Start Your Day with Purpose!
Join Parents, Educators and Business Members of Chicago’s Communities
for the
6 for 6 Adolescent Mental Health Speaker Breakfast Series
Join Us for Breakfast on These Dates
September 26 Communication: The Bridge in Mental Health Dialogues
October 25 Resilience: Rising Above in a Rapidly Changing World
November 8 Motivation: Igniting Minds Amidst Mental Health Struggles
November 22 Developmental Insights: Understanding the Adolescent Mind
December 6 Trauma-Informed Approaches: Guiding Youth Through Life's Storms
January 24 Emotional Intelligence: The Youth Advantage
October 25 Resilience: Rising Above in a Rapidly Changing World
November 8 Motivation: Igniting Minds Amidst Mental Health Struggles
November 22 Developmental Insights: Understanding the Adolescent Mind
December 6 Trauma-Informed Approaches: Guiding Youth Through Life's Storms
January 24 Emotional Intelligence: The Youth Advantage
MHAGC, in collaboration with our premier partner Alight Solutions, invites you to join parents, educators, and community business leaders for a series of six engaging breakfast events focused on adolescent mental health. Each session features an expert speaker who will share valuable insights, strategies, and resources to support the mental well-being of adolescents. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or mental health professional, these events provide an excellent opportunity to learn and connect with others dedicated to improving adolescent mental health.
Event Highlights:
- Six informative breakfast sessions
- Expert speakers on various aspects of adolescent mental health
- Practical advice and resources
- Networking opportunities with like-minded individuals
Don’t miss out on this chance to deepen your understanding and make a positive impact on the mental well-being of young people.
Seating is Limited
Speakers
Commissioner Tara Stamps
Speaking on Communication: The Bridge in Mental Health Dialogues
- September 26
Commissioner Tara Stamps is a dedicated advocate for students, educators, and working-class families in Cook County. As the daughter of Civil Rights icon Marion Stamps, her appointment to the Cook County Board marks a new era of leadership. With roots as an educator, she prioritizes education and mental health, aiming to improve opportunities and support systems for those in need.
- September 26
Commissioner Tara Stamps is a dedicated advocate for students, educators, and working-class families in Cook County. As the daughter of Civil Rights icon Marion Stamps, her appointment to the Cook County Board marks a new era of leadership. With roots as an educator, she prioritizes education and mental health, aiming to improve opportunities and support systems for those in need.
Kaysa Pelofske, M.Ed, Ed.S, NCSP
Speaking on Communication: The Bridge in Mental Health Dialogues
- September 26
Kaysa Pelofske, a school psychologist with 20 years in Chicago Public Schools, enhances academic and social-emotional outcomes while advocating for equal access to resources. She has implemented community support and curriculum programs and is a Ted Smith Practitioner of the Year 2022 award winner. Kaysa holds an ISPA Supervisor Credential and is a nationally certified school psychologist involved with the Illinois School Psychology Association.
- September 26
Kaysa Pelofske, a school psychologist with 20 years in Chicago Public Schools, enhances academic and social-emotional outcomes while advocating for equal access to resources. She has implemented community support and curriculum programs and is a Ted Smith Practitioner of the Year 2022 award winner. Kaysa holds an ISPA Supervisor Credential and is a nationally certified school psychologist involved with the Illinois School Psychology Association.
Nicole Van Baardwijk
Speaking on Resilience: Rising Above in a Rapidly Changing World
- October 25
Nicole Van Baardwijk, a coach with a background in personal development, focuses on teaching teen resilience through progression and self-awareness. Her interactive coaching style emphasizes practical solutions and breaking negative patterns in her book, The Power of Choice: A Journey to Resilience, helping individuals build the skills to face personal and academic challenges with confidence.
- October 25
Nicole Van Baardwijk, a coach with a background in personal development, focuses on teaching teen resilience through progression and self-awareness. Her interactive coaching style emphasizes practical solutions and breaking negative patterns in her book, The Power of Choice: A Journey to Resilience, helping individuals build the skills to face personal and academic challenges with confidence.
Audrey Grunst, MSW, LCSW, CCM
Speaking on Motivation: Igniting Minds Amidst Mental Health Struggles
- November 8
Audrey Grunst, LCSW, owner of Simply Bee Counseling, Specializes in motivating teens through mental wellness. Her practice offers individual and ground therapy, workshops, and retreats that integrate nutrition, yoga, and movement with counseling. As a public speaker, Audrey addresses topics like anxiety, body image, and mindfulness, equipping educators and parents with tools to support teen development, motivation and mental health.
- November 8
Audrey Grunst, LCSW, owner of Simply Bee Counseling, Specializes in motivating teens through mental wellness. Her practice offers individual and ground therapy, workshops, and retreats that integrate nutrition, yoga, and movement with counseling. As a public speaker, Audrey addresses topics like anxiety, body image, and mindfulness, equipping educators and parents with tools to support teen development, motivation and mental health.
Dr. Terry Wu
Speaking on Developmental Insights - Understanding the Adolescent Mind
- November 22
Dr. Terry Wu, an expert in neuroscience leadership training, helps educators and parents support teens by translating complex brain science into practical strategies. His workshops focus on leadership, stress management, and fostering group belonging, crucial for teens’ emotional and social development. Dr. Wu equips leaders with tools to create inclusive environments that enhance educational outcomes and well-being.
- November 22
Dr. Terry Wu, an expert in neuroscience leadership training, helps educators and parents support teens by translating complex brain science into practical strategies. His workshops focus on leadership, stress management, and fostering group belonging, crucial for teens’ emotional and social development. Dr. Wu equips leaders with tools to create inclusive environments that enhance educational outcomes and well-being.
Dr. La Keita Carter
Speaking on Trauma-Informed Approaches: Guiding Youth Through Life’s Storms
- December 6
Dr. La Keita Carter, a clinical psychologist with a Doctorate from Loyola University, MD, specializes in trauma focused in psychology, counseling, and substance abuse. A Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and Diplomate in Rape Trauma, she integrates her research and publications into her presentations, recognized for their depth and innovation. Her commitment to mental health extends through community education and leadership roles, including an APA Fellowship.
- December 6
Dr. La Keita Carter, a clinical psychologist with a Doctorate from Loyola University, MD, specializes in trauma focused in psychology, counseling, and substance abuse. A Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and Diplomate in Rape Trauma, she integrates her research and publications into her presentations, recognized for their depth and innovation. Her commitment to mental health extends through community education and leadership roles, including an APA Fellowship.
Erica Petrelli
Speaking on Emotional Intelligence: The Youth Advantage
- January 24
Erika Petrelli Bayh has over 30 years as a leadership trainer, advisor, author, and adjunct professor and has made a significant impact in emotional intelligence and leadership development. As Senior VP of Leadership Development at The Leadership Program, Erika has developed award-winning curricula recognized by CASEL, OJJDP, and SAMHSA, benefiting K-12 youth and professionals nationwide.
- January 24
Erika Petrelli Bayh has over 30 years as a leadership trainer, advisor, author, and adjunct professor and has made a significant impact in emotional intelligence and leadership development. As Senior VP of Leadership Development at The Leadership Program, Erika has developed award-winning curricula recognized by CASEL, OJJDP, and SAMHSA, benefiting K-12 youth and professionals nationwide.
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Are you ready to make a meaningful impact and elevate your brand? We invite you to sponsor our upcoming community mental health breakfast series and partner with us in a cause that matters. Click HERE to express your interest, and we’ll connect with you promptly to explore exciting sponsorship opportunities.
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We're excited to collaborate with you to make this event a standout success and create a lasting impact.
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Breakfast
Join MHAGC in this transformative journey as we collectively strive to turn the tide in adolescent mental wellness.
Communication: The Bridge in Mental Health Dialogues
(September 26, Commisioner Tara Stamps & Kaysa Pelofske)
Effective communication is key to understanding and addressing mental health issues among young people.
Effective communication is key to understanding and addressing mental health issues among young people.
Resilience: Rising Above in a Rapidly Changing World
(October 25, Nicole Van Baardwijk)
In an era marked by constant change and uncertainty, resilience has become a crucial skill for young people.
In an era marked by constant change and uncertainty, resilience has become a crucial skill for young people.
Motivation: Igniting Minds Amidst Mental Health Struggles
(November 8, Audrey Grunst)
Motivating youth facing mental health challenges requires a delicate balance of encouragement, understanding, and support.
Motivating youth facing mental health challenges requires a delicate balance of encouragement, understanding, and support.
Developmental Insights: Understanding the Adolescent Mind
(November 22, Dr. Terry Wu)
The adolescent years are a period of significant brain development and emotional growth, which can impact behavior and mental health.
The adolescent years are a period of significant brain development and emotional growth, which can impact behavior and mental health.
Trauma-Informed Approaches: Guiding Youth Through Life’s Storms
(December 6, Dr. La Keita Carter)
Trauma can profoundly affect a young person's mental health, behavior, and outlook on life.
Trauma can profoundly affect a young person's mental health, behavior, and outlook on life.
Emotional Intelligence: The Youth Advantage
(January 24, Erika Petrelli Bayh)
Discover the power of emotional intelligence (EQ) in shaping the success and well-being of young individuals.
Discover the power of emotional intelligence (EQ) in shaping the success and well-being of young individuals.
Venue 4343
Breakfasts will be hosted at Venue 4343, a local venue owned by members of and located in the heart of our community.
Seating is limited, so be sure to book your spot fast!
Seating is limited, so be sure to book your spot fast!
Located: 4343 W. Diversey Ave., Chicago, IL 60639
Sponsors
About MHAGC
The Mental Health Association of Greater Chicago (MHAGC) was founded in 1957, based on the amazing work and accomplishments of Clifford W. Beers - who gained the support of the medical profession and others in the work to reform the treatment of the mentally ill. Beers was a leader in the field until his retirement in 1939.
MHAGC concentrates its efforts on the development and implementation of educational programs and support services making emotional wellness a health
priority in our schools, homes, and communities.
MHAGC concentrates its efforts on the development and implementation of educational programs and support services making emotional wellness a health
priority in our schools, homes, and communities.