Atkinson hosts conference on youth wellness

On a vibrant day in Freeport, the Susanne Smoller Conference on Youth Wellness unfolded with great enthusiasm, paying homage to the extraordinary legacy of Susanne Smoller, an esteemed advocate in the PTA and the Nassau Public School District. 

Organized by the Nassau Region Parent Teacher Association, the annual gathering took place on May 9 at Caroline Atkinson Intermediate School, and focused on an educational atmosphere and a commitment to promoting awareness and advocacy for the well-being of young minds.

Immersing participants in a tapestry of interactive workshops and captivating presentations, the event delved into the realms of social-emotional learning, parent-child communication, and the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. 

“Mental health awareness and overall wellness are of utmost importance,” region board member and Smoller Conference Chairp Leona Fowler said. “Mental health is an integral part of one’s well-being, and wellness encompasses the overall state of being. The event’s theme focused on achieving holistic health, prioritizing self-care, and extending it to encompass not just oneself, but also one’s family and the wider community. We want everyone to recognize the significance of nurturing their complete well-being, from the inside out. We just wanted to make sure everybody understood that.”

A conference highlight was a workshop inspired by the Disney Pixar film, “Inside Out” where young participants explored emotions and learned how to manage them effectively.

Following the workshop, families engaged in a do-it-yourself craft activity centered around creating sensory keychains. The interactive session fostered emotional awareness and provided families with a bonding opportunity.

Parents also attended an exclusive workshop titled “Going beyond the after school special: Having hard conversations with your children” led by Susan Fisher, Assistant Director of the School Mental Health Resource and Training Center, and Nassau Region PTA Associate Director. 

Parents were equipped with valuable tools to engage in open dialogues about sensitive topics. By facilitating these discussions at home, parents can guide their children towards seeking support and understanding within the family unit, thus minimizing the risk of negative influences.

“We had families share some of those hard topics and how to basically process through those topics like trauma, gender, all those different things that young people are going through now,” Fowler said. “And how to just have those conversations with your children so that they’re not looking for that outside of the home.”

In addition to the workshops, a licensed dietitian and nutritionist educated attendees about healthy food choices, particularly in relation to snacking. By unveiling the surprising lack of nutritional value in popular cereals, chips, and even cooking ingredients, participants were empowered to make informed decisions when grocery shopping. A nutritious lunch was provided, featuring gluten-free, carb-free, and vegetable wrap options, along with light snacks like veggie sticks and plain Greek yogurt.

The attendees of all ages hailed from various Long Island districts and New York City boroughs learned the importance of fostering a holistic approach to wellness.

The Nassau Region PTA, a branch of the National PTA, serves as an umbrella organization encompassing Parent Teacher Associations from school districts in Nassau and Queens Counties. It comprises parents, teachers, and students who actively advocate for state laws and policies that address pressing issues affecting youth.

By engaging in legislative action and community initiatives, the organization strives to ensure a nurturing and supportive environment for children and families.

Reflecting on the event’s significance, Leona Fowler and the PTA board stressed the vital role of mental health awareness and wellness.

“By taking care of the whole self, we can cultivate a healthier and more supportive environment for ourselves, our loved ones, and our community as a whole,” Fowler said.

As the conference concluded, the organizers extended an invitation to the public to look forward to next year’s free event, reinforcing the commitment to fostering youth well-being and advocacy.