At Holy Trinity, we believe that raising and educating children is a shared journey. Our Parent Education Series connects families with leading experts in child development, education, and mental health who provide practical tools, valuable insights, and meaningful support for raising children in today’s world.
These free virtual sessions are open to families and professionals supporting children in Preschool through Grade 8.
PLEASE NOTE: The education series will NOT be recorded
The Great Workload Escape with Dr. Salya Namazi
Many parents find themselves wondering why their teenager shuts down the moment schoolwork is mentioned. Dr. Salya Namazi, clinical neuropsychologist, walks through the neurology behind school avoidance, why it is rarely about laziness or defiance, and what parents and educators can do to actually help. Attendees leave with concrete strategies grounded in current research on the adolescent brain.
Dr. Salya Namazi is a clinical neuropsychologist and licensed psychologist in Maryland who takes a neurodivergent-affirming approach to assessment. She is the principal owner of The Stixrud Group, a lifespan neuropsychology practice with offices in Silver Spring, Maryland, and McLean, Virginia. She completed an internship in neuropsychological and psychological assessment, followed by a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in adult neuropsychology, with concurrent pediatric training under William R. Stixrud, Ph.D. Her reports are written to be clear, practical, and actionable for clients, families, and educators. When she evaluates children, she often meets with them separately to share results, focusing on their strengths and giving them a personalized written summary in language they can understand. Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Namazi lectures on developmental differences, has published on the early identification of autism, and has been featured in the annual Parenting Autism Summit. She serves as Board Secretary for CHADD of Northern Virginia and DC. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her husband and two children, hiking, cooking, and trying new restaurants.
Parenting Tech-Savvy Youth: Promoting Use While Preventing Abuse with Sameer Hinduja
In this session, Sameer Hinduja gives families a clear picture of what research actually shows about the online risks facing students today, and then moves into what parents and guardians can do at home. The framing is deliberately pro-youth and pro-technology, since fear does not connect with children and technology is not going anywhere.
Dr. Sameer Hinduja is a Professor at Florida Atlantic University and Co-Director of the Cyberbullying Research Center. For more than 20 years, he has researched how social media, AI, and other technologies affect young people – and what parents, schools, and communities can do to promote safety, well-being, resilience, and positive online behavior. A widely recognized author, researcher, and speaker, Dr. Hinduja has advised schools, families, technology companies, and government agencies on youth online safety. His work has been featured by CNN, NPR, BBC, and The New York Times, and he has formally advised two White House administrations on protecting young people online.
Raising Capable Learners: Practical Ways Parents Can Support Success Without Taking Over with Steven Wright
In this one-hour session, we’ll explore practical ways parents can support their children’s academic success while gradually building independence, confidence, and self-advocacy. We’ll look at how parents can provide the right level of structure and support, recognize when to step in (and when to step back), and help students develop the executive functioning skills they need to manage school more independently.
Stephen Wright is an educational consultant and founder of LiveWright Education, specializing in neurodiversity, inclusive practices, and executive functioning support. With more than 25 years of experience as an educator, school administrator, and learning specialist, Stephen works with schools, educators, students, and families to create practical strategies that help students thrive academically and personally. His work focuses primarily on helping families and schools better understand how students learn, communicate, organize, and engage so they can build supportive environments where every student can succeed.
Sharing a Neurodiversity Diagnosis with Your Child with Dr. Katia Fredriksen
In this talk, Dr. Katia Fredriksen will discuss the importance of sharing your child’s diagnosis with them, as well as practical strategies to help you navigate this process, drawing on research and on clinical experience.
Dr. Fredriksen is a clinical psychologist, pediatric neuropsychologist, and Director of Training at the Stixurd Group. She completes comprehensive evaluations with children and adolescents who may have differences related to attention/executive functioning or learning autism, and/or emotional difficulties. She works collaboratively with clients and their families, schools, and other involved providers to develop an in-depth view of the recommendations designed to support the client’s growth and positive development. Along with her colleague, Dr. Yael Rothman, she shares evidence-based information through Instagram @neuropsychmoms. In addition, Dr. Fredriksen and Dr. Rothman have collaborated to write a series of children’s books about different diagnoses:
Unlocking Family Communication: How Brain Science Changes the Way We Talk and Listen, with Dr. Michal Boyars
Join us for this insightful – and entertaining – session on strengthening family communication and encouraging positive behavior at home. Grounded in neuroscience and behavioral psychology, this workshop offers actionable tools for listening, understanding, and connection more deeply with our children (and partners!).
Dr. Boyars is a licensed psychologist and nationally certified school psychologist. Her research on social-emotional skills has won awards from national and state-level organizations, and she has specialized experience in trauma’s effect on school performance. Her priority is to help children and teens discover their strengths, reach their potential, and improve relationships. As someone with mild dyslexia, she knows how hard it can be for children to navigate school – and as a mom, she knows how hard it is to raise neurodivergent kids. Fortunately, she also sees how identification is the first step to mapping out the path for your child’s success.
Outside of work, she stays connected to the world of evidence-based school intervention through pro bono teacher consultation and social groups (such as the Unstuck and On Target! curriculum). This connection helps ensure that your child’s assessment will include relevant and doable recommendations, both for school and everyday life at home.
Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating Habits with Cecilia Perez-Zamara
Eating disorders can begin to arise during middle school years. This can be related to changing bodies and all of the social challenges middle schoolers face. This presentation is designed to help parents understand more about eating disorders, dispel any common myths or misconceptions, and recognize early warning signs that an eating disorder might be developing. We will discuss how to approach these concerns, when to seek professional support and what that looks like, and strategies to foster a healthy relationship with food and positive body image at home. Her goal is to empower parents with knowledge to support their children who may be struggling or have friends struggling in this area.
Cecilia Perez-Zamora, LCPC, is the Team Lead at the Renfrew Center of Bethesda, working within the Partial Hospitalization Program and Intensive Outpatient Program levels of care. She also serves as the Alumni Representative, supporting continued connection among former patients as they navigate life after treatment. Cecilia has appeared on Great Day Washington and WTOP, providing education and raising awareness on eating disorders. Cecilia earned her master’s degree in clinical psychology from Towson University. She completed her clinical internship at Montgomery County Correctional Facility and then she spent two years in private practice, where she recognized a growing need for support among individuals struggling with disordered eating and body image concerns. This experience motivated her to deepen her knowledge of eating disorders, ultimately leading her to join The Renfrew Center.
Cecilia is passionate about creating an accepting and supportive environment where patients can create meaningful change. She finds fulfillment in witnessing patients become more vibrant and authentically themselves through treatment.