SEL Speaker Series
Dr. Justine Okerson ‘01 on Emotional Intelligence & College Admissions
From finding the right fit for college to navigating applications, now more than ever emotional intelligence is crucial for college admission. Join Lausanne alumna, Dr. Justine Okerson, to discuss how to cultivate emotional intelligence, and apply lessons learned to college admission, future careers, and lifelong learning.
Justine Okerson is the Senior Associate Director in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. With over a decade of experience, Justine directs recruitment and outreach for Admissions while also planning large-scale events both on and off campus. Previously, she served as Director of Scholar Selection at the Morehead-Cain Foundation, Associate Director of Merit Scholarships at Duke University, and Associate Dean of Admission at William & Mary. Justine earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration in 2016 from William & Mary, where she completed her dissertation on college choice and the campus visit. Justine received her Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration from William & Mary in 2010 and her Bachelor's Degree in English & American Studies at the University of Virginia in 2005. Committed to life-long learning, Justine serves on the Board of Directors for SACAC and is pursuing an MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics at UNCW. Justine is also a proud graduate from Lausanne Collegiate School (Class of ‘01) - Go Lynx!
Patricia Smith on Compassion Fatigue
When a caregiver gives too much without practicing self-care daily, a secondary traumatic stress syndrome known as compassion fatigue can take hold. Throughout Covid-19, educators and parents have continued to support their students during this challenging time, but have also experienced elevated levels of compassion fatigue, stress and burnout. This webinar provides a basic understanding of compassion fatigue, its symptoms and causes, and strategies for promoting wellness. A blueprint for creating a self-care plan is included, as well as resources to aid participants in learning more about stress and burnout. This information is vital as we all work to restore our sense of wellbeing and good health following the challenges Covid created in our lives. Participants will leave the presentation with an increased awareness that it is possible to provide compassionate and empathetic care to others without depleting their own resources - body, mind and spirit.
Patricia Smith is the founder of the Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project (www.compassionfatigue.org). As a certified Compassion Fatigue Specialist, she has been facilitating workshops, presenting keynotes and webinars on the subject nationally and internationally for the past 20 years. In 2016, Patricia presented a TEDx talk (www.tedxsanjuanisland.com/2016/) entitled Navigating the Path to Wellness: CompassionFatigue in Caregiving. With a background in journalism, she has written 5 training manuals and books on the subject. Additionally, she has twice been named a Whiteley Scholar, which provides a writing/study grant funded through the Helen R. Whiteley Foundation at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Dr. Patrice Reed on Cultivating Resilience in Children
Dr. Reed has been practicing pediatrics for 29 years. She says, “I was born in Clarksville,TN. As a result of my father’s military career, I left Tennessee when I was a toddler and spent my childhood traveling across the US. I returned to Tennessee to attend Austin Peay State University. I then went to University of Tennessee School of Medicine where I received my medical degree.
I completed my residency at LeBonheur Childrens Hospital. After residency I joined George Washington School of Medicine where I taught and practiced medicine. After almost six years at G.W. I returned to Memphis and joined Laurelwood Pediatrics. Two years later, I decided to start my on practice along with two other pediatricians from my residency. In 1998, Memphis Pediatrics was established. I have been practicing general pediatrics at Memphis Pediatrics for 22 years. I am a member of the American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and Memphis Pediatric Society where I served terms as vice president and president.
When I am not practicing medicine, I enjoy reading, cooking, and walking. I also love being active in community service. Through my church, Saint Andrew AME Church, and my organizations of affiliation, Jack and Jill of America, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and The Memphis, TN Chapter of The Links, Inc., I do what I can to give back to the Memphis community. I am married to Doctor Jarvis Reed, an hematologist/oncologist at West Cancer Center. Jarvis and I are the proud parents of four Lausanne alumnae: Jarred (class of 2009), Jessica (class of 2014), Jordan (class of 2017), Jason (class of 2019). Our children have been fortunate to have gone onto schools like University of Tennessee , Yale, Emory, Vanderbilt and Northwestern. They have pursued careers in law, medicine and psychology. We are grateful for the wonderful foundation Lausanne provided for our children. “
Dr. Reed will be discussing the strengths that already exist in our children that can help them bounce back during difficult times as well as various ways parents can enhance these strengths.With the ever growing use of technology, it is essential we understand how to have a healthy relationship with it for ourselves and our children. In this talk we will discuss the habit loop as it relates to social media and technology and methods to protect and improve our children's ability to "turn off and tune in".
Dr. Bryan Pearlman on Supporting Students Emotionally
A recent survey found that the majority of parents reported that their teen’s mental health was negatively impacted by the pandemic. In addition, according to insurance reports, the number of mental health insurance claims for US teens doubled during this same time. Dr. Pearlman will share information, strategies, and resources for parents and the community to help meet the emotional and mental health needs of children and teens.
Dr. Bryan Pearlman is a veteran educator/school administrator, a mental health therapist, PD leader, keynote speaker, and adjunct professor. He is the author of two books: Maslow Before Bloom: Basic Human Needs Before Academics released in May 2020 & Whatever It Takes For All Students To Succeed In School and Life, released in January 2019. Dr. Pearlman is also the co-founder and board member of the mental health non-profit DSMHW.org. His expertise is helping all children to succeed, challenging behaviors, trauma, school improvement, mental health, and self-care. Dr. Pearlman has presented to over 50,000 people in the past two years. He is regularly asked to provide keynote addresses, featured presentations, and trainings for state, regional and national organizations.
Timber Hawkeye on Living a Mindful & Authentic Life
Timber Hawkeye is the bestselling author of Buddhist Boot Camp and Faithfully Religionless. His books and the Buddhist Boot Camp Podcast offer a secular and non-sectarian approach to being at peace with the world (both within and around us), with the intention to awaken, enlighten, enrich and inspire.
Discover the difference between feelings and emotions, the disparity between truths and facts and the countless benefits of mindfully living a simple and uncomplicated life.
Check out Timber's work here:
Buddhist Boot Camp Podcast on all platforms
facebook.com/BuddhistBootCamp
Instagram: @BuddhistBootCamp
Dr. Tegan Reeves on Embodied Literacy & Resilience
Of the many topics emerging as crucial for educators in the last two years, empathy is perhaps the most elusive. With a lack of evaluation structure and a risk of compassion fatigue, talking about empathy in the classroom can easily feel futile. By shifting the focus from a cognitive understanding to an embodied experience, we can harness the innate power of our affectual responses (i.e. feelings) and attunement (i.e. connection). This talk will present the theoretical and evidence-based roots of embodied empathy and offer an interactive didactic activity utilizing help recognize and direct layers of affect for an optimal learning environment.
Dr. Tegan Jemma Reeves is a researcher and teacher with a mission of bringing the body back into the collective understand learning and resilience. With a background in movement Tegan has been globally recognized for her education programs. She holds a PhD in Educational Psychology, an MS in Instructional Curriculum, an ERYT500 in yoga, and has completed numerous mindfulness-based teacher certifications. Tegan currently works at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital as a research associate and Rhodes College as a part-time assistant professor. She offers public yoga classes, optimal performance training, mindfulness/meditation consulting, and professional development programs.
To learn more or contact Tegan visit www.teganreeves.com.
Dr. Justine Okerson ‘01 on Emotional Intelligence & College Admissions
From finding the right fit for college to navigating applications, now more than ever emotional intelligence is crucial for college admission. Join Lausanne alumna, Dr. Justine Okerson, to discuss how to cultivate emotional intelligence, and apply lessons learned to college admission, future careers, and lifelong learning.
Justine Okerson has spent over a decade working with the nation’s best and brightest students in admission and scholarship selection. She is currently the Director of Scholar Selection at the Morehead-Cain Foundation at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In her role at Morehead-Cain, Justine directs and plans the annual selection process from recruitment, to reading, to on-campus yield programming for Morehead-Cain Scholars. Justine earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from William & Mary, where she completed her dissertation on college choice and the campus visit. Justine also received her Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration from William & Mary, her Bachelor's Degree in English & American Studies at the University of Virginia, and graduated from Lausanne Collegiate School in 2001- Go Lynx!
Dr. Colby Taylor on Movement & the Brain
Dr. Colby Taylor is a native Memphian who is entering his fifth year as an Assistant Professor at Christian Brothers University. He completed his Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Memphis. He also completed an APA approved internship with the Hawaii Psychology Internship Consortium (HIPIC), a postdoc with Shelby County Schools, and a fellowship with the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center. He is a licensed psychologist in the state of Tennessee. Dr. Taylor is married to Dr. Lauren Sims Taylor, an epidemiologist at UTHSC, and they have a one-year-old daughter, Emersyn. He enjoys fishing, sports, and playing with his dogs. He also enjoys game shows, as he has competed on both Jeopardy! and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
As a society, we seem to be more sedentary than at any other time during human history. However, research indicates that movement and exercise can be as effective as antidepressants or talk therapies. This talk will explore the psychological intervention of behavioral activation in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It will also explore the Inside-Out Program, an exercise and mindfulness-based program for college students on the autism spectrum.
Also, check out Dr. Taylor’s podcast here!
Dr. Danielle Jackson on Self-Care and Compassion Fatigue
Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. Danielle Jackson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Tennessee and Arkansas, with a focus on Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Dr. Jackson has an Ed.D. in Counseling Psychology and M.A. in Counseling. Dr. Jackson developed her passion and love for helping others at an early age. Professionally, working in the specific areas of child maltreatment and disability services, it has been Dr. Jackson’s goal to sow the seeds of a healthy disposition, be it through public health, social and/or emotional wealth, or mental health services. When Dr. Jackson is not working by as a Director of Clinical Services in a residential/acute hospital for children, she is working as a teacher’s assistant in a master’s-level school counseling program and planning trips and vacations for herself and others as a travel enthusiast. Dr. Jackson has a natural inquisitiveness, sense of adventure, and love for all leisure activities.
In the face of COVID-19 - and even before – people have been faced with extra emphasis and need for practicing self-care, even more with caregivers and individuals who may work in professional settings that expose them to trauma, daily. It is important to recognize warning signs and signals of distress. This talk will focus on Compassion Fatigue – what it is, how it can be managed, and ways to practice self-care in the wake of caring for others.
Dr. Patrice Reed on Resilience
Dr. Reed has been practicing pediatrics for 29 years. She says, “I was born in Clarksville,TN. As a result of my father’s military career, I left Tennessee when I was a toddler and spent my childhood traveling across the US. I returned to Tennessee to attend Austin Peay State University. I then went to University of Tennessee School of Medicine where I received my medical degree.
I completed my residency at LeBonheur Childrens Hospital. After residency I joined George Washington School of Medicine where I taught and practiced medicine. After almost six years at G.W. I returned to Memphis and joined Laurelwood Pediatrics. Two years later, I decided to start my on practice along with two other pediatricians from my residency. In 1998, Memphis Pediatrics was established. I have been practicing general pediatrics at Memphis Pediatrics for 22 years. I am a member of the American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and Memphis Pediatric Society where I served terms as vice president and president.
When I am not practicing medicine, I enjoy reading, cooking, and walking. I also love being active in community service. Through my church, Saint Andrew AME Church, and my organizations of affiliation, Jack and Jill of America, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and The Memphis, TN Chapter of The Links, Inc., I do what I can to give back to the Memphis community. I am married to Doctor Jarvis Reed, an hematologist/oncologist at West Cancer Center. Jarvis and I are the proud parents of four Lausanne alumnae: Jarred (class of 2009), Jessica (class of 2014), Jordan (class of 2017), Jason (class of 2019). Our children have been fortunate to have gone onto schools like University of Tennessee , Yale, Emory, Vanderbilt and Northwestern. They have pursued careers in law, medicine and psychology. We are grateful for the wonderful foundation Lausanne provided for our children. “
Dr. Reed will be discussing the strengths that already exist in our children that can help them bounce back during difficult times as well as various ways parents can enhance these strengths.With the ever growing use of technology, it is essential we understand how to have a healthy relationship with it for ourselves and our children. In this talk we will discuss the habit loop as it relates to social media and technology and methods to protect and improve our children's ability to "turn off and tune in".
Dr. Chanda Murphy on Technology & SEL
Chanda S. Murphy is an adjunct professor, mother, yoga instructor, sports enthusiast and meditation teacher. Her specialties are helping employees avoid burnout, teaching kids to effectively manage emotions and coaching athletes on how to successfully channel adrenaline. She also uses bio-feedback and mindfulness techniques to help clients reduce stress, manage anxiety and find inner balance. Chanda graduated from Christian Brothers University with a B. A. in Psychology and earned her doctorate at the University of Memphis in Experimental Psychology. Chanda earned her RYT 200-hour yoga certification with Kim Anderson and Tamara McColgan of True Yoga East, completed the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course with instructor Michael Burnham and completed Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT) with Dr. Lobsang Tenzin Negi.
With the ever growing use of technology, it is essential we understand how to have a healthy relationship with it for ourselves and our children. In this talk we will discuss the habit loop as it relates to social media and technology and methods to protect and improve our children's ability to "turn off and tune in".
See more of Dr. Murphy’s work at mindfulinmemphis.org!
Jonathan Mooney on Learning Differences
Lausanne Collegiate School Social Emotional Learning Program and Lausanne Learning are delighted to announce a new speaker series for our community focusing on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) - and we’re starting off on January 12, 2021 with acclaimed author Jonathan Mooney! Mooney is the author of The Short Bus: A Journey Beyond Normal and Normal Sucks: How to Live, Learn, and Thrive Outside the Lines as well as numerous articles and talks. We all have the ability to learn, and our learning differences, Mooney argues, should be acknowledged, celebrated, and harnessed to help us fulfill our dreams. We’re excited to begin our SEL Speaker Series with Mooney’s insightful wisdom, and hope to see you there!
The SEL Speaker Series will take place monthly throughout the school year via a virtual platform, starting January 12, 2021 at 7pm. Registration is free and open to all members of our community and guests! Registration includes access to the live event, the event recording, and early access to upcoming speaker series registrations!
Please contact Director of Social Emotional Learning Greg Graber (ggraber@lausanneschool.com) or Director of Lausanne Learning Amber Colvin (acolvin@lausannelearning.com) with questions or for more information!