Student Sessions

Presenter:
Tracy Schwartz, M.Ed. - Indian Prairie School District 204

This workshop combines reflection, goal setting, and practical strategies to help teens tap into their internal motivation. By the end of the hour, they should have a clearer understanding of what drives them and how to harness that motivation for their personal growth.

Presentation Slides | Video

Presenter:
Kirsten Book, PMHNP-BC - Kirsten Book Concierge Psychiatric Services

At the conclusion of this presentation the teen will be able to describe healthy and poor body image characteristics, explain the connection between anxiety and poor body image, understand how body image and self-esteem work together, and understand how to help a friend who may be struggling with these issues.

Presentation Slides | Video Unavailable

Presenters:
Lauren Buckley, LPC - Fox Valley Institute
Jasmine Sanders, LPC - Fox Valley Institute

Redefine what success looks like for students by encouraging a focus beyond grades to include well-being, creativity, and personal growth. This session will explore concerning mental health trends among college students and emphasize the critical role of belonging, empathy, and self-care in fostering resilience and academic success. Attendees will gain insights into inspiring students to explore their passions, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and embrace flexible career paths. Practical strategies for high school students to prepare for higher education and thrive in today’s challenging landscape will also be discussed.

Presentation Slides | Video

Presenter:
Mike Bushman - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Self care is an essential component of mental health management. This presentation explores options to manage stress, survive crisis moments and build a better life using research-proven techniques.

Presentation Slides | Video

Experience Session: LIMITED SPOTS

Presenter:
Doug Bolton

Teenagers are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress and, as a result, many are struggling to cope effectively. Although the research on emotional regulation has been around for decades, many people don't understand how the brain functions under stress and, thus, how to best manage our difficult moments. This workshop will provide participants with new ways to understand regulation and provide strategies for managing our most stressful moments.

Presentation Slides | Video

Experience Session: LIMITED SPOTS

Presenter:
Studio Nafisa

Experience Session: LIMITED SPOTS

Presenter: Lindsey Daehnke - Strictly Self Defense

Presenters:
Leigh Nelson - NAMI DuPage
Anuj Gandhi - NAMI DuPage

This presentation will explore the effects of discrimination on mental health, backed by facts and statistics and centered on the experiences of marginalized communities. We will also share elements of our own lived experiences to deepen the discussion. The goal is to illuminate how discrimination and prejudice can harm both mental and physical health, including their long-term impacts. Participants will leave with a greater understanding of how judgments and assumptions affect others, as well as insights into how discrimination may influence their own or loved ones' mental health. Ultimately, this presentation aims to foster empathy, encourage acceptance, and promote greater appreciation for others.

Presentation Slides | Video Unavailble

Presenter:
McKenzie Altmayer, MA, LPC, NCC, SPC - Grow Wellness Group

Presentation Slides | Video Unavailble

Experience Session: LIMITED SPOTS

Presenter:
Fox Valley Park District

Experience Session: LIMITED SPOTS

Presenter:
Jaclyn Paveza, LPC, ATR-P - Center for Creative Arts Therapy

Presentation Slides

Experience Session: LIMITED SPOTS

Presenter:
Max's Mission co-founder Jill Wijangco with Mike Bushman 

This presentation is designed specifically for teens who have experienced the loss of someone they know to suicide, offering a safe space to explore and discuss the emotions that often go unspoken. It provides valuable insights for parents, teachers, and therapists, helping them better understand the unique challenges teenagers face when coping with such a loss. Additionally, it empowers teens to support their peers who may be grieving. This powerful film serves as an educational and emotional resource for anyone seeking to foster understanding and compassion in the face of such tragedy.

Experience Session: LIMITED SPOTS

Presenter:
Peggy Carstensen, LCPC, ATR - Graceful Therapy
Margaret Gitter - Graceful Therapy

The goal of this experience includes expanding attendees knowledge about how we hold emotion, the power of nonverbal communication, and the parallels between interactions with horses and our personal relationships. Whether through equine-assisted therapy or simply spending time with pets, animals can serve as powerful allies in managing stress and fostering emotional well-being.

Presentation Slides

Presenter:
Emily Fagan - NAMI KDK

NAMI Ending the Silence presentations include two leaders: one who shares an informative presentation and a young adult with a mental health condition who shares their journey of recovery. Audience members can ask questions and gain understanding of an often-misunderstood topic. Through dialogue, we can help grow the movement to end stigma.

Presentation Slides Unavailable | Video Unavailable

Presenter:
Eddie Perry, MA,CMPC - Grow Wellness Group

Presentation Slides | Video

Presenter:
Sara Rosenberger, MS, MA, LPC - Suicide Prevention Services of America 

Presentation Slides | Video

Presenter:
Tom Dawlidowicz

During the downfall of communism and uprising of solidarity in Poland, Tom was taken on a journey from Gdansk through Germany, eventually ending up in Chicago. Learning new languages, cultures, and facing stereotypes along the way cultivated life changing choices - many of which were made without the support of parents, teachers, or mentors. As an adolescent and young adult, this journey took many turns for the worse that led to bad decisions and struggles. Poor decision making and feeling alone created opportunities for bad habits and unhealthy relationships; leaving him with mental health issues and trauma which took years to unravel. Eventually change came when he realized that there was help available.

Presentation Slides | Video

Experience Session: LIMITED SPOTS

Presenter:
Peggy Carstensen, LCPC, ATR - Graceful Therapy
Margaret Gitter - Graceful Therapy

The goal of this experience includes expanding attendees knowledge about how we hold emotion, the power of nonverbal communication, and the parallels between interactions with horses and our personal relationships. Whether through equine-assisted therapy or simply spending time with pets, animals can serve as powerful allies in managing stress and fostering emotional well-being.

Presentation Slides

Experience Session: LIMITED SPOTS

Presenter:
Studio Nafisa