Summer Workshops

Teen Workshops: A Pilot Program for Real-Life Support in a Digital World

Being a teen today is tough. Between the pressure of social media, constant digital connection, and the everyday challenges of growing up, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’re creating a program designed with teens, for teens — and these workshops are the first step.

These 4-hour workshops are part of a pilot program to explore what truly helps teens manage stress, navigate social media, and stay grounded in today’s fast-paced world. We're not coming in with a strict curriculum — we're inviting teens into a conversation. The goal is to co-create a supportive, judgment-free space where their input shapes the program we're building.

What to Expect:

• Interactive, not instructional. This isn’t a classroom. It's more like a group hangout with purpose. We’ll talk about real-life pressures and experiences in a way that’s casual, respectful, and even fun.

• Anonymous participation. Teens can answer questions and share their thoughts using their phones — anonymously — so they feel safe expressing themselves.

• Coaching & conversation. The first two hours will focus on interactive discussions, light coaching, and exploring common challenges teens face today.

• Lunch break (12–12:45). Please pack a lunch — and if the weather’s nice, we might take a walk to Dunkin’ or hang out in the beautiful gazebo at Shrewsbury Commons.

• Tools for mental wellness. The second half of the workshop includes relaxing strategies like calming music, breathing techniques to soothe the nervous system, and how to recognize when they need support — and how to reach out for it.

• Built-in fun. We’ll leave room for fun, lighthearted activities — chosen by the teens themselves. Whether it’s a spontaneous dance party, throwing a frisbee outside, or just goofing around and laughing together, we want them to feel like kids again and enjoy being in the moment.

We’re creating something new. Something with heart. And we’d love your teen to be part of it.

There is No Cost for this Workshop

WHEN: The Workshops will be offered during the following times in the summer:

High School Entering 9th-10th grade in the Fall 2025:

June 24th-26th 10am-2pm

July 8th-10th 10am-2pm

Middle School entering 5th-8th grade in the Fall 2025

July 15th-17th 10am-2pm

August 5th-7th 10am-2pm

WHO: Meet Ericka Jarvis — Helping Kids Quiet their mind in a Loud World

Ericka is a mom of two teenagers with 25 years of experience helping people feel better inside and out. After running her own successful hair styling business and becoming a certified Reiki Master, she shifted her focus during the pandemic to support families struggling with stress and anxiety. She discovered the power of sound frequency meditation—not just for her own kids, but for dozens of teens who showed a 100% decrease in stress after her classes. Today, she's on a mission to bring this calming practice to kids everywhere, including in schools.

WHO: Meet Dawn Casillo — A Mom Rooted in Experience, Driven by Compassion 

As a stay-at-home mom of three for 20 years, Dawn learned just how much kids need to feel supported and truly listened too. Once her children were older, she became a private nursing assistant—but what she didn’t expect was how often she would also be helping the families of her clients. Many would open up about the stress they were under, especially around challenges with their own children. That’s when she knew she wanted to do more. She became a certified Coach to support both kids and parents during the tough moments—and to help them find more calm, connection, and confidence in the process.

What to bring: Please have your child bring a lunch, phone, tablet, iPad, or other device so they can easily access the short digital surveys during the workshop. Kids are welcome to bring a water bottle, yoga mat, pillow, or blanket if they prefer to relax on the floor while listening to the music. Chairs will also be available for those who would rather sit.