PEP Talks - A Parent Education Program

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ACS PEP Talks returns for Season 3 with a fresh conversation about navigating the year with intention. This season, a new voice also joins the conversation, Arlington Community Schools Social and Transition Specialist Rae Ann Ballesteros. 

In this episode, the team talks about practical ways families can stay connected and reduce stress at home. From creating a shared family calendar to holding short weekly family meetings, they explore simple habits that help families communicate better and stay organized.

The conversation also dives into goal setting at home – how families can set realistic goals, track progress and learn to adjust when things don’t go as planned. 

Along the way, the hosts share personal stories about parenting, listening to kids and creating space for honest conversations.

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Caleb’s story isn’t polished, and that’s exactly why it matters. As a high school freshman, he started vaping to fit in. What began as a way to feel cool quickly spiraled into substance abuse he couldn’t control. But this episode isn’t about rock bottom - it’s about what happens when a student finds the courage to say, “I don’t want to do this anymore,” and someone is there to listen.

Told through the voices of Caleb, his mother and his school social worker, this conversation explores addiction, recovery and what it really looks like when a teenager begins to heal...not because of a punishment, but because of patience, presence and unconditional love. 

It’s raw, emotional and real. And it might just help someone else find their own "day one."

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Gentle parenting has taken over social media — and the opinions are loud. Is it the downfall of discipline, or a modern, thoughtful way to raise emotionally healthy kids? In this episode, we unpack the real why behind the trend with licensed social worker Camielle Howard.

From toddlers to teens, we explore the difference between boundaries and permissiveness, punishment and consequences, and how to raise confident, resilient kids who can still express themselves. Whether you're all-in on gentle parenting or raising an eyebrow, this convo might just reframe how you think about what it means to raise strong humans.

🛑 Quick disclaimer: We’re not here to debate, just to explore. We're breaking down the trend, not picking sides — so grab your headphones and get curious with us!

💭 About Camielle Howard:

Camielle Howard is a licensed and certified social worker in both Ohio and Kentucky. Mindfulness has been a cornerstone of both her personal and professional life. She is dedicated to creating a safe space for my clients to slow down and be fully present, an essential part of our journey toward wellness.

Camielle graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati, followed by an MSW from the University of Denver and an MPH in Public Health from George Washington University. Her training includes Minority Maternal Mental Health and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

A key focus of hers is Perinatal mental health. She is deeply committed to supporting new mothers and parents in achieving optimal mental health. She understands the unique challenges and transitions that come with motherhood, and strives to empower Black mothers through compassionate, tailored support that respects their unique paths.

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Grief is a journey no one wants to take, yet it’s one we will all face. In this Go First episode, middle school teacher and coach Jennifer Beasley shares her deeply personal story of loss, resilience and healing. From the sudden passing of a close friend to the heartbreaking loss of her twin sister, Jennifer opens up about how grief reshaped her perspective, the challenges of moving forward and the unexpected ways she found strength through faith, community and connection.

She reflects on the importance of processing grief rather than avoiding it, the power of honoring loved ones and how vulnerability leads to deeper relationships. Whether you’ve faced loss yourself or want to support someone who has, this episode offers a raw and hopeful perspective on healing.

Jennifer's Recommendations:

Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations For Working Through Grief (Book)

Huberman Lab (Health Podcast)

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey (Audible Book)

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Parenting is one of the most rewarding yet challenging roles we take on, sometimes leaving us overwhelmed and stressed. In this episode of Pep Talks, we dive into the reality of parenting stress, recently declared an urgent public health issue by the U.S. Surgeon General.

Special guest De'Asia Thompson, founder and clinical director of Rise Counseling, shares practical strategies to combat stress, overcome the pervasive “parent guilt" and carve out time for self-care without neglecting your kids.

From creating realistic schedules to learning how to prioritize "me time," this episode offers actionable insights for parents striving to find balance in their busy lives.

Resources:

U.S. Surgeon General Parenting Stress Advisory

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In this episode of PEP Talks, we sit down with Steven Richardson, an Arlington parent of a 2024 graduate, to explore the challenges and rewards of guiding a teenager through high school. From balancing academics and extracurriculars to fostering independence and preparing for post-secondary choices, Steven offers practical advice for parents facing this critical phase. 

He also shares a personal story about how his strong relationship with his child helped them navigate a difficult situation involving online sexual exploitation and extortion, highlighting the importance of open communication. 

Whether your child is just starting high school or nearing graduation, this episode is packed with insights to help them thrive!

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In this episode of PEP Talks, Erin & Ja'Neair are joined by special guest, parent and PTA guru Katy Bennett to discuss one of the biggest transitions in a child’s life: middle school. From navigating new academic challenges to managing the onset of puberty and the ever-changing social dynamics, middle school is packed with pivotal moments. 

As a dedicated PTA mom and middle school veteran, Katy shares her experience raising a teen through these years, offering practical tips on staying organized, fostering friendships and managing emotional changes. Whether your child is just starting middle school or is well into their journey, this episode is full of advice to help them thrive. 

Tune in to hear how involvement, structure and connection can make all the difference during these transformative years!

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PEP Talks returns for Season 2!

In our first episode this school year, hosts Ja’Neair Johnson and Erin Williams sit down with Dayle Sutphin, an Arlington parent of both a kindergartner and a fifth-grader, to discuss the challenges and joys of managing big transitions for young students. Dayle shares her personal journey, offering insight into how routines, early preparation and positive reinforcement can help ease the anxieties that come with starting kindergarten and moving through elementary school. 

Whether you're a parent sending your child off for the first time or guiding them through their final elementary year, this episode is packed with relatable stories and practical tips. Tune in for advice on how to create a smooth, supportive environment for your child—and for yourself—during these pivotal school moments.

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Join Erin and Ja'Neair for the season finale of PEP Talks as they journey through some of the most memorable moments of our first season. They revisit some of the most impactful and deeply resonant conversations that truly highlight the essence of PEP Talks: spreading awareness of mental health issues impacting school-aged children today. 

From expert advice on tackling anxiety and depression to candid discussions on  the influence of social media, Erin and Ja'Neair reflect on the importance of these topics and the incredible insights shared by our guests. 

Don't miss this wrap-up filled with reflections, a little bit of laughter and a renewed commitment to our mission of fostering a mentally healthy community for our students. 

Thank you for being a part of our journey! We'll see you back in the new school year in August 2024!

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Join us for an enlightening conversation on PEP Talks, where Ms. Tabetha Banks, a soon-to-be-retired administrator and educator with 31 years of invaluable experience, shares her wealth of knowledge and compassionate approach towards supporting faculty, staff and students' mental health.

Ms. Banks discusses the importance of recognizing when staff members require additional support, emphasizing the foundational principle of mental health in maintaining productive work environments and nurturing relationships.

Drawing from her extensive background, she sheds light on the evolution of education's response to dysregulated behaviors, transitioning from disciplinary measures to trauma-informed approaches. Her personal experiences and continuous learning journey have shaped her empathetic stance, inspiring her to connect with students on a deeper level with patience and understanding.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from Ms. Banks' journey and learn how her legacy will leave a lasting impression on Arlington Community Schools. 

PEP Talks Episodes Mentioned in Today's Show:

• Understanding Depression
• Insights on ADHD from a Professional and Mom
• Go First: Navigating Adoption with Ja’Neair Johnson