Education

I am honoured to be presenting a mental health series in collaboration with SD43 Coquitlam, Kinsight, and POPFASD. 

In this monthly series, strategies will be presented to support neurodivergent students, particularly students with FASD in and out of the classroom. Workshop sessions are geared to educators in British Columbia, but open to all. Mental health clinicians, support staff, and caregivers in and outside of BC are welcome. 

Registration can be completed here: https://live.fasdoutreach.ca/register/890566250107484

Workshop sessions are live, and are recorded for later viewing. Registration is free, and participants can attend one or all sessions.  There are 5 workshops in total. The dates are:

1. Friday, February 17, 2023, 9-11 am Regulation: Strategies to support school success

Regulation is a popular term now in the education system. This workshop will present strategies to support regulation in and out of the classroom. There will be a discussion of the concept of co-regulation. There will be an exploration of the strategies that not only support students with FASD but support whole class regulation, such as sensory accommodations.  

2. Monday, March 6, 2023, 3:15 pm to 4:45 pm Anxiety: Reducing stress and promoting educational confidence 

Students with FASD can find different areas of school challenging and stressful. Individuals with FASD learn well in a supportive environment where their learning profile and regulation needs are well understood. This workshop will present strategies to reduce academic stress and anxiety. There will be an exploration of the importance of reducing school-based stress for the long-term health of individuals with FASD.  

3. Monday, April 24, 2023, 3:15 pm to 4:45 pm Depression: Promoting connection and identity formation 

It is essential that students find connection with their peers. 

Identity forms through our interactions with others. Individuals with FASD deserve to have school environments that promote connection and healthy identity formation. There will be an exploration of the importance of connection and identity formation will be explored. There will be a presentation of strategies to understand and support depression and sadness. 

4. Monday, May 8, 2023, 3:15 pm to 4:45 pm Self Injurious Behaviour: School-Based Interventions 

A growing number of young children discuss, think about, and even attempt to harm themselves. This workshop will present information on how suicide ideation and self-harm present in students with FASD. There will be an exploration of school-based strategies to assess, understand, and support student safety. 

5. Monday, June 5, 2023, 3:15 pm to 4:45 pm Addiction: Digital Addiction and Substance Abuse Prevention and Resources

There is growing concern about students’ digital health and well-being. Students with FASD are vulnerable to exploitation, and extra consideration should focus on creating online safety. This workshop will present school-based strategies to support safety online and promote regulated digital use. There will be an exploration of how to connect these strategies to substance abuse prevention.