We are so excited to announce our second annual Mental Health, Wellness, and Safety Resource Fair!
We invite you, your family, and your friends to come join us on Saturday, May 10, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at James Monroe High School.
This is a FREE event, featuring expert-led sessions on topics that matter to our families, resource tables hosted by our community partners, and practical tools to support mental health and wellness for every age group.
Breakout Sessions:
The Importance of Mindful Breathing — Presented by Sargeant James Carr of Fredericksburg Police Department
Target Audience: Students of all ages & adults
This session provides the importance of mindful breathing. Participants will learn how breathing helps reduce stress and improve focus. Expect a short, guided meditation.
Current Drugs of Abuse in Our Area — Presented by Carmen Greiner of Save 1 Life
Target Audience: Secondary students & adults
We will discuss drugs which are currently being abused in our area, including opioids, methamphetamine, and others.
Safety 101: What to Expect During a School Crisis — Presented by Angie Roenke of FCPS
Target audience: Adults
Join us for an important session on how Fredericksburg City Public Schools is prioritizing student safety. Discover the latest safety measures, legal requirements, and school board policies designed to protect our schools. Learn best practices and gain valuable insights on what to expect during a school emergency. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and prepared!
Sports & Mental Health — Presented by Mykia Jones of Kiaz Korner
Target audience: Students of all ages & adults
This session will explore the evolving relationship between mental health and athletics, with a focus on the unique experiences of student-athletes. Attendees will learn about available mental health resources and platforms, hear insights from the speaker’s journey transitioning out of competitive sports, and explore the impact of societal pressures, depression, and generational trauma. The session will also introduce a 30-day activity journal featuring prompts designed to support emotional well-being, and highlight notable athletes who are leading mental health initiatives. A Q&A will follow the discussion.
Understanding Grief — Presented by Mary Beaven, LCSW, of Mary Washington Grief Support
Target audience: Students of all ages & adults
This session will provide education on normal and healthy ways people grieve after the death of a loved one. Education will also be provided on how to support someone in your life when they are grieving. The session will offer practical tips and ideas for coping.
Build-Your-Own Self-Care Kits — Presented by FCPS Youth Mental Health Taskforce
Target audience: Students of all ages
Join us in learning from our Youth Taskforce members on the importance of self-care and build your own self-care kit to take on the go!
Mental Health Matters — Presented by Kristy Stonehill of NAMI Rappahannock
Target audience: Students of all ages & adults
In this breakout session, we’ll explore why mental health matters and how to recognize signs of struggle in others. Learn practical ways to support peers and loved ones, along with key resources available to parents, staff, and youth.
Coping Skills for Navigating Daily Interactions — Presented by Tia Hawkins of Paragon Autism Services
Target audience: Students of all ages & adults
In this breakout session, participants will explore key strategies for emotional regulation, including how to better understand and navigate their own emotions as well as recognize the emotions of others. The session will also address techniques for managing anxiety and interrupting repetitive or intrusive thoughts, fostering greater emotional balance and mental clarity.
Youth Voices on Mental Health — Presented by FCPS Mental Health Taskforce & Jannan Holmes, LCSW
Target audience: Students of all ages & adults
Join us for a youth-led panel discussion on mental health, where students will share their perspectives, experiences, and insights on this important topic. The panelists will answer pre-set questions and engage with the audience in an open Q&A session, encouraging honest and supportive dialogue. This event aims to foster awareness, empathy, and empowerment among peers.
How to Raise an Intuitive Eater — Presented by Lauren Allen, MS, MD, CSSD of Wellspring Child & Family Psychology
Target audience: Adults
Join Registered Dietitian Lauran Allen, MS, RD, CSSD, as she shares insights from over 15 years of experience helping children and families build healthy relationships with food and their bodies. This session will explore intuitive eating, how to support your child’s body unconditionally, navigate diet culture, and establish a reliable feeding routine—all while empowering you to use your own intuitive eating voice.
LGBTQIA+ Allyship — Presented by Meegana Henry of Fredericksburg Pride
Target audience: Students of all age & adults
This breakout session will focus on fostering LGBTQIA+ allyship through increased understanding, empathy, and actionable support. Participants will explore inclusive language, common challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, and practical ways to advocate for equity and belonging in everyday life.
Save 1 Life by Using Narcan — Presented by Darian Hugo of Save 1 Life
Target audience: Secondary students & adults
We will teach participants about the basics of opioid overdose and how to use Narcan. Free Narcan will be dispensed.
Therapeutic Journaling — Presented by Lindsey Manuel of FCPS
Target audience: Students of all ages & adults
In Therapeutic Journaling, we will explore creative mindfulness techniques to practice in a personal journal! Practicing therapeutic journaling can help decrease stress and anxiety, while increasing positive coping skills for people of all ages.
Salud mental y el estigma en Latinoamérica — Presentada Ana Johnson de FCPS
Público objetivo: Estudiantes de todas las edades y adultos
El estigma de la salud mental sigue siendo un factor importante de influencia negativa en la forma en que las personas tratan y perciben las afecciones de salud mental. En esta sesión hablaremos sobre como puede apoyar a los estudiantes que tienen dificultades con su salud mental.
Black Mental Health Matters — Presented by Ms. Sheikhnureldin of FCPS
Target audience: Students of all ages & adults
An open discussion about the unique mental health struggles in the Black community and how to support ourselves, but most importantly, one another.
VSP/YOVSO Distracted Driving Simulator — Presented by Tpr. Brill & Tpr. Barham of Virginia State Police
Target Audience: Students with a driving permit or license & adults
As part of the program, students navigate the simulator through a cones course while texting on their phones, engaging in other distractions, or being distracted by passengers. Students driving the golf cart are accompanied by a Virginia State Police trooper. While participating in the activity students are able to engage with each other and law enforcement in a dialogue about safe and responsible driving and passenger safety. This allows students to experience first-hand the dangers of distracted and impaired driving in a controlled environment.
Hidden in Plain Sight — Presented by Dep. Figueroa of Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office
Target Audience: Adults
Hidden in Plain Sight is designed to educate parents and guardians on the signs of risky teen behavior. A teenager’s bedroom is recreated and participants “snoop” through the room to find any items and objects that could indicate “risky behavior”. Following, each item and its connection to a risky behavior in the room is explained and information is provided on current statistics, trends, and resources for help.
Yoga — Presented by Lynn McFadden of River’s Edge Healing Arts
Target Audience: Students of all ages & adults
Join us for a refreshing chair yoga breakout session designed for all ages and abilities, offering a gentle yet effective way to stretch, strengthen, and relax. Whether you're new to yoga or have physical limitations, this accessible practice provides the benefits of movement and mindfulness right from your seat.
LEGO Building & Coding Mice: A Playground for Social Emotional Learning — Presented by Tobin Traxler
Target audience: Students of all ages
Join us for an exciting and interactive sessions where students can choose between two engaging activities: LEGO building and coding with mice! This workshop offers a unique opportunity for children to explore social emotional learning (SEL) concepts through creative play and technology.
Haircuts — Presented by FADED & Co. Barber Shop
Target audience: Students of all ages & adults
Enjoy a free haircut by a licensed barber or cosmetologist. Haircuts are available for all ages and genders. Limited spots available.
Free lunch will be provided for all attendees. Registration is required. Families and staff can register to attend here.