Trainings and Webinars

Learning Library

How to Keep Your Teen Safe During Prom and Graduation Season

This webinar will explore current substance use trends in NH, impaired and distracted driving information and resources, tips to talk to your teen about making safe choices and what is consent and why is it so important.

20th Annual CADY Prevention Summit- May 27, 2022

Keynote Speaker: Lynn Lyons, LICSW (“Supporting Our Children and Teens: What Current Research and Mr. Rogers Have in Common…and Why We Need to Listen”)

Special Remarks: Dr. Andrew Seefeld, M.D. (The Science of Addiction and the Path to Emotional Sobriety)

Understanding Trauma: Learning Brain vs. Survival Brain (Mama Elephant)- Dr. Jacob Ham

This video reframes a trauma perspective in terms of learning brain versus survival brain as a way to make it easier for teachers to talk about trauma with students.

“The Science of Addiction and the Path to Emotional Sobriety” presented by: Dr. Andrew Seefeld, M.D., FACEP

For much of the past century, the study of addiction has lived in the shadows of powerful myths and misconceptions. As a result of scientific research, we now know that addiction is a medical disorder that affects the brain and changes behavior. Preventing relapse isn’t the only way to achieve effective recovery. Addressing the negative emotions which may have led to the development of addiction- or occurred as a result of addiction- are equally important. In this presentation, participants will learn more about the science of addiction and the path to emotional sobriety.

Dr. Seefeld is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician, practicing in Plymouth, NH. Dr. Seefeld is the Medical Director of the Emergency Department, and Director of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Services at Speare Memorial Hospital.

Trusted Adulting: What’s Your Go-To Mode? presented by: Coley Hapeman and Kim Siwiec

Are you a Challenger? Cheerleader? Comforter? or Coach? We know from the research that trusted adults can make a profound difference in the lives of young people, but not all trusted adults play the same role for youth; in fact, trusted adults show up in many forms, and for different durations. Our own interviews and research have told us that, no matter the form or the length of time trusted adults are active in a young person’s life, young people need four different modes from the adults who surround them at any given time.

“Hookup Culture and the Pressure Our Kids Are Facing to Conform to Sexual Relationships”- presented by Cindy Pierce

Many young people mask their confusion about relationships and sex and rely on the Internet to answer their questions. Hookup culture has become normalized and even glorified through cultural messaging and peer pressure online and off. Young people regularly express the challenges of social and sexual anxiety and the pressure to conform, as well as confusion about what norms are appropriate. Cindy finds that to an overwhelming extent; teens experience direct and indirect pressure from peers to hook up.

“The State of Substance Misuse” with featured speaker DEA Special Agent Jon DeLena

DEA Special Agent Jon DeLena , a member of the Department of Justice Senior Executive Service and Associate Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s New England Division, along with a panel of local first responders and healthcare experts, will discuss the state of substance misuse in our region and throughout NH.

“Better Boundaries” – presented by Brooklyn Raney

A lack of healthy, and stated, boundaries, are leading to a rise in burnout in professionals, parents, and all people! Learn about the 4-layers of barriers that we can use, and how to express and live them, for your protection, sustainability, happiness, and health.

“What is Responsible Drinking?” presented by: Liz Brochu and Emily Shanahan, CADY

Prime for Life, an evidence-based prevention, intervention and pre-treatment program, helps people learn to reduce their risk of alcohol and drug-related problems throughout life. This webinar will briefly cover the National drinking norms for adults and discuss what responsible/moderate drinking really means.

An understanding of potential risks associated with high-risk alcohol choices is an important tool for protecting what we value. When presented in a non-judgmental way, carefully selected information can provoke new thinking and provide individuals with a solid basis for making decisions about their own alcohol use.

Results from more than 28 years of instructors teaching Prime for Life indicate the curriculum is effective in helping participants change their high-risk behaviors. Prime for Life has also been shown to reduce recidivism and increase abstinence.

“8 Things About Alcohol” presented by: the CADY’s Youth Advisory and Advocacy Council (YAAC)

This presentation begins with a discussion of the alcohol industry’s advertising strategy: advertising by association. The student presenters discuss how the industry uses association-style advertising to connect alcohol with positive images, such as: people who have lots of friends, are athletic, are attractive, or who are having fun. The presenters emphasize that often these images used in ads have nothing to do with the actual results of using the product.

The presenters then go on to discuss how many of the images that the industry uses are particularly attractive to a young audience. The use of this type of advertising is problematic because it creates the impression in young people’s minds that the alcohol use is risk-free, harmless and “everyone is doing it.”

In the core of this presentation students emphasize the “Eight Consequences of Alcohol Use that the Alcohol Industry Won’t Warn You About.”

4th Annual Shout Out to Parents 

Keynote Speaker: Brooklyn Raney

Brooklyn Raney is an experienced teacher, coach, and administrator who has spent the last decade in independent schools. In her free time, she loves to hike, cross-country ski, snowshoe, and travel. Nothing, however, makes her happier than working with youth and the adults who support them.

“Taylor’s Message” presented by: Kathi Sullivan

After a night of binge drinking and high-risk choices at a series of underage parties, Kathi’s 17 year old daughter Taylor wandered away alone in the woods, and drowned in only two feet of water. They found her 3 days later.

Two months later Kathi, Taylor’s mom, started sharing Taylor’s story with students and parents in hopes that her message would enlighten others on the dangers of underage drinking and high-risk choices. Passionate about reaching students hearts and minds, she simply shares with students what happened that night, how it could have been prevented and how Taylor’s death has affected her family, Taylor’s friends and the community. Students and parents leave Kathi’s presentation feeling like it was their friend or daughter that was lost that fateful night. Her presentation goes far beyond binge drinking, underage drinking and high-risk choices. Each audience member takes away something different.

Kathy has made it her mission in life to spread Taylor’s Message. Kathi’s presentation is heart-wrenching but ends with an inspiration message of hope, love and a newfound power for students to deal with peer pressure and tough choices they face every day. Her honesty, openness, and heartfelt message is packed with powerful take-aways and is a presentation that will not be soon forgotten.

“Talking About Risky Behavior” presented by: Samantha Worth and Maura McGowan, NH Teen Institute 

Research shows that communicating clear standards for healthy behavior to our children is an important part of guiding our children away from high-risk behavior and helping them make healthy choices. In this workshop, you will learn how to develop clear standards for healthy behavior with our teens.

“The Social Media Long Game” presented by: Cindy Pierce, Author, Speaker and Comedic Storyteller

Combining research and stories in her presentations, Cindy Pierce aims to increase awareness of kids’ social struggles and to equip parents with talking points and ideas for ongoing conversations with their kids. Because there is universal acceptance of being attached to our phones, it is easy to avoid these conversations. A high level of concern about the long-term consequences of excessive screen time if on the minds of most parents, yet they feel powerless to make change.

SAM NH Virtual Prevention Summit: Let’s Keep NH a Safe Place to Live Work and Play

Speakers will include, Dr. Kevin Sabet, SAM President and CEO, Will Jones III, SAM Communications and Outreach Associate , Dr. Ken Finn, M.D. of Springs Rehabilitation and Award-Winning Youth Group—Dover Youth 2 Youth. The SAM NH Virtual Prevention Summit 2021 took place on January 15, 2021.

“Cultivating Love and Connection In the Lives of Our Children As They Navigate Pain and Disconnection” presented by Dr. Jessica Dutille

Youth are experiencing severe pain and disconnection at alarming rates, which is reflected in the increase of mental health issues, substance use, bullying, violence, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. As a society, we can no longer afford to perpetuate disconnection and separatism while our children suffer the consequences. Instead, we need to teach them how to love themselves and to develop healthy connection inward and outward. Join Dr. Jessica Dutille for this webinar that explores research on love-based practices, such as mindfulness and meditation, and how these can be applies in not only transforming our children’s lives but also our own.

“Not in the Playbook” from featured speaker Chris Sullivan

Former NFL player Chris Sullivan shares his own personal battle with addiction, the dangers of alcohol and drugs and his amazing journey to recovery.

“Resilience: The Art of Bouncing Back” presented by: Dr. Maria Sanders

Presented by: Dr. Maria Sanders, PhD, JD, MBA

Join Dr. Maria Sanders for a philosophical discussion on strategies we can take to develop resilience and live full and flourishing lives during the global pandemic.

Dr. Sanders is an Applied Philosopher with an expertise in scholarly research in happiness, place, and the impact technologies are having on meaningful communication and experiences. She will share some practical steps we can take to minimize fear and stress during a time of uncertainty, while distinguishing between reckless and responsible risk taking.