RAISING RESILIENT CHILDREN SPEAKER SERIES – Empowering Families: Navigating Youth Mental Health
We are introducing this series to help bring awareness, support, and access to resource information for kids’ mental health and wellness in the shires. This panel discussion aims to empower families with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to effectively navigate the landscape of youth mental health. By fostering a deep understanding of mental health challenges, promoting open communication, and providing access to resources, families can play a pivotal role in creating a supportive environment where their children can thrive emotionally and mentally.
Please note this is a FREE program, however, advance registration is appreciated. The first 50 registrants will receive a free copy of ‘The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents’ by Lisa Damour, Ph.D.
MODERATOR:
MaryBeth O’Donnell has been an active member of the educational world for the past 30 years, working with students in grades Kindergarten through college. She was a public high school teacher, an Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Columbia University, a Dean of Student Life and Experiences at Long Trail School, and The School Director of Red Fox Community School. In addition, she has served on several community and private boards. MaryBeth is a founding partner of Magic Meadow Productions. She lives in Manchester with her husband, Mark, and is the mother of four amazing young adults.
PANELISTS:
Vibeke Borgia is a certified nutritionist, LDN, with a BS in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kansas State University and a BS in Business Management from Purdue University. Vibeke has worked in the food and nutrition space for over twenty years. She started her career as a Marketing Executive at Ryan Partnership with clients including Mott’s, M&M/Mars, and Hawaiian Punch, which has given her a unique perspective on the food industry and marketing practices. This ultimately led her to pursue a degree in nutrition and dietetics. Upon completion, Vibeke worked at Norwalk Hospital in Connecticut as part of the Medical Nutrition Team. She then transitioned to private nutrition consulting in an effort to help individuals using her “Real Advice using Real Food for Real Life” approach. She lives in Southern Vermont with her husband and four children and enjoys hiking, skiing, cooking, and CrossFit.
Melissa McManus spent her early career delivering outpatient counseling services to youth and families with a focus on family reunification and community-based programming. Melissa also worked with the National Institute of Justice as part of various research projects focusing on mental health, crime, and addiction. In addition to her counseling and research background, Melissa has always been passionately involved in fitness and the role movement and exercises play in improving mental health. She currently owns and operates Fair Warning Fitness; an umbrella fitness brand that includes The Body Lab and InMOTION, which emphasizes physical literacy and all-around improved health and wellness for all ages. There will be two new facilities opening in Fall 2023. Melissa attended Ole’ Miss, The University of New Hampshire, and Suffolk University for her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling and her Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice. She lives in Manchester with her husband John and their 10 year old daughter Barbara.
Elizabeth Skoglund currently works as a licensed mental health counselor, where she operates a private practice in Manchester specializing in serving children and adolescents. Before transitioning to her work in private practice, Elizabeth spent over a decade in educational settings, both independent and public, where she worked as a counselor and human development instructor in supporting the mental health needs of young people. In addition to her counseling work in schools, Elizabeth has coached lacrosse and soccer as well as taught French. Her educational stops include Berkshire School, Eastern University Academy Charter School, Hotchkiss School, Housatonic Youth Service Bureau, and Indian Mountain School. She holds a BA in French from Middlebury College and a Masters in Counseling and Mental Health Services from the University of Pennsylvania. Elizabeth lives in Dorset with her husband, Dan, and three young children.
