(Mass Appeal) – "Many concerns negatively impact our youth: drugs, teen violence, abuse, low self-esteem, the list, unfortunately, goes on. One program is making sure teens are aware of these while staying relevant in the lives of our youth. Here with the details on that program is Deja Ware, a member of the Lambda Beta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority."
|
Saturday March 11, 2023
|
Pre-Screening & Check In
* Masks Recommended
* COVID-19 Waivers - Access Below (Submit Upon Arrival- Child/Guardian)
- Under 18 COVID-19 Waiver
- Adult 18+ COVID-19 Waiver
* COVID-19 Waivers - Access Below (Submit Upon Arrival- Child/Guardian)
- Under 18 COVID-19 Waiver
- Adult 18+ COVID-19 Waiver
Workshop Description:
Young adulthood can consist of significant changes and intense challenges. Meeting of the minds will discuss topics on the importance of managing emotional health, coping with challenges and seeking support from support professionals. The workshop will also focus on physical health, self-esteem development and self-worth assessment through open dialogue and Q & A segments. The goal of the workshop is to help eradicate the stigma of mental health struggles, for attendees to gain understanding of the importance of having a positive mental health and discovering ways to identify when to seek help.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Sherard W. L. Johnson is an author, mentor and public speaker. He was born and raised in Springfield, MA. Sherard attended and received his education in the Springfield Public School system. He dropped out of high school his senior year in 1998, and held various jobs from then until 2015 while trying to figure out his passion in life. Sherard later found out he enjoyed working with youth who had similar life experiences and wanted to help them realize how to maximize their potential to become more, despite their circumstances or what people might say they could be. Sherard obtained his GED in 2015 and began college soon after, achieving his Bachelors of Social Work in 2019 and Masters of Social Work in 2021 from Westfield State University.
Johnson is a licensed social worker with a combined 25-plus years of experience in the human service and management fields. Sherard currently works as an Assistant Field Education Director for the Social Work Department at Westfield State University and a therapist at a local counseling center. He has held many positions such as a social worker for a local child protection agency, a therapist at a local counseling center, a
Therapeutic Mentor, Direct Care Staff and also collaborated with state-funded programs on improving a client’s quality of life by teaching independence skills, de-escalating emotional situations, offering therapeutic support and ongoing case management evaluations for children and families. Sherard has a sincere desire to serve in a capacity that supports others in developing their potential to achieve their optimal level of functioning and goals, whether educational or personal.
Johnson is a licensed social worker with a combined 25-plus years of experience in the human service and management fields. Sherard currently works as an Assistant Field Education Director for the Social Work Department at Westfield State University and a therapist at a local counseling center. He has held many positions such as a social worker for a local child protection agency, a therapist at a local counseling center, a
Therapeutic Mentor, Direct Care Staff and also collaborated with state-funded programs on improving a client’s quality of life by teaching independence skills, de-escalating emotional situations, offering therapeutic support and ongoing case management evaluations for children and families. Sherard has a sincere desire to serve in a capacity that supports others in developing their potential to achieve their optimal level of functioning and goals, whether educational or personal.
Workshop Description:
Bomba de aqui community school for cultural arts learning. The workshops a staple program in the community, and offer engaging music, dance, and creative arts classes to students and adults of all ages. Bomba de aqui has evolved as the place where students can come to learn and embrace powerful modes of self-expression, cultural awareness, and a sense of community, through active and dynamic participation in Bomba and Plena traditions. In this workshop you will learn drumming dancing and songs.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Brendaliz Cepeda, of Western Massachusetts is the granddaughter of Rafael Cepeda who is known for being the patriarch of Bomba in PR and outside PR. Brendaliz has a master's in special education which she taught for thirteen years. In 2013 she started a local group called Bomba de Caribe. Caribe means a type of music Bomba dance from PR. Years later she met her husband (Saul) and both decided to change the group Name to Bomba de Aquí. Both Brendaliz and Saul have been working hard with the community teaching youth and adults about folklore Música Bomba. In 2021 they both formed an afterschool program called Multicultural Learning Center. Which currently covers fifteen schools with ten employees teaching schools about Puerto Rico culture and other cultures through the arts. Brendaliz is also a motivational, cultural speaker at universities and schools all over New England. Her mission is to continue the work of her grandfather through teaching youth Puerto Rican Culture.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Born on July 15, 1987 to Pamela Hill and Willie B. Streeter in Springfield, MA, Devin Streeter is the youngest of his two siblings. Devin attended Springfield’s High School of Science and Technology where he graduated and then attended Westfield State University, where he joined the Track and Field Team, here is where Devin developed his skill for running and continued to run well after college. In addition to joining the track team in his collegiate years Devin also join the distinguish Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc in which he is now an active alumni member of the Springfield Alumni Chapter. After graduating from Westfield State, Devin then had the honor to work as a Substitute teacher for the Springfield School Department, he taught various grades over the course of 6 years and finished his last year with the school department at Rebecca Johnson Elementary School where he had the honor of becoming a full time second grade special education teacher. From there Devin moved on to become a learning coach and tutor at Holyoke Community College. He held that position for 4 years and while at H.C.C he also worked as an AmeriCorps Vista participant where he assisted with the Adult Basic Education program on campus.
After leaving H.C.C. Devin then worked in the private sector for the military as a civilian liaison for 5 years and it was there when he stepped out on faith in the brink of the COVID-19 pandemic and started an e-commerce business self-titled, Devin Davon. From this decision, Devin catapults into various
entrepreneurial programs to strengthen and develop Devin Davon into a fashion powerhouse. Through diligent efforts and committed determination Devin was awarded numerous grants and support to further grow Devin Davon. In the mist of building a fashion house, Devin held the position of Campaign Manager for Springfield Ward 4 City Council Candidate and Massachusetts State Representative Candidate, Jynai McDonald. This partnership proved to be very fruitful for that both Devin and Jynai are community activists and have undertaken multiple community projects to assist in the progression and development of their neighborhood and city. Recently, Devin was voted as a delegate to represent the City of Springfield at the Massachusetts Democratic Convention. The bounds are endless for Devin’s potential and there is much more to expect.
After leaving H.C.C. Devin then worked in the private sector for the military as a civilian liaison for 5 years and it was there when he stepped out on faith in the brink of the COVID-19 pandemic and started an e-commerce business self-titled, Devin Davon. From this decision, Devin catapults into various
entrepreneurial programs to strengthen and develop Devin Davon into a fashion powerhouse. Through diligent efforts and committed determination Devin was awarded numerous grants and support to further grow Devin Davon. In the mist of building a fashion house, Devin held the position of Campaign Manager for Springfield Ward 4 City Council Candidate and Massachusetts State Representative Candidate, Jynai McDonald. This partnership proved to be very fruitful for that both Devin and Jynai are community activists and have undertaken multiple community projects to assist in the progression and development of their neighborhood and city. Recently, Devin was voted as a delegate to represent the City of Springfield at the Massachusetts Democratic Convention. The bounds are endless for Devin’s potential and there is much more to expect.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Gerald S. Clark III is the founder and operator of Harmonics Gardens. Harmonics Gardens work includes stone work and landscape designs focused on medicinal edible gardens, as well as native plants. He did much of his botany and herbalist education through a collaboration with Blue Dragon Apothecary in Greenfield, MA. Some of Gerald’s work can be found in the intricacy of Park Hill Orchards labyrinth garden in Northampton, MA.
|
|
|
|
|
