Events
Dr. Becky Kennedy received a BA in Psychology and Human Development, Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude, from Duke University and a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University.
Moderated by Sarah Huss, Director of Parent Education and Human Development at Campbell Hall School.
Moderated by Rebecca Heller, EdD, Director of Student Wellness at Viewpoint School.
SSALA Speaker Series 2025-2026
Registration links available via Member Schools and SSALA Representatives. All times Pacific.
October 9th at 7:00PM: Dr. Becky Kennedy, Good Inside, Virtual + Recorded
THE RECORDING OF THIS EVENT WILL ALSO BE SHARED WITH OUR MEMBER SCHOOL COMMUNITY.
SSALA is proud to present this season’s kick-off speaker and NYTimes best-selling author Dr. Becky Kennedy who will answer our community member questions about raising kids aged TK - 12th grade.
Dr. Becky, a clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and mom of three, was named “The Millennial Parenting Whisperer” by TIME Magazine, and is rethinking the way we raise our children. She specializes in attachment, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and internal family systems theory, and translated those ideas into simple, actionable strategies for parents to use in their homes. Dr. Becky’s goal is to empower parents and care-givers to feel sturdier and more equipped to manage the challenges of parenting.
Dr. Becky is the #1 NYTimes bestselling author of Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be and her weekly podcast, Good Inside with Dr.Becky, launched in 2021 has won numerous awards. She is also the co-creater of a dynamic parenting online platform that offers Dr. Becky’s complete parenting content collection, a judgment-free, like-valued community, and access to Good Inside-trained experts - all in one place to learn, grow and connect. Member School registrants can submit their questions ahead of time. See your SSALA Representative for details.
October 23rd at 7:00PM with Viewpoint School: Talk to Your Boys, Virtual + Recorded
THE RECORDING OF THIS EVENT WILL ALSO BE SHARED WITH OUR MEMBER SCHOOL COMMUNITY.
Raising boys today can feel overwhelming, but the good news is that the most powerful tool we have is also the simplest: talking to them. In Talk to Your Boys: 16 Conversations to Help Tweens and Teens Grow into Confident, Caring Young Men, journalist Joanna Schroeder and educator Christopher Pepper share practical, compassionate ways to open up meaningful conversations with the boys in our lives. Based on insights from more than 80 boys and leading experts, this book shows us that while talking isn’t always easy, it’s always worth it.
In this webinar, Schroeder and Pepper will guide parents and caregivers through real-life strategies for connecting with boys about everything from friendships and emotions to consent, screen time, and more. You’ll come away with tools to spark honest dialogue, strengthen relationships, and help boys grow into thoughtful, empathetic young men. Member School registrants can submit their questions ahead of time. See your SSALA Representative for details.
December 4th at 12:00PM: Beyond All-or-Nothing: A Pragmatic Approach to Kids and Social Technologies with Dr. Lisa Damour, Virtual + Recorded
THE RECORDING OF THIS EVENT WILL ALSO BE SHARED WITH OUR MEMBER SCHOOL COMMUNITY.
Parents and caregivers often wonder when—and how—to introduce social technologies to their kids. In this noontime webinar, Dr. Lisa Damour outlines how adults can set pragmatic boundaries, address the harms of problematic social media use, and keep the lines of communication open. She will also take up the timely question of young people turning to AI for advice or companionship, and what parents and caregivers should know about this new trend. Attendees will leave with clear strategies for helping kids develop healthy digital lives.
Dr. Lisa Damour is the author of three New York Times best sellers: Untangled, Under Pressure, and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers, which have been translated into twenty-three languages. She co-hosts the Ask Lisa podcast, works in collaboration with UNICEF, and is recognized as a thought leader by the American Psychological Association. Dr. Damour authored the monthly Adolescence column for The New York Times, is a regular contributor to CBS News, and created Untangling 10to20, a digital library of premium content to support teens and those who care for them. Member School registrants can submit their questions ahead of time. See your SSALA Representative for details.
February 10th & 11th, 2026: The Sandwich Generation, In-Person at Crossroads and The Wise School, Live-Stream + Recorded
THE RECORDING OF THIS EVENT WILL ALSO BE SHARED WITH OUR MEMBER SCHOOL COMMUNITY.
Did you know that 63 million Americans are caring for aging parents, while 1 in 3 are also raising their children? Welcome to the "sandwiched" generation - you are not alone!
SSALA presents The Sandwich Generation, with CBS contributor, podcaster and principal at Offit|Kurman, lawyer/estate planner Candace Dellacona, along with psychologist, podcaster and author Christy Byrne Yates (Building a Legacy of Love). Hear insightful tips and practical approaches to communicating with parents and children. Access useful take-aways to start the process or build upon your existing plans.
We're offering two in-person locations (Crossroads School and The Wise School) along with live-streamed / recorded options available. Come join us to meet with Candace and Christy personally, participate in the live Q&A, and get your free copy of Building a Legacy of Love signed by the author.
Candace Dellacona is a principal and shareholder in Offit|Kurman's Estates and Trusts Practice Group. Candace is considered “a family’s lawyer,” however you may define family. She works closely with multiple generations of family members to protect what they have throughout every phase of their lives. Candace constructs wills, trusts and medical directives that address each client’s unique goals, whether they are starting adult life or experiencing a significant event such as a change in marital status, welcoming a child, diagnosis of illness or death of a loved one.
Members of the “sandwich generation” are in between balancing the needs of themselves and the needs of aging relatives and dependent children. You can also learn more on Candace’s dynamic podcast series as she uncovers the complexities individuals face balancing multiple roles in the modern world. She shares personal experiences and professional insights to guide listeners through this complex journey.
Christy Byrne Yates is a Licensed Educational Psychologist, author, keynote speaker, and coach. In Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation, she shares her journey as a working mom caring for parents with dementia. Christy has been a board member and co-host of the AlzAuthors.com podcast, “Untangling Alzheimer’s & Dementia" and a featured expert in Women’s World Magazine (Jan 2025), U.S. News & World Report (August 2025), as well as a much sought-after podcast panelist.
Christy also has strong roots in Los Angeles and Santa Monica. After completing her Master’s in Counseling Psychology at the University of Southern California, she worked at Ocean Park Community Center in Santa Monica (now known as The People Concern) where she developed the Turning Point Transitional Housing Project. For this effort she was awarded a commendation by the City of Santa Monica.
Registration link and location details provided by your SSALA Member School Representative.
March 3rd, 2026 at 7:00PM: Tips for Families Managing Neurodiversity (ADHD/Executive Function), Virtual + Recorded
THE RECORDING OF THIS EVENT WILL ALSO BE SHARED WITH OUR MEMBER SCHOOL COMMUNITY.
Join us for a discussion with ADHD expert Laura MacNiven, MEd, co-founder of Springboard Clinic, who focuses on helping families navigate ADHD from childhood to adulthood. Along with her colleague Dr. Chris Richards-Bentley, this panel will answer your pre-submitted parent questions and offer practical strategies and take-aways.
Laura MacNiven, MEd, draws on both personal and professional experience to support individuals navigating attention challenges and pursuing greater clarity, focus, and impact. Through her international coaching work, she supports clients who want to optimize focus, elevate performance, and design environments that support growth and self-awareness. Laura also shares insights through books, blog content, and online courses, and develops innovative resources in the ADHD field.
As co-founder of Springboard, she is passionate about making personalized, strengths-based supports more accessible through workshops and professional training. “By taking the time and space to slow down and connect without judgment, we make the world more accepting of neurodiverse thinkers, which in turn opens the door for more creative solutions. By reducing stigma and building compassion, we can rise as a community.”
Dr. Chris Richards-Bentley is the lead physician at Springboard Clinic and is recognized as an expert in ADHD. He has published on the topic of ADHD in physician patients and continues to supervise resident physician education with the University of Toronto Department of Psychiatry. He has delivered lectures on ADHD presentations in Emergency Psychiatry, transitional youth, gifted/high-functioning patients, and those with other neurodivergence. He is interested in global health and the treatment of ADHD and its associated difficulties, such as anxiety and mood disorders.
Registration link provided by your SSALA Member School Representative.
April 2026 at 7:00PM: Navigating Artificial Intelligence and the Rise of Chat-Bot Relationships, Virtual + Recorded
THE RECORDING OF THIS EVENT WILL ALSO BE SHARED WITH OUR MEMBER SCHOOL COMMUNITY.
Hear from A.I. experts in the field and learn insights from psychologists about ways parents can help their children handle this new frontier.
Registration required via Member School and all times are Pacific. SSALA events are recorded for our Member Schools, availability varies per speaker.
Past Events
Dr. Tina Payne Bryson
The Power of Showing Up (Co-hosted with Carlthorp School)
In this in-person and live-streamed.recorded presentation, Dr. Bryson shared what kids from Kinder to 12th grade need most in order to be resilient and how to weather adversity. Based on her book The Power of Showing Up (co-authored with Dan Siegel), whether it's grief, challenging behaviors, or other concerns you may have, for the moments you aren’t sure what to do, or say, or how to help your child, Dr. Bryson will provide you with a “north star” that can guide you in the moment and over time.
Dr. Lisa Damour
Navigating the Emotional Lives of Our Children
With so many of today’s teens contending with academic pressure, social media stress, worries about the future, and concerns about their own mental health, it’s easy for them—and their parents—to feel anxious and overwhelmed. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Dr. Lisa shares her insights and discusses Untangling 10to20, a digital library of premium content to support teens and those who care for them. NYTimes bestselling author of Untangled, Under Pressure, and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers, Lisa also co-hosts the popular Ask Lisa podcast, works in collaboration with UNICEF, and is recognized as a thought leader by the American Psychological Association.
Dr. Jonathan Haidt
The Anxious Generation - What Parents Can Do Now
NYTimes bestselling author (The Anxious Generation) and social psychologist, Haidt explores why boys have been withdrawing from the real world, into a virtual one, and why social media damages girls more than boys. He argues that the "great rewiring of childhood" has interfered with Gen Z's social and neurological development, including sleep issues, perfectionism, attention fragmentation, and social comparisons. Moderated by former SSALA Chair, Dr. Susan Kresnicka, Haidt issued a clear call to action and proposes steps that parents, teachers, schools, tech companies, and governments can take to solve this current health crisis.
Dr. Vivienne Ming
The Future of Artificial Intelligence & Our Kids
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. In-person + LiveStream at Brentwood School.
Member school staff/faculty invited to pre-event private luncheon.
Dr. Aliza Pressman
The Five Principles of Parenting
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 + LiveStream at Crossroads School.
Member school attendees provided lunch, copy of book, and book signing.
Dr. Cara Natterson & Vanessa Kroll Bennett
This is So Awkward: Modern Puberty Explained
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. In-person + LiveStream at Viewpoint School.
Member school faculty offered pre-event curriculum meeting. Attendees provided breakfast, copy of book and book signing.
Dr. Jessica Meir, NASA Astronaut
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 offered to pre-submit questions, attend private pre-event meeting with Dr. Meir, and participate in live event.
AI 101 for Parents
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.
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.