Spotlight on Caregivers: Unlocking Potential by Fostering a Growth Mindset

Whether you're guiding a child through homework, navigating daily routines, or supporting emotional growth, the way we think about ourselves and our children matters. In this session, we'll explore the difference between growth and fixed mindsets and how small shifts in thinking can strengthen family relationships, support your child’s learning, and foster resilience at home. Learn practical strategies to model a growth mindset, encourage perseverance, and create a home environment where both kids and caregivers can thrive.

Registration

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/dIxYH5bFT4OUR-Bwu8TEcQ

About the Speaker

Theresa Melito-Conners, Ph.D. (Dr. MC), is the founder of "Dr. MC's Self-Care Cabaret," where your health and well-being take center stage. It is the space to help you find your spotlight and learn all the different aspects of self-care. Additionally, Theresa is a Special Education Administrator in the Greater Boston area. Inspired by her doctoral research, Theresa loves to help others practice better self-care, and she is deeply passionate about this mission. Theresa is a recent graduate from Lesley University's Ph.D. in Educational Leadership program in Cambridge, MA. Theresa understands the challenges of balancing all of life's responsibilities and the importance of making time for yourself. With a B.A. in Theatre Studies from Emerson College and an M.Ed. in School Counseling from Salem State University, Theresa has a variety of unique experiences, from counseling adolescents with mental health needs to choreographing professional musicals. She also serves as a member of The Parent and Community Education and Involvement Advisory Council (PCEIAC) for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Massachusetts. Theresa has presented her expertise across the country, and she has additional publications in the works. Please visit her website www.drmcselfcare.com for more information, subscribe to her blog, and find links to her growing community @DrMCselfcare. 

Supporting Your Child Through School Avoidance

School avoidance can be overwhelming for both students and families. This workshop will explore practical, research-based strategies to help your child re-engage with school (and learn how to care for you while you do!). You’ll learn how you can work effectively with educators and outside support to help your child return to a positive school experience. 

Registration

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/QuX6FfViTH-oENGMe2IQWg

About the speaker

Sheilah Gauch, LICSW, holds a Master's in Educational Organizational Management and is licensed as a Principal, Special Education Administrator, and School Adjustment Counselor through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Sheilah has been working with children with significant mental health needs for over 20 years. She is currently the Principal and Clinical Director of Dearborn Academy, a Chapter 766 Private Therapeutic Day School. Dearborn Academy serves students with significant social/emotional and learning challenges. She has supported the school in the creation of a robust academic and clinical milieu to support students with the highest level of need. Sheilah began her career working with children, ages 5-18, in an outpatient treatment setting. Sheilah then moved to work as a clinician at a residential treatment program, where she stayed for close to ten years. From there, she moved to join a public school setting as a Special Education social worker. Here she supported students in sub-separate programming and went on to develop and oversee the district’s Tier 3 off-site transitional program. Sheilah served for 5 years as the Chair of her local Special Education Advisory Council (SEPAC) and has two children of her own who required special education services. Both of her children were ultimately diagnosed with Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Strep (PANDAS). Sheilah is an active advocate for PANS/PANDAS awareness. She co-founded the Massachusetts Coalition for PANS/PANDAS legislation. This group led the grassroots advocacy effort in Massachusetts that supported the passage of S2984, a health care bill that included both the creation of a PANS/PANDAS Advisory Council and a mandate that insurance companies must provide coverage for the disease. Sheilah received the 2020 Commonwealth Heroine Award and Boston College School of Social Work’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2024. Sheilah also writes for Psychology at her blog: The Whole Child.

Decisions, Decisions: Making Choices That Shape Your Future

In this interactive presentation, students will explore the importance of decision making and how everyday choices—big or small—can impact their future. Through real-life scenarios, group discussions, and problem-solving activities, participants will learn practical strategies to:

• Identify options and consequences

• Recognize the influence of peers, emotions, and media

• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills

• Use a step-by-step decision-making model

• Reflect on personal values and long-term goals

Whether it's choosing friends, handling peer pressure, or planning for college and careers, this session empowers students with tools to make thoughtful, responsible decisions in all areas of life.

About the Speaker

Cory Mashburn, M.Ed., has over 20 years expertise in the field of prevention services and more than 25 years’ experience working with youth and people with disabilities.  He has overseen the planning and implementation of prevention programs within communities and schools in the New England Region, including substance use and abuse, bullying, cyber safety, and human rights. In addition, Cory has developed multiple health and wellness curricula in schools across the state of Massachusetts. He holds master’s degrees in educational leadership, project management and criminal justice, in addition to his bachelor’s degree in recreational management. As the father of two young children, he understands the importance of equipping youth, their parents, and their communities with the knowledge and skills to enable young people to become the best version of themselves. 

Registration

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/KZmtP5hMRzi7iRsS9Fz-cA