PETERBOROUGH — Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders and Director of Student Services Cari Christian-Coates wish to announce two additional experts on student emotional health who will take part in an online movie viewing and panel on Wednesday, February 24.
The experts will share their views following a showing of “LIKE,” which explores the impact of social media on our lives, the effects of technology on the brain, and teaches viewers how to self-regulate. This film is rated for those aged 10 and older.
Conval School District students and their parents are invited to attend. The viewing begins at 6 p.m.
Joining the panel are:
- Dr. Jerry Bubrick, a senior clinical psychologist in the Anxiety Disorders Center and director of the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Service at the Child Mind Institute. He is a cognitive and behavioral psychologist who specializes in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). 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. A dedicated advocate for children and their families, Dr. Bubrick is a significant public voice educating parents and teachers about the fear at the roots of anxiety and how it’s effectively treated.
- Michele Watson, New Hampshire Family Network Coordinator at NAMI New Hampshire (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Watson educates parents/caregivers whose children are coping with mental-health challenges, individuals who want to improve their advocacy skills, and the community on better understanding mental illness. She also teaches NAMI NH’s Connect Suicide Prevention Training Program to school staff and community organizations. Her skill in convening families, youth, and stakeholders has been integral to developing key partnerships that have led to increased opportunities and successful outcomes.
They will appear on the panel with:
- Laura Gourlay, a school counselor at Great Brook School, who provides students in grades 5-8 with social emotional support counseling, both individually and in groups. Gourlay, who has been a school counselor at Great Brook School for 10 years, consults and collaborates with parents, teachers, and school administrators to develop and implement strategies to help students succeed.
- Stephanie Smart, a school counselor at South Meadow School, who provides social-emotional support to all middle school students, while focusing on educational, career, and transitional goals.
Following the film, panelists will discuss the movie and its messages, and how students can apply the lessons learned from the movie in their own lives.
Parents and guardians are invited to ask questions during the panel discussion.
The film, panel discussions and Q&A will be recorded and available for viewing for families who are not able to attend.
“LIKE” is the second of three films that will be shown during the 2020-21 school year. The first film, “The Upstanders” was shown in October for middle and high school students, and discussed resilience, attention, and the power of connection to end bullying and the brain science behind cyber-bullying, bullying among friends, families and co-workers. The third film, “Angst,” will be shown in April to raise awareness about anxiety and is rated for those ages 10 and older.
Those who wish to attend must register here.
For information about the event contact Cari Christian-Coates at ccoates@conval.edu or call 603-924-7503, ext. 2048.
