Melissa Johnson PhD – Illuminated Education

Stand Up! Speak Out!® Curriculum Training: Empowering Friendship & Conflict Resolution Skills – June 22-23, 2023

For professionals empowering girls, children and teens to navigate friendships. Program is based on the Stand Up! Speak Out!® curriculum being implemented in many schools and after-school programs and will be informative for Psychologists and other mental health providers. Presenters: Melissa Johnson, PhD and Vicki Chiang, PsyD. CE units: 12.0 When: June 22 – 23, 2023 (Thursday and Friday) Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm (Sign in and light breakfast 8:30 – 9:00) Location: Institute for Girls’ Development, 95 N. Marengo Ave, Suite 100, Pasadena, CA Please go to the Institute for Girls’ Development website for more description of this program. Course Level: Intermediate. This course will be useful for Psychologists and other mental health professionals as well as school counselors, school psychologists, educators and those who lead programming for girls. Learning Modalities: Attendees learn through demonstrations, videos, breakout sessions, presentations, and experiential activities. All participants receive a training packet with resources.…

Gaps and Gains – July 30, 2021

Understand the Social, Emotional and Academic Setbacks and Gifts (Yes, Gifts!) of the Covid-19 Year with Clinical Implication. How has the last unprecedented year and a half affected our children and teens? During this pandemic season, youth have experienced loss, trauma, racial justice concerns, excessive screen time, upended routines, and isolation. They’ve also experienced less frenzied schedules, perhaps developed some new skills and interests, and experienced different kinds of family time (for better or worse). The Covid-19 year has changed children’s lives in so many ways. While the long-term developmental impact of navigating this global pandemic is yet to be known, we’ll have a chance to look together at the latest research, survey data and anecdotal accounts of suffering and resilience. We’ll discuss relevant clinical considerations, interventions and applicable activities through a decolonizing lens. Date: Friday, July 30, 2021 Time: 9am to 11am CE Units: 2.0 Overview: Topics addressed include…

Dr. Melissa J. Johnson

Melissa Johnson, PhD, licensed psychologist (PSY 13102), is the founder & CEO of the Institute for Girls’ Development in Pasadena, CA. An expert on child and teen development with a Masters in Education and Doctorate in Counseling Psychology, Dr. Johnson has worked with children and teens for over 35 years, providing empowerment opportunities for individuals, groups and communities. At the Institute, Dr. Johnson and her team deliver strength-based therapy, inspiring educational programs, and consultation with schools and districts to help create positive school climates. Dr. Johnson’s approach to raising and mentoring girls draws together contemporary research in neuroscience, mind/body health, and evidence based interventions in mindfulness and social and emotional intelligence. The book Stand Up! Speak Out!™ Empowering Skills for Girls’ Friendships: The Essential Guide for Educators and Others Who Work with Girls is now available to provide practical tools for those who mentor girls. Dr. Johnson has been recognized…

MINDFULNESS TOOLS: HELPING CHILDREN AND TEENS STRESS LESS AND CONNECT MORE – July 20, 2019

Come discover creative, fun and meaningful tools for incorporating mindfulness into everyday activities with children and teens! For mental health professionals, educators, and youth program leaders. Learn creative, fun and meaningful tools and exercises to support the effective use of mindfulness in school, after school, and in therapy. Presenter: Dr. Melissa Johnson When: Saturday, July 20, 2019, 9:30am – 3:30pm (Sign in and light breakfast 9:00 – 9:30) Exciting current research in the fields of psychology, education, and neuroscience indicate that mindfulness practices can help children and teens improve attention and focus, manage stress, enjoy more positive relationships, and increase optimism! Whether you work in an educational or clinical setting or an after-school program, mindfulness tools can be an asset to the youth with whom you work. This presentation will provide participants with current research, practical tools, and experiential exercises to support the effective use of mindfulness with children and…