Livingston Public Schools

Minding Your Mind’s Colin Quinn and Samantha Ariza will be presenting to Livingston Public School parents virtually on Wednesday, January 8th, 2025 at 7pm. Samantha is a Licensed Professional Counselor and EMDR trained therapist and Colin is one of Minding Your Mind’s professional young adult speakers and he will share his personal story with mental health. This program will also look at signs and symptoms of mental health conditions, access to treatment and resources, and strategies to talk to your child about mental health.

*LINK WILL BE POSTED HERE ON OR AROUND THE PROGRAM DATE.

Matt Bellace will be presenting “Supporting Teens in Reducing Their Stress & Ours” virtually on Wednesday, March 12th, 2025 at 7pm. Dr. Bellace has a PhD in clinical neuropsychology, is the author of the book, “A Better High,” co-author of the National Geographic Kids Series, “This or That,” and was a regular on truTV’s, “World’s Dumbest.” Recent research suggests that well-adjusted teenagers have stronger non-cognitive skills, such as self-control, grit and resilience.  This program will focus on how parents can help foster those skills in a supportive environment without arguing.  Specifically, it will present techniques such as mindfulness meditation, effective communication and using natural highs as healthy coping mechanisms against stress, alcohol and other drug use and bullying behavior.  The goal is to help improve the quality of life for both parents and their teens. 

*LINK WILL BE POSTED HERE ON OR AROUND THE PROGRAM DATE.

Jamie Carvalho is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor, and co-founder of Cairn Psychotherapy Group in Florham Park, NJ. On October 25, 2023, Jamie presented a virtual program to parents of students in grades 7-12 on current drug trends and signs/symptoms of drug abuse. She discussed the differences between medicinal uses of certain substances and self-medication. Additionally, parents were given strategies on how to explore these topics with their children and how to seek support, if needed. Please watch a recording of the virtual program below. 

WATCH A RECORDING OF THE 1/22/2024 PROGRAM BY CLICKING HERE 

Clinicians at Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ presented to Livingston Public School parents on Monday, January 22nd. The workshop focused on supporting parents' need to regulate their own emotions and thoughts to support their children, effective communication for parents to their children, i.e.listening for understanding, and managing your own plate as a parent in order to assist your children in doing the same. The program was held virtually. 

Lauren Muriello is a licensed psychotherapist and the Founder of Well Being Therapy Center. Lauren and her staff provide individual, family, and group therapy, and have helped thousands of children, teens and families make important changes to improve their quality of life. Lauren will be virtually presenting to Livingston Public School parents on Wednesday, March 13th at 7pm. This presentation will focus on current research and trends in youth mental health post-pandemic, teaching critical thinking skills, how to model healthy coping skills, and creating safe spaces to talk to your kids and more.  

Jamie Carvalho is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor, and co-founder of Cairn Psychotherapy Group in Florham Park, NJ. On October 25, 2023, Jamie presented a virtual program to parents of students in grades 7-12 on current drug trends and signs/symptoms of drug abuse. She discussed the differences between medicinal uses of certain substances and self-medication. Additionally, parents were given strategies on how to explore these topics with their children and how to seek support, if needed. Please watch a recording of the virtual program below. 

On January 11, 2023, the "What to Expect: The Teenage Years" program aimed to empower parents with practical strategies to help their teens build resilience and utilize skills for independent, emotionally healthy development. The workshop explored what parents can do to strengthen their relationships with their teens and support them through their teenage years. The program was presented by Kristin Dunne, LCSW and Kim Clerie, LSW, clinicians at Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ in the Child & Adolescent Department. Both Kristin and Kim provide outpatient mental health services to children and families within the community. 

Watch a recording of the program here!

On March 13, 2023, "Helping Your Teen Cope With Stress, Anxiety and Social Challenges" was presented by Gabriela Chimento, LCSW and Kim Clerie, LSW, clinicians at Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ in the Child & Adolescent Department.  Both Gabriela and Kim provide outpatient mental health services to children and families within the community. This workshop focused on mental health awareness and education, exploring sources, symptoms, and signs of prevalent teen mental health concerns. The workshop explored common social challenges and their impact on teens’ mental health. The goal was to give parents concrete ideas of how to support their teen as they navigate this unpredictable time.

Watch a recording of the program here!

On October 19, 2022 at 7p.m., Jamie Carvahlo, LPC, LCADC of Cairn Psychotherapy Group presented a virtual program entitled ”Adolescent Substance Abuse and the Impact on Mental Health."

Watch a recording of the program here!

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