Speak out presents

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PARENT CONFERENCE: SETTING THE TABLE

Dear Parents,
We understand the joys and challenges of parenting, and we know that parenting young people in this day and age can be especially challenging. We recognize the pressures children and teens face, and we also know how much parents want to support their kids but sometimes feel lost or ill-equipped. As a team of psychologists, parents, therapists, and pastors, we understand these struggles firsthand and want to bring you well-rounded support and education. 
That's why we're excited to invite you to "Setting the Table," a conference designed to provide guidance and encouragement for families navigating these often difficult journeys.
Inspired by Jesus' compassionate approach, "Setting the Table" offers a holistic perspective on child and adolescent mental health. We believe in the power of modeling empathy and understanding. Just as Jesus welcomed all, we encourage parents to create safe spaces for open communication with their children about mental health, tailored to their age and developmental stage.
Through discussions, shared experiences, and interactive exercises, you'll connect with others who understand what you're going through and build a supportive network. "Setting the Table" empowers parents to become positive role models by practicing active listening, validation, and non-judgmental acceptance. We'll explore self-care, healthy boundaries, and coping strategies, demonstrating what it means to prioritize mental and emotional well-being – for both you and your children.
"Setting the Table" is a beacon of hope for families. Inspired by Jesus' example, we want to empower parents to build stronger, more resilient relationships with their children, grounded in love, empathy, and understanding. We look forward to spending the weekend with you.
Sincerely,
The Speak Out Team

MAIN SESSION SPEAKERS

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    LAUREN WILSON

    FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Lauren is a certified mental health coach specializing in working with teens and families. Her personal journey through spiritual warfare, suicidal ideation, and mental health challenges has given her a unique understanding of the complexities involved. Through Speak Out, she provides resources, workshops, and a supportive community for those navigating similar experiences. Lauren's holistic approach integrates mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. She also offers personalized 1:1 coaching, tailored to the specific needs of each individual. Lauren is committed to empowering teens and families to find strength, resilience, and a path towards healing.

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    DR HANNAH

    PSYCHOLOGIST, THERAPIST & ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELOR

    Dr. Hannah is a highly respected school counselor in the public school system with over 25 years of experience. She has dedicated her career to supporting young children, parents, and families as they navigate the social, emotional, and academic landscape of elementary school. Her approach as a school counselor is enhanced by her training as a psychologist, allowing her to address the diverse needs of the families she serves. In addition to her professional experience, Dr. Hannah has also personally navigated the complexities of parenting a teen and young adult through mental health challenges. Dr. Hannah is known for her exceptional ability to facilitate sensitive conversations with grace, compassion, and patience, empowering families to find solutions and build resilience.

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    TYLER HANNS

    PASTORAL BOARD MEMBER

    Tyler Hanns offers a fresh and challenging perspective on navigating the digital landscape and its impact on our mental health, particularly within the Christian community. Holding double master's degrees in applied Biblical leadership and biblical studies, Tyler brings a rich theological understanding to these complex issues. As a father of three and a staff member on the Vineyard national team, he's deeply involved in the practical realities of raising children in a media-saturated world. His experience as a ghostwriter for "Practicing the Way" curriculums further demonstrates his ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and impact. Tyler's voice is essential in the conversation about technology, mental health, and faith.

MAIN SESSIONS

MAIN SESSION ONE: WARNING SIGNS, EARLY INTERVENTION, & CRISIS INTERVENTION

WITH DR. HANNAH

This session will cover several crucial topics related to children's and adolescents' mental well-being. We'll begin by exploring how to identify early warning signs of mental health struggles, empowering you to recognize potential issues in their nascent stages.  We'll then delve into the critical importance of early intervention and its profound positive impact on long-term mental health outcomes.  Practical strategies for effective crisis intervention will be shared, equipping you to support your child during times of acute need. Finally, we'll discuss accessing valuable resources and professional help for ongoing mental health support, ensuring you know where to turn for continued care and guidance.

MAIN SESSION TWO: NAVIGATING SOCIAL MEDIA, TECHNOLOGY & YOUR CHILDS MENTAL HEALTH

WITH TYLER HANNS

This session will explore the significant impact of social media and technology on children's mental health. We'll focus on establishing healthy digital boundaries and setting appropriate social media limits for your children. Crucially, we'll discuss the importance of leading by example with your own technology and social media use, recognizing that children learn by observing. Finally, we'll work towards creating a "digital rule of life" tailored to your family, a set of guidelines that supports everyone's overall well-being in our increasingly digital world.

MAIN SESSION THREE: CREATING A SAFE PLACE & SETTING THE TABLE

WITH DR. HANNAH & LAUREN WILSON

In this session, we'll explore some practical ways to nurture open communication and trust within your family.  We understand the joys and challenges of parenting, and we'll focus on developing active listening skills that can help you truly understand your child's emotional needs – those sometimes unspoken feelings that are so important. We'll also talk about creating a warm and non-judgmental space where your children feel safe and encouraged to express themselves, whatever they may be feeling.  And because we know that children thrive with some structure, we'll look at setting healthy boundaries that support emotional expression while also providing the security of consistent guidance.  This session is designed to offer you compassionate support and practical tools you can adapt to your own family's unique dynamic, so you can build even stronger connections with your children.

MAIN SESSION FOUR: SETTING THE TABLE FOR SUCCESS, MODELING BEHAVIOR & BUILDING A SUPPORT SYSTEM

WITH LAUREN WILSON

This session emphasizes the vital connection between parental well-being and children's mental health.  We'll explore prioritizing self-care as a parent, recognizing that you can't pour from an empty cup.  We'll discuss modeling healthy boundaries and coping mechanisms for emotional regulation, demonstrating healthy habits for your children to emulate.  Developing a positive and supportive relationship with your child, built on mutual respect and understanding, will also be a key focus.  Finally, we'll explore creating a family culture that genuinely values mental health and emotional well-being for every member.

BREAK OUT SESSION SPEAKERS

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    LILY CROWDER

    BOARD MEMBER & MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE

    Lily Crowder understands the depths of grief and the complexities of suicide loss firsthand. As a mom of four, mental health advocate, artist, and author, she has bravely shared her journey after the devastating loss of her son Ezekiel to suicide. Lily's story is one of profound heartache, yet it is also a story of resilience and hope. Her willingness to speak openly and honestly about suicide, grief, and loss is profoundly impactful. Lily's compassion shines through in her dedication to empowering parents with the knowledge and resources they need to prevent suicide and support those who are struggling.

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    NICOLE COATES

    MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE

    I'm Nicole, a mom of four (ages 10-20), and I'm deeply passionate about helping parents navigate the often-turbulent waters of raising teens, especially those grappling with mental health challenges. I've experienced the heart-wrenching pain of feeling disconnected from my teen and young adult child, the agonizing struggle to bridge that gap, and the isolating feeling of losing them, even while they're still right there. I understand firsthand how incredibly isolating this season of motherhood can be, especially when dealing with complex issues like mental health. My own parenting journey has been shaped by a variety of experiences, including stepparent adoption, navigating the unique needs of children with special needs, guiding my children through trauma, managing their mental health struggles, and the unique, sometimes chaotic, adventure of raising three boys. Through it all, I've discovered a significant gap in resources and support specifically designed for parents of older children. While there's a wealth of information available for the early years, that support often dwindles as kids grow older, just when the challenges become even more complex and sensitive. This is why I'm so dedicated to creating a supportive community where parents of teens feel seen, heard, and equipped.

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    BEKA & SETH OVERBY

    WORSHIP LEADERS & PASTORS

BREAK OUT SESSIONS

BREAK OUT SESSION: GRIEF & SUICIDE PREVENTION

WITH LILY CROWDER

Lily will address the complex emotions of grief, offering insights and coping strategies for navigating such a profound loss.  Crucially, she will equip parents with vital knowledge and practical resources for suicide prevention, empowering them to recognize warning signs, understand risk factors, and access support for themselves and their children.  This session offers a safe space for open conversation and aims to provide attendees with a sense of community and understanding in the face of unimaginable challenges.

BREAK OUT SESSION: PARENTING TEENS AND THE POWER OF EXPECTATIONS

WITH NICOLE COATES

Nicole brings a wealth of experience and insight to her session on parenting teens. Understanding the unique challenges and joys of this stage of development, Nicole focuses on the power of expectations and honest communication. This session will explore how setting clear and realistic expectations can provide teens with a sense of security and direction, while also fostering their independence. Nicole will discuss honest communication, offering practical strategies for parents to navigate difficult conversations, build trust, and maintain open dialogue with their teens. Attendees will learn how to create a supportive environment where teens feel heard, understood, and empowered to navigate the complexities of adolescence.

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

FRIDAY - MARCH 7

Speak Out HQ - 225 NE 80th Ave

7:30 PM

End

5:30 PM

End

Registration & happy Hour

5:00 PM

Music - Seth & Beka Overby & band

6 PM

Session One: Warning Signs, Early Intervention, & Crisis Intervention Dr. Hannah

6:30 PM

SATURDAY - MARCH 8

Speak Out HQ - 225 NE 80th Ave

DOORS OPEN - COFFEE & PASTRIES UNDERDOGS CAFE OPEN

9:30 AM

10 AM

Music - Seth & Beka Overby & band

Session TWO: Navigating Social Media, Technology & Mental Health TYLER HANNS

10:30 AM

LUNCH BREAK: not provided

11:30 AM

SESSION THREE: Creating a Safe Place & Setting the table DR HANNAH & Lauren Wilson

12:15 PM

BREAKOUT: Grief & Suicide Prevention LILY CROWDER

1:15-2 PM (OPTIONAL)

BREAKOUT SESSION: PARENTING TEENS & THE POWER OF EXPECTATIONS NICOLE COATES

2:15-3 PM (OPTIONAL)

Music - Seth & Beka Overby & band

3:00 PM

Session Four: Setting the Table for Success, modeling behavior & building a support system Lauren Wilson

3:30 PM

Question & response with team

4:30 PM

Prayer Response & Music Seth & Beka Overby & Band

5 PM