Mental Health Workshops

Mental Health Workshops

for Parents & Caregivers

Join us to learn strategies to support the mental health of young people in your life. New topics each month, please register below for each workshop you would like to attend.

All workshops are free, on Zoom, and open to all Washtenaw County parents, caregivers, and school staff.

Questions? Contact Shannon Novara at snovara@washtenawisd.org.

Oct 13, 2026 7:00 PM

Staying Connected: Supporting Youth Through Depression

  • This workshop will provide parents and caregivers with practical tools for understanding and supporting youth experiencing depression. Our presenter, Alejandra Arango, PhD, will cover the basics of adolescent depression, including how to recognize signs and understand suicide risk and prevention.

  • We’ll also focus on the importance of connection and offer practical strategies for strengthening relationships with youth, navigating common barriers, and responding in ways that support their well-being. 

Nov 10, 2026 7:00 PM

Why Your Child’s Behavior Feels So Personal

  • Ever wonder why certain behaviors from your child seem to push every button? Join Audra Adu, LPC, for this interactive workshop that will help parents understand the connection between their own emotional triggers and their parenting responses.
  • Learn practical tools to pause before reacting, regulate your emotions, and respond in ways that build connection instead of conflict. Leave feeling more confident, self-aware, and equipped to navigate challenging parenting moments with intention.
  • Register here https://wisd.zoom.us/meeting/register/0hAadtw6Sn2h6r_EAW2TRg 

Dec 8, 2026 7:00 PM

Feeding and Eating from Preschool to Adolescence: What’s Typical, What’s Not

  • Join Katie Schrems, MA, CCC-SLP, to learn what's typical (and atypical) for feeding, from preschool through the teen years!
  • Topics will include: busting common feeding myths, spotting red flags at each age and stage, an overview of feeding intervention options, and more...
  • Register here https://wisd.zoom.us/meeting/register/JwDfA60nQhKOdWbpgn8xXw 

Jan 12, 2027 7:00 PM

What Are They Watching? -- Helping Youth Navigate Online Content, Streaming, and Mental Health

  • Youth are watching more than ever and what they see online, on social media, and through streaming can affect how they think, feel, and cope.
  • This workshop, presented by Kamara Gardner, MPH, will help caregivers better understand how media can influence youth mental health and provide practical strategies for navigating challenging content.  
  • Register here https://wisd.zoom.us/meeting/register/9iCaNS3yQ-qtGWfjsyhVBA 

Feb 9, 2027 7:00 PM

The Journey of Being Seen: Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth Mental Health Through the Coming Out Process

  • Coming out is more than a single conversation. It is a process of understanding identity, assessing safety, and finding belonging. Using the Cass identity-development model, this interactive workshop, led by Matthew Brunale, LMSW, will help parents and caregivers understand the coming out process and its impact on youth mental health.
  • Participants will practice ways to create safety, respond to disclosure, recognize distress, and become affirming adults throughout a young person’s journey.
  • Register here https://wisd.zoom.us/meeting/register/-aoH96AIRnq85MNsxkb5bQ 

Mar 2, 2027 7:00 PM

Coming Soon!

  • Healing Brothers United

Apr 13, 2027 7:00 PM

Inside My Home: A Parent’s Perspective on What it Looks Like to Talk to My Child About Mental Health

  • Carla Pretto, RN is a psychiatric nurse and the executive director of the Association for Children’s Mental Health’s (ACMH) Michigan Chapter. ACMH’s goal is to bring hope to families of Michigan children and youth facing emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges.
  • She will share some of her own experiences as a parent, as well as examples from families (not identified) around the state to normalize how challenging it can be when your child is struggling with a mental health challenge.  
  • Register here https://wisd.zoom.us/meeting/register/g23JrJchTpmuI5R-eV9Q_Q 

May 11, 2027 7:00 PM

Coming Soon!