The Bible has competing yet voluminous statements on the power and purpose of financial resources. How do we sort it all out and make sense? The Bible proclaims “ Where your money/treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This is an invitation to take stock of our money, our hearts, and our entire lives. Join for a brief presentation and extensive discussion on how to love God, neighbor and others by looking closely at our resources.

Our speaker today is Kyle Small, the Professor of Leadership and Director of the Center for Leadership and Organizations at Anderson University (SC). He has served as a pastor, professor, academic administrator, and professional coach.
His life as leader and teacher finds resonance as he explores the alignment between mission and practice for both organizations and individuals. Kyle’s teaching and research focus on leadership, organizations, human formation, and action research. He has a passion to discover the world through theologically shaped social research.

Kyle is married to Lindsay and has three wonderful children – Micah, Madeline and Maggie. He blogs semi-regularly at www.pilgrimshome,blogspot.com.

Summary
This 4-week adult education series on mental health will explore this important topic against the backdrop of Covid and the unique stressors of the pandemic. Speakers will discuss mental health across the age spectrum and how we as a community can be more aware of and support the needs of young children, youth, adults, and members of the LGBTQ community. Speakers from local schools, the city of Alexandria, and the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina will share their expertise.

May 1: Are you okay? 2022 Reflections from a school with Elementary and Middle School Girls 

The past few years have presented extraordinary challenges to our children and their families as COVID and the attention to racial justice in the United States fundamentally altered lives. The resulting impact has led to rising expectations that schools can effectively meet all students’ needs.

This discussion will share the experiences of Washington School for Girls, located in SE DC, serving girls grades 3-8, tuition free. With a focus on illuminating the unique perspectives of young girls of color, information on how one school adapted to support students throughout the past 2 years will help to provide insight into the ongoing challenge of truly serving students well today.

Our speaker today is Dr. Beth Reaves who is the President of the Washington School for Girls, a private, Catholic school, 100% scholarship for girls in grades 3-8. She has served in this role since 2017, having previously worked as a school leader and administrator in the Philadelphia area. She believes in educational equity for young girls of color and works to provide a school environment that allows every girl an opportunity to thrive and flourish.

Beth holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in accounting from Drexel University, an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a Doctorate in Business from the University of Phoenix. She is a Klingenstein Fellow in the Heads of Schools Program at the Teachers’ College, Columbia University, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Independent Schools Greater Washington and the NativityMiguel Coalition. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

May 8: Youth Mental Health in Alexandria: Findings, Factors and Community Resources  

This presentation will explore recent mental health data and findings from the Youth Risk Behaviors Survey and the Developmental Assets Profile of Alexandria’s youth, discuss factors that contribute to poor mental health among young people and provide an overview of local resources available for treatment of mental health disorders and prevention of contributing factors among youth.

Our speaker today is Lisette Torres who is a Youth Development Professional with over 15 years of experience in the field. She serves as Coordinator of the Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy within the City of Alexandria’s Department of Community and Human Services where she manages a coalition focused on preventing adolescent pregnancy by providing education to the community, collaboration among diverse organizations and leadership opportunities for youth. Outside of work, Ms. Torres mentors a young girl with the Space of Her Own Mentoring Program and lives in Alexandria with her husband, 6-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Loyola Marymount University and master’s degrees in Public Administration and Urban Planning from the University of Southern California.

May 15:

The past few years have exposed all of us to some extreme stresses, including a pandemic, the closings of schools and workplaces, and growing political polarization. Dr. Kiban Turner will talk about what she has observed working with people during the pandemic, including rising rates of anxiety, depression and burnout.  We will talk about psychological tools and strategies to successfully deal with the stresses we’ve experienced over the past couple of years, including some ways to help others who may be struggling.  We will also talk about the role of our faith and the church community in helping us through hard times.

Kiban Turner, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist who does executive coaching and consulting for organizations, including Fortune 500 firms, Federal agencies, as well as smaller firms.  She also does career coaching for individuals changing careers.  She attends OPMH, along with her husband, Patrick McNabb, her 18 year-old daughter, Kate, and her 14- year-old son, Finn, who was just confirmed.

May 22: Overview of mental health among the LGBTQIA+ population
and how we as a church family can be better allies and provide
support 

Our speaker today is Leah Dail who is the Assistant Youth Missioner for the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. Leah is a native North Carolinian, born and raised in Raleigh. She majored in English and American Studies at UNC-Chapel Hill and stayed there to work at the NC Jaycee Burn Center. She is married and has four children and two dogs. One of her chidlren came out as queer, non-binary 2 years ago, so she has personally walked the path of loving and parenting a child under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella. She was in parish youth ministry for six years before joining the Diocesan staff. She enjoys reading, gardening, and playing games with her family.