Supporting Student Wellness Series

Mindful Practices to Unwind Anxiety

Length of training: 1 hour

Explore science-backed key insights from Dr. Judson Brewer’s “Unwinding Anxiety” and practice simple mindfulness exercises to support yourself and your learning community.

Learn about Dr. Judson Brewer’s work, “Unwinding Anxiety,” a clinically proven plan to break the cycle of worry and fear that drives anxiety and addictive habits. Explore the science behind anxiety—how it develops, how it impacts students, and most importantly, how to help them manage it effectively. Learn how to recognize anxiety symptoms in students, understand the physiological responses behind anxious behavior, and apply simple, impactful techniques to support students in moments of distress. In addition to exploring several of his big, science-backed ideas from the text, practice a few mindfulness exercises that you can easily repeat with yourself and others in your learning communities.

Presenters:

• Stephanie Daniels, Curriculum Consultant, TIU 11
• Brett Gilliland, Director for Educational Support Services, Human Resources, and Principal of Nonpublic Schools, TIU 11
• Leanna Lawson, Program Director, AIU 3
• Carissa Noel, Program Administrator, Office of Professional Learning, BCIU 14
• Denise Shugarts, Educational Consultant, TIU 11

Integrating Student Voice in Mental Health and Wellness

Length of Training – 1hr 20 mins

This webinar equips K-12 mental health providers with tools to amplify student voice in shaping school mental health initiatives. Learn strategies to engage students, co-create support systems, and foster a culture of inclusion and empowerment.

Enhance your practice by integrating student perspectives into K-12 mental health and wellness initiatives. Explore the importance of student voice in developing effective, responsive and inclusive mental health strategies. Gain practical tools for engaging students in meaningful dialogue, co-creating support systems, and fostering a school culture where students feel empowered in their mental health journey. By the end of the workshop, you will have actionable strategies to amplify student voices and enhance the overall well-being of their school communities.

Presenters:

• Mandi Fair, Curriculum Specialist, BLaST IU17
• Jennifer Johnston, Mental Health/Special Education Supervisor, IU5
• Shileste Overton Morris, Chief Program Officer, CSIU16

Building a Lifeline: Suicide Prevention and Practice for K-12 Schools

Length of Training – 44-minute recording; please allow 90 mins for training with group exercises

Pennsylvania schools and LEAs are guided by Act 71 which require youth suicide awareness. Gather the essential tools to recognize and respond to suicide risk. Understand data trends in suicide and suicidal ideation, receive an overview of a multi-tiered systems of support for suicide prevention and interventions, explore assessments and screening tools, and explore scenarios and next steps for implementation. Blending expert guidance with practical strategies, it highlights how to build trust, conduct effective assessments, and take swift, supportive action. The content is grounded in real school experiences and emphasizes early intervention as a key to prevention.

It is recommended this training occurs over 90 minutes to engage in four exercises during the training. Additional handouts are available in the materials folder: https://bit.ly/suicideassessmentandprevention.

Presenters collaborated to create Suicide Assessments & Prevention training materials entitled “Building a Lifeline: Suicide Prevention & Practice for K-12 Schools.” All questions regarding the materials and content can be directed toward the speakers’ contact information from the slides or [email protected].

Presenters:

• Charisse Bowman, Supervisor of Mental Health Services, IU1
• Pia Houseal, Program Administrator, Project AWARE, MCIU
• Laura McCusker, Laura McCusker, Assistant Director of Educational Services, LIU12
• Laura Sharp, Supervisor of Pupil Personnel Services, LIU12

Trauma Impact on the Brain and Body

Length of Training – 1 hour

Review trauma-informed basics, typical brain development, trauma impact on brain development, the stress response system, and proactive/supportive strategies.

Understand the physical and emotional signs of anxiety and learn practical, research-based strategies to help students self-regulate, reduce stress and build resilience. Explore ways to create safe, supportive environments and how to respond compassionately in high-anxiety moments.

Presenters:

• Dr. Michael Heater Jr., Coordinator, Curriculum & Instruction/Educational Technologies, Carbon – Lehigh IU21
• Katie Farbo, Instructional Innovations Specialist, Riverview IU6
• Dr. Pete Carbone, Program Specialist, Curriculum and Instruction, Beaver Valley IU27