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A center at Framingham State University who provide information for families and educators about the continuum of educational support available to students with disabilities, students who are gifted, and students with unmet needs. We will offer support, workshops and other programming for families, educators, student support professionals, administrators, and advocates in the MetroWest area. The center also will engage in scholarly research, educator preparation, and professional development. Time To Celebrate This is not just another anniversary—it’s a milestone moment! The Chris Walsh Center for Educators and Families at Framingham State University is turning five, and we’re inviting YOU to join us in celebrating the lives touched, the futures brightened, and the impact made across Massachusetts Event Details Since opening in 2020, we’ve empowered educators, families, and caregivers with free programs, training, and resources, all while keeping our mission focused on every learner—especially children with disabilities, gifted learners, and those with unmet needs. In the past two years alone, we’ve reached more than 14,500 children, making waves of change that ripple far beyond classrooms. This unforgettable evening will blend inspiration, recognition, and celebration. Don’t miss the chance to be part of history. Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025 Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pm (Doors open at 5:15 pm) Location: Forum Room, McCarthy Center, Framingham State University 100 State Street, Framingham, MA 01702 Register VIP Ticket $60 Includes one drink ticket and two raffle tickets FSU VIP Ticket $30 Exclusive for FSU Faculty, Staff and honor guests. Includes one drink ticket and two raffle tickets Ticket $30 Includes one drink ticket and two raffle tickets Evening Program Honoring 30 outstanding educators and caregivers whose dedication reflects the heart of the Center Appetizers and drinks with friends, colleagues, and community leaders Inspiring stories of impact from five years of transformation Silent auction and raffle to fuel our mission and add excitement to the evening Sponsorship Opportunites In honor of our 5th Anniversary, we’ve launched a special fundraising campaign with a bold goal: to raise $25,000 in support of the Chris Walsh Center’s mission to empower families, caregivers, educators, and learners across Massachusetts. We’re excited to share that thanks to the generosity of our early supporters, we’ve already raised $1,500—a strong start toward our goal. But we can’t do it without you. Every gift brings us closer to providing even more free programs, resources, and opportunities for students and the adults who support them. Why Your Support Matters Keeps our programs free for families and caregivers. Expands professional development for educators. Creates opportunities for students to intern, learn, and grow. Ensures children with disabilities, gifted learners, and those with unmet needs are never left behind. Ways to Help Us Reach $25,000 Make a Donation Today – Every dollar counts! Double Your Impact – Ask your employer about matching gifts. Attend the Anniversary Celebration – on October 23, 2025, to honor this milestone together. Register as a sponsor or donor by October 16, 2025, to be recognized in our printed program. Together, we can reach our $25,000 goal and ensure that the next five years are filled with even greater opportunities for learners, families, and educators. Sponsorships Defy Gravity Champion – $5,000 Premier recognition, 8 VIP tickets, logo in program & website, year-long features Magic Maker – $1,000 Logo in program & website, 3 VIP tickets, social media highlight, newsletter feature Yellow Brick Advocate – $250 Name in program & website, 1 VIP ticket, newsletter mention Emerald City Leader – $2,500 Prominent recognition, 6 VIP tickets, logo in program & website, year-long features Spellbinder Sponsor – $750 Logo in program & website, 2 VIP tickets, social media features Emerald Circle – $150 Name in program & website, 1 VIP ticket Wizard’s Circle – $1,500 Logo in program & website, 4 VIP tickets, social media highlight, newsletter feature Friends of Oz-$500 Logo in program & website, 1 VIP ticket, social media features Flying Star – $100 Name in program & website, 1 ticket Donation Under $100

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Search by Topic: Browse by Topic: Learn more about resources available Autism ADHD Asthma Bilingual Special Education Body Image Child & Adolescent Mental Health Communication Impairment Developmental Delay Disability Identity & Justice Down Syndrome Dyslexia Early Intervention Emotional Impairment English Language Learners Epilepsy Family Supports Families who Immigrate to the U.S Gifted & Advanced Learners Grief Health Impairment Inclusive Sex and Relationship Education Individualized Education Program (IEP) Intellectual Impairment Mental Health Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Navigating the MA Special Education System Neurological Impairment Online / Remote Teaching and Learning Physical Impairment Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Sensory Impairment Sibling Supports Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Special Education Laws and Procedures Specific Learning Disability Supporting Literacy Transition Process (14-22 Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

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Physical Impairment Department of Education: Physical Impairment Definition This page houses the current legal definition of physical impairment according to Massachusetts special education law. Teaching Students with Physical Disabilities This page provides a variety of strategies for teachers to assist them in meeting the needs of the greatest number of learners. Suggestions are offered specifically for different settings or school activities, such as exams or field trips, as well as for different points during the school year (before the class starts, the first few days, while in session, etc.). Types of Physical Disabilities This resource provides an overview of common types of physical disabilities with myths about each of them. The information is presented in a beginner-friendly format with easy-to-digest descriptions of their physical characteristics, causes, and signs and symptoms to look out for. Information for Parents on Cerebral Palsy This resource provides an overview of cerebral palsy, the types and causes, and treatment options and organizations. This is a great place to start for parents starting their information gathering or teachers looking to understand their students’ needs. Implications for Learning and Common Accommodations This page lists a variety of difficulties students with physical impairments may experience in the classroom, along with an appropriate accommodation. This resource comes from a team of postsecondary institutions based in Canada, so its recommendations are geared towards older students and the professional language may be a bit difficult. Older students and their families can use these suggestions when advocating for accommodations in the classroom, and teachers can use the suggestions for how to develop a classroom environment meeting all students’ needs. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: About Cystic Fibrosis The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s website offers information regarding the disorder, treatment options, and current research. Its Compass service helps individuals living with cystic fibrosis and their families navigate insurance options, find financial resources, and tackle other life issues. Parents and families can learn more at https://www.cff.org/Assistance-Services/About-Compass/What-Is-Compass/ . Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/18/2025 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Preparing Teachers to Implement Culturally Responsive SEL and PBIS A webinar presented by Dr. James Cressey that offers a theoretical framework, followed by case study examples from the work of educators and related professionals in PreK, elementary, middle, and high school settings. Family Involvement in PBIS This resource describes families’ roles in PBIS, and it provides tools to help foster involvement. It is an ideal resource for caregivers seeking to understand their role in PBIS and for educators wanting to improve parent engagement in PBIS. Culturally Responsive PBIS Learning Lab This resource outlines an innovative approach to culturally responsive PBIS by using problem-solving and collaboration. It is an ideal site for educators looking to take a deeper dive into culturally responsive PBIS and how to implement it in their schools. Explore the rest of the site at http://www.crpbis.org/index.html for specific learning labs, resources, and publications. The project is sponsored by the Wisconsin Center for Education Research at University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Education. Some information on the site is from as early as 2012, so date-sensitive information should be double-checked. What is PBIS? This article offers a comprehensive introduction to PBIS with opportunities for readers to dive deeper into topics of their choice. It is a great starting point for caregivers and educators new to PBIS. “Developing culturally responsive social, emotional, and behavioral supports” This peer-reviewed journal article explores how to improve student supports through social and emotional learning, culturally responsive practices, and PBIS. It is most helpful for educators seeking to use innovative approaches to better support their students in the classroom and parents wanting to understand how educators can better support their students. Dr. James Cressey also presented on this topic via a webinar through the Chris Walsh Center for Educators and Families of MetroWest at Framingham State University on October 29, 2019. [citation: Cressey, J. (2019). Developing culturally responsive social, emotional, and behavioral supports. Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching & Learning, 12(1), 53–67. https://doi.org/10.1108/JRIT-01-2019-0015] Videos on PBIS This site offers tons of free speaker videos from experts in the field sharing insight into specific parts of PBIS. Topics range from PBIS Implementation in Rural Settings to sitting in on teams as they discuss PBIS implementation. This site is ideal for educators who are familiar with PBIS and want to learn more about niche topics of interest. Massachusetts-specific PBIS Guide Here you can find a 2 page, easy-to-read guide from Massachusetts on PBIS within the state. This is a great read for those looking to get more acquainted with PBIS within the Massachusetts school system. “Including Students With Disabilities in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports: Experiences and Perspectives of Special Educators” This peer-reviewed journal article investigates how students with disabilities are included (or not) within PBIS in schools. It is a great resource for an educator familiar with PBIS to investigate how it functions within special education and what improvements can be implemented. The article can be rented with a free trial or purchased for a one time fee. [citation: Shuster BC, Gustafson JR, Jenkins AB, Lloyd BP, Carter EW, Bernstein CF. Including Students With Disabilities in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports: Experiences and Perspectives of Special Educators. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions. 2017;19(3):143-157. doi:10.1177/1098300716675734 ] Culturally Responsive Social-Emotional Learning: Reframing Classroom and Behavior Management for Equity This book chapter, written by Dr. James Cressey, FSU Education Department chair, has been made open access as a result of a grant from the Center for Excellence in Learning, Teaching, Scholarship, and Service (CELTSS). The chapter becomes available following the completion of a short survey. Cressey, J. M. (2020). Culturally Responsive Social-Emotional Learning: Reframing Classroom and Behavior Management for Equity . In A. Singh, M. Viner, & R. Yeh (Eds.), Special Education Design and Development Tools for School Rehabilitation Professionals. Hershey, PA: IGI Global. Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/18/2025 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

Sensory Impairment Vision Impairment, Blind, and Deafblind This page houses the definitions of vision and deafblind included in the sensory impairment category according to Massachusetts special education law. Links to Massachusetts-specific and national resources are also provided. Center for Parent Information and Resources: About Specific Disabilities The Center for Parent Information and Resources offers clear, brief, and highly informative fact sheets about specific disabilities, including sensory impairments. Each page provides definitions and signs to watch out for, explains learning tips for parents and teachers, and connects to other resources about each topic. Explore its resources for Visual Impairment and Blindness , Deafness and Hearing Loss , and Deaf-Blindness . Accessible Education Resources for Blind and Low Vision Students This page from the American Foundation for the Blind offers links to support for parents navigating homeschooling, for students beginning their college journey, for reading and accessibility, and for technology options at home and in the classroom. Deaf and Hard of Hearing This page houses the definitions of deaf and hard of hearing included in the sensory impairment category according to Massachusetts special education law. Links to Massachusetts-specific and national resources are also provided. My Deaf Child Resource Page The resources collected by Signing Time Foundation and provided on this page connect parents of children with hearing loss to information regarding communication options, assessment and early intervention, and support services. Resources: Paths to Literacy Paths to Literacy is committed to assisting parents and teachers in providing literacy instruction for all students, especially those who are blind or visually impaired.These self-paced guides and training modules for educators are designed for those who have blind or visually impaired students in their classrooms. The resources presented includes digitally-accessible worksheets, lesson plans, introductions to screen readers, and much more. Department of Education Resources for Assistive Technology and Accessibility This page offers many links to organizations, resources, and guides on assistive technology and accessibility. Supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students This guide designed for educators outlines the differences between the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafness categories. The page includes information about technology tools and advice about changes in the classroom to best meet the needs of students with sensory impairments. Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/18/2025 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

Gifted and Advanced Learners Gifted and Talented Education Advisory Council This page contains information from the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Gifted and Talented Education Advisory Council. Links to its meeting schedules, current reports, and further resources to check out are included. Davidson Young Scholars Program The Young Scholars Program is free for gifted students and their families, and it provides an opportunity to connect and engage with others with similar needs. The program offers consultants, summer events and conferences, and an online community of more resources and support. Massachusetts Association for Gifted Education: Resources The goal of the Massachusetts Association for Gifted Education (MAGE) is to support the needs of gifted children and promote the establishment of programs and opportunities for their enrichment and success. It provide resources pages with general information, programs, competitions, counselors, books and organizations, and advice and support. Check out its pages specific For Parents and For Educators . What It Means to Teach Gifted Learners Well This page from the National Association of Gifted Children outlines examples of how to approach the education of gifted learners and explains the difference between good and inappropriate instruction for gifted learners. These tips and best practices can be very useful for educators curious how to best accommodate the needs of their gifted students and for parents looking to advocate for their child. Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/18/2025 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

Supporting Literacy Mass Literacy The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Educations explains how Mass Literacy is a state-wide effort to advocate for evidence-based practices that promote literacy for all students. The website provides a literacy guide with helpful resources for educators. Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 03/18/2025 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.

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Events / Eventos Upcoming Events / Próximos Eventos: Bolstering Students' Resilience with Dr. Sara Whitcomb In this session, participants will build an understanding of the current state of children’s mental health and what teachers can do each day on the front lines of the mental health crisis to support children’s healthy social and emotional development. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect upon the many buzz words that pop up in education (e.g., social-emotional learning, trauma-informed care, restorative practices, positive behavioral interventions and supports) and distill practices into those that build consistency, connection, and compassion in classrooms. Click Here to Register Who is Dr. Sara Whitcomb? Dr. Sara Whitcomb is a licensed psychologist, associate director of research and evaluation with Boston Children's Hospital's Neighborhood Partnerships Program, and member of the faculty at Harvard Medical School. She is also co-director of the BIRCh Center at UMass Boston. Prior to her current role, she was a professor in the UMass Amherst school psychology program and a teacher in general and special education settings in Oregon, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Dr. Whitcomb's research and practice interests are in behavioral assessment, social-emotional learning, and organizational consultation in schools. She has authored a number of texts and journal articles on these topics and has consulted with over 100 school districts in Massachusetts to build capacity to meet all students' behavioral health needs. Past Events Play Therapy for Caregivers In this session you will learn to increase attachment, attunement, and resiliency in your child: Learn ways to attend to your child Learn how to encourage your child Learn play techniques with your child These strategies are evidence-based methods used by seasoned practitioners to teach parents how to play effectively with their children. Register today to learn how to use them with your family! When: February, 27th, 2025 at 7:00 PM Who: Rita Vatcher, LMHC Where: Hosted online by the Chris Walsh Center Register for Play Therapy for Caregivers! Who is Rita Vatcher, LMHC? Rita Vatcher is passionate about working with children, and her dream is to help children succeed and achieve their goals. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in both MA and NY, a Registered Play Therapist™, a Foundational Theraplay® Practitioner, and an EMDR-certified therapist who practices in Wellesley, Massachusetts. She provides effective mental health services for kids, adolescents, and adults by focusing on evidenced-based practices. Rita wants to train new child therapists to be qualified in serving children, adolescents, and families in our communities. Rita Vatcher has a Masters in Mental Health Counseling, a Masters in Pastoral Ministry, and a Bachelors in Psychology from Boston College. She has earned a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy from the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis and is a Certified Clinical Supervisor with the Massachusetts Mental Health Counseling Association. She served on the New England Board of Play Therapy for three years. She is most proud of being a mom of two – a son and daughter, loves playing with her dog, and being outside whenever she can. The Power of Resilience & Social Emotional Learning for Educators Thanks to a generous grant from the Sudbury Foundation to the Chris Walsh Center, The Power of Resilience & Social Emotional Learning for Educators is FREE to attend. Likewise, while these trainings are designed for educators, caregivers are welcome. Importantly, each session counts for 1.5 PDP units. As such, please make sure all the information entered is accurate so we may provide you with your certificate. Click Here to register. The Power of Resilience & SEL for Educators Improving Wellness, Mental Health, and SEL in Schools Activate your superpowers to boost your well-being and create belonging through this experiential workshop. This 3-session workshop offers practical strategies for educators to integrate into their daily routines, helping regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and increase resilience and creativity. Interactive sessions will connect you with peers to cultivate self-awareness, heart-brain coherence, mindfulness, and embodiment practices that empower you to thrive personally and professionally. You are invited to attend one, two, or all three of the sessions. Who is Dr. Simone Kotraba? Dr. Simone Kotraba is the founder of HeartMind Solutions. She is a transformational coach and wellness facilitator who guides individuals and teams on a journey of growth and expansion, helping them unite their hearts and minds. With her light-hearted wisdom and vibrant energy, Simone creates a welcoming and supportive environment for participants to use their strengths and tap into their highest potential. Simone has spent her entire career working with families, teaching, and leading in K-12 and higher education settings. She holds multiple licenses and certifications and is passionate about alleviating human suffering. Session 1: Thursday, October 10th, 2024 at 4:00 PM Online Personal Resilience and SEL for Educators In this session, you will experience the building personal resilience transformation process developed by HeartMath Institute. These simple on-the-go techniques will empower participants to build emotional, mental, and physical resilience. Participants will learn skills to connect more deeply with the power and intelligence of the heart even in a busy school setting. Adding the qualities of the heart helps create the important shift to change behaviors and achieve positive social-emotional outcomes. Participants will understand the importance of personal resilience to improve well-being and performance. Practice self-awareness by identifying depleting and renewing emotions, learning strategies for building resilience, and the important role the heart and brain play in transforming disempowering thoughts and feelings. Session 2: Thursday, November 21st, 2024 at 4:00 PM Online Mindfulness, Resilience, and SEL for Thriving Educators In this session, participants will develop a general understanding of mindfulness and how it can be utilized to build resilience and decrease chronic stress. Understand how chronic stress can negatively impact work outcomes and how mindfulness can build emotional resilience. Participants will identify and understand the emotional, cognitive, physical, and behavioral benefits of mindfulness in schools. Participants will practice self-awareness by identifying where they feel stress in the body. Understand what the stress response is and how chronic stress affects the body. Examine how mindfulness can increase resilience to support a healthy stress response and practice simple and effective exercises for sustained resilience. Session 3: Thursday, December 12th, 2024 at 4:00 PM Online Resilience and the Embodied Educator In this session, participants will identify and lovingly understand their “Stuck” emotions and thoughts and transform them into resilience using Social Presencing Theater (SPT). SPT is a method for exploring the creative potential of social systems such as schools. By connecting to the body using contemplative methods, we become aware of the "social body" of a group in addition to our own body. Social Presencing Theater serves both personal and collective resilience, well-being, self-awareness, and the decision-making process. In this session, we will perform exercises together in a mindful way that combines body, heart, mind, attention, reflection, and silence. Social Presencing Theater is an embodiment practice developed by Arawana Hayashi and Otto Scharmer at the Presencing Institute at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Click Here to Register The Resilient Caregiver Thanks to a generous grand from the Sudbury Foundation, The Resilient Caregiver is free to attend. Click Here to register. The Resilient Caregiver Improving Wellbeing and Mental Health with Families and Community In this experiential session, participants will explore the transformational process of resilience techniques developed by the HeartMath Institute. It includes simple on-the-go tools that empower participants to build emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual resilience. With practice, participants will connect more deeply with the power and intelligence of the heart during their daily routines. Adding the qualities of the heart helps create the important shift to change stressful thoughts and emotions to achieve inner peace and happiness. Participants will understand the importance of resilience to improve wellbeing and increase deep connection with themselves and loved ones. Participants will tune into their hearts, minds, and bodies to identify depleting and renewing emotions and develop emotional awareness skills that lead to greater self-regulation and co-regulation. Who is Dr. Simone Kotraba? Dr. Simone Kotraba is the founder of HeartMind Solutions. She is a parent of 11-year-old twins. Simone is a wellness facilitator and coach who guides families on a journey of growth and expansion, helping them unite their hearts and minds. With her light-hearted wisdom and vibrant energy, Simone creates a welcoming and supportive environment for participants to have courageous conversations, practice using their strengths, and tap into their highest potential. Simone has spent her entire career working with families, teaching, and leading in K-12 and higher education settings. She holds multiple licenses and certifications and is passionate about alleviating human suffering. When: Thursday, October 24th, 2024 at 7:00 PM Who: Dr. Simone Kotraba Where: Hosted online by the Chris Walsh Center Click Here to Register Unlocking Potential: Nurturing Multimodal Learning and Play with Children Our children engage in rich, meaning-making experiences at home and in their communities. Children make sense of the world around them through multiple modes such as linguistic, visual, aural, spatial, and gestural, and the interplay of these modalities. This talk will explore how children navigate their world - online and in-person through these modalities and how we, as educators and caregivers, can cultivate this learning at home and in schools. Join us as we delve into multimodal learning by first learning from our children by drawing upon their knowledge and insights and then providing practical insights into incorporating a more playful and joyful learning experience. Click Here to Watch Recording Nuestros hijos participan en experiencias ricas y significativas en casa y en sus comunidades. Los niños dan sentido al mundo que les rodea a través de múltiples modos como el lingüístico, visual, auditivo, espacial y gestual, y la interacción de estas modalidades. Esta sesión explorará cómo los niños navegan por su mundo -en línea y en persona- a través de estas modalidades y cómo nosotros, como educadores y cuidadores, podemos cultivar este aprendizaje en casa y en la escuela. Acompáñenos mientras profundizamos en el aprendizaje multimodal, primero aprendiendo de nuestros hijos, basándonos en sus conocimientos y perspectivas, y después aportando ideas prácticas para incorporar una experiencia de aprendizaje más lúdica y alegre. Breaking Stereotypes: Understanding Varied ADHD Expressions in Youth Rompiendo Estereotipos: Comprender Las Diversas Expresiones del TDAH en los Jóvenes Becca Gibson is a dynamic presenter who combines lived experience, research, and hands-on therapeutic practice to delve into the often-overlooked realm of youth who present with non-stereotypical ADHD traits. Becca will discuss different profiles of ADHD, the intersection of ADHD with other identities, why ADHD is often misidentified in those socialized as girls, and signs you can look for to reduce disparities in ADHD identification. Along with providing valuable information about both the short and long-term impact of unsupported ADHD traits, Becca will offer practical suggestions for supporting these youth both at home and in the classroom.Bio: Becca Gibson (they/she), LICSW, LCSW-C, is an Autistic and ADHD licensed independent clinical social worker, as well as the founder and owner of Wired Differently Therapy, a private practice serving clients in the states of Maryland and Massachusetts. After spending years working in special education, Becca began a career in social work with a specialization helping neurodiverse couples, families, and neurodivergent individuals through a neurodiversity affirming lens. Becca’s clinical work focuses on Autistics and ADHDers – especially those who are considered “gifted”, or “twice-exceptional” – and the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identities and neurodivergence. In addition to their work as a therapist, Becca provides professional development training, clinical consultation, and clinical supervision. Click Here to Watch Recording Becca Gibson es una presentadora dinámica que combina la experiencia vivida, la investigación y la práctica terapéutica para profundizar en el ámbito, a menudo pasado por alto, de los jóvenes que presentan rasgos de TDAH no estereotipados. Becca hablará sobre los diferentes perfiles del TDAH, la intersección del TDAH con otras identidades, por qué el TDAH a menudo se identifica erróneamente en quienes han sido socializados como niñas, y las señales que se pueden buscar para reducir las disparidades en la identificación del TDAH. Además de proporcionar información valiosa sobre el impacto a corto y largo plazo de los rasgos de TDAH sin apoyo, Becca ofrecerá sugerencias prácticas para apoyar a estos jóvenes tanto en casa como en el aula. Bio: Becca Gibson (ellos / ella), LICSW, LCSW-C, es un autista y el TDAH con licencia de trabajador social clínico independiente, así como el fundador y propietario de Wired Differently Terapia, una práctica privada que atiende a clientes en los estados de Maryland y Massachusetts. Después de pasar años trabajando en educación especial, Becca comenzó una carrera en trabajo social con una especialización en ayudar a parejas neurodiversas, familias e individuos neurodivergentes a través de una lente de afirmación de la neurodiversidad. El trabajo clínico de Becca se centra en autistas y ADHDers - especialmente aquellos que son considerados "superdotados", o "dos veces excepcional" - y la intersección de las identidades LGBTQIA + y neurodivergencia. Además de su trabajo como terapeuta, Becca ofrece formación para el desarrollo profesional, consulta clínica y supervisión clínica. Teaching Happiness: Practices to Support Our Wellbeing Enseñando Felicidad: Prácticas Para Apoyar Nuestro Bienestar In this webinar we will briefly overview the study of Positive Psychology and a definition of happiness. We will then understand the specific behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that we can practice to impact our happiness. Bio: I am a School Adjustment Counselor at a local public high school where I provide mental health support to students and co-teach a class titled “Psychology and the Good Life.”. After starting my career in human resources at a financial services company, I quickly realized I did not feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment in my work. Ultimately, I went to graduate school where I majored in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on School and Community Counseling. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and have a small private practice providing young adults with therapeutic support. As of 2024, I am also an instructor in the Counseling Psychology Graduate Program at Framingham State University. Click Here to Watch Recording En este webinario revisaremos brevemente el estudio de la Psicología Positiva y una definición de felicidad. Luego comprenderemos los comportamientos, pensamientos y sentimientos específicos que podemos practicar para influir en nuestra felicidad. Biografía: Soy Consejera de Adaptación Escolar en una escuela secundaria pública local donde proporciono apoyo de salud mental a los estudiantes y co-enseño una clase titulada "Psicología y la Buena Vida". Después de comenzar mi carrera en recursos humanos en una empresa de servicios financieros, me di cuenta rápidamente de que no sentía un sentido de propósito y realización en mi trabajo. Finalmente, fui a la escuela de posgrado donde me especialicé en Consejería Clínica de Salud Mental con un enfoque en Consejería Escolar y Comunitaria. Soy un consejero de salud mental con licencia y tengo una pequeña práctica privada que proporciona a los adultos jóvenes con el apoyo terapéutico. A partir de 2024, también soy un instructor en el Programa de Posgrado de Psicología de asesoramiento en la Universidad Estatal de Framingham. Autism & Intersectionality Autismo e Interseccionalidad Autism is a neurodevelopmental phenomenon that anyone can be born with. However, there are observable differences in which autistic individuals are identified as autistic, and when. Autism is often identified later, if at all, in folks who are marginalized when it comes to factors such as gender, sex assigned at birth, and/or race. This presentation will discuss why this happens, why it matters, and what we can do about it. We will explore signs to look out for, particularly in those socialized as girls. We will also discuss ways of supporting autistic folks at home and at school, regardless of whether they have been officially diagnosed. Click Here to Watch Recording / Haga Click Aquí para Ver la Grabación El autismo es un fenómeno del neurodesarrollo con el que puede nacer cualquier persona. Sin embargo, existen diferencias observables en cuanto a qué individuos autistas son identificados como tales y cuándo. A menudo, el autismo se identifica más tarde, si es que se identifica, en personas marginadas por factores como el género, el sexo asignado al nacer y/o la raza. En esta presentación se discutirá por qué ocurre esto, por qué es importante y qué podemos hacer al respecto. Exploraremos las señales a las que hay que prestar atención, especialmente en las personas socializadas como niñas. También discutiremos formas de apoyar a los autistas en casa y en la escuela, independientemente de si han sido diagnosticados oficialmente. Supporting Our Children’s Social-Emotional Development: An Introduction to Social-Emotional Learning & Resources to Support Children’s Development Apoyando el Desarrollo Socio-Emocional de Nuestros Hijos: Una Introducción al Aprendizaje Socio-Emocional y Recursos para Apoyar el Desarrollo de los Niños Social-emotional learning (SEL) is a lifelong process that develops over time, through daily interactions, and in a broad array of settings. Supporting Our Children’s Social-Emotional Development: An Introduction to Social-Emotional Learning & Resources to Support Children’s Development will provide an introduction to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (2020) framework and explore the five core competencies of social-emotional development: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness. In addition, this presentation will introduce opportunities for families to support the development of competencies at home and beyond through daily routines and practices. Resources to assist with children’s development of the competencies, such as children’s literature selections and activities, will be introduced through audience engagement and participation. Join us as we explore SEL and resources to support our children’s development! Click Here to Watch Recording El Aprendizaje Socioemocional (SEL) es un proceso que dura toda la vida y que se desarrolla a lo largo del tiempo, a través de interacciones diarias y en una amplia gama de entornos. Cómo Apoyar el Desarrollo Socioemocional de Nuestros Hijos: Una Introducción al Aprendizaje Socioemocional y Recursos para Apoyar el Desarrollo de los Niños proporcionará una introducción al marco de la Colaboración para el Aprendizaje Académico, Social y Emocional (2020) y explorará las cinco competencias básicas del desarrollo socioemocional: autoconciencia, autogestión, toma de decisiones responsable, habilidades de relación y conciencia social. Además, esta presentación introducirá oportunidades para que las familias apoyen el desarrollo de competencias en casa y fuera de ella a través de rutinas y prácticas diarias. Se presentarán recursos para ayudar a los niños en el desarrollo de las competencias, como selecciones de literatura infantil y actividades, a través del compromiso y la participación del público. Únase a nosotros para explorar SEL y los recursos para apoyar el desarrollo de nuestros hijos. Sibling Support Webinar: Building Resiliency Among Siblings with Disabilities Webinario de Apoyo Entre Hermanos: Fomentar la Resiliencia Entre Hermanos con Discapacidades Siblings of children with disabilities have unique needs and challenges. This presentation provides an overview of the sibling experience, as well as practical strategies that parents, caregivers and providers can utilize, to help increase sibling resiliency. There will be time for the presenting clinician to answer questions from the audience about how to best support siblings, including recommendations that are applicable to a wide range of families. Los hermanos de niños con discapacidad tienen necesidades y retos únicos. Esta presentación ofrece una visión general de la experiencia de los hermanos, así como estrategias prácticas que los padres, cuidadores y proveedores pueden utilizar, para ayudar a aumentar la resiliencia de los hermanos. Habrá tiempo para que el clínico presentador responda a las preguntas del público sobre la mejor manera de apoyar a los hermanos, incluidas las recomendaciones que son aplicables a una amplia gama de familias. Click Here to Watch Recording Online Webinar: Supporting Your Child's Mental Health As They Transition to College / Webinar en Línea: Apoyando la Salud Mental de sus Hijos en la Transición a la Universidad College is an exciting time! However, it can also come with unique challenges that can affect students' mental wealth and overall wellbeing. This webinar will review what we know about who contemporary U.S. college students are, and the rates with which they are experiencing mental health difficulties in this post-pandemic era. It will also discuss what students can expect during their first semester of college and what can be done to support students academically, socially and psychologically. La universidad es un momento emocionante. Sin embargo, también puede conllevar retos únicos que pueden afectar a la riqueza mental y al bienestar general de los estudiantes. Este seminario web repasará lo que sabemos sobre quiénes son los estudiantes universitarios estadounidenses contemporáneos y las tasas con las que experimentan dificultades de salud mental en esta era pospandémica. También se discutirá lo que los estudiantes pueden esperar durante su primer semestre de universidad y lo que se puede hacer para apoyar a los estudiantes académica, social y psicológicamente. Click Here to Watch Recording Let's Talk About it: Overcoming Roadblocks in Caregiver-Child Relationships / Hablemos De Eso: Cómo Superar Los Bloqueos En Las Relaciones Entre Cuidadores y Niños As a caregiver, your role as coach in your child’s ever-changing world can be idyllic, as well as challenging. At this 75 minute webinar for caregivers, Jessica Ames will use her expertise as a child therapist, meditation and parent coach to teach you ways to enhance open dialogue with your child(ren). When a caregiver is able to create more openness and acceptance around the day to day challenges of child-rearing, as well as larger environmental and situational challenges, they positively impact the people around them and experience more joy. Jessica will discuss skills and strategies to help you connect in the moment with your child(ren). She will also present ways to increase your energy and personal satisfaction as a caregiver. This webinar will be an opportunity for you to enhance your relationships and connectedness. Jessica will also set aside time to answer caregiver's questions at the end of the presentation. Click Here to Watch Recording Como cuidador, su papel de entrenador en el mundo siempre cambiante de su hijo puede ser idílico, pero también difícil. En este webinario de 75 minutos para cuidadores, Jessica Ames utilizará su experiencia como terapeuta infantil, meditadora y entrenadora de padres para enseñarle formas de mejorar el diálogo abierto con su(s) hijo(s). Cuando un cuidador es capaz de crear más apertura y aceptación en torno a los retos cotidianos de la crianza de los hijos, así como los retos ambientales y situacionales más grandes, impactan positivamente en las personas que les rodean y experimentan más alegría. Jessica hablará de habilidades y estrategias que le ayudarán a conectar en el momento con su(s) hijo(s). También presentará formas de aumentar su energía y satisfacción personal como cuidador. Este seminario web será una oportunidad para mejorar sus relaciones y su conexión. Jessica también reservará tiempo para responder a las preguntas de los cuidadores al final de la presentación. How to Advocate for Your Child: Online Workshop Cómo Abogar Por Su Hijo: Taller en Línea Join the Chris Walsh Center to for the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to advocate on behalf of your child from Leslie Leslie of The Federation for Children with Special Needs. This event is free and open to the public, however, registration is required. Unfortunately, getting your child's needs met can be challenging. Thankfully, effective advocacy is a learned art. At this workshop you will learn soft skills, such as how to prioritize and collaborate, to best advocate for your child. The workshop will also address conflict and barriers to effective communication. With these skills you'll be better able to work with others to support your child. Click Here to watch Recording Únase al Centro Chris Walsh para la oportunidad de aprender las habilidades necesarias para abogar en nombre de su hijo de Leslie Leslie de la Federación para Niños con Necesidades Especiales. Este evento es gratuito y abierto al público, sin embargo, se requiere inscripción. Desafortunadamente, conseguir que se satisfagan las necesidades de su hijo puede ser un reto. Afortunadamente, la defensa eficaz es un arte que se aprende. En este taller usted aprenderá habilidades blandas, tales como la forma de priorizar y colaborar, para defender mejor a su hijo. En el taller también se abordarán los conflictos y los obstáculos para una comunicación eficaz. Con estas habilidades estará mejor preparado para trabajar con otros para apoyar a su hijo. Ongoing: Building Resiliency: A Group for Caregivers of Neurodivergent Children Thursday October 19th - November 16th 7:00-8:15PM Our first caregiver support group for fall 2023: Building Resiliency: A Group for Caregivers of Neurodivergent Children. The support group was hosted by two mental health clinicians, Deborah McMakin, Ed.D., M.A., LICSW and Jessica Ames, a Licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW). We engaged in family resilience building activities and time for with caregivers on a similar journey. Caregivers will the opportunity to learn from and support each other over the course of the 5 weeks spent together. Caring for a neurodivergent child is a journey with unexpected joys and challenges. While caregivers often enjoy their child's strengths, unique personalities and accomplishments, they may also face unique challenges, such as how and when to communicate their child’s learning and emotional needs to others, how to advocate for their child and teach them to advocate for themselves, and how to focus on their child’s unique abilities rather than labels or misconceptions. Group topics included strengthening relationships (with your child and their supporters), increasing your child’s self confidence and self advocacy skills (helping them define their own goals and build their resiliency), as well as managing and reframing unwanted labels in your community. Dr. Liza Talusan presents: The Identity-Conscious Educator: Building Habits and Skills for More Inclusive Schools Tuesday, March 21, 2023 from 7-8:30 pm Based on Dr. Talusan’s recent book of the same title, this 90-minute workshop is focused on building knowledge, engaging in reflection, and moving to action. Identity very much informs our daily work, even if we have not built the habits and skills for seeing its impact. Building an identity-conscious practice means realizing that who we are informed and impacts how we act, interact, and how we see the world around us. To do this, we need tools to explore what our identities are, how they shape our views, and how we might work towards greater inclusion and equity. Film Screening: Autism goes to College Tuesday, April 4, 2023 from 7-8:45 pm Autism Goes to College is a film with honest insights for students, parents and educators offering an eye-opening look at what a growing number of neurodiverse students are bringing to campus. After the screening, we will have Executive Producer Jan Blacher, whose mother is an FSU alum, with us to take questions from the audience. Check out the film trailer . Support for Caregivers: Navigating the MA Special Education System Thursdays in March 2023 Topic: What is a 504? What is an IEP? Does my child need a 504 or an IEP? How does my child get evaluated for one? What does eligibility determination mean? What services are provided in an IEP? What is an advocate, and do I need one? What is my role as the parent of a child on an IEP and how do I support my child that is on an IEP? What is my child’s role? What do I do if I am told my child doesn’t need an IEP and I disagree? If you have any of these or other questions about the special education process and system, you are not alone! Supporting your child who is on or might need a 504 or an IEP can be very confusing and daunting. We want to help you by providing information, answering your questions, and providing support so you can navigate the process for your child. Virtual Book Discussion: The Identity-Conscious Educator: Building Habits and Skills for More Inclusive Schools Tuesday, March 7, 2023 from 7-8 pm This book, written by Dr. Liza Talusan, discusses powerful, practical strategies for creating an inclusive school community that honors the different identities expressed by students and peers. Join the Chris Walsh Center staff as we discuss the book and the strategies presented to make school community more inclusive. Adoptive Families and Schools Thursday, October 20 , 2022 from 6-7 pm A virtual presentation for families and educators of adoptive children. Our presenter, Dr. Abbie Goldberg, will provide an overview of what we know about adopted children’s educational experiences and mental health. Dr. Goldberg is currently a professor at Clark University and has extensive experience in giving presentations on how to create more inclusive communities, health care settings, and schools for diverse families. Virtual Book Discussion for Parents & Educators: 'Sincerely, Your Autistic Child' Edited by Emily Paige Ballou, Sharon davenport, and Morénike Giwa Onaiwu 'Sincerely, Your Autistic Child: What People on the Autism Spectrum Wish Their Parents Knew About Growing up, Acceptance and Identity' is a collection of pieces by writers from the Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network. This book is a diverse collection of autistic voices that highlights how parents can avoid common mistakes and misconceptions, and make their child feel truly accepted, valued, and celebrated for who they are. Wednesday, May 4 th, 2022 from 7-8 pm The Center’s two virtual book discussions of “Sincerely Your Autistic Child” were a success with a total of 29 participants. Due to all of the positive feedback following the discussions, we have decided to host a third discussion. More information on this next discussion will be shared in the coming weeks. Transition Support Group March 24 to April 28: Thursdays from 7-8 pm Center Graduate Assistant, Ellen Rose, will be hosting a six-week parent/caregiver support group. The group will be both informative and supportive, with a resource handout given out each week prior to meeting. Then, the resource can be discussed and the second half of the meeting will be dedicated to support. The purpose of the group is to educate and support parents and caregivers whose children have turned 14 and are planning for the future. We get a lot of questions from parents about what to do after high school. This group is aimed at answering those questions. Panel Presentation: Understanding the Transition Process Archived Video Transition Resources Wednesday, February 16th, 2021 from 7-8:30pm The Chris Walsh Center has put together a free, virtual panel of experts to help you understand the transition planning process so you can get the most out of it. Our panel of presenters includes: Amanda Green (Secondary Transition Supervisor at Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education), Vikky Angelico (Disability Services Coordinator at Framingham State University), Lore Andrescavage (Executive Function/College/Transition Coach at Effective Effort Consulting), and Carla Cataldo (Parent). All of the presenters will share their experience and expertise on the transition planning process and be available for questions. Panel Presentation (Transition) Virtual Book Discussion for Parents & Educators: 'Sincerely, Your Autistic Child' Edited by Emily Paige Ballou, Sharon davenport, and Morénike Giwa Onaiwu 'Sincerely, Your Autistic Child: What People on the Autism Spectrum Wish Their Parents Knew About Growing up, Acceptance and Identity' is a collection of pieces by writers from the Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network. This book is a diverse collection of autistic voices that highlights how parents can avoid common mistakes and misconceptions, and make their child feel truly accepted, valued, and celebrated for who they are. Monday, December 6th, 2021 from 3:30-4:30 pm Wednesday, December 8th, 2021 from 7-8 pm This event is open to the MetroWest community parents, family members and educators as well as FSU students, faculty and staff. Discussion will be facilitated by Dr. James Cressey’s Education Department students from his course “Inclusive Practices for Students with Disabilities.” Open Doors to College Read Event Transcript Thursday, March 25th, 2021 from 7-9pm Hundreds of colleges across the US are opening doors to higher education for students with intellectual disability. “Opening Doors to College” shows how students like Curtis, Janet, Fudia, and Missy are leading this inclusion revolution as they immerse themselves in classes, residential life, extracurricular activities, and the entire college experience at Millersville and Temple Universities. Intelligent Lives Thursday, February 25th, 2021 from 7-9pm INTELLIGENT LIVES is a 70-minute film that stars three pioneering young American adults with intellectual disabilities—Micah, Naieer, and Naomie—who challenge perceptions of intelligence as they navigate high school, college, and the workforce. Academy Award-winning actor and narrator Chris Cooper contextualizes the lives of these central characters through the emotional personal story of his son Jesse, as the film unpacks the shameful and ongoing track record of intelligence testing in the U.S. INTELLIGENT LIVES is a catalyst to transform the label of intellectual disability from a life sentence of isolation into a life of possibility for the most systematically segregated people in America. Black Boys Beyond Stereotypes: A Call to Action / Niños Negros Más Allá de los Estereotipos: Una Llamada a la Acción Thursday, February 18th, 2021 from 1:30-2:30pm Jueves, 18 de Febrero, 2021 de 1:30 a 2:30pm A panel discussion on the documentary Black Boys with two of the film's commentators -- Dr. Travis Bristol, Assistant Professor of Education at the University of California, Berkeley, and Mr. Conan Harris, former Executive Director of My Brother's Keeper Boston -- as well as FSU Math and Secondary Education student Dan Karanja '21. Un panel de discusión sobre el documental Black Boys con dos de los comentaristas de la película - el Dr. Travis Bristol, Profesor Adjunto de Educación en la Universidad de California, Berkeley, y el Sr. Conan Harris, ex Director Ejecutivo de My Brother's Keeper Boston -- así como el estudiante de Matemáticas y Educación Secundaria de la FSU Dan Karanja '21. Panel Presentation: What’s It Like Having Epilepsy? / Presentación del Panel: ¿Cómo Es Tener Epilepsia? Tuesday, November 17th, 2020 from 2:30-3:30pm Martes, 17 de Noviembre, 2020 de 2:30 a 3:30pm The panelists will talk about how their experiences with epilepsy impact them on a day to day basis. They will talk about the challenges they faced, and how they manage them. They are willing to answer any of your questions regarding the epilepsy condition. There are 3.4 million people that live in the world with active epilepsy. Come hear about what it is like to have epilepsy and how you can help those with this condition. Los panelistas hablarán de cómo sus experiencias con la epilepsia les afectan en el día a día. Hablarán de los retos a los que se enfrentan y de cómo los manejan. Están dispuestos a responder a todas sus preguntas sobre la epilepsia. En el mundo hay 3.4 millones de personas con epilepsia activa. Venga a escuchar lo que significa tener epilepsia y cómo puede ayudar a quienes padecen esta enfermedad. Children with Epilepsy and Seizures in the Classroom / Niños con Epilepsia y Convulsiones en la Aula Tuesday, November 10th, 2020 from 12:30-1:30pm Martes, 10 de Noviembre, 2020 de 12:30 a 1:30pm Presenter: Susan Linn, the CEO of Epilepsy Foundation New England Presentadora: Susan Linn, Directora General de la Fundación contra la Epilepsia de Nueva Inglaterra There are 17,000 young people living with epilepsy in MA, with seizure types that range from “staring spells” to convulsions. This presentation will cover epilepsy basics and help participants recognize seizures, understand the impact of epilepsy on students, and help participants respond to seizures with timely and appropriate care. Hay 17,000 jóvenes que viven con epilepsia en MA, con tipos de ataques que van desde "ataques de mirada fija" a convulsiones. Esta presentación cubrirá los aspectos básicos de la epilepsia y ayudará a los participantes a reconocer los ataques, comprender el impacto de la epilepsia en los estudiantes y ayudar a los participantes a responder a los ataques con la atención oportuna y apropiada. Supporting Twice-Exceptional Learners at School and at Home / Apoyar a Los Estudiantes Con Dos Excepciones En La Escuela Y En Casa Archived Webinar Video / Vídeo Archivado del Webinario Presentation Slides / Diapositivas de la Presentación Wednesday, April 29th, 2020 from10:30-11:30am Miércoles, 29 de Abril, 2020 de 10:30-11:30am Presenter: Dr. MaryGrace Stewart, President of the Massachusetts Association for Gifted Education (MAGE) Presentadora: Dra. MaryGrace Stewart, Presidenta de la Asociación de Massachusetts para la Educación de Superdotados (MAGE) Location: Online via Blackboard Collaborate Lugar: En línea a través de Blackboard Collaborate Moving from a reactive to a proactive approach in education: The importance of screening, early identification, and preventive strategies for dyslexia and other reading disabilities / Pasando de un enfoque reactivo a uno proactivo en la educación: La importancia del cribado, la identificación precoz y las estrategias preventivas de la dislexia y otras discapacidades lectoras Archived Webinar Video / Vídeo Archivado del Webinario Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020 from 12:30-1:30pm Martes, 3 de Marzo, 2020 de 12:30 a 1:30pm Presenter: Dr. Nadine Gaab, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, & Harvard Graduate School of Education Presentadora: Dra. Nadine Gaab, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School y Harvard Graduate School of Education Location: McCarthy Center Forum and Online via Blackboard Collaborate Lugar: Foro del Centro McCarthy y en línea a través de Blackboard Collaborate Preparing Teachers to Implement Culturally Responsive Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) / Preparando a Profesores para Implementar Aprendizaje Social-Emocional Culturalmente Sensible (SEL) e Intervenciones y Apoyos Positivos de Comportamiento (PBIS) Archived Webinar Video / Vídeo Archivado del Webinario Tuesday, October 29th, 2019 Martes 19 de Octubre, 2029 Presenter: Dr. James Cressey, Associate Professor of Education, Framingham State University Presentador: Dr. James Cressey, Profesor Asociado de Educación, Universidad Estatal de Framingham Location: Alumni Room and Online via Blackboard Collaborate Lugar: Sala Alumni y en línea a través de Blackboard Collaborate

Ask the Expert The “Ask the Expert Series” is a project inspired by our advisory board and developed by Chris Walsh Center Interns. Our interns will be working to build a library of 7–10-minute videos that provide a personalized and detailed explanation of topics of concern for families of children with disabilities, gifted children and children with unmet needs. The experts in these videos are professionals with expertise in fields such as education, law and social services who have agreed to answer some of the questions that we receive most often. Marissa Piligian, a professor of education at FSU and a former early childhood and elementary special educator in MA public schools What is Dyslexia and what are the earliest indicators? What can teachers and families do to support Dyslexic children? Megan Jacobs, Education Professor at FSU How do STEM teachers think about accommodations and inclusion for students with IEP's? View the transcript . Kathryn Welby, director of K-12 Teacher Preparation Program and associate professor of practice – Special Education at Merrimack College What is the difference between a 504 and an IEP? View the transcript . View the slides . Leslie Leslie, project director at the Federation for Children What is the Federation for Children with Special needs and how does it help children who have special needs? View the transcript . Ellen Scult, attorney What is guardianship? View the transcript . Back to Topics Page This page was last updated on: 06/16/2022 Have any resource suggestions? Click Here to email us.