Each Tuesday in April 2023, we are hosting a webinar focused on empowering parents and guardians in our digital world. Subject-matter experts will present on topics ranging from connecting with our kids, addressing mental health, and protecting our kids from harmful social media and online predators.

Disclaimer: The Parent Empowerment Speaker Series is provided by Project STAND as a public service thanks in part to its generous sponsors. The views expressed by the presenters are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by Project STAND or its affiliates.

Highlights from 2022 Parent Empowerment Speaker Series

2023 Presenters
(After presentation, click to view recordings)

Aimee Rust

April 5th

LOVING THE TEEN YEARS, By Aimee Rust, MS, LCPC, LMFT

Aimee will guide parents in successfully engaging and connecting with their children. She will address some of the barriers to connection during the teen years including peer influence, technology and social media, and a desire for independence. She will provide tools to address these issues in ways that can lead to connection while still celebrating teens’ individuality. Above all, parents will leave this session feeling hopeful about their relationships with their teens.

Stacy Zinn

April 12th

HARMFUL TRENDS AMONG MONTANA YOUTH, By Stacy Zinn, Resident Agent in Charge, Montana Drug Enforcement Administration & Chris McClure, Agent/Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Commander

In this presentation, Stacy and Chris will address harmful trends among youth in Montana, including drug use and internet crimes against children. They will specifically emphasize how technology facilitates these problems and the role youth play in victimizing themselves and their peers. Parents will come away with tools and resources to give them hope for addressing these daunting challenges.

Chris McClure

April 12th

Matt Leavenworth

April 19th

RAISING MENTALLY HEALTHY KIDS, By Matt Leavenworth, MA, LCPC

In this presentation, Matt will provide parents with information and understanding about the risk factors for mental illness and teen suicide, including the role that technology plays. Parents will come away with strategies and interventions they can do with their children in the home. Matt will also cover finding and creating supportive and compassionate communities for parents to engage with.

Brittany Homer

April 26th

PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM ONLINE EXPLOITATION, By Brittany Homer, MS, CFLE

It is becoming more and more difficult to protect children from the traumatizing adult content found online. Exposure to this material can lead to abuse, addictions, acting out, and more. Since protection begins with education, Brittany will offer information and resources parents can incorporate into their families to empower their kids to make safe choices online.