Presented by Lucretia Fraga, Ph.D.  Associate Professor at Incarnate Word University

This session is appropriate for educators, school leaders, and families. Dr. Fraga will provide an overview of artificial intelligence.  This session will provide time for questions and discussion.

Presentation Objectives/Learning Outcomes:

1. 

2. 

3. 

Bio of presenter:

Dr. Lucretia M. Fraga earned her Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching with an emphasis in Instructional Technology from The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Before joining UIW, Dr. Fraga worked at UTSA for 12 years as the Teaching and Learning Consultant in the Faculty Center, Associate Director of Instructional Technology for the Academy for Teacher Excellence, and adjunct professor.  In her roles, she taught students, faculty, and staff how to use technology for instructional purposes. Dr. Fraga brings experience in pedagogy, instructional technology, and design, teacher education, and professional development of faculty.

Presented by Amy Cobb, MD., University Medicine Associates

Join Dr. Cobb for an informative session on understanding and supporting children with ADHD. Learn about the essential executive functions, the neuroscience behind ADHD, and the diagnostic criteria. Discover practical strategies to scaffold tasks at home and school, and explore the impact of diet, exercise, and medication on ADHD management. Gain valuable insights into improving outcomes for children with ADHD.
 

Presentation Objectives/Learning Outcomes:

• Increase understanding: To enhance attendees' knowledge of executive functions, ADHD/ADD, and their relationship. 
• Provide practical strategies: To equip participants with actionable strategies for supporting children with ADHD in academic and home settings.
• Address common concerns: To clarify misconceptions about ADHD and its treatment, including the role of diet, exercise, and medication.
  
   

Bio of presenter

Dr. Amy Cobb is an internal medicine/pediatric specialist in San Antonio, Texas, and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Post Acute-Warm Springs Rehabilitation Hospital of Allen and University Health-San Antonio. She received her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine and has been in practice between 6-10 years.
 

Presented by: Anel Lamadrid, Reem Eissa, PhD, and , Will Archuleta, MS, from the Clarity Child Guidance Center

This talk explores the complexities of adolescent identity development in a social media-driven world, emphasizing the role of parasocial relationships and the impact of online interactions on mental health and social functioning. Participants will learn about the unique challenges faced by youth in the digital landscape and how these can affect their self-esteem and social skills. Additionally, a practical toolkit will be provided for teens, parents, and educators, offering some strategies to promote safe and healthy social media use.

Presentation Objectives/Learning Outcomes:

1. Examine adolescent mental health trends: Discuss trends in the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and self-harm in adolescents with the rise of social media
2. Understand Social Media's Role in Identity Development: Explore how social media influences adolescent self-perception and identity formation, particularly through parasocial relationships.
3. Assess Mental Health Implications: Identify the positive and negative effects of social media usage on adolescent mental health and well-being.
4. Develop Support Strategies:  Formulate practical strategies for educators and parents to support adolescents in navigating social media and their challenges effectively.
    

About Clarity:

Clarity Child Guidance Center is the only nonprofit mental health treatment center for kids ages 3 to 17 in South Texas. Our staff of children’s mental health professionals is the largest in the region. When a child is in crisis, we work with families to get much-needed treatment regardless of their ability to pay.

The mission of Clarity Child Guidance Center is to support children and families in their pursuit of mental wellness.

Bio:

Anel Lamadrid is currently serving as a doctoral intern in the Department of Psychiatry at UT Health San Antonio, specifically within the Child, Adolescent, and Family Track at Clarity Child Guidance Center. She is in the final stages of her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Northern Arizona University. As a bilingual graduate student and intern, she actively seeks to provide services and advocate for mental health initiatives within the Spanish-speaking community. Anel’s clinical interests focus on supporting children and adolescents in enhancing communication within their family systems, while also offering psychoeducational support.

Will Archuleta, MS is a PhD candidate in counseling psychology and the University of North Texas (UNT). He is currently completing his clinical psychology internship at UT Health San Antonio and Clarity Child Guidance Center with a focus on working with children, adolescents, and their families. His clinical interests include interpersonal psychotherapy, complex trauma, physical and sensory disability, child and adolescent assessment, and family-based therapy. As a researcher, Will has published on developmental consequences to childhood maltreatment, complex PTSD, and sensory disability as it pertains to identity development. Will also holds a passion for spreading mental health education through public speaking, providing a variety of talks across venues, including community centers, churches, military installations, and anime conventions.

Reem Eissa, PhD obtained her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Detroit Mercy. She then completed her pre-doctoral internship at UT Health San Antonio in the Department of Psychiatry where she trained in the Child, Adolescent, and Family track before completing a post-doctoral fellowship at Clarity Child Guidance Center, where she provided outpatient treatment to children, adolescents, and their families. She started a staff and supervising psychologist position at Clarity in October 2024. Dr. Eissa’s clinical interests include play therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and providing access to psychoeducation for parents of young children in the San Antonio community. She is also active in teaching activities, particularly focused on making psychoanalytic concepts and psychodynamic theory more accessible to graduate students in psychology. As a bilingual psychologist Dr. Eissa is passionate about advocating for the mental health needs of immigrants and refugees with Arab, Middle Eastern, and North African (AMENA) descent. 
 

Presented by Heidi Johnson, M.Ed., School Counselor at The Winston School San Antonio

School avoidance is a complex issue that can affect students of all ages, and has become a crisis post-pandemic.  The impact it can have on students and families is profound.  This presentation will delve into the signs of developing school avoidance as well as various factors that contribute to school avoidance including academic difficulties, social challenges, mental health concerns, and life changes.  We will discuss the potential impact of school avoidance on students’ academic performance, social development, and overall well-being. Additionally, the presentation will explore effective strategies for addressing school avoidance, such as early intervention, counseling services, and creating a supportive learning environment. By understanding the causes and consequences of school avoidance families and schools can work together to collaborate on strategies that promote positive school attendance and student growth and success.

Presentation Objectives/Learning Outcomes:

• Define school avoidance and its signs & characteristics.
• Identify the various factors that contribute to school avoidance, including academic, social, emotional, and life changes.
• Discuss the potential consequences of school avoidance on students' academic performance, social development, and overall well-being.
• Explore the impact of school avoidance on families.
• Identify strategies for schools and families to explore together to help school-avoidant students
• Share resources for schools and families
   

Bio of presenter: 

Ms. Heidi Johnson graduated from Siena College in Loudonville, NY and the University of Maryland, College Park where she earned a Master's in Education in School Counseling.  She has had the opportunity to live and work in a number of different states to include Maryland, Georgia, Tennessee, New York, and Texas.  She is a Texas Certified School Counselor and a member of the Texas Counseling and Texas School Counseling Associations, additionally, she recently was awarded the CREST from the Texas Counseling Association which recognizes model school counseling programs from across the state.  She is thrilled to be serving her second year as The Winston School San Antonio’s School Counselor. Go Eagles!

Presented by: Rebecca Juarez, LMSW

Adolescent Brain Development
This session is great for parents and teachers!

Presentation Objectives/Learning Outcomes:

Participants will:
 • 
 

Presenter's Bio:

Ms. Juarez
 

…

Presented by Grizelda M. Anguiana, MD, FAAP from Anchored

Our evidence-based presentation is designed to bring awareness and solutions about Anxiety and Depression in Children and Adolescents.

Presentation Objectives/Learning Outcomes:

● Instill understanding and sympathy for individuals with Anxiety and Depression
 

Bio of presenter:

Dr. Anguiano was born and raised in Laredo, Texas, and is a graduate of United High School. In 1998, she graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio—Birds up! Dr. Anguiano went on to earn her medical degree and pediatric medicine training from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston through 2009. She is a board-certified pediatrician, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Dr. Anguiano then moved to San Antonio to be closer to family and began working as a pediatric hospitalist at Methodist Children’s Hospital. She, thereafter, worked as a general pediatrician at Through the Years Pediatrics until 2019.