Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions

Recognizing and Supporting your Child’s Mental Health

Presenters: Rachel Cochrane and Sarah Ali, Master of Social Work Interns at the HDSB,  Megan Miller, Social Worker at the HDSB and Stephanie Wallace, Manager of Professional Services - Mental Health Lead at the HDSB

Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Description: This presentation supports parents/guardians in understanding stress and mental health in children and teens. Topics include common signs of stress, how stress affects the brain and body, practical strategies for healthy stress management at home, guidance on talking with children about mental health, recognizing when to seek help, responding to mental health emergencies and accessing ongoing support resources.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Supporting Mental Health and Well-Being

Presenters: Larissa Pipe and Lisa Sedore, Psychologists & Psychoeducational Consultants at the HDSB

Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Description: This session explores the connection between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and mental health by highlighting the unique stressors often experienced by adolescents with ASD. Attendees will learn practical ways to support their child in navigating these stressors and promoting positive mental health and overall well-being.

Halton ADAPT -  Tech Overuse and Digital Footprint

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. 

Presenter: Scott Swiniarski, Problem Gambling (PG) and Behavioural Addictions Counsellor/Supervisor & PG Day Treatment Lead at ADAPT

Description: This session offers insight into technology overuse, including warning signs, digital footprints, social media use and healthy tech habits. Participants will explore current trends, the impacts of overuse, online safety strategies, ways to support youth and resources for ongoing support.

Shaping How Kids Feel About Food: Mindful Language and Everyday Actions

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. 

Presenters: Halton Region Public Health 

Description: Join us for a practical and informative session designed to help parents/guardians support their child’s relationship with food in a positive, inclusive way. The presentation explores how everyday interactions—such as the words we use and the attitudes we model—can shape how children feel about eating and their bodies. This webinar will provide evidence-based guidance and resources to help influence and support positive food relationships. Key Takeaways include: 

• Insights into body image, the impact of weight stigma and important health considerations 

• Understanding how everyday language influences eating habits and body image. 

• Learning practical strategies to create positive and supportive food experiences. 

Please note: This session will be hosted by Halton Region Public Health held on Zoom. Registrants will be emailed a link to access the session. 

AI, Well-Being and the Digital World

Date:  Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. 

Presenters: Lisa Pilgrim, Psychologist & Psychoeducational Consultant at the HDSB

Description: Our children spend a relatively large portion of the day connected to digital spaces. Increasingly, these spaces include aspects of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within them. There is much debate about if this is harmful for students or an opportunity to shape their futures. We will spend our time together exploring some of the key misconceptions about the online environment, helpful parenting suggestions, and considering what it means to be growing up in a digital world.

Halton ADAPT (Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Assessment, Prevention & Treatment Services) - Exploring Our Services

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Presenters: Corrie McIlveen, Canadian Certified Addictions Counsellor at Halton ADAPT

Description: ADAPT is a non-profit, community-community based, outpatient addiction treatment agency. All services offered by ADAPT are free of charge. In this session, we will explore services offered by ADAPT to individuals, family members and friends, and how to connect with these resources. Services include but are not limited to alcohol, drugs, mental health, withdrawal management, nicotine replacement, tech overuse, overspending and gambling.

Helping Your Child Build Positive Relationships and Manage Conflict 

Date: Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Presenters: Allysa Antinori and Louise Williams, Child & Youth Care Practitioners at the HDSB

Description: This workshop for parents/guardians highlights why strong relationships between parents/guardians and children are essential for healthy emotional and mental development. Attendees will learn  practical, everyday strategies to deepen your connection with your child and supportive, developmentally informed approaches to navigating conflict, fostering trust, and promoting emotional safety during challenging moments. The session also provides guidance on how to continue strengthening your relationship over time, along with additional resources to support ongoing learning and growth at home.

Executive Functions in Teens: How Parents Can Help Students Thrive

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Presenters: Larissa Pipe and Lisa Sedore, Psychologists & Psychoeducational Consultants at the HDSB

Description: Join us for an engaging and informative session exploring executive functions, the mental skills that help teens manage time, stay organized, focus attention and regulate emotions. We’ll discuss what executive functions are, how they typically develop throughout the high school years, and why this period is so important for strengthening these abilities. With a special focus on students in Grades 9–12, this session will offer practical strategies parents can use to support their teens in building strong executive functioning skills that contribute to academic success, independence and overall well-being.