Panel to help adults guide children, youth through mental health challenges posed by the times

The past year and the beginning of 2021 have been marked by a tremendous amount of loss and change. Whether at the national, state, or local level, the ongoing events related to the COVID-19 pandemic, systemic racism, and the landscape of politics have affected us all. In particular, these events can be challenging to process for children and youth.

The Thelma P. Lally School of Education at The College of Saint Rose wants to help adults guide children through this often-stressful period. “Supporting Youth Mental Health in Challenging Times,” a panel discussion featuring those who work with youth directly in schools and in the community, will be held February 11 at 6 p.m. via Zoom.

The event, which is part of a series of panel discussions hosted by the school to help those who work with children and youth, is free and open to the public.

“We are fortunate to have so many experts in our School of Education, not only in education but in counseling, school and educational psychology, and communication sciences and disorders,” said Dr. Terri Ward, interim dean of the school. “We also have a wealth of skilled professionals in the field of mental health throughout the region – many of them our alumni. In times when the pandemic may have us all feeling disconnected, it’s important to come together and share resources to help the youngest members of our society navigate what sometimes feels like chaos.”

“Supporting Youth Mental Health in Challenging Times,” is moderated by Dr. Claudia Lingertat-Putnam, Psy.D., professor of counseling at Saint Rose, and will address how youth and their mental health are affected by recent events and how adults can help.

The panelists are:

• Catie Magil, CAS, G’07, G’16 assistant director of special education, City School District of Albany
• Dr. Elizabeth Power, Ed.D., assistant professor of school psychology at Saint Rose
• Esma Simohamed G’13, school counselor, Shatekon Elementary School, Shenendehowa Central Schools
• Jaymes White, secondary assistant principal at Brunswick Central School District, Region 4 Governor of NYSSCA, and a former school counselor

The event is free and open to the public. Registration via Eventbrite is required in order to receive the Zoom link for the event.