Thank you for attending the 2023 When Life Hands You Teenagers! It was great to come together and hear from a range of speakers to discuss the health and well-being of our youth. We hope the conference gave you practical tools to support young people through adversity and challenging times.

We appreciate the work you do to MAKE YOUR MARK on the teens in your life.

 
 
 

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

 

Empowering Teens: Understanding How Trauma Shapes a Child’s Journey

Nathaniel Woods, Jr., Ph.D.
Co-founder, Developing Others Through Service (DOTS)
Hope Squad Master Trainer

Trauma influences how we see the world; how we draw conclusions about our lives, circumstances, and people; and how we approach life. The more we work on ourselves, the more we become aware of how we define our lives and how we can influence teenagers to define theirs. The more we open ourselves to understanding trauma, the more courageous and confident we become in teaching teens how to take control of their lives, not letting past trauma dictate their decisions or emotions. In this keynote, Dr. Woods will discuss the power that comes from understanding trauma as a tool for strength and resilience and how adults can help teens use their innate fortitude to heal and move forward.

 

The Business of Hope: Helping Youth Stay Resilient When Things Feel Impossible

Matthew Zakreski, Psy.D.
Founder, The Neurodiversity Collective
Adjunct Professor

Life is hard! As a psychologist, Matthew often says, “I’m in the business of hope.” But what is hope? And how do we have hope authentically when it feels like the world is increasingly chaotic, unfair, and cruel? This keynote will focus on what hope truly is from a psychological standpoint and explore how to apply it meaningfully to our lives. Matthew will also discuss the importance of hope from a developmental perspective, specifically focusing on the psychological, social, and emotional needs of adolescents. Attendees will gain insight into identifying potential barriers towards having hope and workshop solutions to overcome those challenges.

 

Bridging the Gap to End the Youth Suicide Epidemic

Martha and Chris Thomas
Co-founders, The Defensive Line
Survivors of Suicide Loss

On January 23, 2018, Martha, Chris, and Solomon Thomas lost their daughter and sister Ella Elizabeth Thomas to suicide. Over the last four years, that story of profound loss and grief evolved into The Defensive Line, whose mission is to end the epidemic of youth suicide, especially for young people of color, by transforming how we communicate and connect about mental health. In this keynote, hear about the family’s journey of turning pain into purpose by sharing their story and providing suicide prevention workshops to educators and coaches. Martha and Chris will also share components of the workshop that show educators ways they can be a bridge between the young people in need and the resources that exist to support their mental health and intervene in crisis.

 
 

The Struggle is Real: Forming Better Connections with Teens through Empathy

Jade “Lady Jade” Burrowes
Media Personality
Founder, Project 16

A cultural disconnect exists between adults and teens, and that can be challenging to navigate! Connecting with teens meaningfully starts with learning to empathize with them and understanding their unique perspectives, circumstances, and stressors. Hear students share their stories in their own words and witness the power of listening in forging impactful relationships with teens.

Make Your Mark: How Art Rewires the Brain

Kevin Paul
Creative Visionary

Each of us is creative and has an innate need to create in some way. As Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross write in their book Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us: “The scientific evidence that we are hardwired for the arts is irrefutable,” and “Art and aesthetics can quite literally rewire your brain.” Learn more from artist Kevin Paul—along with some local students—about the connection between art and neuroplasticity and explore ways to engage in regular artistic expression to improve brain health for yourself and the teens in your life.

Overload: How to Support Youth with Anxiety and Sensory Challenges

Hannah Bott and Shawnett Viani
To Be Like Me

Students may be experiencing their environments in different ways, and learning to identify and support sensory challenges and anxiety can create more positive interactions, relationships, and opportunities with the teens you live or work with. To Be Like Me is a Richardson-based nonprofit whose mission is to break down barriers, foster empathy, and encourage inclusivity through meaningful interaction with their LEADers, who are individuals with disabilities. This is an experiential presentation that will discuss sensory overstimulation, anxiety, and other physical and mental health challenges.


Special Thanks to our 2023 Sponsors!

 
 
 
 

 
 
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Got questions? We can help.

Who should attend this conference?

If you teach, counsel, mentor, live or work with teens, this conference is for you! You'll learn how issues such as anxiety, stress, and depression are affecting teenagers and how you can help.

What is the cost of the conference?

Early Bird registration opens June 1 and is $75. Beginning September 1, registration is $85.

Do you offer a group discount?

Yes—for groups of five or more! Early Bird group registration is $70 per person. Beginning September 1, registration is $75 per person for groups of five or more.

Can I register using a PO form?

Yes! Download the PO form and return it to the Foundation by emailing or mailing it to 3000 Pegasus Park Drive, Suite 750, Dallas, Texas 75247. Early Bird PO forms must be postmarked by August 31 to receive the Early Bird discount. We understand payment may come after that date.

Are CEUs offered for attending the conference?

Yes! Participants can receive six social worker, LPC, and LMFT hours. Check back soon for the number of hours.

What’s included with registration?

This enlightening conference features three keynote speakers, inspiring TeenED Talks, a delicious continental breakfast, a box lunch, and CEUs. Plus, attendees will also receive an event bag with conference handouts, a printed notepad, sticky notes, ink pen, lanyard name badge, and sponsor materials.

What about sponsor opportunities?

If you’re interested in sponsoring the 2023 conference, contact us at 972-744-9790. You can also purchase your sponsorship online or download the Sponsor Form and email it to us. But hurry—sponsorships sell out fast!

Is the conference in person?

Yes — When Life Hands You Teenagers is only in person! There’s no hybrid option. We look forward to seeing you at this year’s conference at Plano Event Center located at 2000 E Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, TX 75074.

Is there a virtual option?

No. We do not offer a virtual option. This is an in-person event at Plano Event Center.


Check #WLHYT from years past!

Check out photos from the 2022 #WLHYT ConferencE

 
 
 
 
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