CONNECTIONS CAFE

A FREE virtual Cafe to help our parenting community come together (while keeping their distance) to process and implement the shift in our daily lives during the pandemic.Topics vary.

What people are saying:

"Thanks so much for the conversation, the tips, the listening etc. It's great to feel this support virtually."

"Thank you for the rays of hope."

"So grateful, I was able to receive so much from this kindness."

"Thank you. It is helpful to connect."

"Thank you all for these offerings, and honesty and openness"

CONNECTIONS CAFE is funded in part by:

Up Next:

Parenting Through Change

February, 2021 (Stay tuned for date, details, and registration link)

This therapist led session will address some of the stumbling blocks to watch out

for while suggesting strategies for coping and thriving as our children make the

transition back to school. The session will provide an opportunity for parents to share

what's working for them and what's not. Let's learn from each other as we navigate

the logistics of another shift in our daily lives.

Thank you to our event sponsor, Hyla, for helping to make this session possible.

Discussion on Sexual Assault Awareness &

Virtual Screening of the IndieFlix Documentary, NEVERTHELESS

Due to current circumstances, Raising Resileince has decided to postpone this event

until Spring. We will announce the new dates for this very important topic soon.

This session is made possible in part with support from

Jen Pells, Real Estate Agent and The Danilchik Family

Past Topics and Speakers

To view past sessions, visit our VIDEO LIBRARY page.

Screen Time (12/15/20 Session)

SCREENAGERS filmmaker and physician, Delaney Ruston, MD, shared tips from her new book, PARENTING IN THE SCREEN AGE: A Guide for Calm Conversations. Occupational Therapist,

Lucia P. Lara, OTR/L, showed us how to recognize the signs of visual stress and mitigate the damage and Mariann Tonder, OD addressed the impact on our eyesight and the effectiveness of blue light lenses. This session was made possible in part by Carden Country School, Bainbridge Vision, and Island School

The Eyes and Screen Time, Mariann Tonder, OD

Signs of Visual Stress Slides, Lucia P. Lara, OTR/L

Parent Self-Care (11/17/20 Session)

Guest speaker, Susan James, BCC, MSSW, LICSW from the Bainbridge Prepares wellness team led us through a nurturing session designed to help parents decompress and enter the holiday season with mindfulness. This session was sponsored by Montessori Country School

Circle of Life Assessment

Self Care Plan

Self Care List

Self Care Quotes

Family Substance Abuse Prevention (10/27/20 Session)

Guest speakers, Shawnee Hathaway-Ochs (BHS Student Assistance Professional); Aubrey Lough, CDP, LMFTA (Creating Growth Counseling); and Sgt. Trevor Ziemba (BIPD) answered questions about the current risks during the pandemic, when and how to talk to your kids, and where to go for help if you need it.

Tips and Current Resources

Family Mental Wellness Checkup (9/23/20 Session)

Guest speakers, Carol Pendleton, MA, LMFT, LMHC, CMS of Here to There Therapy; Crisina Carnie, BA, CD (DONAL), in practicum at Helpline House; and Island Fitness owners, Alexa and Michael Rosenthal give an overview of how to find help when you need it and how to promote and practice mental well-being with your family. This session includes a breathwork meditation and suggestions for how to help children find calm and stay grounded in the present moment.

Carol Pendleton / Alexa and Michael Rosenthal Slides

Cristina Carnie Slides

Back to School / Remote Style (8/25/20 Session)

Guest Speakers, Michelle Kay Anderson (Enneagram Coach, Homeschool Parent and Online Educator), Brandi Bispham (Woodward Teacher), Susan Constan (Wilkes Counselor), and Lydia Harrison (Island Educational Services Director) offer tips on how to set your family up for a positive and productive school year. We'll discuss Academic Motivation, Social Engagement, Screen Time, Work Space, and Conflict Resolution.

Raising Resilience Slides

Susan Constan's Slides

Michelle Kay Anderson Slides

Behavorial Strategies for Toddler through Teens (3/31/20 Session)

Guest speaker, Shealeen Kennedy, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA, talks about routine vs. flexibility as options for engaging your child academically.

Link to Slides

Boosting Your Immune System & Your Mood (4/7/20 Session)

Guest speaker, Stephanie Dalton (Holistic Nutritionist & Health Coach), talks about how to BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM AND YOUR MOOD during a pandemic.

Link to Slides

Parenting with Compassion (4/21/20 session)

Guest speaker, Betsy Lydle Smith, is a lifelong educator and founder of Virtues Training (and ArtStar) and a Master Facilitator for The Virtues Project. Betsy gives us tips on PRACTICING COMPASSION with yourself and your children as you navigate this challenging time together.

Link to Slides

Virtues Handout

Companioning Yourself Handout

Visit www.virtuescards.org and share The Gifts of Character

Mindful Parenting Through Crisis (5/5/20 session)

Guest speaker, Jendi Watson, is a certified Hakomi therapist. Jendi leads participants through a meditation and gives tips on how to PRACTICE MINDFUL PARENTING by accessing your parenting superpower (your wise self) in order to reduce stress.

Link to Speaker Slides

"HUG" IT OUT: Mindfulness During CV-19

Validating Your Child's Need for Independence (5/19/20 session)

Guest speakers, Courtney Oliver, LMHC and Helen Burke from Bainbridge Youth Services, give a counselor’s view on FOSTERING INDEPENDENCE and supporting your child’s emotional needs during COVID-19.

Link to Slides

Link to Dan Siegel's Video: BRAINSTORM: Adolescence as a Time of Adaptability, Not Immaturity

Positive Parenting Solutions (6/9/20 Session)

Guest speaker, Peggy Koivu (Certified Positive Parenting Facilitator and co-founder of the Odyssey Multiage Program), talks about how to find more joy in parenting by reducing power struggles with POSITIVE PARENTING STRATEGIES.

Link to Slides

The Parental Role in Your Child's Athletic Experience (6/23/20 Session)

Guest speaker, Ian McCallum - BIFC's Director of Coaching - discusses how to SUPPORT YOUR YOUNG ATHLETE. He gives tips on how to encourage our children, hold them accountable, and foster their independence - as they navigate team sports.

Link to Slides

Let's Talk About Racism (6/30/20 Session)

Guest speakers Karen Vargas & Chasity Malatesta from BISD's Multicultural Advisory Council (MAC) and Spencer Bispham & Sarah Bukair from BISD's Youth Social Justice League TALK ABOUT RACISM in a local and broader context including how social media is shaping the narrative for our youth and how parents can overcome the fear of saying the wrong thing.

Link to Slides

Conversations on Racism - Resource Page