In-Service Workshops

This presentation is designed to educate students on the risks and consequences associated with marijuana use, particularly during adolescence. Through a combination of current research, real-life stories, and interactive discussion, participants will explore the effects of marijuana on the brain, academic performance, mental health, and decision-making. The presentation also addresses myths and misconceptions, peer pressure, and the impact of legalization on youth. Students will gain practical strategies for making healthy choices, resisting pressure, and supporting friends who may be struggling. Empowering and age-appropriate, this session encourages critical thinking and personal responsibility while promoting a drug-free lifestyle.

Participants will learn what mediation is and how to conduct a successful mediation with students. Participants will be able to define mediation, identify students who are appropriate for mediation and recognize which students or situations are not appropriate for mediation. Participants will be able to list the 5 steps in the mediation process and get an opportunity to practice mediation through guided role play.

The Young Adult Speaker program is geared for youth grades 6+ and features young adults who provide educational programs built around lived experiences. Through sharing their experience with a mental health condition and related crisis, they challenge negative stereotypes, give hope and skills to audience members, and encourage students to reach out for help. Students also learn the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and conditions, negative versus positive coping skills, the similarities between mental health and physical illness, the language and skills needed to have a conversation about mental health, and how to create a supportive school environment. This is facilitated through Minding Your Mind.

School personnel will receive an introduction of mindfulness exercises and learn how to use them with students. This training can be tailored for any staff although most often geared toward counselors and teachers

Teachers and parents will learn the “Power Down for Presence” process, proven to increase attention and focus for more efficient and productive homework time. As the ubiquity of the 24/7 digital world increases, the appeal of technology becomes even greater. The brain science supports the power of mindfulness to pause one’s use of technology and be present for greater mental and brain health. This workshop shares evidence-based research tools and skills.

In this workshop, you will explore your personal and professional motivation and happiness. Rate your current state and brainstorm on how to increase these. We will also discuss internal vs. external motivation and the Platinum Rule. Learn how to tap into others’ motivation and happiness too!

Learn how to communicate and partner effectively with multilingual families. We will move beyond conferences and share techniques to build true engagement.

This workshop equips students with knowledge and tools to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. From social media and online gaming to digital footprints and cyberbullying, participants will explore the benefits and risks of technology use. The presentation emphasizes critical thinking, privacy protection, respectful communication, and how to recognize and respond to online threats. Students will leave empowered to make smart choices in their online interactions and understand the lasting impact of their digital behavior.

To truly understand the roots of behavior, it is essential that educators understand what is happening in a student's body when they are anxious or stressed. Anxiety presents in different ways, and we all predictably have a stress response of fight/flight/freeze. This workshop will help participants identify the difference between an anxiety disorder and basic stress and explore ways to best support students. An emphasis on how to integrate social/emotional support into a school setting, along with how to address oppositional behavior, school refusal, work avoidance, and bullying, will be explored through the lens of anxiety.

Open-Ended Art for Educators explores the value of process over product, encouraging teachers to prioritize creativity, exploration, and individual expression rather than perfect outcomes. Participants learn how open-ended art supports children’s self-regulation, confidence, and problem-solving skills, while fostering a classroom environment where mistakes are seen as a natural and valuable part of learning. The workshop highlights how giving children freedom in art-making promotes imagination, independence, and deeper engagement. This workshop is recommended for Preschool through Grade 2 staff.