WELLNESS WEDNESDAY LUNCH & LEARN SERIES

Free Member BenefitA "Holistic" Approach for Special Education Leaders
Third Wednesday of the Month from 12:00 PM-1:00 PM (CT)
Join us for a rejuvenating "Wellness Wednesday" lunch and learn session designed specifically for special education leaders. In this one-hour workshop, we'll explore practical strategies for maintaining balance and promoting well-being amidst the unique challenges of leading special education teams.
 
You'll learn simple mindfulness techniques, stress management strategies, and self-care practices that you can integrate into your daily routine. This session will provide an opportunity to connect with other leaders, share experiences, and gain insights into fostering a supportive and healthy work environment for yourself and your team.
 
Bring your lunch, and come ready to relax, recharge, and refocus. Together, let's prioritize our well-being so we can continue to lead with strength and compassion!
 
Register for the September 18th Wellness Wednesday here
Register for the Wellness Wednesday Lunch and Learn Series (October-June) in the Members Only tab on this website. If you are not a member, join here
 

Featured Speakers: 

Lynda A. Carmouche, LCSW-S, ACSW, a transformative leader in the field of mental wellness. With over 27 years of experience, Lynda has made her mark as a Psychotherapist, Trainer, Speaker, Mental Wellness Strategist, and Leadership Coach. Her background as a public-school teacher, school social worker, trauma therapist, and foster parent underscores her unwavering commitment to empowering others. 

Lynda's storytelling prowess earned her recognition as a best-selling author in November 2016 for her contribution to Her Chronicles 2: Stories of Survival, Sacrifice, and Spiritual Awakening. As the dynamic host of The Elephant Room Podcast, Lynda creates spaces dedicated to healing the person behind the professional, where she and guests address "the elephant in the room".  

Focused on helping leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals overcome low morale, toxic work environments, and burnout, Lynda is committed to fostering thriving workplace cultures. This fall she will release her highly anticipated book, Polished Pain: The Hidden Cost of Burnout and Unresolved Trauma, a must-read for anyone seeking to reclaim their mental wellness. Lynda A. Carmouche is not just a mental health professional; she is a beacon of hope and transformation for all who encounter her. 


 

For the last 20+ years, Joe Beckman has spoken all over the world with one simple mission…to reclaim human connection. Whether it’s an educational setting in Minneapolis, a Leadership workshop in Montana, or an International Conference in Malaysia, Joe’s timeless message (and unique delivery) around human connection is being craved more than ever! It’s only when we stop and slow down, separate from our screens, and truly listen to each other’s stories, that we can course correct, and give ourselves the best chance to leave their mark on this world.

Our world is experiencing an unprecedented shift.  Loneliness is at an all-time high, while self worth, belonging, and connections are at all-time lows.  The consequences impact ALL of us. Joe has One Simple Mission: Reclaim Human Connection!  


 

Ricky Robertson is an educator, author, and consultant who has worked with alternative and traditional schools, serving students from grades preK-12 within urban, suburban, and rural communities. Ricky provides coaching, consultation, and multi-day professional development to build systems of support for students impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma, and the educators who work with them. Ricky has a background in Restorative Justice/Practices, culturally responsive teaching, LGBTQ+ student advocacy, and trauma-informed practices for teaching and behavior management.  

 

 

Dates and Topics

September 18th Leading with Wellness: Your Journey Starts Now with Lynda Carmouche
Kick off your wellness journey with a transformative session designed specifically for special education leaders. This isn't just another lunch and learnit's the beginning of a powerful commitment to yourself and your well-being. 
October 16th: Stress can be scary. Eric Hoppstock  
Learn stress management tools that you can use yourself and share with your teammates.
November 20th: The Habit of Gratitude: A Powerful Path to Mental WellnessLynda Carmouche
Gratitude is more than just a fleeting feeling—it's a transformative habit that can elevate your mental well-being. Join us to uncover simple, yet impactful, ways to weave gratitude into your daily routine, empowering you to create a more positive and resilient mindset.
December 18th: Finding joy and peace in the season. Joe Beckman
The holiday season can be an overwhelming, anxiety filled time of year. Spend some time exploring ways to find the gifts of joy and peace. 
January 15th: What is the solution to the resolution? Ricky Robertson  
Change can be hard, but not changing may be even harder. Together, we will see how impactful small changes can be on our wellness journey.
February 19th: Getting to the heart of the matterNora Boettcher 
Mental wellness is connected to heart health, which means our mental and physical well-being go hand in hand. Acquire skills that meet the needs of both.  
March 19th: Luck is not the answer. Dr. Damita James  
Wellness is not a destination…it is a journey. Learn how to navigate that journey by choosing the pathway that is right for you. (Luck has nothing to do with it!)
April 16th: Do not put all your eggs in one basket. Tangela Brice 
Wellness is not one size fits all. As you embark on the journey, be open to trying diverse ways to achieve your personal objectives 
May 21st: Remembering to put yourself first. Lynda Carmouche  
As special educators, we are wired to care for others above ourselves. Move toward acceptance of the fact that sometimes self-care must come first.  
June 18th: Continuing with courage. Lynda Carmouche   
You are running a marathon, not a sprint. Together, we will explore ways to stay motivated and keep going on our wellness journey!
NOTE: Recordings for sessions sessions are posted in the Members Only tab on this website.