Talkin’ it Out

Explore upcoming & recent events designed especially for the parenting community, youth, and prevention professionals

January 16, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

Talkin’ It Out: Parent and Child Relationships and Resiliency

During this Talk it Out NC virtual presentation, we will:

  • Discuss coping together as a family unit
  • Tips on how to deal with parent child stressors
  • Finding JOY in parenting

 

Presenter Description

Dr. Wanda Boone founded Together for Resilient Youth (TRY) in 2000 after 20 years in the corporate sector. TRY, based in Durham, now has a presence across NC, the US and internationally in Kenya, the UK and Australia. TRY connects the dots linking the public health model, trauma informed care and transformative prevention.

Dr. Boone is a forerunner and recognized as an expert in the field of Resilience/Adverse Childhood Experiences and trauma. She believes that children thrive when the adults that surround them are well and do well. She has been a guest speaker and technical advisor on Prevention structures 25 years including Trauma, Resilience, Racial Inequities, Social Determinants of Health, Behavioral Health Disparities, at the individual, interpersonal, community and societal for 10 years.

Dr. Boone is a member of the NC Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resilience Advisory Board, Health and Safety Chair of the Durham City/County Task Force and served as the Co-Chair of the National Institute of Medicine Healthy NC 2030 Social and Economic Factors work group focusing on the impact of trauma and the importance of resilience. She is a RN, Sr. RA, Duke University Medical Center and holds a PhD in Theology/Public Health.

Together for Resilient Youth (TRY)

Dr. Wanda Boone, Founder of Together for Resilient Youth & Talk it Out NC Ambassador

Dec. 19, 2023 @ 10:00 AM

Talkin’ It Out About Social Media’s Influence on Teens and Their Decisions

Studies show that posting alcohol-related content on social media is associated with high rates of alcohol consumption, cravings, and alcohol addiction. A growing body of research also suggests that these messages may be powerful enough to influence a person’s drinking habits. Students who view their friends’ alcohol-infused posts are likely to drink more themselves and to post more alcohol-related content, which, in turn, causes others in their network to do the same. We can reverse these trends through education and effective conversations. Talk it Out NC Program Coordinator, Rodney Poole will take a look at the influence that social media messages have on underage drinking and the current trends that it appears to be driving. Rodney will also highlight ways adults can have effective conversations with young people to prevent unhealthy behavior.

Presenter Description

Rodney Poole comes to the Education Outreach Division of the ABC Commission with an extensive history of spreading the word about the dangers of underage substance abuse. He holds a B.A. degree in psychology from Shaw University and has been in long-term recovery for the past twenty-nine years. After college, he taught middle school and has worked with at-risk youth for the bulk of his career. Rodney has worked as an international substance abuse prevention speaker for the past ten years. His work with students, teachers, and parents has taken him to Dubai, Qatar, Singapore, Mumbai, New Delhi, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Nairobi, and all over the U.S. He is truly committed to reducing underage drinking in the state of North Carolina.

Talk it Out NC Program Coordinator

Rodney Poole

July 26, 2023

Talkin’ it Out: The Importance of Preventing Alcohol Exposed Pregnancies

Are you expecting or planning for a family in the future? Do you have grandchildren or loved ones growing a family? You don’t want to miss this important talk about the impacts of drinking before and during pregnancy. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) can occur when an embryo is exposed to alcohol — even before a confirmed pregnancy. The life-altering effects can include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with lifelong implications. As a community, we all hold a responsibility to the next generation, including making sure they grow up happy and healthy.

To help parents and loved ones give growing families the best and brightest future, our interactive session guided participants through the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure. We discussed the impact on the developing brain and the characteristics and prevalence of FASD. Plus, speakers went over the role we all can play in preventing alcohol-exposed pregnancies and FASD.

Infant Plan of Safe Care Resource
(North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services)

Presenter Description

Amy Hendricks, is the FASD Prevention and Training Coordinator for Proof Alliance NC, a program of The Arc of North Carolina. Amy has over 30 years of experience deeply rooted in the field of public health and prevention and is the recipient of the Alcohol and Drug Council of North Carolina’s Prevention Pioneer Award in 2021. Amy provides education to the professionals who work with individuals of child-bearing age about the importance of preventing alcohol-exposed pregnancies and understanding the lifelong impacts of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). In her spare time, Amy creates funky art for non-profit fundraisers, enjoys hearing live music with her husband and is the parent of two amazing sons!

Proof Alliance NC
A Program of The Arc of North Carolina

Amy Hendricks, FASD Prevention and Training Coordinator

May 23, 2023

Talkin’ it Out About Resilient and Thriving Adult Leader Communities

Are you stressed out, worried about the future, or just not feeling like your best self for your kids and family? Join us for the Talkin’ it Out About Resilient and Thriving Adult Leader Communities workshop to learn ways to stay regulated to be the best you for the ones you love! This workshop will introduce participants to some simple, easy-to-learn wellness skills to better manage stress that can be shared with friends and family. Come learn how stress affects the mind, body, and spirit, and how the parenting community to create healthy and thriving environments where families can thrive and have engaging conversations like underage drinking prevention. Come ready to learn how to put the brakes on your nervous system and find a greater sense of well-being.

Presenter Descriptions

Tamra Church, MAEd, MCHES®, Certified CRM Teacher, is a faculty member at East Carolina University in the Department of Health Education and Promotion, and the Talk It Out NC Ambassador for Eastern NC. She is a Certified Community Resiliency Model (CRM)® Teacher, CATCH® My Breath Community Trainer, Community Action Poverty Simulation Facilitator, Youth Mental Health First Aider, and is trained in the Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework. She serves as Board Chair and Executive Director for the Coastal Coalition for Substance Awareness & Prevention (CCSAP) and is the Principal Investigator for the Drug-Free Community Support Program overseeing grant activities. She leads the CCSAP Resilience Collaborative, co-chairs the Resilient North Carolina Collaborative Coalition (RNCCC), and is a member of BRACE and Colleges and Universities for Resilience (CURE).

Jennifer Matthews, Ph.D., MSPH, Certified CRM Teacher, earned her doctorate in Health Education and Health Promotion from the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health. Dr. Matthews is currently a professor in the Department of Health Education and Promotion at ECU. Her research focuses on the impact of trauma and resilience on substance use. Dr. Matthews’ current funding includes the Drug- Free Communities and the CARA grant from CDC providing support for the Pitt County Coalition on Substance Use (PCCSU) in preventing underage drinking and opioid misuse. Dr. Matthews was a founding member and currently serves on the leadership team for the local collaborative (BRACE) that seeks to address trauma and resilience in Pitt County. She also volunteers with PCCSU, serves on Pitt County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, and is a certified Community Resiliency Model (CRM)® Teacher.

Certified CRM Teachers

Tamra Jo Church, MAEd, MCHES

Jennifer Matthews, PhD, MPH

April 19, 2023

Talkin’ it Out with NC Division of Health and Human Services & Department of Public Instruction

Talkin’ it Out about the implementation of the Unified School Behavioral Health Action Plan. North Carolina teachers are facing the growing challenge of supporting their students with social, emotional, and mental health needs, and in 2022, 68% reported that these needs had increased from a typical school year.

The North Carolina Unified School Behavioral Health Action Plan offers an opportunity to support these needs and address the gaps in existing resources. Through investment in schools and by strengthening the connection to community-based services, the Action Plan aims to prioritize investments with the greatest potential impact on North Carolina students. Studies have shown that youth are six times more likely to complete evidence-based treatment when offered in schools, and this initiative hopes to expand access to those opportunities.

Hanaleah Hoberman, MPH, Senior Advisor for Children and Families, NC DHHS

Ellen Essick, PhD, Healthy Schools Section Chief, NC DPI

April 11, 2023

Talkin’ it Out with Connections Academy Parents Just Don’t Understand

Join us to help bridge the gap of communication between young people and the parenting community of parents, teachers, guardians and trusted adults.

Hear from middle school students of what they believe parents/educators are not understanding. The educators of Connections Academy, Raleigh will join in the conversation to discuss their roles in having substance use prevention conversations with the students. These direct insights may assist with keeping the lines of communication open and provide information on how the parenting community can handle difficult situations.

Connections Academy, Raleigh NC Middle School Students & Educators

April 4, 2023

Talkin’ it Out – The Role Social Media Plays in Influencing Underage Drinking & What Adults Can Do

Studies show that posting alcohol-related content on social media is associated with high rates of alcohol consumption, cravings which can lead to alcohol addiction. (WHEREAS the level of excessive drinking in North Carolina has remained relatively the same based on measurements made from 2012-2021 and 90% of excessive drinkers are not alcohol dependent). A growing body of research also suggests that these messages may be powerful enough to influence a person’s drinking habits. Students who view their friends’ alcohol-infused posts are likely to drink more themselves and to post more alcohol-related content, which, in turn, causes others in their network to do the same. We can reverse these trends through education and effective conversations.

Talk it Out NC Program Coordinator, Rodney Poole, will take a look at the influence that social media messages have on underage drinking and the current trends that it appears to be driving. Rodney will also highlight ways adults can have effective conversations with young people to prevent unhealthy behavior.

Presenter Description

Rodney Poole comes to the Education Outreach Division of the ABC Commission with an extensive history of spreading the word about the dangers of underage substance abuse. He holds a B.A degree in psychology from Shaw University and has been in long term recovery for the past twenty-nine years. After college, he taught middle school and has worked with at-risk youth for the bulk of his career. Rodney has worked as an international substance abuse prevention speaker for the past ten years. His work with students, teachers, and parents has taken him to Dubai, Qatar, Singapore, Mumbai, New Delhi, Viet Nam, Laos, Thailand, Nairobi and all over the U.S. He is truly committed to reducing underage drinking in the state of North Carolina.

Rodney Poole

Talk it Out NC Program Coordinator

March 23, 2023

Talkin’ it Out About Burnout

Do you know someone struggling with burnout? In this informative webinar, you’ll learn tips and strategies to help better handle stressful situations and feelings. Our presenter, Jessica DeShong, will discuss how to recognize the signs of burnout, how to support your children, and what tools to use to help relax and find balance. With practical advice, simple tools, and a supportive atmosphere, you’ll walk away with confidence and know how to make your child’s life less overwhelming. Join us to learn how to help navigate burnout!

Presenter Description

Jessica DeShong is the host of the Look for the Good Project’s Wiggle Warrior Program, a program dedicated to helping children lead positive and fulfilling lives. The program works to provide children with empowering mental health programs that help build self-confidence and foster kindness. These programs offer various activities designed to foster resilience, communication, self-expression, and a sense of connectedness with others. Through the Wiggle Warrior Program, Jessica is helping children understand their own strengths, allowing them to develop more positive mental health and ultimately leading them to healthier and happier lives.

February 17, 2023

FAITH / FAMILY / FACTS: Talkin’ it Out with Trae & Ray

Parents have an effective and handy tool for talking to their children about not drinking alcohol underage, their faith. Whatever your faith is, whether it’s strong, weak, commonplace or rare, faith can be a source of encouragement, inspiration, humility and confidence for you to talk out the big “life items” with your child.

Presenter Descriptions

Ray Beale is a native of Concord, North Carolina. She was first called to work for the emotional and spiritual well-being of families when she was a high school teacher turned youth minister. Ray is a graduate of NCSU and holds a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School. Her Doctor of Ministry focused on predictive factors of emotional and spiritual growth, wellness and maturity.

Ray serves as Associate Pastor at The Gathering Church in Durham, NC where she is inspired by her colleagues and church members! She and Roger have been married for 31 years. They have a senior and a freshman in college.

Trae Bremer is a native of Leoti (Lee-OH-Tuh), a small town in west Kansas. He came to North Carolina via a full basketball scholarship to Campbell University. Trae’s undergraduate major is religion. Upon graduation, he went on to attend Campbell Divinity School, where he earned a Master of Divinity in 2019. While at Campbell he met his future wife Jewel, who is a veterinarian.

A gifted preacher and mentor, Trae is the student and young adult pastor at United Church in Apex, NC where he and his colleague Morgan have grown a tiny youth group into a large youth group through their competence, compassion and fun.

Reverend Ray Beale & Trae Bremer

Pastors

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