Mental Well-Being

Trauma is a buzz word in society today, but what truly is trauma? This presentation will give you a better understanding on what trauma is and how it presents in our children today. We will dive into common symptoms and begin the process of understanding how the brain is impacted by trauma. This presentation will offer solutions that could help aid in the process of healing. Trauma is all around us, this presentation will make those conversations easier and symptoms better to understand. Let's start the conversation.

Speaker BIO: Jenna Kamholz is a Minnesota Licensed Profession Clinical Counselor. Jenna is currently working at PrairieCare Partial Hospitalization Program in Maplewood, MN. Jenna's clinical practice and certifications center around trauma and children's mental health. Jenna is trained in trauma practices and values education and the understanding on how the brain is impacted by traumatic events. Jenna has worked in a variety of different settings including inpatient hospital, schools and partial hospital programs. Jenna's passions include working with children and understanding their world view, while helping families and teachers better understand how children are behaving.

Anxiety and School Refusal: During this presentation, there will be a discussion on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's and teens' experiences of anxiety and difficulties related to school attendance. The presenter will give a brief overview to attendees on anxiety and common signs and symptoms in children and adolescents as well as possible reasons for lack of attendance and school refusal. The presenter will then offer strategies that can be useful in working with anxious youth and ways to encourage and motivate school attendance and engagement based on strategies used with previous clients as they transitioned back to school.

Speaker Bio: Kara Haugen is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who has over 7 years of experience in the field working with children, adolescents and families dealing with mental health concerns. Kara has worked in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, residential treatment centers, day treatment and partial hospitalization. Kara has a passion for working with youth and families to identify strengths and how these can be utilized to promote the best functioning for each client. Kara has additional training in the areas of trauma, attachment, and youth who have been adopted or part of the foster care system.