Dedicated to Improving the Health and Quality of Life for the People of North Carolina
 Celebrating 88 Years of Health Advocacy and Community Service

Symposium 2005, Navigating Adolescence
October 14, 2005
Grandover Resort and Hotel
featuring Michael Gurian

Co-Founder of the Gurian Institute
Author of The Minds of Boys, The Wonder of Boys, Boys and Girls Learn Differently and The Wonder of Girls

Understanding male energy from the inside out is empowering to parents, teachers and all who care for boys’ minds.  Inside every boy is an educational hero who is trying to flourish, and every boy can learn if his education is well cared for. During this address Gurian focuses on:

• Understanding the male learning style.

• Saving our sons from falling behind in school and in life.

• Ensuring good schooling for boys by exploring the role of parents and communities. 

• Examining new methods, strategies and teaching techniques proven to work in schools, classrooms and homes.

Complete schedule here.

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9:00 Morning Session
Reaching At-Risk Youth
Dr. Sol Gordon
 

Despite all the gloom and doom about the youth of today, the majority...grow up to be relatively healthy, law-abiding, mature and drug-free adults.  But the problem of ‘at-risk’ youth...exists. – Sol Gordon

In this session, Dr. Gordon will examine the problems of “at-risk” youth, the price society pays by failing to address the issues facing these adolescents, and what parents and others who work with adolescents can do to help turn problems into solutions for a healthy, productive life.  Dr. Gordon believes by saving one life at a time, one saves the world.

Sol Gordon, PhD, received his BA and MS from the University of Illinois and his PhD in Psychology from the University of London.  At Syracuse University, he was Professor of Child and Family Studies, was founding director of the Institute for Family Research Education and is currently Professor Emeritus.  He has written over 100 articles for professional publication and a number of books including: A Friend in Need - Helping A Friend When Times Are Tough; When Living Hurts and Raising a Child Responsibly in a Sexually Permissive World.

Suspensions do not address the root cause of misbehavior, and may be related to higher rates of juvenile incarceration and lower rates of academic achievement.– Framing Paper, The 2003 School to Prison Pipeline Conference, sponsored by the Civil Rights Project, Harvard University

Program participants will receive information on how to plan and implement a model in-school suspension program. Joining Mr. Lassiter will be a panel of in-school suspension program coordinators that lead model programs at their home sites.  Participants are encouraged to ask questions throughout the session.

William Lassiter, a graduate of NC State University with a bachelor’s in political science and a master’s in public administration, joined the Center for the Prevention of School Violence, Department of Juvenile Justice, in 1998. He became project coordinator for the statewide school safety tip line and Working Against Violence Everywhere in 1999.

[Depression]…is a major cause of teenage suicide, but to various degrees it interferes with a child’s ability to learn [and] form relationships… – former US Surgeon General David Satcher

One in twenty adolescents will have a depressive episode, and many will not receive treatment. Dr. Hejazi reviews why teens get depressed, what happens in the brain when depression occurs, and how  family physicians, teachers and counselors can recognize the symptoms and find treatment. In addition, he will focus on new recommendations regarding the usage of antidepressants.

Masoud S. Hejazi, MD, is a psychiatrist and Medical Director of the Presbyterian Counseling Center in Greensboro, North Carolina.  Board certified in adult, child, adolescent psychiatry and addictionology, Dr. Hejazi often presents workshops on cults and addiction.

The Minds of Boys: How to Help Our Sons Do Their Best in School and Succeed in Life

Working together, our schools and our communities can help boys and girls learn to their best abilities.– Michael Gurian

Understanding male energy from the inside out is empowering to parents, teachers and all who care for boys’ minds.  Inside every boy is an educational hero who is trying to flourish, and every boy can learn if his education is well cared for. During this address Gurian focuses on:

• Understanding the male learning style.

• Saving our sons from falling behind in school and in life.

• Ensuring good schooling for boys by exploring the role of parents and communities. 

• Examining new methods, strategies and teaching techniques proven to work in schools, classrooms and homes.

Michael Gurian is a social philosopher, family therapist, corporate consultant and New York Times bestselling author.  As co-founder of The Gurian Institute, he conducts research international, launches pilot programs and trains professionals.  He has pioneered efforts to bring neuro-biology and brain research into homes, workplaces, schools and public policy.

Emerging study results suggest that early identification and treatment of mental illness and psychosis improves outcome. Attendees will become aware of the risk factors for and early signs of severe mental illness to help them make appropriate referrals. Perkins will also present clinical features of new onset psychosis and the importance of prompt treatment. This session will benefit primary care providers, teachers, guidance counselors and police officers.

Diana O. Perkins, MD, received her medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and obtained her MPH in epidemiology from the University of North Carolina School of Public Health. She is currently Professor of Psychiatry at the UNC-CH School of Medicine and co-director of the Clinical Outcomes and Assessment Unit for the National Institute of Mental Health.

Together, Ms. Daniels and Ms. Sherry, two educators who are certified trainers from The Gurian Institute, will encourage the teachers who attend this workshop to pursue best practices in classrooms by supporting brain-based gender differences.  Both enjoy providing opportunities for in-service training to teachers and parents about the differences in boys and girls and ways to better approach educating them.

Claudia Sherry, Lower School Principal and Assistant Head of School at Carolina Day School in Asheville, has a BS degree from Cornell University and a master’s degree in educational administration from Western Carolina University.

Peggy Daniels has served as the Middle School Principal at the Carolina Day School since 1997.  Ms. Daniels has a bachelor’s degree in education and a graduate degree in school administration from Western Carolina University and has taught in both public and private schools.