Mental Health and Wellness Symposium 2026

Presented by: 

Saturday, March 7, 2026
Metea Valley High School
1801 N. Eola Road, Aurora 60502

Register for the symposium here.

 

Schedule

Adult Schedule		Student Schedule
8:30 - 9:45 AM	Keynote	8:45 - 9:45 AM	Keynote
10 - 10:45 AM	Session 1	10 - 10:45 AM	Session 1
10 AM - 2 PM	Resource Fair	10 AM - 2 PM	Resource Fair
11 - 11:45 AM	Session 2	11 - 11:45 AM	Lunch
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM	Lunch	12 - 12:45 PM	Session 2
12:45 - 1:30 PM	Session 3	1 - 1:45 PM	Session 3
2 PM	Prize Drawings	2 PM	Prize Drawings

Adult Keynote 

Restoring Our Youth: Fostering Communication, Conversation and Connection
Adult Keynote Speakers: Dr. John Duffy & Cathy Cassani Adams

Keynote Description:
Adolescent mental health challenges can feel isolating for both parent and child. Young people may feel uncomfortable sharing serious struggles for fear of being misunderstood or feeling rejected. Adams and Duffy will share real world insights on being the role model kids need, and they will explain how being genuine can open doors to true happiness. Participants will learn how connection can ease challenges and ensure a healthy and trusting relationship as kids grow.

BIO (Dr. John Duffy):
Dr. John Duffy is a Chicago-based clinical psychologist, best-selling author, and nationally recognized parenting expert with 25 years of experience working with adolescents, young

adults, and their families. He is the author of three best-selling books that equip parents with practical tools to help teens and young adults thrive in today’s age of anxiety. Dr. Duffy is a frequent contributor to major media outlets including CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Time, and regularly appears as an expert on television and radio nationwide. He also speaks internationally to parent and professional groups and shares his insights through his Substack, On Parenting and Life.

BIO (Cathy Cassani Adams): 
Cathy Cassani Adams, LCSW, is the co-host of the long running Zen Parenting Radio podcast, now called the Zen POP podcast, and the founder of the annual Zen Parenting Conference in Chicago. She is the author of Restoring Our Girls, Zen Parenting, and Living What You Want Your Kids to Learn, all three International Book Award winners. Cathy is a clinical social worker, certified parent coach, former elementary school teacher, and yoga instructor. She previously worked as a Child and Family Therapist and Clinical Educator at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and created Be U, a self-awareness program for preadolescent girls. She writes weekly on Substack and has taught in the Sociology and Criminology Department at Dominican University for the past 15 years.

Adult Sessions

Adult Session 1 (10:00 - 10:45 AM)

Guiding our Boys Through Today's Emotional Terrain (Keynote Workshop)
Presenter: Dr. John Duffy

Session Description:
Dr. Duffy will talk us through the stressors that today’s boys and young men are dealing with today. These include how to define masculinity, social media, identity issues, an over-attachment to emotional disorders, a dearth of close relationships, and body image issues. He will then walk us through what we as parents and other influential adults in the lives of our boys can do to help mitigate the impact of these stressors. This impact is substantial, so the hour will leave us hopeful, with a number of tools we can implement right away.

BIO:
Dr. John Duffy is a Chicago-based clinical psychologist, best-selling author, and nationally recognized parenting expert with 25 years of experience working with adolescents, young adults, and their families. He is the author of three best-selling books that equip parents with practical tools to help teens and young adults thrive in today’s age of anxiety. Dr. Duffy is a frequent contributor to major media outlets including CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Time, and regularly appears as an expert on television and radio nationwide. He also speaks internationally to parent and professional groups and shares his insights through his Substack, On Parenting and Life.

Restoring Our Girls - How Real Conversations Shape Our Daughters' Lives, Help Them with Teen Challenges, and Remind Them That They Matter (Keynote Workshop)
Presenter: Cathy Cassani Adams, LCSW

Session Description:
This workshop invites parents, caregivers, and educators to explore a new way of supporting girls—one that goes beyond advice, rules, or fixing. Drawing from Cathy’s book Restoring Our Girls, participants will examine how everyday conversations shape girls’ confidence, discernment, and sense of self. Attendees will leave with practical language, fresh perspective, and a deeper understanding of what girls experience today and how to stay meaningfully connected in real moments.

BIO:
Cathy Cassani Adams, LCSW, is the co-host of the long running Zen Parenting Radio podcast, now called the Zen POP podcast, and the founder of the annual Zen Parenting Conference in Chicago. She is the author of Restoring Our Girls, Zen Parenting, and Living What You Want Your Kids to Learn, all three International Book Award winners. Cathy is a clinical social worker, certified parent coach, former elementary school teacher, and yoga instructor. She previously worked as a Child and Family Therapist and Clinical Educator at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and created Be U, a self-awareness program for preadolescent girls. She writes weekly on Substack and has taught in the Sociology and Criminology Department at Dominican University for the past 15 years.

Game On, Parents! How to Support Your Athlete
Presenter: Eddie Perry, MA, CMPC

Session Description:
Sports can bring moments of pride and joy, as well as frustration, stress, and uncertainty. This session offers practical tools to help parents support their athletes through all stages of competition, including responding to setbacks, managing pressure, and fostering resilience. Parents will leave with strategies to create a positive, supportive environment that helps their child thrive in both sport and life.

BIO:
Eddie Perry, MA, CMPC, is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant who specializes in helping athletes manage anxiety, build confidence, and perform under pressure. A member of the U.S. Men’s Deaf National Soccer Team, Eddie brings firsthand experience competing at the highest levels while navigating challenges such as hearing loss and performance anxiety. He is passionate about helping athletes grow mentally, emotionally, and competitively—both on and off the field.

La Fuerza de Nuestras Raíces (The Strength of our Roots): Healing Starts Within (Spanish)
Presenter: Gaby Arriaga, LCSW

Session Description:
In this session, participants will explore how culture, identity, and family roots serve as powerful sources of resilience during times of fear and uncertainty. Through storytelling, mindfulness, and guided reflection, attendees will honor collective strength within the Latino community and learn tools for healing from within. This session encourages open dialogue about mental health while fostering empowerment, connection, and hope.

BIO:
Gabriela “Gaby” Arriaga, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Del Toro Mental Health & Wellness, PLLC. With 14 years of experience, Gaby is a trauma-responsive clinician, breathwork facilitator, and community advocate dedicated to helping youth and families reconnect with their inner strength, cultural identity, and resilience.

Relevant, Relatable, Responsible: How You Can Be A Trusted Adult In Action (Educator)
Presenter: Hannah Ewoldt

Session Description:
Geared towards educators, this interactive workshop is designed for adults who work directly with youth and want to strengthen their role as trusted supports. Grounded in current data and real-world experience, participants will move beyond theory to explore practical strategies for staying relevant to youth culture, trends, and digital spaces. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to build meaningful, responsible relationships that help young people feel seen, supported, and safe. boundaries and offering support to youth without giving off bad vibes. Every participant in this workshop should walk away with some new lingo, strategies to engage with youth, and new ways of approaching relationship building to become a trusted adult in action.

BIO:
Hannah Ewoldt is the Prevention Coordinator at Northeast DuPage Family & Youth Services with extensive experience supporting youth in schools, after-school programs, mentoring, and training. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science in Sociology with an emphasis in Education. Known as a connector, Hannah builds authentic relationships with young people and is a passionate advocate for youth development.

Experience: Pinot's Palette - Therapeutic Painting
Presenter: Pinot's Palette

Experience: Graceful Therapy - Horse/Donkey
Presenter: Peggy Carstensen, LCPC, ATR & Margaret Gitter

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.

Experience: Decluttering Your Space
Presenter: Jamila Husein

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Adult Session 2 (11:00 - 11:45 AM)

Can ChatGPT Be My Therapist? Hope, Hype, and Hard Truths
Presenter: Amit Thakker

Session Description:
AI tools like ChatGPT are creating new opportunities for mental health support by offering accessibility, anonymity, and around-the-clock availability—while also raising important questions about safety, accuracy, and ethics. This session explores how people are using AI for self-reflection and support, the risks of over-reliance or misinformation, and the boundaries of technology in mental health care. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of the hope, hype, and hard truths behind the question: Can ChatGPT be my therapist?

BIO:
Amit Thakker is the founder of ReferralGPS, a mental health navigation platform that partners with more than 90 school districts and community organizations to connect families with therapy and psychiatry services. With a background in behavioral health systems and program development, Amit is passionate about expanding access to care and leveraging technology to better support youth and families. He frequently speaks on mental health access and the evolving role of technology in care delivery.

Leading with Calm: How Parents Can Model Emotional Stability in a Heated World
Presenter: Wendy Hayum-Gross, MS Ed, LCPC

Session Description:
In today’s polarized and fast-paced world, parents often feel overwhelmed by news, social media, and emotionally charged conversations at home. This session offers practical, evidence-based tools to manage anxiety, model emotional regulation, and foster respectful dialogue with children about current events. Participants will gain strategies to stay grounded, build resilience, and lead with empathy—even in moments of disagreement.

BIO:
Wendy Hayum-Gross, MS Ed, LCPC, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Founding Partner of Grow Wellness Group and Grow Wellness Foundation (NFP) in Naperville. She brings a unique blend of clinical expertise, entrepreneurial leadership, and community advocacy to her work supporting individuals, families, and organizations. Wendy is deeply committed to helping parents and communities build emotional resilience and well-being.

Boundaries Build Balance: Helping Teens Protect Their Time, Energy, and Emotional Well-Being
Presenter: Dr. Kristen Suing

Session Description:
In today’s polarized and fast-paced world, parents often feel overwhelmed by news, social media, and emotionally charged conversations at home. This session offers practical, evidence-based tools to manage anxiety, model emotional regulation, and foster respectful dialogue with children about current events. Participants will gain strategies to stay grounded, build resilience, and lead with empathy—even in moments of disagreement.

BIO:
Wendy Hayum-Gross, MS Ed, LCPC, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Founding Partner of Grow Wellness Group and Grow Wellness Foundation (NFP) in Naperville. She brings a unique blend of clinical expertise, entrepreneurial leadership, and community advocacy to her work supporting individuals, families, and organizations. Wendy is deeply committed to helping parents and communities build emotional resilience and well-being

Bridging Generational Communication (Spanish)
Presenter: Yaritza Camargo

Session Description:
This Spanish-language session explores strategies to improve communication between parents and children. Participants will learn how to foster open dialogue, respond in ways that strengthen connection, and listen with empathy. The presentation will cover managing difficult conversations, using age-appropriate language, and creating a safe, positive environment where both parents and children feel heard and valued. Attendees will leave with practical tools to enhance family interactions and relationships.

BIO:
Yaritza Camargo is a bilingual Licensed Social Worker with five years of experience supporting children and adolescents. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from Lewis University and is passionate about helping youth navigate life’s challenges to reach their full potential. Yaritza focuses on fostering strong relationships and empowering families through guidance and support.

School Avoidance in Children and Teens (Educator)
Presenter: Brock Maxwell

Session Description:
Geared towards educators, this session will explore school avoidance in children and teens, including how to define it, assess it, and understand its underlying causes. Participants will learn strategies for addressing anxiety-based school avoidance and guidance on connecting families with appropriate, evidence-based support. Attendees will leave with practical insights to help children and teens re-engage in school and thrive academically and emotionally.

BIO:
Brock Maxwell earned his graduate degree from Boston College and began his career as Assistant Director of the OCD Institute at McLean Hospital, where he specialized in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for adults with severe OCD and anxiety. He has since held leadership roles in multiple organizations and is currently Senior Director of Therapy at In Stride Health, a virtual therapy company providing interdisciplinary care for pediatric OCD and anxiety. Brock is passionate about evidence-based treatment that supports children, teens, and their families in overcoming anxiety-related challenges.

Where the Fun Begins! Creative Ways to Play and Connect with Your Young Child (Early Childhood)
Presenter: Katie Kulakowski and Joanne Lamb

Session Description:
Play is more than fun—it’s foundational to a child’s growth and development. In this engaging session, an early childhood educator will share the why behind the importance of play in early learning, social-emotional development, and building strong parent-child connections. A park district representative will then highlight creative, accessible ways families can play together, showcasing local parks, programs, and spaces that support meaningful play experiences. Families will leave with practical ideas and inspiration to make play a joyful part of everyday life—both at home and in the community.

BIO:
Katie Kulakowski, born and raised in Aurora, has deep ties to her community and brings over 20 years of experience in education and parks and recreation. She is the Grant & Outreach Manager at the Fox Valley Park District, focused on expanding access to programs for children and families.

BIO:
Joanne Lamb, is a Recreation Supervisor at the Fox Valley Park District with a background as a early childhood educator and youth programming. She brings her experience in education into her work, supporting high-quality, developmentally appropriate programs for young children and families. As a mom of two, Joanne is passionate about creating engaging, supportive environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

Experience: Decluttering Your Space
Presenter: Jamila Husein

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Adult Session 3 (12:45 - 1:30 PM)

Healthy Relationships
Presenter: Nicole Jordan, CDVP

Session Description:
One in three teens will experience some form of dating violence before leaving high school. This session will help parents and staff recognize warning signs in relationships and provide guidance on how to be a trusted adult who connects teens to support and resources. Participants will leave with practical strategies to help teens navigate relationships safely and confidently.

BIO:
Nicole Jordan, CDVP, is the Senior Domestic Violence Prevention Educator for Family Shelter Service. With 15 years of experience working in schools as a dean and supporting students through educational programs, she now focuses on teen dating violence prevention. Nicole is dedicated to equipping parents, educators, and youth with the knowledge and tools to foster safe, healthy relationships.

What I Wish My Parents Knew About My Mental Health as a Teen
Presenters: Cindy Tank-Murphy & Avery Murphy

Session Description:
This moving mother-daughter session explores the realities of teen mental health from both the parent and teen perspective. Avery reflects on her journey with bipolar disorder, while Cindy shares the challenges of supporting a child through mental health struggles. Attendees will gain insight into the teen experience, practical strategies to foster trust and open communication, and tools to strengthen family connections, demonstrating how empathy, honesty, and understanding can change outcomes for youth in crisis.

BIO:
Cindy Tank-Murphy is a marketing director, author, and certified mental health advocate with extensive experience speaking to parents and educators about youth mental health. Her daughter, Avery Murphy, age 23, shares her lived experience with bipolar depression, offering teens’ perspectives on struggle, resilience, and recovery. Together, Cindy and Avery provide a powerful mother-daughter perspective on navigating mental health challenges, bridging gaps between parents and children, and highlighting the importance of trust, understanding, and connection.

From Sideline to Support: Redefining the Parent's Role in Youth Sports
Presenter: Marc Anderson

Session Description:
Parents play a pivotal role in shaping the youth sports experience. This session will help parents understand their role, explore why children participate in sports, and identify five types of sports parenting that can hinder development. Participants will also learn strategies to support their athlete, navigate sports-related pressures, and positively influence team culture, helping children thrive both on and off the field.

BIO:
Marc Anderson, known to his athletes as “Coach A,” is a mental health professional and mental performance coach with over 30 years of experience helping athletes and non-athletes unlock their potential. He is dedicated to improving mental well-being and performance across all areas of life, guiding individuals and families to thrive both on and off the field.

The Path to Resilience: Guiding Teens from Avoidance to Approach
Presenter: Dr. Laura Koehler

Session Description:
Anxiety often leads to avoidance, keeping teens and parents stuck in a cycle that hinders growth. This session provides practical strategies to help parents recognize avoidance patterns, teach coping skills, and support teens in confronting challenges with confidence. Participants will learn how validation, encouragement, and positive reinforcement can foster resilience, helping teens manage stress, face fears, and move toward their goals.

BIO:
Dr. Laura Koehler is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Manager of Anxiety & OCD Services at Linden Oaks Behavioral Health, with over 20 years of experience helping children, teens, and adults overcome anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. She uses DBT, ACT, and exposure-based approaches to guide patients and families toward confidence, resilience, and value-driven living. Dr. Koehler is passionate about empowering parents and caregivers to support teens in facing challenges rather than avoiding them.

Yoga at School (Educator)
Presenter: Deborah Diesing

Session Description:
Geared towards educators, this session introduces simple yoga practices that can be used in schools or workplaces. Participants will learn the difference between static and dynamic stretching, practice breathing techniques, and try easy stretches, no mat, yoga pants, or spiritual rituals required. Attendees will experience the immediate benefits of movement and mindfulness and leave with tools to support well-being in any daily environment.

BIO:
Deborah Diesing has over 25 years of experience practicing and teaching yoga, holding a Teacher Training Certificate from Yogafit. She has taught a variety of classes, including Mommy & Me, Yoga Kids, and adult yoga, at locations across the U.S., including Chicago, Colorado, Nevada, and Clarendon Hills. Deborah is passionate about bringing accessible yoga practices to diverse communities and educational settings.

The Anxious Generation: A Conversation For Parents
Presenter: Dr. Radhika Chimata

Session Description:
Using Jonathan Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation as a foundation, Dr. Chimata will discuss how a phone-based childhood has contributed to the epidemic of teen mental illness. In this session, participants will learn about four types of collective responses that can mitigate social media harms. In addition, this session will provide steps that parents can take to restore human connections between their children and the real world.

BIO:
Dr. Radhika Chimata, MD, completed a bachelor's degree in religion at Northwestern University and a master’s degree in Clinical-Community Psychology at DePaul University. In 2015, she completed her MD at Spartan Health Sciences University in Saint Lucia, and, in 2019, completed her residency training in Psychiatry at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago. She is board certified in both adult psychiatry and addiction medicine. She is the Medical Director at Gateway Foundation, Aurora, and heads the addiction unit at Chicago Behavioral Hospital. She is the Clinical Dean of Windsor University School of Medicine. She is also on faculty at The Loretto Hospital, where she has trained psychiatry residents since 2020.

More Than Sad: Suicide Prevention Education for Teachers and Other School Personnel (Educator) (12:45 - 1:45PM) [NOTE EXTENDED TIME]
Presenter: Luma Bonilla-Webster

Session Description:
Geared towards educators, More Than Sad: Suicide Prevention Education for Teachers and Other School Personnel teaches educators to recognize signs of mental health distress in students and refer them for help. The program features interview-style short videos of students who experienced mental health struggles sharing their stories and encouraging help-seeking.

Bio:
Luma Bonilla-Webster (She/Ella) is a queer Mexican immigrant and the programs manager for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Illinois Chapter. She has expertise in program management through grassroots community building, movement organizing, recruitment, and group facilitation. Having dealt with her own lived experience, as well as supporting friends and family through mental health challenges, Luma is dedicated to the cause of mental health awareness and suicide prevention. She is trained in Mental Health First Aid (pursuing instructor training) and LivingWorks ASIST. Luma is currently studying sociology at Northern IL University.

Experience: Pinot's Palette - Therapeutic Painting
Presenter: Pinot's Palette

Student Keynote

ABBONDANZA! “Notice the Good”
Student Keynote Speaker: Eddie Slowikowski

Keynote Description: 
Abbondanza! Notice the Good is an uplifting, high-energy experience that reminds people how powerful it is to pause, reflect, and celebrate what’s already right in their lives. Through storytelling, humor, music, and heartfelt moments, Eddie Slowikowski challenges audiences to shift their focus from scarcity to abundance, recognizing the gifts they carry, the people who matter most, and the opportunities right in front of them. This presentation inspires individuals and teams to notice the good, lead with gratitude, share their talents generously, and create a culture where positivity, purpose, and abundance can thrive, both personally and professionally.

BIO (Eddie Slowikowski): 
Eddie Slowikowski is a former world-class runner and Gold Medalist with USA Track & Field, ranking among the nation’s elite milers as the 169th American to break the four-minute mile and a three-time NCAA Division I All-American and National Cross Country Champion from Loyola University Chicago. After an early career as a reporter in training at CNN, Eddie launched his own business and is now a highly sought-after speaker, consultant, and author known as an “Inspired Performance” expert. For more than three decades, his  acclaimed Four Minute Formula and dynamic, story-driven presentations have motivated audiences from all walks of life to perform at their highest level—emotionally, mentally, and professionally.

Student Sessions

Student Session 1 (10:00 - 10:45 AM)

Teaming up to Make a Difference (Keynote Workshop)
Presenter: Eddie Slowikowski
Recommended for Grades 6–12

Session Description:
In this fun and interactive session, teens and tweens will discover how their unique strengths, ideas, and personalities help a team succeed. Through engaging activities and group challenges, participants will learn how to build trust, show support, and encourage one another while working toward shared goals. The session emphasizes practical teamwork skills that students can use at school, in activities, and in everyday life to make a positive difference.

BIO:
Eddie Slowikowski is a former world-class runner and Gold Medalist with USA Track & Field, ranking among the nation’s elite milers as the 169th American to break the four-minute mile and a three-time NCAA Division I All-American and National Cross Country Champion from Loyola University Chicago. After an early career as a reporter in training at CNN, Eddie launched his own business and is now a highly sought-after speaker, consultant, and author known as an “Inspired Performance” expert. For more than three decades, his acclaimed Four Minute Formula and dynamic, story-driven presentations have motivated audiences from all walks of life to perform at their highest level—emotionally, mentally, and professionally.

No Waxy Build Up
Presented By: Operation Snowball
Recommended for Grades 6–12

Session Description:
Presented by Operation Snowball teen staff, this interactive workshop explores the “masks” we wear and how they affect our daily lives. Participants will reflect on authenticity, self-expression, and confidence, leaving the session feeling comfortable and empowered in their true selves.

BIO:
Operation Snowball is a teen-led retreat hosted by 360 Youth Services in partnership with Naperville School District 203 and Indian Prairie School District 204. The program empowers youth to lead workshops and activities that promote self-awareness, personal growth, and healthy decision-making.

TikTok Therapy: Finding Yourself Without Losing Yourself
Presenter: Christina Maki, LMFT
Recommended for Grades 6–12

Session Description:
In a world where teens turn to TikTok and social media to navigate emotions, mental health language can be both a lifeline and a label. This session explores how words can validate and connect, but also how they may limit growth when they define identity. Participants will learn strategies to differentiate helpful self-awareness from rigid self-definition, use language to build resilience, and engage critically with mental health content online.

BIO:
Christina Maki, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience supporting teens and families. She helps individuals understand themselves and their relationships in relatable, practical ways, focusing on building resilience, confidence, and connection. Known for her humor and honesty, Christina creates a safe space where teens feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow.

The Inner Critic Has a Story: Helping Teens Heal the Inner Critic
Presenter: Emily Pagone, MS, LCPC, PMH-C, CCTP-II
Recommended for Grades 9–12

Session Description:
This session explores how teens—especially neurodivergent teens—experience self-criticism, self-doubt, and overwhelm through an Internal Family Systems (IFS) lens. Parents will learn to understand the function of the inner critic, spot early signs of activation, and respond with co-regulation rather than correction. Attendees will leave with practical tools to reduce shame cycles, foster communication, and help their teen build self-trust, compassion, and emotional resilience.

BIO:
Emily Pagone, MS, LCPC, PMH-C, CCTP-II, is a trauma therapist, educator, and founder of Authentic Growth Wellness Group, where she leads a multidisciplinary team providing integrative mental health care. Her work focuses on empowering families, neurodivergent individuals, and helping professionals using IFS-informed EMDR and trauma-responsive practices. Emily is committed to inclusive, trusted, trauma-informed care for all neurotypes.

Experience: Pinot's Palette - Therapeutic Painting
Presenter: Pinot's Palette

Experience: Vision Boards
Presenter: Katie Kulakowski

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Student Session 2 (12:00 - 12:45 PM)

ADHD Toolkit
Presenter: Sophia Belczak, LSW
Recommended for Grades 6–12

Session Description:
This interactive workshop helps participants understand how ADHD affects the brain and the ability to focus. Attendees will learn practical tools and strategies they can use immediately to improve attention, manage stress, and build confidence in daily life.

BIO:
Sophia Belczak, LSW, is a Licensed Social Worker who specializes in supporting teens and adults with ADHD, anxiety, disordered eating, and stress management. Her work focuses on helping individuals feel safe, empowered, and capable of navigating challenges without avoidance or unhealthy coping strategies.

Vibin' with Mom & Pops: Building Common Understanding with Your Parents
Presenter: Robert Watson, Lisa Parenti, & Brianne Das
Recommended for Grades 6–12

Session Description:
This seminar explores common misunderstandings between parents and their children by examining the life experiences that shaped parents during their teenage years and how these experiences influence their attitudes and beliefs. Participants will learn strategies to structure communication more effectively, increasing the likelihood of positive responses from parents, and the session will conclude with a demonstration of these techniques.

BIO:
Robert Watson is the Teacher Supervisor at Endeavor Health Linden Oaks Hospital and has served in this role for 15 years. He holds a master’s degree in teaching from National Louis University.

BIO:
Lisa Parenti has spent the past six years teaching at Endeavor Health Linden Oaks Hospital, where she supports students in a therapeutic educational setting. She is a certified secondary educator and holds an MBA from the University of Illinois.

Bio:
Brianne Das has been a teacher at Endeavor Health Linden Oaks Hospital for the past five years. She holds a master’s degree in teaching from Purdue Global University.

Transforming My Mental and Physical Scars into My Superpower of Helping Others
Presenter: Joy Fink
Recommended for Grades 6–12

Session Description:
This powerful session shares Joy’s personal journey through mental illness, stigma, and recovery. Through her story, participants will learn that they are not alone in their struggles and that shared experiences can foster connection and hope. Joy highlights how reframing challenges can lead to growth, resilience, and the discovery of one’s own “superpowers.”

BIO:
Joy Fink is the President, Director, and co-founder of the nonprofit Will Find Hope, which hosts anti-stigma symposiums focused on mental health, addiction, and related challenges. Drawing from her lived experience with eating disorders, bullying, depression, PTSD, and anxiety, Joy is a passionate advocate for reducing stigma and empowering youth. She inspires adolescents and teens to discover their strengths and recognize that hope and healing are always possible.

Navigating the Noise: How to Handle Stress, Emotions, Pressure, and Everything in Between
Presenters: Ryan Lauterwasser, LCPC, CADC & Nina Menis
Recommended for Grades 6–12

Session Description:
Today’s teens face constant pressure—from academics and friendships to social media and emotional overload. This interactive and engaging session equips participants with practical tools to manage stress, regulate emotions, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships. Attendees will build a personal toolbox of strategies to navigate challenges, boost resilience, and feel more confident handling life’s ups and downs.

BIO:
Ryan Lauterwasser, LCPC, CADC, is the Manager of Inpatient Services at Endeavor Health Linden Oaks Hospital and serves as Board President of KidsMatter. With over 20 years of experience working with high-risk youth, Ryan is passionate about building hope, strengthening relationships, and helping young people believe in the possibility of change.

BIO:
Nina Menis is the CEO and Executive Director of KidsMatter, a prevention-based organization dedicated to supporting the social, emotional, and academic well-being of children through strong community partnerships.

Experience: Pinot's Palette - Therapeutic Painting
Presenter: Pinot's Palette

Experience: Graceful Therapy - Horse/Donkey
Presenter: Peggy Carstensen, LCPC, ATR & Margaret Gitter

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.

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Student Session 3 (1:00 - 1:45 PM)

Overcoming Perfectionism
Presenter: Dr. Maria Rago
Recommended for Grades 9–12

Session Description:
This session helps teens understand how perfectionism operates and why it often becomes the thief of joy. Participants will learn how striving for flawlessness can hinder productivity and self-esteem, and how to set healthier, more effective goals. Teens will also practice identifying self-critical thoughts and replacing them with realistic, motivating perspectives that support success and reduce burnout.

BIO:
Dr. Maria Rago is a clinical psychologist with 30 years of experience working with teens, adults, and families. Her work focuses on helping individuals overcome patterns that interfere with well-being, confidence, and long-term success. Dr. Rago is passionate about supporting teens in developing healthier mindsets and sustainable paths to achievement.

The Teen Health Revolution
Presenters: Abdullah, Zain, Emaad and Qasim Ansari
Recommended for Grades 6–12

Session Description:
In this high-energy, teen-led session, The Holistic Kids explore the current health and mental wellness challenges facing today’s youth. Using their R.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N. framework, they share simple, practical lifestyle strategies that support mind, body, and emotional well-being. The session includes an overview of youth health trends, actionable wellness tools, and an engaging teen cooking demonstration that brings healthy habits to life.

BIO:
Abdullah (17), Zain (14), Emaad (12), and Qasim (10) Ansari are the hosts of The Holistic Kids’ Show podcast, national youth speakers, and co-authors of the best-selling book The Teen Health Revolution: Lifestyle Secrets to Optimize Your Mind, Body, and Soul. They have appeared on major media platforms including CBS Chicago, The Dr. Nandi Show, and Bloom TV, and have spoken at national and international conferences. Passionate advocates for youth empowerment, they are leading a movement to help teens take ownership of their mental, physical, and emotional health.

La Fuerza de Nuestras Raíces (The Strength of our Roots): Healing Starts Within (Spanish)
Presenter: Gaby Arriaga, LCSW
Recommended for Grades 9–12

Session Description:
In this session, participants will explore how culture, identity, and family roots serve as powerful sources of resilience during times of fear and uncertainty. Through storytelling, mindfulness, and guided reflection, attendees will honor collective strength within the Latino community and learn tools for healing from within. This session encourages open dialogue about mental health while fostering empowerment, connection, and hope.

BIO:
Gabriela “Gaby” Arriaga, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Del Toro Mental Health & Wellness, PLLC. With 14 years of experience, Gaby is a trauma-responsive clinician, breathwork facilitator, and community advocate dedicated to helping youth and families reconnect with their inner strength, cultural identity, and resilience.

Experience: Pinot's Palette - Therapeutic Painting
Presenter: Pinot's Palette

Experience: Graceful Therapy - Horse/Donkey
Presenter: Peggy Carstensen, LCPC, ATR & Margaret Gitter

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.