slide-1-1.jpg

Register for Teen and Parent Workshops

The conference offers separate teen and parent workshops. Teen workshops are for 8th grade - 12th grade students.

 

PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY TO REGISTER!

TEENS

1. Select ONE workshop from EACH of the three session blocks, for a total of three workshops during the day.

The first and third session blocks feature workshop leaders who'll share some juicy life stories and some advice for what has helped them. 

The second session blocks offers teens the opportunity to try out a new skill or activity.

2. Once you have registered for one session, click the "SELECT CLASSES FOR A NEW PARTICIPANT" link at the top of the checkout page to make additional selections.

 

PARENTS

1.  Select the Parent Panel (which all parents will attend) and ONE workshop per parent from the menu of three options.

2. Once you have registered for the panel, click the "SELECT CLASSES FOR A NEW PARTICIPANT" link at the top of the checkout page to make additional selections.


TEEN Sessions - Please select ONE workshop from EACH of the three session blocks.

TEEN WORKSHOPS

9:30 AM - 10:20 AM

Breakin' it Down in the Box

CrossFit Coach Vicki Barbetta breaks down being gay in the military, being an ex-police detective and how fitness strengthened her life.

Learn More & Register

Finding Your Passion in the 'Clair

MHS Alum Samad Savage is tackling the challenging dream of becoming a successful rapper, and he's sticking with it even when things don't always go his way. Get the inside scoop on pursuing music-making dreams, making connections with people who can help, and how to stay positive even when the dream seems so far away.

Learn More & Register

Lessons of the Barber Shop

January Fonseca-Sabune, owner of the only woman-owned barber shop, shares her story of recovering from addiction and finding her passion in barbering.  January's story of carving out her place in the male-dominated barbering world will inspire you to trust yourself and define your own success. Don't miss this popular speaker among teens who has a heart of gold and an inspiring inner strength.

Learn More & Register

Making the Impossible Possible

Roche drug researcher Li Yu shares an INCREDIBLE heart-wrenching story of surviving separation from her parents during the Chinese cultural revolution and making it to the United States with only $200 and a dream.

Learn More & Register

Mother Nature's Spunkiest Daughter

Carly Quisenberry is one of the 1000 women leaders in science who is part of the groundbreaking Homeward Bound program to address climate change. She's a hustler with some amazing stories about how a willingness to learn and a friendly personality can open just as many doors as graduate degrees.

Learn More & Register

Being Okay With Not Having Your Life Figured Out

MHS Alum Devenne Washington speaks from the heart about the pressures of living in this town, and she's excited to share her story of learning how to let go of other people's expectations and her own expectations that no longer fit what she wanted to do.

Learn More & Register

Designing Your Comeback: Finding creativity after life throws you a curve ball

Don't miss this one-of-a-kind funky and wise soul who started a successful clothing company, Softistafunk, after a divorce that left her struggling to care for her family.  She was recently featured on the Today show with her incredible designs that wow clients like P. Diddy and Queen Latifah.  There's a lot to learn from this late-in-life entrepreneur who learned to use social media to increase her sales. 

Learn More & Register

From Ambulances to Aveda: How a Chance Meeting Shaped a Life Transition

Renaissance Man, Alex Gonzalez, will share how a chance meeting led him to trade his EMT stethoscope and trauma gloves for shears and a hair dryer to pursue his late-in-life dream of becoming a cosmetologist. Alex is a funny guy, and his stories will not only have you laughing, but they'll also show you how human relationships can be your most valuable resources.


Learn More & Register

Groovin' With Gratitude: DJ Reflections on Finding the Positive Even in Tough Times

Don't miss Prince Hakim's tales of growing up with music legends Kool and the Gang and carving out his own path as a successful DJ who focuses on spreading gratitude.

Learn More & Register

Hustle and Grow: An MMA Journalist's Story of Sticking to Your Guns

ESPN award-winning Mixed Martial Arts journalist, Ariel Helwani, will share his story of grit, hustle and integrity under pressure. In 2016, Helwani was stripped of his credentials by the UFC for breaking a story, and even though they were reinstated after a huge uproar from fans and fighters, Helwani learned some lessons about sticking to his guns and leaning on people you can trust.  Don't miss this incredible story with one of sports media's most likeable guys.

Learn More & Register

Start Something! Even When it Seems Like a Longshot!

Entrepreneur William Michael Barbee is the owner of six successful businesses, has written two books, and -- despite never having formally studied film or theater – wrote, directed and produced the movie “Beyond the Silence” which was screened at the Cannes Film Festival this past May. His path wasn’t exactly smooth.  Barbee, born and raised in Newark, NJ, overcame trauma, violence and profound depression to make his dreams come true. His story will inspire you to take a few chances to take on your own dreams.

Learn More & Register

The Sweet Smell of Exploration: How Life Can Be Your College Campus

Jennifer Follari knew in high school that college was not right for her. For over 10 years, Jennifer explored a variety of jobs until she found a passion for fragrances and worked her way from entry-level positions to becoming one of the lead fragrance designers for Bath & Body Works' lotions, bath bombs, and body sprays. Don't miss this fascinating story about living with curiosity, a willingness to explore, and the courage to take some chances.

Learn More & Register

10:25 AM - 11:10 AM

Interview Boot Camp

Learn the ins and outs of presenting yourself well to others!

Learn More & Register

Qigong - Kick Up a Little Life Energy!

MHS Alum Devenne Washington will introduce you to this mix of martial arts, dance, and mediation to boost your energy.

Learn More & Register!

16 Personalities: What's Yours?

Knowing who you are and what makes you tick is the first step to figuring out what you'd like to do in life! Take this fun survey to get a shockingly accurate report of your personality and tips for how to play to your strengths.

Learn More & Register

Slowing Down with Mindfulness

Give yourself a treat and join Andrea Smith-Morgan to learn easy mindfulness tips to keep you calm, focused, and a little more at peace.

Learn More & Register

Functional Fitness: An Everyday Workout for Your Everyday Life!

Join CrossFit coach, Vicki Barbetta for a fun workout that will get your blood pumping and teach you ways to build fitness into your every day life.

Learn More & Register

Money Matters: Nitty Gritty Advice to Guide You Through Financial Stuff

Whether you’re just starting to think about getting your first job or you’re thinking about paying for college or getting an apartment - money matters!  Get answers to your questions about real-life money matters that can help you now and in the future.

Express register

11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

Breakin' it Down in the Box

CrossFit Coach Vicki Barbetta breaks down being gay in the military, being an ex-police detective and how fitness strengthened her life.

Learn More & Register

Finding Your Passion in the 'Clair

MHS Alum Samad Savage is tackling the challenging dream of becoming a successful rapper, and he's sticking with it even when things don't always go his way. Get the inside scoop on pursuing music-making dreams, making connections with people who can help, and how to stay positive even when the dream seems so far away.

Learn More & Register

Lessons of the Barber Shop

January Fonseca-Sabune, owner of the only woman-owned barber shop, shares her story of recovering from addiction and finding her passion in barbering.  January's story of carving out her place in the male-dominated barbering world will inspire you to trust yourself and define your own success. Don't miss this popular speaker among teens who has a heart of gold and an inspiring inner strength

Learn More & Register

Making the Impossible Possible

Roche drug researcher Li Yu shares an INCREDIBLE heart-wrenching story of surviving separation from her parents during the Chinese cultural revolution and making it to the United States with only $200 and a dream.

Learn More & Register

Mother Nature's Spunkiest Daughter

Carly Quisenberry is one of the 1000 women leaders in science who is part of the groundbreaking Homeward Bound program to address climate change. She's a hustler with some amazing stories about how a willingness to learn and a friendly personality can open just as many doors as graduate degrees.

Learn More & Register

Being Okay With Not Having Your Life Figured Out

MHS Alum Devenne Washington speaks from the heart about the pressures of living in this town, and she's excited to share her story of learning how to let go of other people's expectations and her own expectations that no longer fit what she wanted to do.

Express register

Designing Your Comeback: Finding creativity after life throws you a curve ball

Don't miss this one-of-a-kind funky and wise soul who started a successful clothing company, Softistafunk, after a divorce that left her struggling to care for her family.  She was recently featured on the Today show with her incredible designs that wow clients like P. Diddy and Queen Latifah.  There's a lot to learn from this late-in-life entrepreneur who learned to use social media to increase her sales. 

Learn More & Register

From Ambulances to Aveda: How a Chance Meeting Shaped a Life Transition

Renaissance Man, Alex Gonzalez, will share how a chance meeting led him to trade his EMT stethoscope and trauma gloves for shears and a hair dryer to pursue his late-in-life dream of becoming a cosmetologist. Alex is a funny guy, and his stories will not only have you laughing, but they'll also show you how human relationships can be your most valuable resources.


Learn More & Register

Groovin' With Gratitude: DJ Reflections on Finding the Positive Even in Tough Times

Don't miss Prince Hakim's tales of growing up with music legends Kool and the Gang and carving out his own path as a successful DJ who focuses on spreading gratitude.

Learn More & Register

Hustle and Grow: An MMA Journalist's Story of Sticking to Your Guns

ESPN award-winning Mixed Martial Arts journalist, Ariel Helwani, will share his story of grit, hustle and integrity under pressure. In 2016, Helwani was stripped of his credentials by the UFC for breaking a story, and even though they were reinstated after a huge uproar from fans and fighters, Helwani learned some lessons about sticking to his guns and leaning on people you can trust.  Don't miss this incredible story with one of sports media's most likeable guys.


Learn More & Register

Start Something! Even When it Seems Like a Longshot!

Entrepreneur William Michael Barbee is the owner of six successful businesses, has written two books, and -- despite never having formally studied film or theater – wrote, directed and produced the movie “Beyond the Silence” which was screened at the Cannes Film Festival this past May. His path wasn’t exactly smooth.  Barbee, born and raised in Newark, NJ, overcame trauma, violence and profound depression to make his dreams come true. His story will inspire you to take a few chances to take on your own dreams.

Learn More & Register

The Sweet Smell of Exploration: How Life Can Be Your College Campus

Jennifer Follari knew in high school that college was not right for her. For over 10 years, Jennifer explored a variety of jobs until she found a passion for fragrances and worked her way from entry-level positions to becoming one of the lead fragrance designers for Bath & Body Works' lotions, bath bombs, and body sprays. Don't miss this fascinating story about living with curiosity, a willingness to explore, and the courage to take some chances.

Learn More & Register

PARENT SESSIONS - Register for the Parent Panel AND select ONE workshop from the three options.

Program Action

Parent Panel

Parenting teenagers is not for the faint-hearted, especially in this increasingly challenging world where the emotional and mental health of teens - and their caregivers! - is often tested. Join us for an open, honest conversation about the challenges that we all face and get some practical tools and much-needed support. Topics covered: differentiating between standard teenage behavior and mental health issues; strengthening communication with your teen to cultivate a nurturing relationship; and learning how to take care of your own mental health. Panelists include: Clinician Suzelle Marques and young adult, Sarika from Minding Your Mind - an organization dedicated to ending the stigma and destructive behaviors associated with teen mental health; Parent coach, Helaina Altabef from Tame the Teen; LCSW Kaity Rodriguez from Serenity Wellness. Express register

10:55 AM - 12:25 PM

Just Talk About It

Research shows that one in four teens will experience a mental health issue this year, but fewer than 20% of those will seek help. The number one reason cited for not seeking help is shame coupled with stigma. Many parents are also unaware of the signs and symptoms of mental health issues.

Just Talk About will help all parents decipher between teenage typical teenage behavior and some of the more prevalent mental health issues that arise during adolescence and young adulthood. 

The presentation will be co-led by a clincian, Suzelle Marques, and a young adult speaker, Sarika, who will share her own story - adding a powerful real-life component to the information that Suzelle will share.

Express register

10:55 AM - 12:25 PM

Redefining Success - for Our Teens and as Parents

Much of the challenge of parenting teens is learning to let go.  We often talk about letting go of some control to allow our kids more independence, but we may also have to let go of what "achievement" and "success" mean to us and shape those definitions alongside our teens. We may also need to let go of certain expectations we've set for ourselves as parents that may be negatively impacting our relationship with our teens - and also hurting ourselves.

Helaina Altabef earned her status as a "teen whisperer" after decades of learning about, and from, teens. She'll lead a reflective session that gives you practical tools for nurturing communication with your teen, developing your parenting confidence, and jointly defining success with your blossoming young adult.

Express register

10:55 AM - 12:25 PM

PUT ON YOUR OWN MASK FIRST: Strategies to care for your own mental health, while caring for your family

This workshop is for any parent who has ever felt stressed, anxious, or simply like they're not getting parenting "right." Psychotherapist, Kaity Rodriguez, will discuss mental health challenges exclusive to parents, as well as practical stress and anxiety reduction strategies. Participants will walk away with a toolkit of skills to care for their own mental health, as well as a renewed sense of community in knowing that they are not alone . . . parenting is tough work!

Express register

Contact:

Website: www.mfee.org
Address: 100 Chestnut St, Montclair, NJ 07042, USA
Phone: (973) 509 - 4021
Email: [email protected]