Caregiver University

Caregiver University empowers families with accessible, practical knowledge and skills that strengthen caregivers’ capacity to support their students’ health, safety, and overall success.

Through free community-centered learning, we reduce risk, build protective factors, and equip caregivers to help young people thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.

Upcoming Events

The Social World of Kids: Screens, Friendships & Mental Health

Thursday, October 1 at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom
Presented By: Dr. Elizabeth Englander

Before the pandemic, screen use, anxiety, and social problems (like bullying and fighting) were top concerns for parents. The last few years have made some of these issues even more challenging.

This talk will examine challenges in school, like bullying, friendship skills, and mental health, and how the ways kids use screens, gaming, and social media can impact these. Practical approaches to family life that can help children develop emotional resilience, healthy social skills & friendships, and sensible screen & social media habits will be discussed during this presentation.

We will also discuss how to move forward, how to partner with your child's school, and how to help parents be most productive in guiding their children towards optimal social and emotional health.

Let's Get Organized!

Tuesday, October 20 at 7 p.m. in MHS Auditorium
Presented By: Sarah Ward, M.S., CCC-SLP

Join us in person to learn about strategies parents and caregivers can use to help kids get and stay organized. Learn about what “executive functioning” means in everyday life and practical skills and strategies we can use to help our kids develop these skills.

Screenagers: Generation aI

Thursday, October 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the McGlynn Auditorium

Join us for a screening of Screenagers: Generation AI, the latest film in the Screenagers series exploring how artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of young people’s everyday lives. The film examines the opportunities and challenges AI presents for students, families, and schools—including its impact on learning, creativity, relationships, mental health, and decision-making.

This timely screening will provide an opportunity for parents and caregivers to learn, reflect, and start important conversations with their children about using AI thoughtfully, responsibly, and safely.

Past Events

2025/26 School Year

2025/26 School Year

From Stress to Smartphones, from Freak-Outs to Friendships: What Parents Need to Know (and DO!) about Worry, Anxiety and Depression

Presented by: Lynn Lyons, LICSW

Current news about young people and mental health has intensified warranted concern, but the information can be overwhelming and hard to sort through. Parents need dependable strategies to help their children manage their anxiety, moods, and social pressures, including social media and screens. The ability to help guide our children requires – more than ever – an ability to recognize and address one’s own emotional management as we practice and model better skills to meet life’s challenges. Proaction is the high ground over reaction.

Based on current research and over 35 years of clinical experience, Lynn Lyons will identify the common traps adults fall into, the role of smart phones and social media, and key strategic adjustments needed to stem the current surge of anxiety and depression in our kids and ourselves. Includes preventative measures!

Gambling With Our Kids: Recognizing When It’s a Problem

Presented by Andrew Cedrone, LMHC & Ryan Rivard, LMHC - Recording Here

Did you know that gambling is a serious public health issue? People with a gambling disorder are at increased risk for suicidal ideation and other mental health issues. Gambling takes many forms, including sports betting and betting disguised in video games. Join us for a presentation on the risk factors for gambling disorder as well as resources to help.

Catch My Breath

Presented by Matisse Monty, MPH

Talking to teens about vaping can feel complicated. Mixed messages, social media influence, and rapidly evolving products make it difficult to know what’s accurate and how concerned to be. This parent-focused Catch My Breath training will break down what caregivers need to know about youth vaping, including how nicotine affects adolescent brain development, how to identify common myths, and how to approach conversations in ways that build trust rather than push teens away. Join us to gain practical tools and clear, research-based information.

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