The Parenting During a Pandemic FREE webinar series that spotlights topics families in the Kailua-Kalāheo complex area have expressed interest in during this unprecedented time. These webinars are offered through a collaboration between the Kailua-Kalāheo Complex Academic Office and the Hawaii Statewide Family Engagement Center. The link to register for a webinar is located below and more topics will be added soon. Each webinar will be archived and will include the recording of the presentation, the presenter's slideshow, handouts, and additional resources on the webinar's topic.

Jim Gill

The Kailua-Kalaheo Complex Area presents:

A VIRTUAL Sing-along, Play-along and Read-along with Jim Gill!

Friday, April 9th at 10:00am


RECORDING able to view through April 12, 2021


Jim Gill’s songs and musical books are often shared in our early childhood classrooms throughout the Kailua-Kalaheo Complex. Jim calls his creations “music play.” They are musical games that inspire children - and the adults that love and care for them – to join in the fun by actively singing, clapping and dancing along! Children need to move and play and Jim Gill’s specialty is to create songs that are an invitation to play.


We decided to invite Jim to share some of his songs and musical books in this special LIVE virtual program! Jim promises an event filled with opportunities for everyone to sing, play and read along in a way that keeps us all safe at this time.

The Kailua-Kalaheo Complex Area has invited Jim to pick up his banjo and create a special video concert filled with opportunities for everyone to sing, play and read along in a way that keeps us all safe at this time. Children need to move and play…now more than ever. And everyone needs a chance to experience the joy that singing and playing together brings.

About Jim Gill:

Jim Gill is a musician, an author and, perhaps most importantly, a child development specialist. His recordings and his picture books with musical themes have received honors and awards from, among other organizations, the American Library Association. Jim completed his graduate studies in child development at the Erikson Institute of Chicago with a special emphasis on the study of play. For this reason, each of Jim’s recordings and books is created as an opportunity for playful interactions between a child and a caring adult.

For more about Jim Gill and his music, visit: https://www.jimgill.com

Anyone who has experienced one of Jim's family concerts knows that rather than performing for children, parents, grandparents and caregivers…Jim leads them to sing and play together.

James B. McCarthy is a multi-talented actor, musician, educator and storyteller. His credits include seven recordings, performances with Grammy award-winning artists and film and stage appearances. ‘Mister James’ has performed for thousands of school-age children and their families. His one man show ‘Stripes and Stars:A Surprising History of the U.S. was commissioned by Honolulu Theatre for Youth. James has created family performances for every major cultural institution on Oahu. A Harvard trained educator, he has traveled from the North Atlantic to South Asia sharing his songs and stories and leading classes. His new family EP All Together Now will be available very soon!

The Kailua-Kalaheo Complex Area presents

a LIVE Family Concert with

James B. McCarthy!

Friday, Feb. 19th at 6:30pm



James B. McCarthy is a well known, super talented, local musician and we are so excited to have him host a LIVE Family Concert for our children! Get ready to sing, move, and laugh along!



How to “Get it Right”: Understanding and Supporting the LGBTQ+ Young People In Your Life


December 4th, 2020 2:00-3:30pm


Do you know any young people who identify themselves as Lesbian, Gay. Bisexual, Transgender or Questioning (LGBTQ+)? This talk -story session will offer key definitions and information that caregivers and teachers need to understand gender identity and sexual orientation in young people today. While it is true that there are a lot of supportive schools, homes and communities for LGBTQ+ youth, it is also true that there can be stressful things about being (and caring about) an LGBTQ+ youth.. Research clearly shows that teachers and caregivers play a HUGE part in the wellness and safety of LGBTQ+ youth, and there are definitely ways to “get it right.” Come join us in a safe place to get information, ask questions, and learn some practical tips for supporting the LGBTQ+ youth in your life.

Dr. Laura Anderson has been a licensed child and family psychologist for more than twenty years. She currently lives on Kauai and is lucky to have worked with Hawaii kids, families and schools for most of her career. Dr. Anderson provides national and international training on a variety of child and family psychology topic, including family engagement and school personnel training to support LGBTQ+ kids and teens. For both personal and professional reasons, Dr. Anderson is passionate about helping LGBTQ+ youth and their families thrive. Dr. Anderson loves her job and enjoys public speaking. In her free time, she enjoys canoe paddling, dancing, traveling, eating lots of chocolate, and being a mom (not in that order☺ )

Jim Gill

The Kailua-Kalaheo Complex Area presents

a special VIDEO concert with Jim Gill!

He'll be back for an encore on April 9th!


Jim Gill creates active musical games that are filled with opportunities to learn. That is why early childhood educators all across the country share his songs and musical books with children and families as part of their teaching!

The Kailua-Kalaheo Complex Area has invited Jim to pick up his banjo and create a special video concert filled with opportunities for everyone to sing, play and read along in a way that keeps us all safe at this time. Children need to move and play…now more than ever. And everyone needs a chance to experience the joy that singing and playing together brings.

About Jim Gill:

Jim Gill is a musician, an author and, perhaps most importantly, a child development specialist. His recordings and his picture books with musical themes have received honors and awards from, among other organizations, the American Library Association. Jim completed his graduate studies in child development at the Erikson Institute of Chicago with a special emphasis on the study of play. For this reason, each of Jim’s recordings and books is created as an opportunity for playful interactions between a child and a caring adult.

For more about Jim Gill and his music, visit: https://www.jimgill.com

Anyone who has experienced one of Jim's family concerts knows that rather than performing for children, parents, grandparents and caregivers…Jim leads them to sing and play together.

Math Mindset

October 16th, 2020 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm

Dr. Jo Boaler, Stanford University

We are thrilled to learn from Stanford professor Dr. Boaler about key mindset messages that shape student achievement in math, such as:

  • Everyone can learn math at high levels

  • It is important to believe in yourself

  • Struggle and mistakes help us grow

  • Speed is not important

  • Math is an open creative subject

Password: Growth

Meeting Number: 120 903 2435


Smart Strategies: Centering Your Child in the IEP Process

September 11, 2020 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm

Andrea Alexander: Family, School & Community Liaison


This presentation will provide navigational support for parents and families of children with Special Needs in the course of the Individualized Educational Program (IEP) planning and engagement process. This content is provided in the format of suggestions and is for informational purposes only. This presentation is intended to promote and strengthen parent and family voices in the decision making process for their child.

Andrea Alexander is the Family, School & Community Liaison for the Hawaiʻi Statewide Family Engagement Center. As a Family Advocate and Special Education Strategist, Andrea has over 10 years of experience in planning and directing diverse family, community and academic programming. Andrea’s role as liaison centers on communication and collaboration with internal teams, external organizations and social stakeholders dedicated to the interests of Hawaiʻi’s children and families, with a particular focus on vulnerable, at-risk and special needs populations.


Hawaiʻi Is Hiring: Connecting Kamaʻaina to Jobs, Training and Education Resources

August 28th, 2020 2:00pm-3:15pm

Keala Peters and Maria-Elena Diaz

As our community works to recover and gain resilience, there’s a new resource to help connect Hawaii residents to employment resources, training and education programs, and career exploration. In this webinar, learn how Hawai’i is Hiring can help members of your family who have lost their job or are looking for their first job after graduation get connected to Hawaii’s more than 21,000 open positions. You will also learn how to apply for new local training and education programs that are accepting applications now.


Keala Peters is Vice President of Education & Workforce Development for the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. In her role at the Chamber, Keala works to bridge business with education in order to support college and career readiness for Hawaii students. As the project lead for Hawaii is Hiring, Keala has collaborated with community partners such as the Workforce Development Council, University of Hawaii and others to aggregate resources jobseekers need to take the next step in their career.

Dr. Maria-Elena Diaz is Director of Career and Community Education at Windward Community College. Her program is one of 7 statewide at each of the University of Hawaii community colleges that provides career readiness and workforce education and training to Hawaii's residents. She has worked on developing and providing career pathways for students from all walks of life in the State of Hawaii, with an emphasis on ensuring that everyone has access to opportunities that help them to achieve higher levels of career success.


Understanding and coping with anxiety in the context of COVID-19

August 14, 2020 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm

Dr. Matt Milette-Winfree, Kalyn Holmes, MA,

and Marina Matsui, BS

University of Hawaii's Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CCBT)

This webinar will provide a modest description of how anxiety works, help attendees differentiate between helpful and unhelpful anxiety, and offer possible strategies for coping with some of the myriad (and often justifiable!) worries and fears related to COVID-19 and students' imminent return to school.

Presenters: Matt Milette-Winfree, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and a supervisor at CCBT. He has provided nearly a decade of treatment, assessment, training, and consultation services across the state related to anxiety in children and adolescents. He is joined by two of CCBT's graduate student staff, Kalyn Holmes, MA, and Marina Matsui, BS, both of whom have developed a considerable breadth of understanding and expertise related to anxiety assessment and treatment in Hawaii.


Motivating Children During the Pandemic

August 7, 2020 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm


Like adults, children are motivated to engage in activities that they find interesting, but how do we motivate them to engage in activities that may not yet be of interest? During the pandemic, family members have noted that it has been a challenge to motivate children to do their assignments online and to otherwise engage in productive activities.

Join this webinar to learn:

  1. Immediate and longer-term strategies for motivating children to be productive, creative and to persevere.

  2. How to work with your children to put schoolwork into the context of longer-term interests and goals.

  3. How to teach your children to regulate their own behaviors.

Speakers' Biographies

Katherine Ratliffe, PhD is a professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Hawai‘i. Her research interests include disability, parent, family and community partnerships in education and the education of immigrant children, especially those from Pacific Islands. She is also a pediatric physical therapist and has traveled across Micronesia teaching special education teachers to work with children with severe disabilities. She is the Director of the AFFECT project, an online series of modules for teachers on family, school and community engagement. She teaches classes in learning, motivation and development.

Lois A. Yamauchi, PhD is a developmental and educational psychologist and professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Her research focuses on cultural influences on learning, and the experiences of teachers, students, and families from culturally diverse backgrounds. She has worked with teachers throughout the State to create engaging and productive learning environments. Lois is also the founding president of Parents for Public Schools of Hawai‘i (PPS Hawai‘i) a non-profit organization focused on supporting and improving public education in the State through family engagement (see ppshi.org).


Strategies to Support Your Child’s Resiliency During Uncertain Times

July 24, 2020 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm

Dr. Leena Mohapatra

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

As we settle into the realities of the current pandemic, many of us have changed our lifestyles and how we navigate the different facets of our lives. The more time we spend with our children, we grow increasingly aware of their resiliency, but also worry about what the impact that this experience will have on them. Dr. Mohapatra will explain our understanding of children’s mental health following traumatic experiences and how parents can help implement strategies to support their child’s mental well-being.

Leena Mohapatra, PhD is a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist currently working for the Hawaii Department of Education, Windward District. Dr. Mohapatra provides consultation and conducts cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral assessments within the schools. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, her doctorate at the University of Miami, and postdoctoral fellowship in clinical neuropsychology at the Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. Prior to moving to Hawaii, Dr. Mohapatra worked for the Kennedy Krieger Institute for five years where she conducted neuropsychological assessments for children and young adults with complex medical conditions, trained graduate and post-doctoral students in neuropsychology, and lead a clinic specializing in the assessment of individuals with genetic and congenital disorders. Through assessments she helps identify strength and potential to promote academic, social, and emotional development. In her spare time she enjoys dancing, cooking, and traveling.


Friday, July 10th 2-3:15

Recognizing Signs of Depression in Children and Teens

Dr. Gail D. Silva

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Gail Silva, Psy.D. is a Hawaii-born clinical psychologist who currently works for the Hawaii Department of Education, Windward District and is also in private practice on Oahu. She is a Native Hawaiian Health Scholar who attended the University of Hawaii and Chaminade University before earning her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the Hawaii School of Professional Psychology. She served in the Nanakuli school complex for several years before taking a break and moving over to the Windward District two years ago. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as expressive therapies such as Play Therapy and Sandplay. As a clinical psychologist for the DOE, she provides psychological assessments to students and contributes trauma-informed consultation and training to school teams. In her private practice, Dr. Silva works primarily with women and children with histories of trauma, anxiety and depression. During her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family that includes two grown daughters and a precious granddaughter.

If you viewed this webinar live or recorded, please take this survey: https://bit.ly/Dep71020


Friday, June 19th 2-3:15

Parenting a Strong-Willed Child

Dr. Lisa Boyce

Having a positive relationship with a parent is an important protective factor for children of all ages. However, building and maintaining these positive relationships can be challenging especially during these stressful times. Children’s temperament can play a role in the difficulty or ease of daily interactions that influence these parent-child relationships. Strong-willed children are determined and often don’t get discouraged or accept defeat. This can be positive or negative. Join this webinar to learn:

  • The role of temperament in children’s behavior.

  • How to identify triggers and determine the meaning of challenging behaviors.

  • The importance of positive parenting strategies to nurture and support strengths as well as help children cope with challenges, control anger, and handle disappointment.


Bio

Dr. Lisa Boyce is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and Executive Director of the Dolores Doré Eccles Center for Early Care and Education at Utah State University. She teaches Parenting and Child Guidance at the undergraduate level and Introduction to Program Evaluation at the graduate level. Her research interests focus on developing and researching prevention and intervention supports for families, preschool teachers, and child care providers to promote children’s development within the context of providers’ mental health, cultural background, socioeconomic status, English language ability and other relevant factors. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family hiking in Southern Utah and biking around the valley.


Education

  • PhD in Family and Human Development, Utah State University, 1999

  • MEd in Psychological Services, Idaho State University, 1992

  • BS in Psychology, Idaho State University, 1991

Friday, June 5th 2-3:15

Sex Trafficking Outreach and Prevention Program (STOPP)

Created and delivered by Pacific Survivor Center

info@pschawaii.org | www.pschawaii.org/stopp/ | www.trickedhawaii.org

Are you interested in learning more about sex trafficking in Hawaiʻi and how to help protect your youth? Please join Pacific Survivor Center on Friday June 2nd from 2:00-3:15pm for a virtual Sex Trafficking Outreach and Prevention Program (STOPP) training! To register, please click this link:



Once submitted, you will receive approval from the webinar administrator and the link to join the webinar.


STOPP is an evidence-based, free training designed for parents/families of middle and high school youth. STOPP trainings include a screening of Tricked – It Looked Like Love, a 10-minute original animated film featuring stories and voices of local survivors, followed by a detailed presentation led by a subject matter expert with over a decade of experience in the field. Participants are provided with information to help them identify their child's risk factors, how to help protect them from becoming a victim or perpetrator, and how to access professional support and resources.


STOPP Training Objectives:

Recognize your child’s risk factors

Learn how to identify potential victims and perpetrators

Learn how to protect your child from becoming a victim or perpetrator

Understand Hawaii’s mandated reporting laws

Learn how to access professional support

Trauma Informed Classrooms and Practices for Families and Communities

May 22, 2020 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

The previously scheduled Kailua-Kalaheo Complex Family Engagement Night with Dr. Godwin Higa on Trauma Informed Practices will now be offered online as a webinar. Dr. Higa will present on what causes trauma in our lives and how we can respond to it and help our children build resilience.

Links for May 22nd Webinar:

Questions Mr. Higa answered via email after the webinar:

Who administered the ACES to parents or did the intake? Counselor? Admin?

When I was a principal it usually occurred in a group setting during a trauma-informed training session with me or other support staff, or someone from the university. Dr. Hokoda from SDSU. The best setting is with the principal and support staff alongside him/her. The message should be powerful and throughout the entire school and community of parents etc. Individual surveys could be done when a counselor for instance comes upon a situation to share ACES as an educational moment or more importantly in dire need at the moment to start the healing.

When you talked about discussing events from birth to present in your presentation who is guiding that part?

Usually during an SST - (student study team) or and any time when there's a need to understand the student and his/her background experiences that a meeting is called. I usually start the conversation, or it could be the counselor or school psychologist, teacher... I would suggest the person who knows the student's best and is seeking the information to help all members to understand and make the best decisions for the sake of the students. Sometimes the nurse for her wonderings based on health questions may inquire at the meeting.

How can we use trauma-informed practices... when we return to school after the COVID19 Pandemic?

The counseling staff could create lessons for students to share their fears and feeling for the future and allow then to TLK. Have each class spend a large amount of time in each class possible the entire 50 minutes to allow students to discuss and share together in a circle. Each class should allow students to participate in some sort of positive activity and not assign work but having the time to heal TOGETHER WITH THE TEACHERS.

The main thing to do is the do schoolwide assembly, pump up the energy by having staff perform, (sing, cheer, etc) principal/administrative staff enthusiastically welcoming all students and staff back to school. Make it s positives possible. I usually went to each class to welcome ll my students back from summer, or winter break. I had welcomed back assemblies with music and excitement.

Students want to be recognized for their resilience and wellbeing.

Students and families dealing with the loss of loved ones, financial hardships, emotional and social

distancing? How can we be preventative during this time of chaos and hardships?

To start my deepest sympathy goes out to all those who have experienced losing love ones.

I volunteered with Hospice here in California for five years working with the dying but the majority of the time working with the caregivers and the survivors. Look up the bereavement process and work with children and adults on the healing process. It always worked for me. The process could be used for any type of loss… Financial hardships etc. I would share your thoughts and expertise to the entire staff and possibly training staff before the students return on all of these issues. You will not know what type of loss and emotional situations the students and adults went through so we must treat everyone the same….. with compassion and hope….

Work with students and adults on change and how to cope with change and some benefits of change in our lives and focus on the positives and all staff must lead with compassion t this time of need.

How do we get parents buy into trauma-informed practices at the middle school and high school?

Believe it or NOT, the parents were always the easiest to accept the creating of becoming a Trauma-Informed/Restorative Justice school. When speaking to all parents and the community I have found that most parents want what is best for their child.

Hold parent workshops/training on TIC and RJ for parents and community members. After learning about brain research and the belief system of no suspensions using alternative means to help their child will promote positive reactions from the parents and communities.

My most positive experiences were working with parents and the communities in Hawaii. Principals should lead this training with someone to encourage the fact that the school can’t do it alone and we must break the the cycle of trauma in school and in the communities.

I wish we had preschool/kindergarten classes to encourage parents to learn more about the effects and how we as adult parents can choose to break behavioral cycles?

The need for spreading the word on this most important message and to start from with the elementary school level so that when students come to you in Middle and High they have a greater chance to survive the caught in the middle and High school life

When I presented in Baltimore MD, the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine 800 participants, someone from the audience came up to me who was training in schools on TIC and RJ. She wanted to know what to do when schools run their campuses like military booth camp and all staff were negative and felt it's them or us and treating the students that way was the only way to work with students.

My best answer to her…. Trauma-informed practices or becoming a trauma informed schools do not change schools overnight but we must start early in the lower grades and train all administrators who lead all of the schools in Hawaii learning the brain research and leading with compassion are crucial in creating a positive learning environment conducive to learning.

Thank you for your questions after the presentation. I hope I was able to answer your questions sufficiently, if not let me know. It was a true pleasure working with all of you and hope to see you soon in person someday. Mahlo Godwin