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For Schools
Dr. Kane offers mental health education and professional development training to school districts. Dr. Kane's presentations provide easy-to-implement strategies for creating safe learning environments for students, teachers, and staff.
Dr. Kane also provides guidance on how to respond to mental health crises in a school setting. She works with school administrators to develop mental health policies and procedures to ensure the safety of everyone in the school community.
Below you will find a library of presentations by Dr. Kane designed to support students' formative years.
The CDC's 2021 Youth Behavior Risk Survey indicates that schools face
four main problems: sexual behaviors, substance use, violence, and suicide.
There is a strong connection between each of these four concerns and mental health. Research conducted by the CDC has shown that prevention efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, community members, and even students can make a significant impact on the learning environment.
Topics
The Window of Tolerance
Why do we feel overwhelmed, agitated, or angry? Why do others of us shut down, withdraw, or numb our feelings? Using the Window of Tolerance, a metaphor to explain why we experience dysregulation, discover tools to navigate stress, uncertainty, adversity, and trauma in an emotionally healthy way. Using proven communication techniques, interactive conversation practice, and classroom strategies, educators can help students thrive.
The Big Four
Today's youth face challenges in the areas of sexual behavior, substance abuse, violence, and suicidality. Please join me as I translate scientific research into effective interventions for youth in these four areas. You will receive actionable steps and resources to enhance the programs and strategies already in place at your school. Increase school connectedness, address youth hopelessness, and identify and address health disparities related to sex, race, ethnicity, and sexual identity.
The Danger of Buzzwords & Self-diagnosis
Increasingly, mental health terms are becoming buzzwords. It is alarming to hear teens say things like, "I'm just so OCD" or "He's so bipolar." Even more alarming are teens who self-diagnose and self-medicate. Students, teachers, and parents/caregivers will learn about emotional and mental wellness, including conversation practices and how to identify and respond to signs of distress in their friends and family members.
When Trauma Comes into the Classroom
Dr. Kane discusses common traumas experienced by children and adolescents, how trauma disrupts development, and how to accommodate traumatized students. Dr. Kane can customize this presentation to address homelessness, teenage pregnancy, abuse, sexual assault, bullying, or other traumas prevalent at your school. Finally, we will discuss the differences between "big T" trauma and "little t" trauma, as well as PTSD. With this topic, you will learn how to identify, engage, understand, and support students who may have experienced trauma or adversity. In addition, you will learn how to refer them to a mental health professional.
Mental Health 101 for Educators & Staff
Through a trauma-informed lens, this presentation builds awareness, knowledge, and understanding of common mental health challenges. In her presentation, Dr. Kane discusses trends in emotional and mental health, treatment options, and suicide prevention.
Emotional Wellness for Parents/Caregivers
The extended community, parents, and caregivers play a critical role in creating a healthy environment for children and adolescents. Learn how to strengthen bonds with children and help them express their feelings, thoughts, and emotions. It is almost always followed by a Q&A session in which parents receive validation, guidance on boundaries, and resources.
Substance Use & Teens
Research and trends on youth substance use to help teens make positive choices. Social norms, media portrayals, myths, and misconceptions are discussed. We will discuss healthy and unhealthy coping strategies, as well as refusal techniques so teens can support one another. Dr. Kane assists with role-playing situations involving substance use in real life in an appropriate setting. The parent night format will teach parents and caregivers how to initiate substance use conversations.
Digital Detox & Growing Brains
Kids love learning about their brains. Another thing they love? Their electronics! This is the smartphone generation. Therefore, youth in this generation experience more anxiety, depression, and suicide ideation than in previous generations. The average American child spends 8 hours a day on electronics. Discuss electronics as a source of addiction as well as strategies to help kids manage their electronic use. Discover how the brain develops and how brain chemicals affect emotional stability and resilience.
Enhancing the health and wellbeing of our students and teachers
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