoidance in Children & Adolescents

Presenter: Nathan Doty, PHD & Brian Willoughby, PHD

• One of the most significant predictors of school refusal is non-attendance. In these unprecedented times, students returning from pandemic-related disruptions are at particular risk for school avoidance of refusal. Understanding the factors that contribute to and perpetuate school avoidance will be crucial in facilitating the return to in-person learning. This presentation for parents and educators will provide a comprehensive overview of knowledge surrounding school refusal, as well as practical tips for addressing patterns of non-attendance.

 

Making the Leap: Legal Protections for Students with Emotional & Behavioral Needs Returning to School In-Person

Presenter: Liza Hirsch, Esq.

• This workshop will provide information on the legal rights of students with behavioral and emotional needs returning to school, in person, based upon current law, regulations and guidance from the State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The presentation will cover basic special education and school discipline rights in the context of COVID-19 and will offer tips to help parents effectively navigate their child’s transition back to in-person learning.

 

Brain XP's System of H.O.P.E.

Presenter: Christine Marie Frey

• Christine XP takes attendees on a journey through mental health challenges from the eyes of a young person who has experienced it and has overcome the stigmas existing on school campuses from both administration and fellow students. Christine XP teaches Brain XP’s System of H.O.P.E. throughout this journey, which results in a new & unique method of surviving the daily trials of being a young person in today’s world. It creates an optimistic avenue that can help calm our minds and can lead to suicide prevention.

 

Adversity Is NOT Destiny-International Grand Family Peer Support

Presenter: Dr. Glenda Clare

• Nearly 3 million American children under the age of 18 are members of grandfamilies. Adversity does not have to mean destiny. When grandfamilies are supported, children can thrive. During this workshop, participants will learn about the grandfamily, why they are created, and how to support its members (children, youth, young adults, and adults)

 

Introduction to Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS)

Presenter: Maile Munson, LICSW

• A general overview of the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model, including the key themes, how to use the assessment instrument, and how to solve problems collaboratively. CPS is a non-punitive, non-adversarial, trauma-responsive, model of care Dr. Ross Greene originated and describes in his various books, including The Explosive Child, Lost at School, Lost & Found, and Raising Human Beings.

 

Getting Rid of Mental Health Stigma in the Caribbean Community

Presenter: Samantha Samuels, BS, CLC

• While four million Caribbean migrants live in American, many who struggle with mental health go undiagnosed due to community stigma. Many professionals are unaware of how to effectively communicate with this community, so Caribbean children are not well served. This workshop provides solutions to break stigma and ensure that Caribbean children and their families get what they need.

 

Power of Choice

Presenter: Judy Giovangelo

• The Power of Choice Presentation brings a message of hope, positive psychology and tools to reduce stress and grow emotional resiliency. Judy is a voice for change, addressing the challenges that adolescents face in our society today. She shares insight on how to embrace change through mindfulness for a healthy body and mind.

 

When Behavior and Law Meet: Guidance for Youth and Families Encountering the Juvenile Justice System

Presenter:Robert Kinscherff, PhD, JD

• Youth with behavioral health (BH) challenges are disproportionately represented at all points of encounters with the juvenile justice system. From encounters with police in the community to re-entry planning for youth who have been committed to the Department of Youth Services, youth with BH needs risk entanglement in a system that often has difficulty addressing those needs. This presentation describes a “sequential intercept” model identifying points where youth with BH needs may be diverted from unwarranted juvenile justice involvement. Guidance is offered at each “intercept point” about ways to avoid further penetration into the juvenile justice system, what to expect at each point, and strategies for avoiding “criminalization” of behaviors reflecting youthfulness or specific behavioral health conditions.

 

What Do You Want From a Post-Pandemic World for Children with Behavioral Health Needs?  Now is the Time for Action!

Presenter: Christopher Bellonci, MD

• Dr. Bellonci will review the statistics on what has happened during the pandemic, highlight emerging trends and adaptations of things we might want to continue, and discuss how we can bring our voices together to demand a world that better meets the needs of our children and families.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Looking to become a sponsor?  We have many opportunities to support this incredible day of learning.   Please reach out to conference@ppal.net for more information.

Register Now!