This workshop explores proven techniques, strategies, and scripts - based on six possible motivational styles - that will revolutionize the way teachers and parents inspire children to succeed and achieve. Rick Lavoie explodes common myths and gives specific advice for motivating children. With empathy and understanding, he offers parents and teachers the key to unlocking […]

The holiday season is here! While it is meant to bring feelings of love and cheer, it’s also the harbinger of stress for many of us. Join us and learn a few simple tips you could try to help reduce holiday stress before it begins so that it remains at a positive level rather than […]

The holiday season is here! While it is meant to bring feelings of love and cheer, it’s also the harbinger of stress for many of us. Join us and learn a few simple tips you could try to help reduce holiday stress before it begins so that it remains at a positive level rather than […]

Seasonal Affective Disorder can impact adults, teens, and children. It is estimated about 6 in every 100 people (6%) experience SAD. One US study found rates of SAD were 7 times higher in New Hampshire then in California suggesting the farther we are from the equator, the more likely we are to develop SAD. Join […]

We all have stress in our lives. The stress is even greater for parents or caregivers raising a child or youth with emotional and behavioral health needs. Please join us for this presentation and have conversation and discovery of what stress is, how stress affects us, how to differentiate between good and bad stress; you […]

This unique and interactive program allows participants to experience the same Frustration, Anxiety and Tension that children with learning disabilities face in their daily lives. See how teachers, social workers, psychologists, parents, and friends who have participated in Richard Lavoie's workshop reflect upon their experience and the way it changed their approach to children who […]

Are you raising a second set of children or youth at a time you thought you would be planning your retirement? This discussion will focus on specific issues that may be challenging for grandparents today and uncover ideas and solutions for greater success and less stress. About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, […]

Traumatic childhood experiences such as abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or substance abuse in the home can have long-term physical, psychological, behavioral and economic consequences. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study demonstrates the connection between childhood trauma and a wide array of physical & mental health problems. Despite the trauma in their lives, children can survive […]

Join us for this family holiday activity and we will share how to create ornaments with Popsicle sticks, small pom-poms or gems, glue, glitter or glitter glue. Let’s have fun together, be creative and leave you with a little memory of fun to have with your kids this holiday season! About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network […]

Prepare your own cocoa and join us during this easy and fun family holiday craft activity! Together we will paint Winter Trees! Supplies needed: 1. A canvas, paper or construction paper that’s your choice of background color 2. Brown paint or marker/colored pencil/crayon 3. White acrylic paint/white paint 4. QTips/swabs or you can use your […]

Communicating with teens today is more challenging than ever but not impossible! This workshop will explore modern technology and give you some new ideas to peek into your teen’s world. The framework of the 40 Developmental Assets® will also be shared. Minneapolis-based Search Institute® has identified 40 building blocks of healthy development – known as […]

The Family Peer Specialist (FPS) role has been available in Maine to support families who have children/youth with special medical, emotional and behavioral health needs for over 25 years! Over the past 10 years this role has quickly evolved to being one of not only providing emotional support and resource sharing to also reducing feelings […]