Wellness Workshops
Free virtual wellness workshops held throughout the year provide a platform for students (10-25), parents, and those working with youth to learn tools and tips for managing their mental wellness and practicing self-care in order to build resilience so they are better equipped to cope with stress and challenging situations. Spanish interpretation provided.
2022-2023 VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS 4:30pm-6pm
- DATES: NOV 6, DEC 4, JAN 22, APRIL 16 [details coming soon]
- - View workshop RECORDINGS on YouTube channel
- View handouts and slides of past workshops
- View Community Calendar for dates of upcoming workshops and to register
Host a Workshop or Training
YouthWell can customize a workshop or training for your audience whether it is youth, parents and caregivers, community members, or providers.
- Click to INQUIRE ABOUT SCHEDULING A WORKSHOP/TRAINING >>
- - Contact Outreach@YouthWell.org if you have questions.
- - Visit BeTheDifferenceSB.org to schedule a Youth Mental Health First Aid training.
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Join the movement in Santa Barbara County to strengthen our community. Because we can all be more aware and more informed. #BeTheDifferenceSB
Youth Mental Health First Aid is a comprehensive training specifically designed to equip educators, family members, and caregivers (18 years or older) with the skills and knowledge to identify, understand, and respond to the signs or risk factors of mental illness and substance use disorders in youth. Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis.
REGISTER: Youth Mental Health First Aid is FREE and is offered monthly throughout Santa Barbara County. SIGN UP early because courses will fill up. Let us know if you would like to coordinate a private class for 20 people to train in your organization, church, or group. The course is available in English. The virtual course will be offered in Spanish in 2022. Hosted by Mental Wellness Center, FSA, and YouthWell. Questions? Email educationmwc@gmail.com
overview of past workshops
Expand boxes below to learn more about past workshops...
1. Understanding Youth Substance Use
2. Develop your communication style to increase connection
3. Cultivating resilience and finding flow in sports and in life
4. Navigating your mental health, practicing self-care, accessing services
5. Body Positive, Our body image can impact our mental health.
6. Building healthy relationships/friendships and understanding consent
7. Learn about meaningful volunteering opportunities in SB County and how it benefits your mental health
8. Simple strategies to manage anxiety and build relationships
9. Compassionate and Mindful Listening
10. Food affects our mental health and how we feel
11. Wellness tips for families - Reboot. Restore. Replenish.
12. Keep Our Kids Safe: Prevent Human Trafficking in SB County
REGISTRATION PROCESS
- A registration link can be found under each workshop description on our COMMUNITY CALENDAR.
In order to receive your ZOOM link, you will need to register.
-
- After you register, you will receive an automated email from no-reply@zoom.us with a link to the workshop. Please save this link (check your spam folder if you don't see it).
- - In addition, we will also send you a reminder email [education@youthwell.org] the night before with the link.
WORKSHOP [ZOOM] ETIQUETTE
- Please review our ZOOM Instructions & Etiquette PRIOR to attending your first workshop.
- VIRTUAL FORMAT: If there is more than 1 person in a family attending the workshop, please make sure to register individually if you want to be on separate devices.
QUESTIONS
- If you have questions, contact us >
TOPIC: Develop your communication style to increase connection
WORKSHOP RESOURCES...
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
- LEARN about the reality of human trafficking in Santa Barbara County, local survivor stories, myths & realities about trafficking, how to recognize the warning signs and respond. **MAR 17, APR 12, MAY 15
- Hosted by SB ACT & North County Rape Crisis & Child Protection Center & YouthWell.
- SPANISH INTERPRETATION IS PROVIDED
TOPIC: Develop your communication style to increase connection
WORKSHOP RESOURCES...
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
Parents, youth (ages 12-25), and those working with youth are invited to LEARN...
- to recognize the differences between recreational use and addiction.
- to be an ally to your peers in recovery.
- the negative effects of binge drinking, vaping, and JUULing.
- how self-medicating can mask the symptoms of mental illness.
- about local support resources.
- UCSB students will share personal stories of recovery and sobriety.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH... UCSB [LIFE of the Party • Gauchos for Recovery] • SBCC • CADA • IV Coalition for Healthy Communities 805
SPEAKER:
- John Doyel
County of Santa Barbara Behavioral Wellness Dept, Division Chief, ADP - Michelle Kerwood,
CADA-Daniel Bryant Center, Director Youth Treatment Programs, Therapist - Melissa Flanigan
Mission Harbor Behavioral Health, Clinical Director, Psychologist - Jackie Kurta,
UCSB Student Health, Director-Alcohol and Drug Program, Therapist - Jimmy Chahal
UCSB - ADP/ICA Peer Intern; track athlete - George Stoddard
The Haven at the College, Student Health Care Manager, Operations - Grace Lemersal & Justin Emmanuel Suarez
UCSB - ADP/Life of the Party Peer Interns - Thomas Flanagan
SBCC Student
**SPANISH INTERPRETATION IS PROVIDED
TOPIC: Develop your communication style to increase connection
WORKSHOP RESOURCES...
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
Listening is a powerful communication tool that allows us to build trust, deepen connections, and reduce conflict in both our personal and professional relationships.
Students (ages 10-25), parents, and those working with youth will learn to strengthen relationships through active listening and constructive responding.
Build empathic listening skills to better interact with family, friends, youth, and co-workers. Learn how to support a friend you are concerned about.
SPEAKER:
Michael Takahara is a UCSB health educator who specializes in positive psychology interventions with students. He has been working at the UCSB Department of Health & Wellness for 25 years.
**SPANISH INTERPRETATION IS PROVIDED
TOPIC: Cultivating resilience and finding flow in sports and in life
WORKSHOP RESOURCES...
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
Students (ages 10-25) who participate in athletics, music, dance, and other activities that require a lot of discipline and commitment will benefit from learning new tools and strategies that help decrease anxiety, negative thoughts, fatigue, and burnout. Learn mindfulness strategies that can improve resiliency, competitive performance, and the ability to perform optimally under extreme stress. *We will also address sportsmanship and how we support our teammates.
Coaches and parents will learn skills for bringing mindfulness, awareness, clarity, and compassion into their work with youth.
**If possible, please have 4 PAPERCLIPS with you when you attend the zoom workshop for an activity.**
SPEAKER
Amy Saltzman, M.D. is a long-time athlete, mindfulness coach, and holistic physician who offers mindfulness training to athletes, coaches and teams. Amy is also the author of A Still Quiet Place for Athletes: Mindfulness Skills for Achieving Peak Performance and Finding Flow in Sports and In Life.
GUEST PANELISTS
Jacob Lombard - Asst Football Coach, Righetti High School, former athlete
Jimmy Chahal, UCSB Student, Intern in ADP & ICA Dept, track athlete
**SPANISH INTERPRETATION IS PROVIDED
TOPIC: Navigating your mental health in 2022
WORKSHOP RESOURCES...
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
Students (ages 10-25), parents, and teachers, and those working with youth will learn to...
- Understand the spectrum of mental health
- Recognize the signs and symptoms of a mental health challenge
- Understand the after-effects on our mental health from the COVID pandemic
- Understand the role of medication in some treatment plans
- Why it is important to prioritize early intervention
- Why self-care matters
- How education can help eliminate stigma & provide tools for supporting others
- Learn coping strategies for managing our mental health and why self care matters
- Learn to support a friend or your child and build listening skills
- Learning to advocate for yourself and ask for help
- How to report if you are concerned about a friend or your child
- Tips for finding a therapist. Understand the parents' role in your child’s therapy. How to make telehealth work for you if you cannot find a local in-person therapist.
- Available resources and how to access them
Speakers
- Eric Nelson, Jessica Ambroz, Lacey Peters, Rio Seymour
TOPIC: Body Positive, Our body image can impact our mental health.
Learn to cultivate self-love and acceptance.
WORKSHOP RESOURCES...
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
Students (ages 10-25), parents, and teachers, and those working with youth will learn from TEDx speaker, Jenny Schatzle how body neutrality can transform our self-image, improve self-esteem, and she will share tools on how to eliminate negative messages.
Local leader, Jordan Killebrew and college student, Caroline Anderson will share their experiences of overcoming an eating disorder.
Dietician Nutritionist, Heather Lengyel, will explain disordered eating, warnings signs, and how to support someone with an eating disorder.
Let's change the conversation together!
ABOUT JENNY SCHATZLE... She is a speaker, blogger, two-time TEDx talk, part-owner of Bond Fitness, mom to twin girls and author of Breaking the Cycle: Free Yourself from the Story that's Holding You Back! "My biggest challenge was believing in who I was, my worth and my talent. And what I found out very quickly was my greatest talent is being authentically me! We all have a superpower and that power is being exactly who we are! No one else can be you and that is a powerful. You can’t get from other people what you don’t have ourselves so respect, love and acceptance, those are things that can only come from one place YOU!"
ABOUT HEATHER LENGYEL... specializes in treating the impact of trauma and anxiety on the gastro-intestinal system and in the psychology of eating, body image, and maladaptive coping mechanisms related to food. Heather helps clients process their emotions around food, meal preparation, and body image through her nuanced understanding of nutrition and exercise physiology.
TOPIC: Building healthy relationships can improve mental health
WORKSHOP RESOURCES...
- VIEW Video Workshop Presentation >
- - PRINT SLIDES: 2021 WORKSHOP SLIDES WITH RESOURCES >
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
Building healthy relationships can improve mental health
Students (ages 12-25), parents, and teachers, and those working with youth will learn from speakers tips for building healthy relationships and how to set boundaries. Learn to recognize when a friendship may be toxic or unhealthy.
Learn how to support a friend or your child who has been sexually assaulted. Learn what consent means, how to report sexual assault, and available resources in Santa Barbara County.
Panelists include... DVS, UCSB, STESA, Pacific Pride, North County Rape Crisis Center, Planned Parenthood
TOPIC: SIMPLE STRATEGIES TO MANAGE ANXIETY & BUILD RELATIONSHIPS
WORKSHOP RESOURCES...
- VIEW Video Workshop Presentation >
- - PRINT: 2021-2022 Volunteer Opportunities HANDOUT
- PRINT: Volunteer Opportunities in Spanish
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
Students (ages 10-25), parents, caregivers, and teachers are invited to learn from our Non-Profit Panel of 20+ SB County organizations about how students can create meaningful ways to volunteer and do community service.
Completing community service hours is more than checking a box off the to-do list... it’s learning about the joy of volunteering, learning new skills, and an opportunity to grow and discover new passions. Evidence shows volunteering helps people manage stress, feel connected, and increases self-confidence.
You will hear from all of the organizations during our virtual webinar and it will be followed by a Q&A where you can post your questions in the chat. Find out which areas of interest (animals, arts & culture, homelessness, environment & science, education, camps, elderly) are meaningful to you.
*SPANISH INTERPRETATION IS PROVIDED*
OUR SB COUNTY NON-PROFIT PANEL INCLUDES...
- Alpha Resource Center
- Apples to Zucchini Cooking School
- BUNS
- Center for Urban Agriculture at Fairview Gardens
- CommUnify
- Community Environmental Council
- Cottage Rehabilitation
- Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp
- Cycling Without Age
- Direct Relief
- Explore Ecology & Art From Scrap
- Food Bank of Santa Barbara County
- Friendship Center
- Fund For SB (Youth Making Change)
- Mental Wellness Center (Wellness Connection Council)
- Sansum Diabetes Research Institute (Veggie IQ)
- Santa Maria Public Library Foundation
- Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society / DAWG
- SB County Animal Services
- SB Museum of Natural History & Sea Center
- Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation
- Wilderness Youth Project
- YouthWell
TOPIC: SIMPLE STRATEGIES TO MANAGE ANXIETY & BUILD RELATIONSHIPS
WORKSHOP RESOURCES...
SPEAKER...
- Dave Mochel
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
Youth (ages 12-25), parents, teachers, and community members will learn strategies to...
- actively listen
- ask for what you need
- connect after a year of social-distancing
- use your breathing to develop self-awareness, manage emotions, and decrease stress
This series of mindful and compassionate listening workshops with speaker, Dave Mochel, are an opportunity to build empathic listening skills to better interact with youth, family, friends, and co-workers.
Things are changing rapidly with students heading back into classrooms, with college acceptances starting to come in, and with summer around the corner. After a year of so much stress and isolation from the pandemic, this is a great time to improve our connections with others and develop positive coping skills.
TOPIC: Understanding Youth Substance Use
WORKSHOP RESOURCES...
- VIEW Video Workshop Presentation >
- - PRINT SLIDES & HANDOUTS >
SPEAKER PANEL...
- Dr Jason Prystowsky, Emergency Room Doctor
- Sharleen O’Brien, UCSB
- Jackie Kurta, UCSB
- Lacey Peters, SB City College
- Joselyn Sanchez, CADA
- Personal Stories:
Ric Torchon,
Sam Lytle,
Darby McIlroy
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
Youth (ages 12-25), parents, and community members are invited to... Learn about current substance use trends and understand the negative effects of vaping, JUULing, & binge drinking. Recognize the difference between recreational use and addiction. Understand how self-medicating can mask the symptoms of mental illness. Learn to tell when youth are using and how to engage them in conversations. Find out about local support resources. PRINT WORKSHOP HANDOUTS >
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH UCSB, SBCC, CADA, IV Coalition for Healthy Communities 805.
TOPIC: Wellness Tips For Families
WORKSHOP RESOURCES...
- VIEW Video Workshop Presentation & Slides >
- - PRINT SLIDES >
- PRINT: Meal Planning, Grocery Lists, Eating Out 2021
- PRINT: Wellness Workshop Self-Care Tips & Worksheets 2021
- ADDITIONAL HANDOUTS >
- VIDEOS:
What if you stopped going outside (importance of sun)
Shopping at Trader Joe's with Jenni Tasca
SPEAKER PANEL:
- CARA FERRICK has been a part of the successful Yoga venture, CorePower Yoga for the past 12 years. She is the co-owner and regional OPS manager of the California Central Coast Franchise network of CorePower Yoga. Cara comes to the table with a deep understanding of Yoga. Her experience and connections in the yoga industry balance and enhance her passion for teaching.
- JENNI TASCA, MSRD, is a native Santa Barbaran who has practiced as a local Registered Dietitian for over 20 years. She worked locally as a clinical dietitian for the Cottage Health Care System for over 10 years, and then started her own private practice in 2005.
- SHADEAN RUNYEN is a local Santa Barbara mother of 4 who has a 25 year career in finance, but also simultaneously focused on a functional health and wellness lifestyle. She is now near completion of her certification in Functional Health and Wellness Coaching through the ADAPT Kresser Institute Program and is beginning to work with clients in this space for support around behavior change related to many issues.
- Rachael Steidl, moderator
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
Youth (ages 10-25) , parents, educators, & community members are invited to learn simple hacks for yourself and your family to infuse balance into your day, improve your mood, fight fatigue, and relieve stress.
2020 was a challenging year for everyone with the pandemic, remote learning, working from home, loss of jobs, loss of celebrating milestones, and feeling isolated from friends and family. For many, the new year is not feeling much different.
This workshop is an opportunity for anyone regardless of your age to learn new tools and set your own intentions for what you want in 2021 so that you feel empowered to manage your mental and physical wellness.
TOPIC: ANGST Movie Screening plus Q&A Panel
SPEAKER PANEL:
- Dr. Jerry Bubrick is a senior clinical psychologist in the Anxiety Disorders Center and director of the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Service at the Child Mind Institute in New York. Widely recognized for developing one of the world’s most intensive pediatric programs for OCD, he is a pioneer in using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat children and teens with OCD and related anxiety disorders.
- Dr. Margot Roseman is a Pediatrics Specialist with over 32 years of experience in the medical field and a practice at the Children's Medical Clinic.
- Jessica Ambroz, is a School Social Worker in the Goleta Union School District.
- Dawson Kelly, student
- Rachael Steidl, moderator
WORKSHOP RESOURCES...
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
FREE Movie Screening of Angst followed by a Q&A with a panel of local experts.
This documentary is designed to raise awareness around anxiety. The film includes interviews with kids, teens, educators, experts, parents, and a special interview with Michael Phelps. Families, educators, students, and community members can benefit from this film (age 10 years+). The goal is to help people identify and understand the symptoms of anxiety.
TOPIC: You(th) can be advocates for change
SPEAKER PANEL:
- Panel of high school and college student leaders
Maya Samarasena/DPHS, Shakir Ahmad/SMHS, Essence Wynter/UCSB, Adalis Rojas/UCSB, Nathaniel Ilo/UCSB, Ashley Steidl/Cal Poly & University of Denver
WORKSHOP RESOURCES...-
- VIEW [DEC, 2020] ZOOM VIDEO PRESENTATION & SLIDES >>
- VIEW BREAKOUT ROOMS VIDEO >> (note: The student panelists presented 3 different sessions - after the 3rd presentation, it rotates back again with the same presentations but in different breakout rooms and different questions from the participants.)
-
- VIEW BREAKOUT ROOMS VIDEO >> (note: The student panelists presented 3 different sessions - after the 3rd presentation, it rotates back again with the same presentations but in different breakout rooms and different questions from the participants.)
- PRINT: Resources & Reads for understanding Social Justice & Advocacy
We also recommend Shakir's Podcast: The Keep Ya Head Up Podcast >
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
Find your voice. Learn from a panel of community student leaders how to become advocates forchange with an emphasis on social justice. Learn to frame the conversation so others will listen. Build a space for empathy and understandingwhere we learn from each other to createchange in our community.
TOPIC: Learn self-care and mindfulness techniques to cope with everyday challenges [OCT 2020]
SPEAKER:
- Dave Mochel
WORKSHOP RESOURCES...-
- VIEW [OCT 25, 2020] ZOOM VIDEO PRESENTATION & SLIDES >>
- - PRINT: WEEKLY LISTENING CHALLENGE
- PRINT: COMMUNICATION & ACTIVE LISTENING TIPS WITH TEENS
- PRINT: SHARE FEELINGS • CHOOSE AN EMOTION
- PRINT: STRATEGIES & TIPS FOR IMPLEMENTING DIGITALLY RESPONSIBLE BOUNDARIES
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
Teens, parents, teachers... Learn new strategies to help you find balance,reduce stress, improve focus, and manage emotions, which can benefit us at home, in the classroom, in sports, and in our relationships. We can Increase resilience in our youth through mindfulness and self-care. Resiliency comes from working through the discomfort that comes from challenges and obstacles in our lives.
This workshop will [1] introduce & practice simple strategies for supporting our kids in becoming capable & resilient adults, [2] explore simple practices for parents to use in being more present & understanding, [3] discuss the line that separates normal upset & disappointment from depression & anxiety that require professional intervention [4] discover ways to manage our devices and social media.
TOPIC: Navigating Your Mental Health & Wellness [SEPT 2020]
WORKSHOP RESOURCES...-
- VIEW [SEPT 19, 2020] ZOOM VIDEO PRESENTATION & SLIDES >>
- - PRINT: WEEKLY LISTENING CHALLENGE
- PRINT: COMMUNICATION & ACTIVE LISTENING TIPS WITH TEENS
- PRINT: SHARE FEELINGS • CHOOSE AN EMOTION
- PRINT: STRATEGIES & TIPS FOR IMPLEMENTING DIGITALLY RESPONSIBLE BOUNDARIES
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
Teens, learn to support yourself& your friends struggling with stress, isolation, and boredom It’s ok to ask for help!
- Understand mental health challenges
- Recognize the signs and symptoms
- Learn how we can eliminate stigma and shame
- Learn to practice self-care & how to access resources
- Learn how to make telehealth work for you
SPEAKER PANEL:
- Rebecca Solomon (Michael Cruse) • Hospice of SB
- Lisa Wolfe (Christina Lombard) • Casa Pacifica/SAFTY
- Eric Nelson • Westmont College
- Patrick Lyra Lanier • Pacific Pride Foundation
- Christine Dominguez • UCSB, Assoc Director, Student MH Coordination Services
- Rachael Steidl • YouthWell
- STUDENT MODERATORS: Emma Grabenstetter & Georgia Pennington
TOPIC: Communicating and Connecting in the Zoom Era [AUG 2020]
SPEAKER: Dave Mochel
WORKSHOP RESOURCES...-
- VIEW [AUG 23] ZOOM VIDEO PRESENTATION & SLIDES >>
- - PRINT: WEEKLY LISTENING CHALLENGE
- PRINT: COMMUNICATION & ACTIVE LISTENING TIPS WITH TEENS
- PRINT: SHARE FEELINGS • CHOOSE AN EMOTION
- PRINT: STRATEGIES & TIPS FOR IMPLEMENTING DIGITALLY RESPONSIBLE BOUNDARIES
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
Connection that makes a difference
mindful and compassionate listening workshop series
- These days we are spending less time communicating face to face and more time talking to a screen. How do we maintain, and even strengthen, our relationships under these circumstances?
- We will discuss strategies for accepting the constraints we are living with, making zoom time more effective, and connecting in real-life with our family and friends when zoom time is over.
- This series will be an opportunity to practice building empathic listening skills to better interact with youth, family, friends, and co-workers. You can attend all of them or just pick one.
- This series of free workshops is for adults and teens who want to learn tools to improve their communication skills in their personal and professional lives.
- Learn how to...
-build skills of deep, empathic listening
-speak from your heart
-help others by doing less
-ask the right questions
-reflect on your own judgment & biases
-listening & communicate assertively (workshop 2)
-shared agreements (workshop 3) - **Parents of youth ages 5-25, teens, educators, teens, and youth providers are invited to this FREE workshop.**
quaranTEEN Workshop - MAY 27, 2020
- TOPIC: TALK TO LOCAL LEADERS ABOUT NEXT STEPS with COVID-19
- - VIEW VIDEO of WORKSHOP >>
- - SPEAKER:
Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson
Assemblymember Monique Limón
SB County Superintendent of Schools Susan Salcido - DESCRIPTION: Talk to local leaders aboutnext steps with COVID-19 in our community.
quaranTEEN Workshop - MAY 24, 2020
- TOPIC: Managing Transitions in a Difficult Time
- - VIEW ZOOM VIDEO of WORKSHOP >>
- HANDOUT: DIscussion Questions >>
- - SPEAKER: Just Communities
- - DESCRIPTION: DESCRIPTION: Our world is currently going through a period of unprecedented and uncharted change. How are you dealing with it personally? How are you dealing with it as a family? What is it like balancing everything? Drawing upon William Bridges' Transitions Framework, this interactive online workshop will help students gain a deeper understanding of how the destabilizing forces of change are impacting their lives and their families.
quaranTEEN Workshop - MAY 20, 2020
- TOPIC: Managing Transitions in a Difficult Time
- - VIEW ZOOM VIDEO of WORKSHOP >>
- HANDOUT: DIscussion Questions >>
- - SPEAKER: Just Communities
- - DESCRIPTION: COVID-19 has forced us all to make a lot of changes in our lives. From spending our days at home, to not being able to see friends, no longer being able to participate in school clubs, sports, afterschool programs, and more. All of our lives have changed dramatically. How are you dealing with those changes? How is your family? This interactive workshop will give you the chance to talk with other young people in our community about how you are dealing with all the changes in your lives. It will also offer ideas for how you can better work through these changes and be a resource to the other people in your life by supporting them.
Workshop - MAY 13, 2020
WORKSHOP RESOURCES
- View WORKSHOP VIDEO & SLIDES >>
-
- TOPIC: Power of Movement & Breathing
- SPEAKER: Cara Ferrick, co-owner CorePower Yoga
- DESCRIPTION: Cara Ferrick, co-owner CorePower Yoga will speak about the power of movement & breathing and how it improves your mood and relieves stress. Cara will talk about how exercise and movements affect both our physical and mental health. She will also share about the science of breath and why it matters that we take time to breathe. Workshop will also include... Grounding, Resiliency, and Gratitude • Mindfulness Tools & Breathing • Movement and the many benefits • Self-care and your intuition and inner knowing • Tools to help you sleep • Essential oils • Meditation and the many benefits
quaranTEEN Workshop - MAY 6, 2020
- TOPIC: NON PROFIT PANEL
- - WATCH VIDEO OF WORKSHOP >>
- - PRINT HANDOUT LIST of VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
- - DESCRIPTION: Non Profit Panel will provide an opportunity to learn about how students can create meaningful ways to volunteer and do community service during your teen years. Completing your hours is more than checking a box off the to-do list... it’s learning about the joy of volunteering, learning new skills, and an opportunity to grow and discover new passions. There will be breakout rooms during this virtual workshop where you can decide which organizations and areas of interest (animals, arts & culture, homelessness, environment & science, education, camps, elderly) you would like to hear more about...
PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS:
Prior to the panel, we will have speakers, Abe Powell/Bucket Brigade, Jacob & Joe/Foodbank, and Danny/Zoomers to Boomers share their experience, what got them engaged or motivated to give back in such an impactful way, and what continues to keep them inspired.
- Apples to Zucchini Cooking School
- BUNS Food Bank
- Food Bank of SB County
- Fund For SB - Youth Making Change
- Friendship Center
- Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center
- Isla Vista Parks & Recreation
- Mental Wellness Center
- MOXI
- Peer Buddies
- SB Bucket Brigade
- SB County Animal Services
- SB Historical Museum
- SB Museum of Natural History & Sea Center
- SB Police Activities League (SBPAL)
- SB Public Library
- Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation
- Wilderness Youth Project
- Zoomers to Boomers
Workshop - APRIL 29, 2020-
- WORKSHOP RESOURCES:
- TOPIC: NUTRITION, MOOD & THE BRAIN
- DESCRIPTION: Understand how the foods you eat affect your mental health, mood, and how you feel. This will be an interactive discussion will you learn how to continue to enjoy eating all the foods you love while learning how to balance so you can avoid those afternoon energy crashes. Learn how to substitute healthier alternatives when you are baking and still have those cookies taste great! Great tips for athletes as well.
Workshop [APRIL 2020]
TOPIC: Connection that makes a difference • mindful and compassionate listening workshop series
WORKSHOP RESOURCES...-
- VIEW [APRIL 26] ZOOM VIDEO PRESENTATION >>
- - PRINT: WEEKLY LISTENING CHALLENGE
- PRINT: COMMUNICATION & ACTIVE LISTENING TIPS WITH TEENS
- PRINT: SHARE FEELINGS • CHOOSE AN EMOTION
- VIEW SLIDES FROM:
2020 LISTENING WORKSHOP #1 MIndful Compassionate Listening
2019: Mindful & Compassionate Listening, Dave Mochel Slides
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
- This series will be an opportunity to practice building empathic listening skills to better interact with youth, family, friends, and co-workers. You can attend all of them or just pick one.
- This series of free workshops is for adults and teens who want to learn tools to improve their communication skills in their personal and professional lives.
- Learn how to...
-build skills of deep, empathic listening
-speak from your heart
-help others by doing less
-ask the right questions
-reflect on your own judgment & biases
-listening & communicate assertively (workshop 2)
-shared agreements (workshop 3) - **Parents of youth ages 5-25, teens, educators, teens, and youth providers are invited to this FREE workshop.**
quaranTEEN Workshop - APRIL 22, 2020
- TOPIC: COLLEGE STUDENT PANEL
- - SPEAKER: Local Santa Barbara Students
- - DESCRIPTION: There will be local Santa Barbara students who attend colleges all over the country available to answer questions about their personal experiences at their school. If you are trying to decide which school is a fit for you, it might be helpful to be able to ask questions about things you are curious about. There will be "virtual breakout rooms"... [1] SB Schools [2] CA Schools [3] Pacific Northwest Schools [4] Midwest Schools [5] Mountain West Schools [6] East Coast Schools [7] International Schools. You choose the breakout room that is most interesting to you.
- - COLLEGE STUDENTS that would like to serve on the panel can sign-up here >> [we will do another panel 2021]
quaranTEEN Workshop - APRIL 15, 2020
- TOPIC: PRACTICING MINDFULNESS & SELF-CARE & MANAGING STRESS
- - VIEW ZOOM VIDEO PRESENTATION >>
- - SPEAKER: Dave Mochel
- DESCRIPTION: Educator, neuroscientist and mindfulness expert Dave Mochel helps people learn to respond peacefully and powerfully to anxiety, stress, challenge, and change. The way we use our attention, hold our body, and breathe all have significant implications for how we experience the world. Participants will take away specific practices and strategies for remaining grounded in the midst of uncertainty. This will be an interactive discussion with plenty of opportunities for students to ask questions.
Workshop [JAN 2020]
TOPIC: Connection that makes a difference • mindful and compassionate listening workshop series
WORKSHOP RESOURCES...-
- PRINT: WEEKLY LISTENING CHALLENGE
- PRINT: COMMUNICATION & ACTIVE LISTENING TIPS WITH TEENS
- PRINT: SHARE FEELINGS • CHOOSE AN EMOTION
- VIEW SLIDES FROM:
2020 LISTENING WORKSHOP #1 MIndful Compassionate Listening
2019: Mindful & Compassionate Listening, Dave Mochel Slides
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
- This series will be an opportunity to practice building empathic listening skills to better interact with youth, family, friends, and co-workers. You can attend all of them or just pick one.
- This series of free workshops is for adults and teens who want to learn tools to improve their communication skills in their personal and professional lives.
- Learn how to...
-build skills of deep, empathic listening
-speak from your heart
-help others by doing less
-ask the right questions
-reflect on your own judgment & biases
-listening & communicate assertively (workshop 2)
-shared agreements (workshop 3) - **Parents of youth ages 5-25, teens, educators, teens, and youth providers are invited to this FREE workshop.**
WORKSHOP: [AUGUST 2019] Youth Substance Use... understanding the difference between self-medicating, addiction, and recreational use.
- WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION: [1] Learn about current substance use trends and understand the negative effects of vaping, JUULing, & binge drinking. [2] Recognize the difference between recreational use and addiction. [3] Understand how self-medicating can mask the symptoms of mental illness. [4] Learn to tell when youth are using and how to engage in the difficult conversations. Find out about local support resources.
WORKSHOP RESOURCES...
- VIDEO OF THE WORKSHOP COMING SOON...
- - view Substance Use workshop PRESENTATION SLIDES
WORKSHOP: [APRIL 2019] Managing Stress & Finding Balance - Increasing resilience in our youth through mindfulness and self-care.
- WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION: How do we offer guidance & support without rescuing our children from the discomfort that naturally comes with healthy challenges and growth? We will [1] introduce & practice simple strategies for supporting our kids in becoming capable & resilient adults, [2] explore simple practices for parents to use in being more present & understanding, [3] discuss the line that separates normal upset & disappointment from depression & anxiety that require professional intervention.
WORKSHOP RESOURCES...
- YOUTHWELL HANDOUT
WELLNESS TIPS, SELF CARE PLAN, & DIGITAL DETOX CHALLENGE
- - PRESENTATION SLIDES
Managing Stress & Finding Balance, Dave Mochel Slides
STARTING THE CONVERSATIONS WITH YOUR TEEN
WORKSHOP: [JAN 2019] Navigating the digital and gaming age with our youth
- WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION: Workshop will feature speakers and breakout groups where you will learn strategies on how to support youth responsibly with their devices. Understand the impact of screens on brain development. Learn to identify signs of cell phone and gaming addiction. Learn how to start the conversations with your child and set healthy limits around devices.
WORKSHOP RESOURCES...
- YOUTHWELL HANDOUT
STRATEGIES & TIPS FOR IMPLEMENTING DIGITALLY RESPONSIBLE BOUNDARIES
STARTING THE CONVERSATIONS WITH YOUR TEEN
- COMMUNICATION & ACTIVE LISTENING TIPS WITH TEENS
- SHARE FEELINGS • CHOOSE AN EMOTION
- WHAT IS LOVE • THE NEW DATING LANDSCAPE FOR TEENS
- YOUTH ONLINE NET CETERA
- YOUTH STOP THINK CONNECT
SAMPLE DIGITAL CONTRACTS
Sample contracts you can use to set up boundaries around screens in the house
- YOUTH CELL PHONE FAMILY CONTRACT
- DOWNLOAD NEW APP CONTRACT
- SCREEN TIME BOUNDARIES CONTRACT
- STRATEGIES FOR ADDRESSING ONLINE DANGER
LINKS TO OTHER DIGITAL RESOURCES & ARTICLES
Consider additional online searches using: Digital Responsibility - Digital etiquette, Digital access, Digital commerce, Digital communication, Digital law, Digital health and wellness, Digital security
- Depression & social media >>
- What is Digital Harassment? - video >>
- 7 Reasons cell phone contracts won’t work >>
- Should my child be on social media? >>
- Apps to watch out for in 2019 >>
- Technology & teen dating violence >>
- Tips for youth & parents with cyberbullying >>
- Parents of Young Children: Put Down Your Smartphones >>
- Adverse Effects of Media on Children & Teens >>
- QUIZ: Smartphone compulsion >>
VIDEOS (great clips & overviews with teen perspectives)
- Video: Social Media, Social Life: Teens Reveal Their Experiences
- Video: SCREENAGERS (Official Trailer) Probes into the vulnerable corners of family life, including the director's own, and depicts messy struggles, over social media, video games, academics and internet addiction.
- Video: New study links phone use and mental health issues in teens
- Video: What is Digital Harassment?
ARTICLES
- Is Your Child a Phone ‘Addict’? article
By Ana Homayoun / New York Times - How (and When) to Limit Kids' Tech Use article
By Melanie Pinola / New York Times - 10 Social Apps Every Parent of a Teen Should Know article
By Megan Maas
GAMING
- Gaming, understanding overuse & addiction, physical effects >>
- Understanding video game violence - video >>
- How virtual violence impacts children's behavior plus tips >>
- Quiz: Are you addicted to gaming? >>
PARENTAL CONTROLS
- iPhone Apple Parental Controls video >>
- 6 Best Parental Controls for Android video >>
- Impacts of Gaming >>
- Find hidden apps (vault) on phone video >>
- Managing Cell Phone Restrictions >>
WORKSHOP: [SEPT 2018] Provider Workshop
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
- IT'S ABOUT THE YOUTH & HELPING THEM ACCESS SERVICES MORE EASILY
- Create an opportunity for staff from different organizations to connect and better understand the other resources that exist on each campus so they can better work together to leverage resources both on and off campus.
- Convene the school Deans of Student Engagement & the FSA Therapists making referrals and connect them with the organizations that will be working on secondary school campuses for 2018-2019 so that they have a better understanding of services when they are making referrals.
- Enhance your facilitator skills through team building activities and learn interactive techniques for engaging students on campus and increase opportunities to connect with students by speaking at their club meetings, classes, etc. (different than one on one counseling or support groups)
- Overview of mental health referral process for students AND the school Crisis Response Protocol... Explain the process after a crisis/trauma... when Compassion Centers are convened on campus and Psychological First Aid response is utilized.
- Overview from SBUSD on how the Signs of Suicide (SOS) will be implemented on campuses.
WORKSHOP: [AUG 2018] a community conversation about teen mental health today
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
- Part one of two mental wellness nights providing parents and our community with tools and resources to support youth.
- In honor of back to school season, discover what it is like to be in high school today, and let’s come together as a community to learn more about an issue that affects EVERYONE.
- This interactive night will feature a panel of experienced community professionals in the mental health sector. You will leave this event with tangible tools on how to take care of yourself, how to talk to someone who is struggling, what relevant warning signs to look out for, and what resources are offered in Santa Barbara.
- Panel includes: Michael Cruse, Taryn Holvick, Rachael Steidl, Patrick Lyra Lanier, Ali Cortes, Christina Lombard
Dr. Jerry Bubrick (Jan 2021) is a senior clinical psychologist in the Anxiety Disorders Center and director of the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Service at the Child Mind Institute in New York. Widely recognized for developing one of the world’s most intensive pediatric programs for OCD, he is a pioneer in using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat children and teens with OCD and related anxiety disorders.
Dr. Margot Roseman (Jan 2021) is a Pediatrics Specialist with over 32 years of experience in the medical field and a practice at the Children's Medical Clinic.
Jessica Ambroz (Jan 2021) is a School Social Worker in the Goleta Union School District.
Cara Ferrick (May 2020) Cara comes to the table with a deep understanding of Yoga. Her experience and connections in the yoga industry balance and enhance her passion for teaching. For the past 12 years, Cara has been a part of the successful Yoga venture, CorePower Yoga. She is the co-owner and regional OPS manager of the California Central Coast Franchise network of CorePower Yoga.
Jenni Tasca (April 2020), MSRD, is a native Santa Barbaran who has practiced as a local Registered Dietitian for over 20 years. She worked locally as a clinical dietitian for the Cottage Health Care System for over 10 years, and then started her own private practice (parttime) in 2005. [LEARN MORE]
Rebecca Solomon • Hospice of SB
Lisa Wolfe (Oct 2020) Casa Pacifica/SAFTY
Eric Nelson (Oct 2020) Westmont College
Patrick Lyra Lanier (Oct 2020) Pacific Pride Foundation
Christine Dominguez (Oct 2020) UCSB, Assoc Director, Student MH Coordination Services
Dustin Sanchez, MD (August 2019) is a board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist. In addition to serving as Medical Director at Mission Harbor Behavioral Health, he has an outpatient practice in Santa Barbara and has attending privileges at Cottage Hospital. Dr. Sanchez specializes in a wide range of psychiatric problems across the lifespan, including substance use disorders, and utilizes a holistic approach to achieve optimal health and wellness for his patients. He has extensive training and experience in psychotherapy, complex psychopharmacology, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). He is currently developing a lecture series aimed at engaging and educating our community on a variety of mental health topics. VIEW WEBSITE
Michael Mantz, MD (August 2019) is a psychiatrist who worked for 2 years at an intensive outpatient program that specializes in treating substance use disorders. He currently runs a private practice that focuses on mind-health optimization using a unique blend of mindfulness-based psychotherapies, nutrition, supplements and the latest in brain-boosting strategies that have come out of recent neuroscientific research. Dr. Mantz emphasizes the importance of integrating both mind and body practices to help heal and strengthen the mind. Santa Barbara Integrative Psychiatry
Sam L, Student Speaker from UCSB Gauchos For Recovery.
Rachael Steidl (WORKSHOP MODERATOR) Rachael Steidl is a Santa Barbara native and the mother of 3 teen daughters. As the founder and former publisher of ParentClick.com, she has spent much of the past fifteen connecting families to resources in our community. Rachael launched the YouthWell Coalition in 2016 to address the gaps in mental health services for youth and to expand the dialogue and increase community collaboration. At the same time, she worked with the Mental Wellness Center to launch the Youth Wellness Connection (YWC) Council and is working with students on "you matter" campaigns on 5 high school campuses through the YWC Clubs that promote self-care, kindness, and encourage youth to ask for help when they are struggling. She is committed to increasing awareness through education and reducing stigma so that youth and families can feel safe reaching out for support. Rachael has over 25 years of experience in management, marketing, and strategic planning. Rachael has an M.A. in Clinical Psychology and her early work experience included counseling youth in group homes and co-facilitating addiction groups.
Dave Mochel (APRIL 2019) For over thirty years, Dave Mochel has been focused on the foundations of wellbeing, healthy communities, and leadership. After a twenty-year career teaching human development and neuroscience in independent schools, he founded Applied Attention to help individuals, teams, and organizations focus their attention and energy where it will make the greatest positive difference. Using principles drawn from modern scientific research and enduring wisdom, he has had the opportunity to work with leaders, educators, executives, parents, students, and athletes all over the world. He draws upon his degrees in biology from Williams College, a Master’s in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz, and a clinical internship in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. The principles and practices he teaches have been distilled and synthesized from thousands of years of enduring wisdom, thousands of scientific studies, and thousands of conversations with colleagues, students, friends, and clients. Learn more about Dave >
Alia Aizenstat (JANUARY 2019) Alia Aizenstat, M.A., is a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Associate and Professional Clinical Counselor Associate who works both in private practice and as a Lead Group Facilitator at AHA!, a non-profit organization educating teens on emotional intelligence and social justice. Alia holds a master's degree from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Depth Psychology. She is the published author of Psychotherapy in the Digital Age: The Integration of Online Identities in the Therapeutic Process, and the founder of the Virtual Identities Integration Treatment model. She is an international lecturer and has been working to implement psychoeducational segments on digital responsibility into schools and therapeutic treatment centers. Alia has trained in EMDR trauma therapy levels one and two with an attachment focus through the Parnell Institute, and in Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) with one of the program's founders, Steven Hayes. VIEW WEBSITE
Christy Stillwell (JANUARY 2019) Christy Stillwell, M.A., is the founder and executive director of What is LOVE, an innovative dating violence prevention program dedicated to helping teens identify abusive love and build healthy relationships skills. Christy is an educator and youth activist with more than twenty years of program development, management, and independent evaluation. She conducts workshops, staff trainings and speaks in schools, juvenile detention facilities, universities, and youth-serving organizations. She is known for her creativity, innovation, and a high level of integrity while addressing complex vital issues. She is dedicated to creating a community of socially and emotionally intelligent youth, committed to success, building empathy, taking responsibility, repairing harm, and crafting successful futures. VIEW WEBSITE