Via Christi and Wichita YMCAs have partnered to offer free classes designed to help parents survive their children’s teenage years. The classes are free, but seating is limited and preregistration is required.
Call Via Christi Health Connection at 316-689-5700 to sign up for one or more of the following seminars:
Navigating the teenage years: A life raft for parents
Jennifer Harms, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and director of outpatient and clinical support at Via Christi Behavioral Health Center, and Matthew Gallagher, a licensed clinical professional counselor and a school counselor for Wichita Public Schools, will help parents learn how to deal with a difficult child, effectively set boundaries, and build relationships and selfesteem — while preserving their own sanity.
- Thursday, March 7, Robert D. Love Downtown YMCA, 7-8:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 9, YMCA Farha Sport Center, 7-8:30 p.m.
Teenage brain: Under construction
Kelli Netson, PhD, who specializes in child and adolescent psychology, and Nicole Klaus, PhD, ABPP, a pediatric neuropsychologist, both with the University of Kansas School of MedicineWichita, will talk about the biological processes that control the teenage brain, providing insight into the teen’s perception of the world so parents can communicate with them more effectively.
- Thursday, March 14, Robert D. Love Downtown YMCA, 7-8:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 16, YMCA Farha Sport Center, 7-8:30 p.m.
Change, challenges and choices: If you’re not in charge of your life, who is?
Shiloh Jiwanlal, BA, BSN, MSN, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, a clinical nurse specialist with Via Christi Behavioral Health Center, and Susan Bumsted, RN, MSN, assistant chief nursing officer with Via Christi Hospitals in Wichita, will help parents learn to take control of their lives through self awareness, assertive communication and personal growth.
- Thursday, March 21, Robert D. Love Downtown YMCA, 7-8:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 23, YMCA Farha Sport Center, 7-8:30 p.m.
The program is funded through a more than $81,000 grant from Kohl’s Cares® to the Via Christi Foundation for Kohl’s Parents Academy programs. While there is no cost to participate, seating is limited and preregistration is required. Call Via Christi Health Connection at 316-689-5700 to register.
