Adolescent Brain Development Series

The Greater Middletown Community Collaborative is hosting a two-part series on adolescent brain development focusing on some of the fascinating work neuroscience has generated over the last 15 years; work that helps explain why teens sometimes act in ways that they or we struggle to justify or comprehend (aka those “WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!?!" moments).

The first on April 27th focuses primarily on brain development while also showing the impact that substances and technology have on the growing mind. In an era where screen time and legalization of marijuana are critical issues, this science needs to become a critical part of the conversation. The second one, held May 4th reintroduces brain development but with a strong focus on the impact that trauma and poverty have on it. We often struggle to deal with the issue of trauma and poverty for many of our kids and families and this brings a very unique and interesting lens into that talk; showing how some of our neediest kids have even more of an uphill climb than we thought.

One of the leading academics on childhood trauma, Dr. Bruce Perry suggests that “not enough parents, teachers, therapists, judges, or even physicians, know enough about child development or the basics of brain organization. Having awareness can improve practices, programs, and schools for at-risk populations.”

Both presentations will be given by Dr. Alicia Farrell who is an accomplished cognitive psychologist and founder of The Center for Mental Fitness & president of ClearView Consulting. Having received her doctorate in lifespan development psychology from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia in 1999. Dr. Farrell is trained in cognitive development across the lifespan, with a specialty in adult development and aging. Dr. Farrell offers a very unique combination of academic training, a commitment to science and real life, down to earth approach to staying healthy in mind and body, regardless of age or life circumstances.

Hosted at the Middletown Senior/Community Center these events are FREE and dinner will be provided at both. CEUs are available for social workers. A flyer is attached.

You can sign up for one or both here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/understanding-the-adolescent-brain-2-part-series-tickets-21776684650

Also if you want to share the event on Facebook we have two links, one for each offering…
For April 27th: https://www.facebook.com/events/850676281727891/
For May 4th: https://www.facebook.com/events/199786493734267/

The Greater Middletown Community Collaborative is a joint meeting of the Middletown Systems of Care (children's mental health collaborative) and the Local Interagency Service Team (youth justice collaborative) facilitated by the City of Middletown's Youth Services Bureau. All are welcomed to join their monthly meetings which take place on the first Tuesday of every month at the deKoven House starting at 9am. If you have any questions you can contact Youth Services at 860-854-6030.