Free Program for Parents Offers Expert Information on helping Teens Manage Transition to High School
-Thursday, April 24, 7:00 p.m., at the Highland Park Library Auditorium-
HIGHLAND PARK, Ill., - The transition from middle-school to high school can be a difficult one for teens. There's no field guide to this transition, and every child experiences the process differently. What's normal? What's not? When should you seek help? How can parents help their kids succeed?
Parents of middle-school aged children can find answers to these questions at a free, panel discussion - Teens and Transitions - Thursday, April 24th at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium at the Highland Park Library, 494 Laurel Avenue, Highland Park, Ill., 60035.
The panel will address issues kids encounter as they transition to high school including social and educational challenges, academic expectations and support, drinking, drugs and meds, triggers and signs of stress and depression, when to seek help, and resources available in our community for helping kids cope.
Experts with first-hand experience in our community will lead the discussion, including:
Pat Cannon, Professional School Counselor and Independent College Counselor
Cannon worked at Highland Park High School as a Counselor for 33 years and was the Department Chair for 10 of those years. Upon her retirement, the City of Highland Park recognized Cannon with a Mayoral Proclamation honoring her service to HPHS students and families. Cannon's experience and passion lie in working with students who struggle with anxiety and depression. She created the Drop-In Center at Highland Park High School, (for student group and individual support).
Jodi Chase, M.D., Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Dr. Chase received her MD at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science and has 20 years' experience treating children, adolescents, and adults on the north shore. She is a member of the board of Passing with Flying Colors, an organization that prepares Chicago's underserved high school students to be successful in college, and is a mother of five children.
Sandra Gilbert, Professional School Counselor and Independent College Counselor
Gilbert has worked as a counselor and college counselor in Deerfield-Highland Park, Stevenson, Palatine-Schaumberg and Maine school districts for 33 years. She has also worked as a college admissions officer and currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at DePaul University's College of Education.
Marcy Jacobs, MSW, LCSW Social Worker
Jacobs is a licensed clinical social worker and educational consultant with 27 years of professional social work experience. Jacobs worked in District 112 at Elm Place Middle School as a Social Worker and for the district as a Special Education Supervisor. In her private practice she treats children, teens, families and your adults struggling with a variety of issues including; anxiety, depression, mood disorders, divorce, social difficulties, learning disabilities and ADHD.
Alison Smith, BA, BSN, RN, Current HPHS parent
A registered nurse and healthcare executive for the past 25 years, Smith is a graduate of Stanford University and the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. She is currently enrolled in the Executive Master's program in Health Policy and Management at the University of North Carolina Gillings School of Public Health. A parent to a sophomore at HPHS, and a step parent to three former HPHS students, Smith is an active community volunteer in school, church, and Boy Scouts.
"We know that change is the one thing we can always count on, yet those changes are often difficult," said Don Miner, City of Highland Park Manager of Youth and Senior Services. "The transitions experienced by teens are difficult for the teen, parent, and entire family. The more prepared we are for a transition, the more successful it will be."
The event will include a moderated discussion followed by a question and answer period. The program is free and open to all. Questions about the program can be directed to Kathleen Illes, program coordinator, illeska@comcast.net.
The program is sponsored by Rebecca's Dream, a 501 (c) 3 Foundation which promotes awareness and compassionate understanding of depression and bipolar disorder as real diseases. Find more information at www.rebeccasdream.org.
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