Summit Wellness Symposium

Teens of today encounter novel challenges, leading to an increased risk for maladaptive social and emotional development. Engaging in substance use, gambling, gaming and pornography are among the considerations many of our teens face. As a parent and school community, we all can benefit from understanding the nature of how our youth encounter and interact with these challenges, and learn how to determine when these behaviors become unhealthy.

Paul Lavella, Founder and Director of NJ Recovery & Wellness, is a Licensed Professional Counselor & Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor, specializing in treating the needs of adolescents, young adults & families, Substance Use Disorders, process addictions, and the LGBTQ+ community.  For almost 20 years, Paul has collaborated with both clients and professionals alike to educate and enrich lives, advocating for ongoing, sustainable recovery.

This workshop is intended for any parent interested in learning more about supporting LGBTQ youth. It is not just for parents of an LGBTQ teenager. Dr. Saland will present facts and statistics, provide education, and foster a discussion. Parents will learn common terminology regarding sexuality and gender identity and how to increase and promote the self-esteem and well-being of LGBTQ youth.

Daniel Saland, Psy.D. is a NJ licensed clinical psychologist with extensive experience working with adolescents, families, and adults. His private practice is centrally located in Livingston and he provides psychotherapy to individuals and families struggling with anxiety disorders, depression, anger and aggression, family conflict, family dynamics during adolescence and young adulthood, relationship and interpersonal problems, LGBTQ related concerns, and more. He practices from several theoretical orientations including psychodynamic, existential, family systems, and interpersonal. Dr. Saland received his undergraduate degree from Syracuse University and a Masters and Doctorate (Psy.D.) at Phillips Graduate Institute, the professional school of psychology in Encino/Los Angeles, California.

Please click here to view the slides from the presentation.

In this workshop, “Cooling the Fires: Anger Management Toolkit for Parents and Caregivers,” parents and caregivers will walk away with practical advice on supporting children to stay calm when they're upset and deal with tough situations that make them angry. This engaging and informative session aims to provide parents and caregivers with invaluable tools to help guide their children through tough emotions and tough times.

Lena Suarez-Angelino is an international speaker, licensed clinical social worker, author and burnout coach and consultant for nonprofits, schools, and companies. Lena can provide services in both English and Spanish, both in-person or online. Lena is the founder of LIGHT Collective and Co. a place where you can holistically and effectively heal from burnout and begin your journey to let it go, here, today (LIGHT).

En este taller, "Enfriar el fuego: Herramientas para controlar la ira para padres y cuidadores", los padres y cuidadores obtendrán consejos prácticos para ayudar a los niños a mantener la calma cuando están enfadados y a enfrentarse a situaciones difíciles que les hacen enfadar. Esta atractiva e informativa sesión tiene como objetivo proporcionar a los padres y cuidadores herramientas valiosas para ayudar a guiar a sus hijos a través de emociones y momentos difíciles.

Lena Suárez-Angelino es conferenciante internacional, trabajadora social clínica licenciada, autora y coach y consultora sobre burnout para organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro, escuelas y empresas. Lena puede proporcionar servicios tanto en inglés como en español, en persona o en línea. Lena es la fundadora de LIGHT Collective and Co. un lugar donde puedes sanar de manera holística y efectiva del burnout y comenzar tu viaje para dejarlo ir, aquí, hoy (LIGHT).

In this workshop we will discuss the current trends in substance use among teens. The potency and harmful effects of today's marijuana including various ways marijuana and vapes are being used will be reviewed. Signs and symptoms of drug abuse and self-medication will be discussed along with reasons for teen use including their lack of concern surrounding substance use. Parents will be given strategies on how to explore these topics with their children, how to promote positive coping skills and how to seek support, if needed. 

Jamie Carvalho, LPC, LCADC began her journey of helping others in the field of wilderness therapy working with adolescents struggling and utilizing nature as a way to heal. This led to her completing a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Centenary University. Jamie then began treating adolescents and families struggling with substance use and behavioral disorders. Jamie is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor in New Jersey and continues to work with teens, young adults and families who find themselves struggling. Jamie has worked in the field for over 12 years and continues to combine her education and experiences in traditional psychology, adventure-based counseling, wilderness therapy, family systems training and mindfulness to help individuals on their journey to wellness.

This presentation provides an insight into why children play video games as well as the tools to combat video game addiction. This presentation, given in Spanish, will educate parents on the ways to manage their child’s addiction to video games.

Armando Belen with Prevention Links/NJ4S:  Prevention Links is a private, not-for-profit organization, which takes a leadership role in the prevention of drugs, alcohol, tobacco and related issues. The Prevention Links mission is to foster healthy, sustainable communities by empowering people through education, collaboration and linkages to resources in NJ.

As our children enter the formative years of middle and high school, they begin navigating the complex world of friendships and dating. This crucial phase lays the foundation for their understanding of relationships, self-esteem, and social interaction. As parents, your role in guiding and supporting them through these experiences is vital. In this presentation, "Guiding Young Hearts and Minds," we will explore key strategies to help children foster healthy, respectful, and fulfilling relationships. You will gain insights into: Understanding Adolescent Relationship, Communication Skills, Recognizing Red Flags, Building Self-Esteem, Digital Age Challenges, Setting Boundaries.  This presentation is not just about providing information; it's about empowering you as parents to be practical guides and allies to your children during these critical years. You'll leave with practical knowledge, resources, and renewed confidence in supporting your child's journey toward building meaningful and healthy relationships.

Kristina Silvestry, an international speaker, presenter, Licensed Professional Counselor, and nationally board-certified mental health expert, is the founding director of Peace of Mind Yoga, Counseling, and Wellness Center. With a Master's in Mental Health Counseling and a deep commitment to trauma-focused therapies, she brings professional expertise and personal passion to her work.  Kristina's journey includes certifications in Sandplay Therapy, EMDR, and Trauma-Informed Yoga, integrating these modalities to offer holistic wellness solutions. She is a 500-hour certified yoga teacher and Reiki III practitioner trained in several mindfulness and therapeutic techniques. Outside her professional life, Kristina is a dedicated mom, nature lover, avid swimmer, and a fan of the British Baking Show, embodying a balance of wellness, learning, and leisure.

Substantial research has described the correlations between stress, depression, anxiety, and executive function deficits in children and teens.  But what exactly is executive function?  In short, it can be seen as a skillset that functions as the brain's management system.  Executive function skills are life skills.  This workshop will provide strategies parents and guardians can use at home to help their children with their executive function skills including: time management, impulse control, organization, sustaining attention, memory, and motivation.

Dr. Lee specializes in working with children, adolescents, and their families who have experienced trauma. She also has experience working with children who present with both internalizing and externalizing issues including depression, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and anxiety.

This workshop educates parents on the warning signs of suicide, dispels myths, and encourages parents to speak to their children about suicide prevention, while providing direction on how to have the conversation with their teens.

Kalisha Smith (she/hers) is a New Jersey licensed clinical social worker, a NJ certified social work clinical supervisor, and a licensed minister. She is committed to helping people be empowered to live in their place of spiritual, physical, and emotional purpose. Kalisha has been privileged to work in the social service profession for the past 19 years, supporting youth experiencing acute mental health concerns and providing supervision of direct care staff to youth in crisis through the NJ Children’s System of Care.

Kalisha serves as the Associate Clinical Director of the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide where she provides training on the continuum of prevention to school districts, community organizations, and clinicians. Kalisha is the owner of Wise Counsel Services which offers individual, family, and group therapy services for adolescents and adults with a faith-based emphasis for those that welcome spirituality into their journey. Kalisha is married to her life partner, Pastor Jerrold W. Smith Jr, and together they parent 5 awesome daughters: Kayla, Kennedi, Kamryn, Kyndall, and KaiLee.

“Shame does not move people to a healthy place, but love, hope, and accountability transform lives.”

We want our kids to hold themselves to high standards, having aspirational expectations for themselves can help kids strive for excellence. Trying to do well is not the problem, it is what comes after a misstep where the problem of perfectionism can arise. A healthy perfectionist has a trajectory of challenge – failure – learning from that failure. A maladaptive perfectionist has a trajectory of extremely high and often unrealistic goals – failure – obsession with meeting that goal or avoidance. It is this reaction of obsession or avoidance where anxiety and OCD can grow.

Knowing how to spot the difference and encourage a mindset of growth and healthy challenge in the face of frustration or disappointment at failure is essential to raising ultimately successful children. The stakes are high, it can be difficult to not support perfectionism in our kids. The risk, however, of maladaptive perfectionism is also great. Knowing how to manage maladaptive perfectionism and offer alternative responses to our kids will help to ensure that they succeed in all ways, ensuring overall life satisfaction.

Serafin Craig is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and middle and high school teacher with over 20 years of experience treating adolescents and their families who suffer with anxiety and depression. She received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University with a specialization in promoting child and adolescent well-being. Serafin also earned her Master’s in Teaching from Connecticut College. She strives to guide adolescents and their families toward success. When adolescents work to determine their values and goals, they often experience distress from fear of failure or may feel overwhelmed by choices. This can add concerns for parents as well. Sera’s experience gives her the necessary competence to guide adolescents and families through this challenging growth period.

The information presented in this engaging program is essential for any parent raising children and teens in this "digital" generation. Lauren shares compelling research, impactful anecdotes, and engaging video clips to bring home the key message: All parents must be aware of the potentially negative impact social media and Big Tech can have on the developing minds of our children. Parents will walk away with practical strategies for making crucial changes in their homes right away.

Lauren Mauriello, LPC is a licensed psychotherapist and founder of Well Being Therapy Center. Her expertise includes child and adolescent development, parenting success, and educating communities on the impact of social media and tech addiction on the developing mind. Lauren has given presentations to thousands of students, parents, and school professionals on these important topics.

Experience the fascinating effects of mindfulness, as well as ideas for developing your own practice, releasing stress, and increasing well-being. Enjoy a better understanding of what the interest is in mindfulness in organizations such as Google, Aetna, Monsanto, General Mills, the U.S. Government, and many other settings—while considering how it can positively affect yours. You will learn self-care via experiential transformational breathing and mindfulness practices for your own stress management, wellness, and healing, as well as for enhancing resilience, attention control, and emotion regulation.

The presenter for this breakout session is Larry Thompson, MSW, LCSW, Therapist, Founder, Partner, Integrated Care Concepts. Larry Thompson has been in the field of social work for the past 30 years, has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for 20 of those years. Larry has been practitioner of mindfulness meditation and Buddhist philosophy for 27 years. He has been on a mission all those years.

A mission to elevate the awareness and impact of integrated mental health on a very dis integrated world. He is the founding partner of Integrated Care Concepts and Consultation, LLC, the premier integrated mental health practice in new jersey since 2006. He is the founder of the New Jersey Integrated Mental Health Conference. Larry provides training and lectures as to the application of mindfulness and mind/body practices in clinical spaces, and the practice of authentic relationship in trauma informed clinical work. Larry is often asked to present at schools for students, trainings for community partners, talks for parent nights, at educational professional development trainings, various social work conferences and for corporate wellness events.

As parents we can't always protect our children from life-altering situations, unfortunately our children are sometimes exposed to traumatic events that we can't avoid. In this presentation,  we will educate about the impact of trauma and its consequences on the minds of children and teens. We will inform parents and caregivers on how to help their child succeed despite the challenges they may face.

Zoeh Arana with Prevention Links/NJ4S:  Prevention Links is a private, not-for-profit organization, which takes a leadership role in the prevention of drugs, alcohol, tobacco and related issues. The Prevention Links mission is to foster healthy, sustainable communities by empowering people through education, collaboration and linkages to resources in NJ.

Como padres no siempre podemos proteger a nuestros hijos de situaciones que alteran sus vidas, desafortunadamente nuestros hijos aveces son expuestos a eventos traumaticos que no podemos evitar. En esta presentacion vamos a educar sobre el impacto del trauma y sus concecuencias en las mentes de los ninos y adocentes. Vamos a informar a los padres y cuidadores de como aliviar el crecimiento y desarollo de sus hijos. Ayudandolos a triunfar a pesar de los desafios que se puedan enfrentar.

Zoeh Arana con Prevention Links/NJ4S:  Prevention Links es una organización privada sin ánimo de lucro que asume un papel de liderazgo en la prevención de las drogas, el alcohol, el tabaco y otros problemas relacionados. La misión de Prevention Links es fomentar comunidades sanas y sostenibles capacitando a las personas a través de la educación, la colaboración y los vínculos con los recursos de Nueva Jersey.

Food and Parenting should be easy, right?! So why is it so difficult? When did it get so confusing and what can we do about it? In this workshop we will introduce how to approach food from a perspective of structured and stabilized eating when your child is restricting, binging, or struggling with their relationship with food. 

Brian Pollack, LCSW, CEDS-S, is the founder and clinical director of Hilltop Behavioral Health in Summit, NJ. He is an Adjunct Professor at Yeshiva University's Wurzweiler School of Social Work and a former board member of the National Association for Males with Eating Disorders. Brian has presented nationally on the subject of Men with Eating Disorders and Eating Disorder Awareness. His team of 10 eating disorder clinicians serves the local community here in Summit, NJ and he is always available for free consultations and questions.

In our "Parenting School Phobic and Anxious Children and Adolescents" presentation, we explore school nonattendance, differentiating between avoidance, refusal, and phobia. Participants gain a comprehensive perspective for effective parenting, receiving actionable insights for treating refusal and phobia. The course delves into various school phobia subtypes, equipping participants with skills for assessment, nuanced questioning, and engagement techniques. Special attention is given to supporting parents of students facing severe challenges. The course introduces exposure therapy, a valuable approach for students with school phobia, providing participants with skills to positively impact their child's educational journeys.

Mr. Ira Hays is a compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a distinguished career in mental health and education, specializing in anxiety disorders, including school phobia and OCD. As the Program Director at Center For Wellness, overseeing both Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs, he leads a team delivering evidence-based treatments. Mr. Hays also owns a thriving private practice, Hays Health and Wellness. Known for his expertise, Mr. Hays actively gives back to the community and the mental health profession through charitable initiatives and volunteering. With a focus on anxiety disorder treatment, including CBT, DBT, KPMT, and ERP, Mr. Hays uses an empathetic approach and evidence-based interventions to empower his clients to conquer challenges and lead fulfilling lives.