PEP: Parents Empowering Parents

NAMI PEP is an open, FREE, monthly support group and educational coaching meeting for parents, caregivers and loved ones of children, youth, and transitional-aged youth (TAY) from age 18 up to 25 years of age. This peer-led meeting is based on standard support group guidelines and principles. One-hour of sharing is followed by an educational presentation by a parent with Lived Experience.

Find resources, learning tools, share, give feedback and develop support systems.

Every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 6-8 PM. At this time, participation is limited to 18 years of age and older.

PLEASE NOTE: This meeting is for Parents and Caregivers ONLY. This meeting is NOT appropriate for students looking for direct experience hours. Students will be asked to leave during the Share and Care session in order to protect participants privacy. No exceptions! If you have questions, please email cyfliaison@namisd.org or call/text 858-987-2980.

Upcoming Topics:

June 19 - Conservatorship for Youth / Young Adults presented by Barbara Treash-Osio of the Legal Aid Society of San Diego during the 6-7 pm hour of the meeting. Parent support session follows from 7-8 pm.

July 17 - Mental Health Law and PERT (Psychiatric Emergency Response Team) presented by Marla Kinkade during the 6-7 pm hour of the meeting. Parent support session follows from 7-8 pm.

For more information or questions please contact a Children, Youth & Family Liaison team member by text/phone at (858) 987-2980 or email at cyfliaison@namisd.org

Past Topics:

• Caroline Ridout Stewart, LCSW, on Co-occuring disorders and addiction in youth
• Dr. Steve Tullius, D.C. from Center for Health and Human Potential on the brain/gut connection
• Maria Nagy, Elementary school Special Education teacher and Advocate, and a parent of a youth with ASD and PANDAS, Maria currently runs a parent support group and represents families who are navigating the IEP process.
• Michelle Downey, RN, MAC, LMFT will speak on mood disorders, substance use disorder (SUD), and tools to help parents navigate co-occurring disorders.
• Seth Senecal, MA, founder of The Curiosity Corps, will speak on how parents and caregivers can develop effective problem solving and critical thinking skills.