Workshops To find your nearest Workshop please look in the list below or click your county in the map below and then call us toll free on 1-800-264-9224 to book your place. (If you live near the border of another County please feel free to take a look at those groups as well) Call our toll free number, 1-800-264-9224, or Contact Us if you would like to register for one. (Click here to download a registration form.) Please be sure to indicate the name and date of the workshop, your full name and a telephone number where we may contact you. All workshops are free and open to the public. Check out our workshop calendar. Learning is your key to Empowerment! 
York, Cumberland, Oxford and Androscoggin Counties “Effectively using Augmentative and Alternative Communication at Home” Presented by: Linda Bonnar, M.A. CCC-SLP/ATP This workshop will cover a variety of Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC) communication tools ranging from low, middle and high tech. Integrating AAC effectively into the home and daily activities with your child will be discussed. Joe Pannozzo will also be available to speak about the Pine Tree Society.
(Dinner and Support from 4:30-5:45pm) Wednesday, Jan.4, 2012 from 5:45-7 p.m. Opportunity Alliance-PROP East End Children’s Workshop, 215 Congress St., Portland “Dealing with a Child in Crisis and Building Resiliency Through Relationships” Presented by: NAMI Maine Dealing with a child in crisis can be one of the most challenging aspects of raising and working with children. Using concepts from Social Emotional Learning, the biology of emotions and behavior and effective communication, this interactive workshop engages participants in a discussion about how to best use ourselves when helping young people to deescalate while building stronger relationships with them and helping them become more resilient. This includes topics on the prevention, intervention and the communication skills necessary to effectively intervene in crisis. Wednesday January 11, 2012 from: 6:30-8:30 p.m. 124 Canal Street, Lewiston
Wednesday January 18, 2012 from: 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Stephen’s Memorial Hospital, Norway “Raising Successful Readers”, Presented by: Laurie Cavanaugh, Regional Parent Support Coordinator Why is raising a reader so important? On a basic level, reading is a fundamental part of existing. Think about your typical day. How often are you reading something: street signs, reports, emails, grocery labels, medication info, newspapers, websites, and stories to our kids? This workshop offers an understanding of how to engage your child in reading. Reading to our children routinely in their early years increases their language development, helps your child develop an attention span and the concentration skills. A child that reads well is more likely to develop positive self esteem, independence and many other skills needed to last throughout their life. Join us to share reading strategies and meet other parents who are also interested in striving to raise successful readers! (Dinner and Support from 4:30-5:45pm) Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012 from 5:45-7 p.m. at Opportunity Alliance-PROP East End Children’s Workshop, 215 Congress St, Portland “Supporting and Communicating with Young Children Experiencing Big Emotions” Presented by: Jasmine Smith, LCPC-c; Mental Health Clinician, Opportunity Alliance—PROP & Bethanie Jacques, LCPC-c; Children’s Coordinator, CASA Bethanie and Jasmine will discuss techniques parents and caregivers can use to communicate with children as they experience big emotions. Strategies and ideas will be shared to support and help a child discover coping skills that work for them. Time will be allotted for brainstorming solutions to specific problems parents or caregivers bring to this discussion. (Dinner and Support from 4:30-5:45pm) Wednesday, March 7, 2012 5:45pm-7pm at Opportunity Alliance-PROP East End Children’s Workshop, 215 Congress, Portland
“Supporting Stress in Children and Area Resources” Stress in children is chronic in today’s world and they need our help. This workshop will focus on types of stress children and youth experience and how to help them cope. A panel of area representatives will be available to tell you about their programs and resources available to you in your community. Wednesday March 14, 2012 from: 6:30-8:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Hospital, Lewiston
Wednesday March 21, 2012 from: 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Stephen’s Memorial Hospital, Norway Back to top.
Kennebec, Somerset and Franklin Counties “Seasonal Affective Disorder” Presented by: Paige Cummings/Diane Bouffard, Regional Parent Support Coordinator Seasonal Affective Disorder can affect adults, teens and children. It’s estimated about 6 in every 100 people (6%) experience SAD. One US study found the rates of SAD were 7 times higher in New Hampshire than in Florida, suggesting the farther we live from the equator the more likely we are to develop SAD. Join us for an educational and STRESS LESS evening learning about SAD and how to deal with it. Tuesday, January 3, 2012 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Alfond Youth Center, 126 North St., Waterville
Tuesday, January 10, 2012 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Crisis and Counseling, 10 Caldwell Rd., Augusta
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at Youth & Family Services, 5 Commerce Dr., Skowhegan “Positive Behavioral Supports & Tantrum Management: Self-Preservation & Success in Parenting Children with Behavioral Health Needs” Presented by: Paige Cummings/Diane Bouffard, Regional Parent Support Coordinator Do you sometimes feel like you don’t know how to help your child? Children with behavioral health needs do not come with a manual! This workshop will offer a framework to understand the nature of your child’s behavior and methods to flexibly respond to the needs your child presents. Positive Behavioral Supports emphasizes practical ideas about how to meet your child where they are at and utilize their motivation to increase success. Understanding and using Stage of Change concepts, maximizing provider involvement and enhancing natural supports will be emphasized to provide usable tools that can be applied in a variety of real life situations. Temper Tantrums are disruptive behavior or emotional outbursts displayed in response to unmet needs or desires. Come and learn how to control your child’s tantrums by using Behavior Management. Tuesday, February 7, 2012 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Alfond Youth Center, 126 North St., Waterville
Tuesday, February 14, 2012 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Crisis and Counseling, 10 Caldwell Rd., Augusta
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at Youth & Family Services, 5 Commerce Dr., Skowhegan “Take Action Against Bullying” Presented by: Paige Cummings/Diane Bouffard, Regional Parent Support Coordinator Bullying has become such a widespread problem it is now being recognized as a major mental health concern for children and youth, having been found to leave long term emotional scars and psychological effects similar to anxiety disorders and post traumatic stress. This workshop will help you identify the warning signs of both the victim and the bully. Prevention and effective coping skills will be explored. Tuesday, March 6, 2012 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Alfond Youth Center, 126 North St., Waterville
Tuesday, March 13, 2012 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Crisis and Counseling, 10 Caldwell St., Augusta
Tuesday, March 27, 2012 from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at Youth & Family Services, 5 Commerce Dr., Skowhegan
Back to top.
Knox, Lincoln and Sagadahoc Counties Norman LeBlanc, Regional Parent Support Coordinator 721-0161; Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it “Drew Bledsoe Parenting with Dignity Series” Facilitator: Norm LeBlanc, Regional Parent Support Coordinator As Parents we want our kids to be successful contributing members of society. Each session will include an hour long video from the Parenting with Dignity Series, as well as an opportunity to network with other Parents who have children with Behavioral Health needs. Please come and join in the discussion about parenting our Children who have Behavioral Health needs. Thursday, January 5th --> A Model of Human Performance
Thursday, February 2nd --> Five Rules for Parents
Thursday, March 1st --> Discipline: Deciding What You Want-Part 1 – all 6:30-8:30 p.m. All workshops in this series will be held at Mobius, Inc., 319 Main St, Damariscotta. “Seasonal Affective Disorder” Presented by: Norm LeBlanc, Regional Parent Support Coordinator Seasonal Affective Disorder can affect adults, teens and children. It’s estimated about 6 in every 100 people (6%) experience SAD. One US study found the rates of SAD were 7 times higher in New Hampshire than in Florida, suggesting the farther we live from the equator the more likely we are to develop SAD. Join us for an educational and STRESS LESS time learning about SAD and how to deal with it. Monday, January 9, 2012 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria at Brunswick Junior High,65 Columbia Drive, Brunswick
Thursday, January 19, 2012 from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. at Mid Coast Maine Community Action, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath Managing STRESS: Strategies for Recognizing & Reducing Stress Presented by: Norm LeBlanc, Regional Support Coordinator We all have stress in our lives. The stress is even greater for parents of a child with Behavioral Health needs. Please join us in the conversation & discovery of what stress is; how stress affects us; how to differentiate between good & bad stress & learn about some different stress relief & reduction strategies that can help us to live healthier lives. Monday, February 13, 2012 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Cafeteria at Brunswick Junior High School, 65 Columbia Drive, Brunswick.
Thursday, February 16, 2012 from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. at Mid Coast Maine Community Action, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath “Disaster Preparedness: Families Prepare and Empower Themselves to Persevere Through Traumatic Events and Unexpected Disaster” Presented by: Norm LeBlanc, Regional Support Coordinator When disaster strikes, will you be ready? Flooding, power outages and intense storms are common disasters in Maine. This workshop focuses on the reactions & needs of children in times of unexpected disaster. Begin to plan & prepare for an emergency evacuation, learn strategies to make unforeseen events more bearable and less traumatic. Participants will learn how to engage their communities and emergency teams to effectively respond to the unique health and well being needs of their children and youth. Families will begin to plan and prepare for an emergency evacuation and learn strategies to make the unforeseen event more bearable and less traumatic. Monday, March 12, 2012 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria at Brunswick Junior High,65 Columbia Drive, Brunswick
Thursday, March 15, 2012 from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. at Mid Coast Maine Community Action, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath
Back to top.
Hancock and Waldo Cindy Seekins, Program Manager, 223-9993; Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it “Take Action Against Bullying!” Presented by Cindy Seekins, Program Manager/Regional Parent Support Coordinator Bullying has become such a widespread problem it is now being recognized as a major mental health concern for children and youth, having been found to leave long term emotional scars and psychological effects similar to anxiety disorders and post traumatic stress. Learn to identify the warning signs for both the victim and the bully. Tuesday, January 24, 2012 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Head Start, 3 Back Searsport Road, Searsport
Friday, January 27, 2012 from 10:30-12:30 p.m. at KidsPeace of New England, 16 KidsPeace Way, Ellsworth “Ask a Speech Pathologist, Question and Answer Format” Presented by: Amy Reid, M.A., CF-SLP, Waldo County General Hospital Are you concerned about your child's speech development? You may have questions such as whether your child will be ready for school or have trouble making friends; or have difficulty learning to read; will they be made fun of or even develop behavior problems? All of these are serious concerns for parenting a child with a delay in speech development. Join us for this free informative workshop! Tuesday, February 28, 2012 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Head Start, 3 Back Searsport Road, Searsport
“Raising Successful Readers”, Presented by: Cindy Seekins, Program Manager Why is raising a reader so important? On a basic level, reading is a fundamental part of existing. Think about your typical day. How often are you reading something: street signs, reports, emails, grocery labels, medication info, newspapers, websites, and stories to our kids? This workshop offers an understanding of how to engage your child in reading. Reading to our children routinely in their early years increases their language development, helps your child develop an attention span and the concentration skills. A child that reads well is more likely to develop positive self esteem, independence and many other skills needed to last throughout their life. Join us to share reading strategies and meet other parents who are also interested in striving to raise successful readers! Friday, February 24, 2012 from 10:30-12:30 p.m. at KidsPeace of New England, 16 KidsPeace Way, Ellsworth
Tuesday, March 27, 2012 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Head Start, 3 Back Searsport Road, Searsport “Normal Stages of Child Development” Presented by: Cindy Seekins, Program Manager A child’s growth is a continuous process: a gradual sequencing from one stage of physical and mental development to another. It’s a wonderful process to watch and an opportunity for parents to foster and implement during important periods of growth. Come and learn about the normal stages of development and the building blocks of healthy development that help young children grow up healthy, caring and responsible. Friday, March 23, 2012 from 10:30-12:30 p.m. at KidsPeace of New England, 16 KidsPeace Way, Ellsworth
Back to top.
Penobscot, Piscataquis, Southern Aroostook and Washington Counties Tonya Gray, Regional Parent Support Coordinator 269-2234; Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it “Take Action Against Bullying!” Presented by: Tonya Gray, Regional Parent Support Coordinator Bullying has become such a widespread problem it is now being recognized as a major mental health concern for children and youth, having been found to leave long term emotional scars and psychological effects similar to anxiety disorders and post traumatic stress. This workshop will help you identify the warning signs of both the victim and the bully. Prevention and effective coping skills will be explored. Thursday, January 5, 2012 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at North Eastland Hotel, 436 Main Street, Presque Isle
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Cross Key Ministries, Main Street, E. Millinocket “Seasonal Affective Disorder” Presented by: Tonya Gray, Regional Parent Support Coordinator Seasonal Affective Disorder can affect adults, teens and children. It’s estimated about 6 in every 100 people (6%) experience SAD. One US study found the rates of SAD were 7 times higher in New Hampshire than in Florida, suggesting the farther we live from the equator the more likely we are to develop SAD. Join us for an educational and STRESS LESS time learning about SAD and how to deal with it. Tuesday, January 17. 2012 from 5:00 to 6 p.m. at Wings, 900 Hammond Street, Bangor
Monday, January 23, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Mayo Regional Hospital, 897 W. Main St, Dover-Foxcroft “Family Fun Night”, Presented by: Tonya Gray, Regional Parent Support Coordinator Winter Blues got you down. Come have some fun springtime fun. We will paint some pots for flowers, color pictures and just make some one on one connection. Tuesday, February, 21, 2012 from 5:00 to 6:00PM at Wings, 900 Hammond Street, Bangor
Monday, February, 27, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Mayo Regional Hospital, 897 W. Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft “Toxic Chemicals and Our Children’s Developing Brains” Presented by Tonya Gray, Regional Parent Support Coordinator Why is environmental health so important? Consider the following information: Twelve million American children or 17% of all Americans under the age of 18 have one or more developmental, learning or behavioral disabilities; More than 1.5 million Americans are autistic. In the 1970’s, autism was estimated to have affected about 1 in 2,500 to 5,000 children; studies show it in Maine it occurs today in 1 in 80 children; 127,000 adults and children in Maine are identified as having learning disabilities; and 37% of the children receiving special education services in our public schools have learning or attention disabilities. Learn why it is important to protect you family from toxic chemical exposures.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Cross Key Ministries, Main Street, E. Millinocket Back to top.
Workshop listings and registration forms are also located on our Web site at www.gearparentnetwork.com *All workshops are offered at no charge to parents/grandparents/caregivers/educators of children with emotional or behavioral health concerns.
 | 
