FORTitude for Parents is an online discussion series where we invite mental health professionals and wellness experts to provide parents with resources and guidance on how to better understand, support and improve their relationship with their teens.
Every month we select a topic relevant to our current environment and each discussion includes Q/A. Questions can be submitted in advance through the registration process or real time during the program. Mental health experts and teens are also welcome to attend these events.
May FORTitude for Parents
May 13, 2021 at 7 PM
Bullying, Abuse and Loss;
Helping Your Teen Stay Resilient Through Difficult Times
Youth who report frequently bullying others or being bullied are at increased risk for suicide-related behavior. Abused adolescents also show significantly greater exposure to risk factors for suicide. Loss of a parent, friend or other sense of 'loss' may also be a trigger for teen suicide. Why is it that, for some teens, suicide appears to be a solution to their problems? How can parents teach their children resilience skills before they ever need them?
Our expert panel includes:
Tamara Wolfe
Tamara Wolfe is a certified International Life Coach, Speaker, and Teacher and owner of Full Spectrum Living, LLC. For over 30 years, Tamara has been studying and teaching personal development and success principles in her various roles as a therapist, life coach, mentor, and leader in a top direct-selling company. She has been helping professionals and entrepreneurs to build their dreams, accelerate their results, and create richer, fuller lives.
Tamara holds a Master’s Degree in Dance/Movement Psychotherapy and a certification in Life Coaching from the Brave Thinking Institute.
Juli Schragel
Juli is the founder and Director of Care and Compassion at Billy's Place. Families meet Juli as the first point of contact when they contact the organization. Juli is invested in continually learning - not only from her own grief journey of losing her husband - but from that of her son and the children and families of Billy's Place. Juli has extensive training in grief support, including from world-renowned grief expert, Alan Wolfelt. Since inception, Juli has successfully managed all aspects of the organization and she is involved on a daily basis. Juli spends her time active in her church, relaxing with friends and family, and volunteering in her community. She has a passion for helping, loving, and encouraging others who are hurting.
Lauren Shettler
Lauren Shettler is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist currently working as a Youth and Family Support Specialist for Loudoun County’s Department of Family Services. Her role includes facilitating parenting groups and meeting individually with families to help improve their relationships. Ms. Shettler also co-facilitates groups specifically designed for fathers. Prior to that, Ms. Shettler worked for the Loudoun County CSA Office and Loudoun County’s former Family Connections Program as a family counselor conducting multi-family groups and providing individual and family therapy. She primarily works with adolescents and their families using a systemic, trauma-informed approach.
Ken Sumblin
Ken Sumblin, aka “Coach Ken” brings over 20+ years of experience coaching basketball for youth of all ages. He has trained thousands of players through camps, clinics, development, and leagues. Coach Ken played college basketball on scholarship at Fayetteville State University (NC) where he served as captain of the team. There he had the opportunity to play with guys who were signed with the Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, and other professional teams. After college, Coach Ken became an accountant by day and a competitive basketball player by night – which he still continues to this day. In his 20 years of coaching young people at his Hoops the Right Way Academy, Coach Ken has had the privilege of coaching high school All-State players, MVP’s and championship teams. Twice Coach Ken was nominated by high school students as “most influential person” in their lives. One parent said, “Coach Ken, I cannot thank you enough for being one of the people that made a difference in my son’s life. He pushed through college because he had the work ethic to never give up despite tough times.”
Upcoming FORTitude for Parents
June 10, 2021 at 7 PM
How to Be an Ally and Advocate for LGBTQ+ Teens
LGBTQ+ youth contemplate suicide at almost three times the rate of their heterosexual peers. Leaders in the LGBTQ+ community share how we can all become allies to our most vulnerable teens. Parents, educators, mental health professionals and all teens are encouraged to attend.