Please join us for our annual Parent Information Series for adults, where several experts from our community will present on topics important to parents and educators.

All sessions are free; no registration for in-person events is required, but space is limited. Most sessions are held at Cedar Mill Library’s meeting rooms, and our final session is online only.  Adults only please, as content is appropriate for parents and adults caring for kids/teens.

Questions? Please contact: AskUsCMLYouth@wccls.org

The Impact of Technology on the Child/Teen Brain

This presentation looks at the current mental health of our children/teenagers in connection with the influence of technology. We explore how video games impact the brain and we discuss simple rules and tips that parents can implement to help offset the challenges of technology.  Presented by Shawn Marshall.

Tues, April 18 | 6:30-7:30 PM | Elm & Oak Meeting Rooms

View Tips for Technology handout (PDF)

Anxious Children, Confident Parenting

Worry and parenting seem to go hand-in-hand. It’s not uncommon for parents of children who struggle with anxiety to feel stressed, uncertain, and anxious themselves. In this presentation, we’ll strengthen your understanding of anxiety and guide you toward greater confidence in being the strong and steady guide your children need. Presented by Allan Cordova.

Wed, April 26 | 6:30-7:30 PM| Elm & Oak Meeting Rooms

View Slide Presentation (PDF)

Turning Your Teen's Stress into Growth: 5 Effective Ways to Help Your Teen Manage their Negative Experiences and Build More Resilience

Today’s teens and tweens are experiencing unprecedented rates of anxiety, depression, and stress. While it’s hard to see our kids struggle, it’s also important to remember that their difficulties are also the seeds of resilience and maturity. In this dynamic and empowering presentation, Yshai Boussi will share 5 ways to help your teen develop more confidence in their ability to manage difficult feelings and experiences. Learn practical and relevant strategies in a safe and judgment free environment. Presented by Yshai Boussi, LPC.

Wed, May 3 | 6:30-7:30 PM | Elm & Oak Meeting Rooms

View Teen Stress handout (PDF)

Supporting Your Child's Literacy in Kindergarten-3rd grade

Find out more about your child’s literacy development and their progress towards becoming an independent reader. Learn how the Science of Reading can help you support your child’s literacy development in Kindergarten through 3rd grade. Free resources available through the National Center on Improving Literacy will be provided.  Presented by Rachell Keys.

Toddler Talk (online)

Join this fun workshop to understand your toddler’s world and transform tantrums, hitting, biting, and screaming. Let’s laugh together and support one another to make raising a toddler more enjoyable, and support children who thrive.  Presented by Megan Barella.

Tues, May 16 | 6:30-7:30 PM | ONLINE- Registration Required

View Toddler Talk recording (YouTube)

Presenters

Shawn Marshall, MA, LPC

 Shawn Marshall MA, LPC is a licensed professional counselor that has over twenty–five years of experience working with children, teens and families. He specializes in working with pre–teens and teens and has expertise in depression, anxiety, attention deficit, academic challenges, and oppositional behaviors. He has presented on a wide range of topics centered on children and parenting.

Allan Cordova

Allan Cordova has been a licensed psychologist at Children’s Program in southwest Portland for over 20 years. He works with tweens, teens, families, and adults, with a focus on building skills to better manage mood and anxiety. Children’s Program YouTube channel

Yshai Boussi, LPC

Yshai Boussi is a Licensed Professional Counselor and founder of Portland Family Counseling, a private practice focused on helping children, teens and families. For the past 20 years, Yshai has helped thousands of teens and families strengthen their mental health and connection. Yshai offers workshops and classes for parents, educators, and teens and writes a parenting blog. He and his wife Mariah (also a therapist) are proud parents of two children. Follow Yshai on Instagram @yourteentherapist

Rachell Keys, Reading Specialist/ECRI Trainer

Rachell Keys, Ph.D., is a School Psychologist currently working for the National Center on Improving Literacy. Over the past twenty years she has worked to improve literacy outcomes in Oregon and nationally. She has pursued her passion to help all kids become successful readers in a variety of ways. Rachell taught courses on reading instruction at Portland State University, worked as the Literacy Coordinator for the Tigard-Tualatin School District, supported schools in Oregon as part of the Reading First initiative and tutored individual students during the pandemic. Rachell believes strongly in the power of effective instruction to help all children read. She is also the mom of two children and a rescue dog named Hazel. 

Megan Barella

Megan Barella is a nationally-recognized Happy Home and parenting specialist on a mission to heal families one home at a time. She is also a mom, teacher, and Positive Discipline educator. As a renowned speaker and facilitator, Megan is the go-to expert for positive parenting, and an intervention specialist for strong-willed and highly sensitive children. Her compassionate and transformative approach has been empowering thousands of families to thrive since 2012. Learn more: www.meganbarella.com  and Parenting for the Next Generation (FB group).