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.…

Continue reading

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…

Continue reading

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…

Continue reading

Get Social Media Savvy: What Every Adult Working with Youth Should Know about Social Media – June 14, 2019

Presenters:  Melissa J. Johnson, PhD,  Vicki Chiang, PsyD,  Paige Hobey, MA  Who are the top users of social media in the U.S.?  You got it – teen girls! Social media provides a unique tool for teens to stay connected 24/7 – and 70% receive support from others on social media during tough times. Add the dopamine jolts from getting “likes,” the freedom to interact independent from parents, and the entertainment value of apps literally designed to hook us – and it’s hard to resist.   How can teens enjoy the benefits while maintaining a healthy balance and managing the tough stuff – like those not-so-tactful group texts and why-wasn’t-I-invited photos? We’ve received so many recent requests from educators and mental health professionals hoping to offer the right support around social media.  So, our clinical team came together and designed a unique, interactive training session. The course offers three hours of continuing…

Continue reading