March 2025 Newsletter

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The Chris Walsh Center has so many exciting events coming up in March and April! In this newsletter we provide information about the Bolstering Students' Resilience with Dr. Sara Whitcomb, Fostering Family Resiliency Through Art with ARTrelief, Promoting Students' Resilience in Pk-12 Schools, our Spring 2025 Caregiver Support Group, and more! All of these events are free to attend, so keep reading to learn more and register today! There is more to come, so, make sure you keep up to date with all of our upcoming events by being subscribed to this newsletter and following us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Thanks to a generous grand from the Sudbury Foundation, Bolstering Students' Resilience with Dr. Sara Whitcomb is free to attend. However, registration is required.

This is a Hybrid event. You can attend in person at Framingham State University or Online. Either way, fill out this registration form to receive your invite!

Bolstering Students' Resilience with Dr. Sara Whitcomb:

In this session, participants will build an understanding of the current state of children’s mental health and what teachers can do each day on the front lines of the mental health crisis to support children’s healthy social and emotional development. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect upon the many buzz words that pop up in education (e.g., social-emotional learning, trauma-informed care, restorative practices, positive behavioral interventions and supports) and distill practices into those that build consistency, connection, and compassion in classrooms.

When: Thursday, April 3rd at 4:30 PM

Who: Dr. Sara Whitcomb

Where: Hosted Online and in Person at Framingham State University in Hemingway Hall Room 312 by the Chris Walsh Center

Who is Dr. Sara Whitcomb?

Dr. Sara Whitcomb is a licensed psychologist, associate director of research and evaluation with Boston Children's Hospital's Neighborhood Partnerships Program, and member of the faculty at Harvard Medical School. She is also co-director of the BIRCh Center at UMass Boston. Prior to her current role, she was a professor in the UMass Amherst school psychology program and a teacher in general and special education settings in Oregon, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Dr. Whitcomb's research and practice interests are in behavioral assessment, social-emotional learning, and organizational consultation in schools. She has authored a number of texts and journal articles on these topics and has consulted with over 100 school districts in Massachusetts to build capacity to meet all students' behavioral health needs.

To register for Bolstering Students' Resilience with Dr. Sara Whitcomb CLICK HERE. If you know someone who would benefit from attending this event, please feel free to forward this email, as well as share the included social media tile.

Fostering Family Resiliency Through Art is taking place April 10th at 7:00 PM and, thanks to a generous grant from the Sudbury Foundation, is free to attend. Click Here to register today!

Fostering Family Resiliency Through Art

Making art together with your child can be a way to practice joint attention, create memories and get a glimpse into their inner world. Making art also has many wellness benefits: it can be meditative or stimulating, regulating, grounding, a source of self esteem, a way to connect to the self and others, and a way to express who we are. Where do you start?

For some children, displaying art material on a table without directive will be enough to spike their imagination and engage, for others the psychological safety of an image to copy from will motivate them to try. In between those 2 examples, there is a continuum of possible scenarios. In this presentation we will provide 2 examples of creative processes that parents can try with their children, and explore ways for parents to connect and co-regulate with their child through the making of art, as well as ways to adapt the process to help their child stay engaged and how to decide when it is time to take a break.

When: April 10th at 7:00 PM

Who: Cofounders of ARTrelief and Certified Expressive Arts Therapists Cecile Reve, LMHC and Gabi Kotliar, LMHC

Where: Online hosted by the Chris Walsh Center

To register for the Fostering Family Resiliency Through Art please CLICK HERE. If someone you know would benefit from this support group, please feel free to forward this email or share the included social media tile so they can sign up.

The next two events in the Promoting Students' resilience in PK-12 Schools are coming up!

Thanks to a generous grant from the Sudbury Foundation to the Chris Walsh Center, Promoting Students' Resilience in PK-12 Schools is FREE to attend. Likewise, while these trainings are designed for educators, caregivers are welcome. Importantly, each session counts for 1.5 PDP units. While we think you'll receive the greatest benefit by attending all three sessions, you are welcome to register for any number of sessions which fit into your busy schedule. CLICK HERE to register today!

Promoting Students' Resilience in PK-12 Schools

Improving students' Mental Health and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) by empowering them with resilience-building tools to enhance their self-awareness, self-regulation, social skills, relationships, and decision-making. This 3-session experiential workshop offers practical tools and strategies for educators to easily integrate into their classroom routines to help students regulate their emotions, reduce anxiety, and increase resilience. Interactive sessions will connect you with peers, allowing you to learn and practice facilitating heart and brain coherence techniques, mindfulness, and embodiment practices.

Session 2: Thursday, April 10th, 2025 at 4:00 PM Online

Cultivating Mindful Resilient Schools

In this session, educators will gain a general understanding of mindfulness and learn how to implement it throughout the school day to build students' resilience and decrease anxiety. They will also understand how negative thoughts and emotions impact the developing brain and learn how to support students in self-regulation and co-regulation practices.

Session 3: Thursday, May 8th, 2025 at 4:00 PM Online

Resilience and the Embodied Classroom

In this session, educators will learn how to support their students in getting “Unstuck” from negative self-talk and emotions by empowering them with tools to transform stuck emotions and thoughts into resilience using Social Presencing Theater (SPT). SPT explores the creative potential of social systems such as schools and serves individual and collective resilience and well-being. This session will explore how to support students using mindful exercises that combine body, heart, mind, reflection, and stillness. SPT is an embodiment practice developed by Arawana Hayashi and Otto Scharmer at the Presencing Institute at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

When: Thursday, April 10th, and May 8th at 4:00 PM

Who: Dr. Simone Kotraba

Where: Hosted Online by the Chris Walsh Center

Who is Dr. Simone Kotraba?

Dr. Simone Kotraba is the founder of HeartMind Solutions. She is a transformational coach and wellness facilitator who guides individuals and teams on a journey of growth and expansion, helping them unite their hearts and minds. With her light-hearted wisdom and vibrant energy, Simone creates a welcoming and supportive environment for participants to tap into their highest potential. Simone has worked with families, taught and led in PK- higher education, and holds multiple licenses and certifications. She is passionate about the integration of SEL and well-being practices in schools.

To register for Promoting Students' Resilience in PK-12 Schools with Dr. Simone Kotraba CLICK HERE. If you know someone who would benefit from attending this event, please feel free to forward this email, as well as share the included social media tile.

Unmet needs is a broad category. Yet, unfortunately, many of our children fall into this group, be it at school, in interpersonal relationships, at daycares, after school activities, or anywhere else. As Caregivers, feeling understood, supported, and informed are valuable tools for navigating these challenges with more compassion and confidence. We do not have walk this journey alone. This support group is meant to be flexible, once registered, you are welcome to drop in for any, or all, of the six sessions being offered this Spring.

Come join a 6-session support and information group to:
• connect and share your journey with other caregivers of children with unmet needs.
• learn communication techniques to manage daily transitions, activities and screen time with more confidence
• practice mindful compassion to manage expectations of self and others, face unmet expectations and loss
• share challenges and ideas about advocating for your child and yourself

At Each Session, Masters of Counseling Psychology student, Natalie McCollam, will facilitate a group discussion paired with psychoeducation on the topics that matter to you. You'll be encouraged to share your experiences and knowledge, as well as learn from one another. None of us knows everything and we are better when we come together. If you are looking for a supportive space to learn and connect with other caregivers, this group is for you! CLICK HERE to register today!

When:On the following dates at 7:00 pm:

Wednesday, April 9th

Wednesday, April 30th

Wednesday, May 7th

Who: Masters of Counseling Psychology student, Natalie McCollam

Where: Online hosted by the Chris Walsh Center

To register for the Spring 2025 Caregiver Support Group please CLICK HERE. If someone you know would benefit from this support group, please feel free to forward this email or share the included social media tile so they can sign up.

We, at the Chris Walsh Center, are filled with immense gratitude as we just celebrated a significant milestone—the 5th Anniversary of the Chris Walsh Center for Educators and Families at Framingham State University! Since 2020, the Center has been committed to supporting families and educators, offering resources and programs focused on mental health and educational services for students with disabilities, gifted students, and those with unmet needs.

Over these five years, we have had the privilege of empowering hundreds of families, professionals, and educators. We’ve held numerous caregiver support groups, professional development workshops, information sessions, and so much more—all designed to create a lasting impact on the lives of students and those who support them. We’ve also provided crucial opportunities for students to intern and build skills that benefit both their careers and our community.

As we look forward to expanding our reach and continuing to offer resources, we are excited to launch our 5-Year Anniversary Fundraising Campaign. Our goal is to raise $25,000 to help us continue to grow and make an even greater impact in the coming years.

Here’s how you can help:

1. Donate! Every gift, no matter the size, will bring us closer to our goal.

2. Multiply Your Impact: Many employers offer matching gifts, which means your contribution could go twice as far! Be sure to ask your HR department about matching donations to the Chris Walsh Center.

3. Spread the Word: Share our campaign on social media using #ChrisWalshCenter5Years and help raise awareness about the work we do and how others can get involved.

Your generosity enabled us to:

• Host 6 Caregiver Support Groups

• Offer 6 Professional Development Workshops for Educators

• Provide 13 Caregiver Information Sessions

• Run a graduate-level course on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) for 35 educators

• Hold 3 Book Discussions, 4 Film Screenings, and 6 Hybrid Keynote Presenter Events

• Consult with 12 Caregivers on specific needs and challenges

• Host 25 students in internships and career-building opportunities

To date, we’ve supported hundreds of families and educators and impacted the lives of thousands of children and young adults—all at no cost to families. With your support, we can continue to provide these essential resources and grow even further.

Join us in this important next step. Donate today to be part of our ongoing journey of making a meaningful difference. Together, we can achieve so much more.

Donate Now - https://raisedonors.com/framinghamstateuniversity/cwc

Thank you for your continued support, passion, and belief in our mission. We couldn’t have come this far without you—and we’re excited to see what we can accomplish together in the next five years and beyond!

With heartfelt thanks,

Therese Ajtum-Roberts Ed.D

Coordinator of the Chris Walsh Center for Educators and Families

February 13th marks a special milestone—the 5th Anniversary of The Chris Walsh Center for Educators and Families at Framingham State University! Over the past five years, we’ve had the privilege of supporting and empowering hundreds of families, professionals, and educators through caregiver support groups, professional development workshops, information sessions, and more. Together, we’ve made a lasting impact on students and those who support them.

As we celebrate this achievement, we’d love to hear from you! An educator just told us “Please keep scheduling these (workshops). They are great and so helpful…” Has the Chris Walsh Center made a difference in your life over the last five years? Our student intern, Ingrid Barbosa, is collecting testimonials from our community throughout the spring. If you’d like to share your experience, please fill out this Google form or reach out to Ingrid at chriswalshcenter@framingham.edu.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to launch our 5-Year Anniversary Fundraising Campaign on February 13, 2025. Your support will help us continue to expand our reach and provide essential resources. If you would like to donate now, please Click Here. Otherwise, stay tuned for more details on how you can get involved and make an impact once we officially launch the fund raiser!

Thank you for being part of our journey—we couldn’t have done it without you!

Spencer Dugbartey, CWC Graduate Assistant and Therese Anjtum-Roberts, Center Coordinator attended the kindergarten orientation at Fuller Middle School. While there they spread awareness of how the Chris Walsh Center can help families and educators to students with disabilities, students who are gifted, and students with unmet needs. Our vital services help to reduce the burden on parents who are navigating systems and hoping to find necessary services to give their children the best possible outcomes.

As parents, we want the most for our children, but getting your child's needs met is not always easy. It can be challenging to know what to do to support them, as well as what services are available. The Chris Walsh Center is here to help. When you book an appointment for a free consultation, one of our graduate assistants will meet with you to gain an in depth understanding of your needs and begin the process of connecting you to appropriate services.

You do not have to do this alone, the Chris Walsh Center can support you in your mission of creating the best possible life for your child. Call 508-215-5630 or email ChrisWalshCenter@framingham.edu to book your consultation today!

The Chris Walsh Center proudly recognizes OUT MetroWest and The Trevor Project as our Resources of the Month, celebrating their dedication to the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth. OUT MetroWest fosters community, education, and empowerment through in-person programs, mentorship, and leadership development in the MetroWest Boston area. The Trevor Project provides 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention support via phone, text, and online chat.

Both organizations create safe, affirming spaces where LGBTQ+ youth can find connection, support, and empowerment.

Learn more below and join us in supporting these vital resources!

OUT MetroWest is a community resource providing support, education, and social opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth in the MetroWest Boston area. Through in-person programs, mentorship, and leadership development, they create a welcoming and affirming space for young people to connect with peers and trusted adults. Whether through drop-in groups, special events, or advocacy initiatives, this organization fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment for LGBTQ+ youth and their families. https://outmetrowest.org/

The Trevor Project is a crisis intervention and suicide prevention resource for LGBTQ+ youth, offering 24/7 support through trained counselors. A key feature of The Trevor Project is its accessibility—even for those without a phone. Young people can connect with a counselor via TrevorChat or TrevorText on any internet-enabled device, making it easier to find support wherever they are. With additional resources like peer support forums and educational materials, The Trevor Project is a lifeline for LGBTQ+ youth in need of immediate help and ongoing community connection. https://www.thetrevorproject.org

Mission: To provide information for families and educators about the continuum of educational support available to students with disabilities, students who are gifted, and students with unmet needs. The center will offer support, workshops and other programming for families, educators, student support professionals, administrators, and advocates in the MetroWest area. The center also will engage in scholarly research, educator preparation, and professional development.

Email: chriswalshcenter@framingham.edu
Website: https://www.chriswalshcenter.org
Location: 100 State Street, Framingham, MA, USA
Phone: (508) 215-5630