Family Education Webinar Series: Recorded Sessions

The stakes are high for youth mental health. Join us for a conversation with Sheena Rafat-Smith from the NY Council on Problem Gambling on the impact of gambling on youth mental health. Learn about problem gambling, how it can impact our youth, and the increased risks for adverse effects on mental health.

Resource Guide

Recorded  Feb. 2023.

Mental health and substance use disorders often go hand in hand. Co-Occurring Disorders (COD) is the combination of one or more mental health challenges and substance misuse/addiction. Join us for this important conversation with Stephanie Marquesano, founder and president of the harris-project, a non-profit focused on the prevention and treatment of COD. Launched after the death of her 19-year-old-son in 2013. Stephanie will highlight potential pathways to use, explore risk and protective factors, share tips on how to engage youth in critical conversations about COD, and empower us with knowledge about when and how to ask for help.

Resource Guide

Recorded January 2023.

As the holiday season is in full swing, the excitement and stress can have an impact on our mental health.

Join us for a conversation with Dr.Vera Feuer and Brittney Chatel, LMHC from Northwell Health about stress, learn how we can support our youth mental health during these times, and promoting family resilience during the holiday season.

Resource Guide

Recorded December 2022.

For this webinar, the staff from the Western NY Comprehensive Care Center for Eating Disorders reviewed the emotional and nutritional impact of disordered eating on adolescents.

During our discussion  strategies that promote adolescent physical and mental well-being, as well as resources for care and support for adolescents and their families are covered.

The evenings panelist included:

– Dr. Tantillo – Director of the WNYCCCED

– Michelle Morales – Parent Peer Mentor

– Jennifer Dry De Santo, MSEd – Care Manager Coordinator and 2017 Teacher of the Year

Resource Guide

Recorded November 2022.

Teens face unique and complex challenges everyday. At times, as families , caregivers and educators we may feel uncertain of how to best support them or we may feel disconnected from the specific challenges they are navigating.

During our conversation we shared ways families and caregivers can help support the emotional, mental and sexual health of the teens in their care. Panelists shared tips on how to connect with school and community resources, as well as approach sensitive topics with their teens.

The evenings panelist included:

– Mark Mason – Past NYSSCA President & High School Counselor in Syracuse

– Brooke Strauss, LCSW – Manager of Behavioral Health & Program Coordinator – Specialized Care Center for Adolescents & Young Adults

– Amy Hysick – High School Science Teacher at CNS High School in Cicero, NYS PTA Wellness Coordinator and 2017 Teacher of the Year.

Resource Guide

Recorded October 2022.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month but we know that engaging in trauma-informed crisis response is needed year round to support the mental health and wellbeing of today’s youth.

Our conversation with Dr. Celia Spacone discussed helpful strategies to identifying warning signs and symptoms of suicide, and learn more about crisis response services in NY.

Suicide Prevention Coalition of Erie County Website: suicidepreventionecny.org 

Recorded September 2022.

Summer flew by, bringing us closer to the 2022 -2023 school year. While the thought of starting a new school year is exciting for some, it can bring new stress and anxious feelings for others.

If you are looking for ways to support your student as they gear up for a new year, then join MHANYS Family Education Specialist, Whitney Closson for the latest installment in the Family Education Webinar series: Mental Health Essentials for Back to School. We shared helpful resources, conversation starters and self esteem boosters to help start the school year feeling confident and with a wellness mindset.

Recorded August 2022.

School and summer vacation can impact the mental health of your teen. We discussed the causes and impacts of stress on teens, and how to support teen mental health by promoting skills to help cope with every day stress.

Recorded July 2022.

June was Pride Month where we celebrated the beautiful diversity, struggle for justice and importance of inclusion and representation for the rainbow that is the LGBTQ+ community. But beyond the parades, rainbows, flags and celebrations there are young people who struggle every day as a result of beliefs, actions and words that deny their very existence.

View the latest installment in the Family Education Webinar series, Beyond Pride: Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health.  During our time together we  explore ways parents and caregivers can create affirming and supportive family environments for youth.

Speakers 

Signy Furiya, LCSW, Director of Well Being Institute of the Hudson Valley Pride Center
James Baptiste, Program Coordinator of the Hudson Valley Pride Center
April Heyman – President and Founder of LI Pride PTSA , Parent Advocate

Resource Guide

Recorded June 2022.

Congratulations! Your teen graduated high school… now what? Join our conversation where we will hear from mental health professionals and youth voices on how to be proactive and support teen mental health as they start their next journey after high school.

Panelists will share their insight as mental health champions and youth with first hand experience navigating life after high school and provide some insight on how to proactively support your student and set them up for success in whatever path they choose after graduation.

Recorded May 2022.

Recorded April 2022.

It is no secret that over the last 15 years that internet and media use has skyrocketed. Today, 95% of teens have access to a smartphone, and 45% say they are online almost constantly. As a result, many caregivers, educators and individuals are left wondering about the impacts of social media and the digital world on their overall wellbeing.

Information covered includes:

• How to start the conversation around internet use
• How to set healthy media boundaries
• Data to help understand psychological risks and emotional impacts
• Understanding risks and how to respond to cyberbullying and more

Resource Guide

Recorded March 2022.

Students who have disabilities experience mental health issues at higher rates than peers without. Understanding the relationship between mental health and special education is an important piece to providing the best level of support to students and loved ones managing dual diagnoses.

In this panel discussion you will learn:

• What types of resources are available
• How to advocate for your child’s needs at school and in the community
• Where to connect with other family members for support

Event Panelists:

• Donna Bradbury, MA, LMHC – Associate Commissioner NYS OMH – Office of Prevention and Health Initiatives – NYS Office of Mental Health
• Michael Gilberg – Special Education Attorney
• Kathy Kieffer, MS – Retired District Special Education Administrator / Educator
• Chris Van Houten, MA/CAS – President Elect, NY Association of School Psychologists

Resource Guide

Recorded January 2022.

The holiday season can be a cheerful time filled with fun, laughter and togetherness but for some it may bring with it additional stress and hardship. We know that in order to enhance our wellness during difficult times, we must focus on our mind, body and spirit.

Check out these resources as we highlight each of The 8 Dimensions of Wellness and share some practical ways for families and caregivers to stay connected, celebrate and promote wellness with their children this holiday season and all winter long.

Resource Guide

Recorded December 2021

MHANYS has partnered with Pathways to Empower.  Join guest speaker Dr. Donna Volpitta in learning about Neuroscience 101, the Resilient Mindset Model, Mental Health Literacy and Brain Based Leadership.

This presentation will help you to:

• Gain a brain based understanding of the “WHY” behind behaviors
• Learn a framework for using any challenge to build resilience
• Confidently reinforce healthy, mindful decision making
• Develop a common language and strategies for discussing difficult situations, aiding in conflict resolution and prevention.

Recorded November 2021.

Recorded October 2021.

In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, MHANYS welcomed three guest panelists in a discussion about youth suicide prevention. Intended primarily for families and caregivers of under-served communities, they shared resources, strategies and information to help identify and support youth who may be at risk for suicide.

Joined with MHANYS staff were Garra Lloyd – Lester (Coordinator, Community and Coalition Initiatives, Suicide Prevention Center of New York), Amy Totino (Assistant Principal: Maple Ave Middle School, Saratoga Springs SD) and Nichele Darby (SPCNY taskforce focusing on developing recommendations for prevention of black youth suicide).

Recorded September 2021.

This recorded session focuses on two topics: providing families and caregivers ways to incorporate self-care and mindfulness into their daily routines and strategies and tips to navigate change and uncertainty with the start of a new school year.

Led by the School Mental Health Resource and Training Center’s new director, Brandon Beachamp and MHANY’s own Deborah Faust, Director of Family Engagement & Support, participants will learn the tools and skills necessary for good mental health and wellness for themselves and for the children and youth in their lives.

Recorded August 2021.

Recorded July 2021.

Recorded May 2021.

All families face challenges and adversity. Our ability to respond to and recover from these difficulties is a measure of our resiliency. Learn how to help your family develop resiliency through clear and positive communication, flexibility, healthy coping strategies, a focus on individual and family strengths, and experiences that promote mental health and wellness.

Recorded May 2021.

In this recorded session, learn parenting strategies to support anxious children during the pandemic. With frequently updated restrictions and guidelines, children’s needs are ever-changing and parenting challenges are common. Through this workshop, you will learn concrete skills for communicating with your children, helping them manage strong emotions, supporting them in remote learning, and taking care of yourself.

Recorded April 2021.

Watch the recorded session of the conversation with Keturah Proctor, Educator, Regional Equity Facilitator and Black Mom. Panelists discussed the importance of uplifting Black joy as a form of resilience and self-care for Black youth and families.

Recorded March 2021.

Family Support Specialists are a critical community resource for families caring for youth with mental health challenges. They bring their lived experience and a passion to help families to their work in schools and communities. Watch this recorded session for an engaging conversation with Family Support Specialists and program staff to gain a better understanding of their various roles and how they can support parents and caregivers navigate the challenges associated with raising children and youth with mental health problems.

Recorded January 2021.

Grief and loss are universal experiences. Whether it is a death, loss of job or stability, or missed opportunities, managing grief is challenging and looks different for everyone. This recorded session briefly discusses different types of grief and loss experiences, the 5 stages of grief, and how it presents differently within youth.

Recorded December 2020.

Melissa Castle Heatly, Ph.D., Director, Expanded School Mental Health Initiatives at Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness, Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center

While times of stress and uncertainty are profoundly challenging, they also offer opportunities to build resilience in children. This conversation reviewed the science of resilience, identify concrete strategies for how parents can support their children’s resiliency, and ways parents can develop their own resiliency during times of personal, community, and global crisis.

Recorded November 2020.

Many families and caregivers are facing unprecedented hardships, and increased levels of stress and anxiety. This webinar will help caregivers understand signs and symptoms, and identify risk factors for mental health problems, as well as offer suggestions on how to positively cope and increase overall health and wellness.

When providing comfort and support to a child, it can be helpful to understand the stages of psychosocial development. This webinar will provide a basic overview of child development, what mental health and wellness issues may arise during each stage, and practical strategies for supporting the healthy social-emotional growth of children.

Recorded September 2020.

This recorded session uses person-centered and strengths based strategies to help families identify ways to support mental wellness for their children and themselves as they prepare to go back to school during these uncertain times.

Recorded August 2020.

This video highlights the physical and emotional benefits of mindfulness, such as enhanced whole-body wellness, improved sleep, increased focus and attention, and stress reduction. Learn the basics of Mindfulness practice; simple strategies to utilize mindfulness techniques and activities in the home and as part of your family’s daily routine. Please note, the intended audience for this specific video is family and caregivers, professional development credit is not available at this time.

Recorded July 2020.