Events
SSALA Speaker Series 2023-2024
Registration links available via Member Schools and SSALA Representatives. All times Pacific.
2023 October 5th at 5:00PM: AI 101 for Parents, Virtual Panel with Common Sense Media + Recorded
Part one of our Artificial Intelligence series this year, we want to better understand AI at the ground level: what is it, how is it being utilized by our children, and what is our role as parents? Hosted by Common Sense Media’s Connected Schools Program, Friend or Foe? Living with and Learning from Artificial Intelligence is for parents of children of all ages, with time for Q&A. Registration also guarantees access to the recording.
November 16th at 6:00PM: Conversation with NASA Astronaut Dr. Jessica Meir, Virtual with Student Q&A + Recorded
Hear the inspirational journey of NASA Astronaut Dr. Jessica Meir. Born to Israeli and Swedish immigrants, she made history with the first all-female spacewalk at the International Space Station in 2019. A scientist who researched the physiology of animals in extreme environments before joining Lockheed Martin to test human limits as an aquanaut in NASA’s Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO), learn about the unexpected turns on the road to achieving her dream of becoming an astronaut. Member school students can submit questions for Dr. Meir and apply to be part of the LIVE Q&A session!
December 6th at 10:30AM: This is So Awkward: Modern Puberty Explained, Viewpoint School, In-person + LiveStream + Recorded
New York Times best-selling author/pediatrician Cara Natterson, MD and writer/educator Vanessa Kroll Bennett share their ultimate roadmap for adults helping Tweens and Teens navigate the rollercoaster of puberty. Member school teachers can attend special pre/post event to learn more about their curriculum. Member school registrants, who attend in-person, receive a free copy of their book.
2024 February 1st at 11:30AM: The Five Principles of Parenting, Crossroads School, In-person + LiveStream + Recorded
Developmental psychologist Dr. Aliza Pressman charts a manageable course for Raising Good Humans that aligns with your family’s values and your children’s unique temperaments. From TK to Tween, Dr. Pressman doesn’t presume to have the one “right” way to parent, instead she offers practical strategies that support adults making the best choices for their own families. In-person Member school attendees receive a free copy of Dr. Pressman’s new book and lite lunch.
April 16th at 7:30PM: The Future of Artificial Intelligence & Our Kids, Brentwood School, In-person + LiveStream + Recorded
Part two of our Artificial Intelligence series this year, join award-winning AI expert, neuroscientist and entrepreneur Dr. Vivienne Ming as she illuminates how technology can help humans maximize their potential. Featured for her innovative research in the New York Times, The Financial Times, The Atlantic, The Economist, SXSW and TEDMed, Dr. Ming launched Socos Labs to combine her work with other creative experts in order to expand their impact. She has invented several AI systems to help treat her diabetic son, to predict manic episodes in bipolar sufferers weeks in advance, and to reunite orphan refugees with extended family members. Dr. Ming also speaks frequently on her AI-driven research into inclusion and gender. Member school administrators/technology faculty have the opportunity to attend a private luncheon. Students can apply to meet with Dr. Ming at the in-person evening event at Brentwood School.
Registration required via Member School and all times are Pacific.
SSALA events are recorded for our Member Schools, availability varies per speaker.
Past Events
Marc Brackett, Ph.D
The Power of Emotional Intelligence to Achieve Well-being and Success at Home, School, and Work
Author of the bestseller Permission to Feel and the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, Marc shared his evidence-based approach to social and emotional learning by exploring the value of emotions, and the skills associated with using them wisely, to encourage healthier, more resilient children. 
Dr. Thomas Curran
How Increasing Perfectionism Is Harming Our Children And What We Can Do About It
Dr. Thomas Curran studies how the rising tide of perfectionism - in our parenting, social media feeds, schools, universities, and workplaces - is driving an increase in mental health conditions among young people. In doing so, he tries to answer the questions: Why is this happening? And what can we do about it?
Julie Lythcott-Haims
Raising an Adult & Becoming an Adult
New York Bestselling Author of How to Raise and Adult shared her insights on preparing for an authentic, resilient adult life during two SSALA events - one for adults, and one for students.
Tim & Ryder Davis
Recognizing and Navigating Mental Health Challenges in Tweens and Teens
Now more than ever, understanding the risks, signs, and helpful responses related to mental health conditions in our families is vital. Tim Davis (National Alliance on Mental Illness), and his son, Ryder, share their personal experience with Ryder’s bipolar diagnosis and provide practical information for navigating mental health conditions in our families.
Loretta J. Ross
Raising Kids Amidst “Call Out” Culture
What does healthy, effective standing up look like in an era of social media and political tribalization? An equality activist for 50 years, professor Loretta J. Ross discussed the dangers of call out culture and explored more productive approaches to standing up for what’s right.
Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith
How to Talk with Your Tweens and Teens about Race and Bias
Our country’s ongoing reckoning with race has become increasingly intense and complex. Dr. Briscoe-Smith, clinical psychologist and the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Wright Institute, speaks on helping teens (and their parents) navigate racism, bias, discrimination, inequality, and civil unrest, today.
Dr. Jennifer Lang
The Consent Conversation: Ground Zero for Healthy Sexuality
The way teens and young adults think and talk about sex today has changed. Dr. Lang provided insight into the tools for communicated and understanding consent, as well as critical information about the capacity to give consent and the language surrounding it.
Dr. Zelana Montminy
Forget Happiness - Master Resilience Instead
Research shows lasting success and contentment aren’t about happiness after all - truly thriving in today’s world requires resilience. Behavioral Scientist Dr. Montminy explained what it takes to create a resilient mindset for ourselves and for our children, how to shift perceptions, and deliver tools we can use to flourish.
David & Nic Sheff
A Frank Conversation about the Disease of Addiction
America’s drug crisis is one of the greatest public health challenges of our time, affecting families from all walks of life. David & Nic shared their very personal and emotional journey through addiction and recovery with SSALA.
Dr. Jonathan Haidt
The Fragile Generation: Are Bad Policy and Paranoid Parenting Making Kids Too Safe to Succeed?
Rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide are rising - on campus as well as nationally. How did this happen, and what can we do about it? Dr. Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist and NYT best selling author, explored these issues and possible solutions.
Dr. Jean Twenge
iGen: The Smart Phone Generation & Finding a Balance with Technology
More than previous generations, our children are obsessed with safety, focused on tolerance, and have no patience for inequality. Dr. Jean Twenge addressed how iGen is growing up more slowly than previous generations, the unique challenges they face as a result, and practical tools to utilize to meet their developmental needs and encourage their independence and autonomy.
Mitch Prinstein, Ph.D.
Popularity in School: How Likeability, not Status, Can Provide a Lifetime Advantage
Dr. Prinstein, a board-certified clinician in child and adolescent psychology, spoke on the value of positive popularity, and why it’s better for our students to liked and respected than envied and feared.