Where does normality end and pathology begin? This is an important question for social workers working with children whose developmental experiences tremendously impact their current level of functioning. Participants will discuss child development and explore what separates "normal" child developmental struggles from extremes in behavior indicative of a range of mental health issues from a social work perspective, examining the interrelationship between children’s developmental stages and interpersonal functioning. Participants will also explore age-appropriate treatment approaches.

Dr. Hubbard, Ph.D. (cand.), DSW, MSW, LCSW is an Associate Professor of Professional Practice at Rutgers School of Social Work (RSSW) and a Ph.D. candidate in the Family Science and Human Development program at Montclair State University. She has her LCSW and over 19 years in child welfare and mental/behavioral health. Dr. Hubbard is a past president of the NASW-NJ Chapter. She is the 2023 Outstanding Professor in Clinical Specialization Awardee at RSSW.

Suicide rates continue to be a significant concern and more support is needed for students who are at risk of depression and suicidal ideation. Participants will gain knowledge and skills in understanding patterns of behavior that lead to suicidal ideation and attempts; participants will also understand the risk factors of teen suicide and liability of school staff members; and participants will build strategies for working with students who are experiencing symptoms of depression.

Ashley Zultanky, Psy.D. has treated clients across the lifespan, from ages 3 through 90. She has extensive experience in evaluating and treating individuals with a variety of presenting issues, including performance anxiety, depression and other mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, academic challenges, gender dysphoria, trauma,

and adjustment disorder. She also has years of experience conducting individual and group therapy from an evidence-based framework with an emphasis on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) strategies.

The Nurtured Heart Approach® is a relationship-based philosophy designed to help transform intense challenging behavior into positive behavior. The 3 Stands™ show how to recognize, energize, and build Inner Wealth™. The NJ Department of Education, in partnership with the NJ Children’s System of Care, participates in a grant funded initiative to bring NHA into NJ school districts. Trauma-informed and healing centered supports are provided to assist staff and students in building positive relationships and emotional self-regulation. Workshop participants will receive an overview of the key elements of NHA to gain an understanding of how NHA can be utilized to help youth reach their full potential.

Dr. Laura Leigh Smith, PhD, LPC, NHA is a licensed professional counselor who received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Seton Hall University. She has been providing mental health services to mother/babies, preschoolers, children, adolescents, and adults for over thirty years. Dr. Smith has provided individual, group, couples, and family psychotherapy in various settings, including residential treatment centers, therapeutic preschools and elementary schools, outpatient, intensive outpatient (IOP) hospital-based settings, Early Head Start/Head Start programs, and private practice. Dr. Smith has experience treating attachment, affective, and behavioral disorders. Most of the youth and families she has worked with have experienced trauma and abuse. Dr. Smith also has extensive experience providing mental health training and clinical consultation to NJ’s child welfare agency and to the NJ Children’s System of Care.