MAC students, staff, community to hear mental health expert
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The Mount Ayr Community Schools will host best-selling author and mental health expert Jeff Yalden on February 23 in a full day of sessions for students and the public.
One biographical sketch describes Yalden as follows: “Motivated to teach and inspire teens across the globe, Jeff Yalden is a high energy, ‘tell it like it is’ youth motivational speaker, mental health professional, and parent communicator… Jeff has a gift for connecting with teens and educating parents.”
Since he began his career in 1992, Yalden has reached more than 4,000 audiences in all 50 states, every province in Canada, and 49 other countries.
Yalden is regarded as a foremost expert on teen mental health, suicide prevention and crisis intervention.
Yalden’s visit to Mount Ayr February 23 will start at 7:30 a.m. and run until 9:00 p.m.:
7:30 a.m.: Meet and Greet
Yalden meets with key administration, staff and SOS students to ensures that everyone is on the same page and excited about the day.
9:00 – 10:45 a.m.: School assembly
All about teen motivation and life, Yalden uses his own story to illustrate the pitfalls and temptations young people are likely to encounter and the successes they can celebrate on the road to adulthood.
Yalden is transparent about his own life and his struggles with mental illness – but his stories are also laced with his unique brand of humor.
Today, Yalden is a man who heroically lives with mental illness and is a staunch advocate for mental health. He doesn’t lecture the students, and his talks are not canned. Students will “get him” right off the bat. He cares about the teachable moment, being present and engaged with the community.
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: One-on-one and small group sessions
Yalden makes himself available for students, teachers, counselors and staff. This is the perfect time for one-on-one and small group chats. Breakthroughs can happen at any moment, and they usually do.
2:00 – 3:30 p.m.: Teacher professional development
This is a teacher/staff in-service presentation.
Fun, insightful and productive – talking teen suicide and mental health and/or a building walk-through for school climate and school spirit based on Jeff’s 25 years’ experience.
Participants will learn where most (in-school) suicides happen and what to do.
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.: Free-will offering supper for parents
The meal will consist of a pork loin sandwich, potato salad, baked beans, cookie and drink.
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.: Parent and community program
Free child care will be provided by SOS students with activities and games during evening session.
