Parent Speaker Series events feature speakers and presentations that support student health and wellness. Events are free and open to the public. In light of the pandemic, all presentations are currently via Zoom.

January 25; 7:00 p.m.
Recognizing Signs of Depression and Suicide
A collaborative presentation with Communities that Care

Did you know 21% of DASD 12th graders seriously considered suicide and 43% felt sad or depressed MOST days in the past year (PAYS, 2019)? Adolescents are faced with more challenges and expectations than ever before, as rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior continue to rise. Dr. Wintersteen (virtually) returns to DASD to help parents learn the warning signs of distress in adolescents, how to effectively help your child, and how to access resources for support. There will be time for questions and answers following the presentation. Register by January 24!

Click each title to watch livestream.

PREP: Prevention Resources & Education for Parents/Caregivers
A collaborative presentation with the Chester County Aces Coalition
Did you know 71% of Downingtown youth feel they are a valued part of their family? (PAYS, 2019) Parents and caregivers are the most powerful influence in preventing their children from using alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs. Join us to build skills to start, and keep, conversations going!

Trauma, Resilience, & the Importance of Self-Care
A collaborative presentation with Communities that Care and CARON
A virtual presentation that provides a foundational understanding of the impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma, highlights prevention strategies, offers ways to build resilience, as well as discusses the importance of self-care. 

Internet Safety
Joe Myers, Community Outreach Supervisor, The Crime Victim’s Center
Learn how to better understand the internet, where kids learn to use it and how to build healthier boundaries

Accessing Behavioral Health Services
Regan Sarmento,M. Ed. Adolescent Service Liaison, Onward Behavioral Health
Learn how to access treatment in the community and better understand levels of care

Managing Grief and Loss Around the Holiday Season
Lara Krawchuk, LCSW, Healing Concepts, LLC
The holidays can be an especially difficult time for those facing grief and loss. Learn tools to help manage your emotions and find support in the community.

Recognizing Signs of Depression and Suicide, Mental Health Awareness
Matthew Wintersteen, Ph.D, Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior
What are the signs of depression and suicide? How can you protect your child? Answer these questions and more while learning best practices to keep your child safe.

February 6: Screening of "Screenagers Next Chapter"
*Due to copyright protection, we cannot provide a recording for this title*
"Screenagers Next Chapter" reveals how tech time impacts kids’ development and offers solutions on how adults can empower kids to best navigate the digital world and find balance. 
Watch the trailer here.

Drug Trends and Vaping in Our Youth
Caroline Fenkel, Center for Families, Malvern, PA
What are the signs and symptoms of substance use and vaping? Learn how to recognize these behaviors in children and find support.

Embracing Summer
Keli Laverty, Be Rooted
Learn strategies for transitioning to a summer that looks different than normal, including tools to manage uncertainty and change in order to build inner resources and resilience in our kids