Families Connect Series
Neshaminy School District is pleased to present a free speaker series offered to our parents,
students, staff, and community members. Topics include how to support children in the learning
process and practical strategies to support students and families at home.
As part of the Families Connect series, we invite expert speakers to offer guidance on relevant
parenting topics. We encourage community conversations centered around practical strategies to
support learning and child development.
2024–2025
January 2025: Connections over Compliance
On January 15, 2025, Dr. Lori DeSautels offered a parent presentation as part of Neshaminy’s
Families Connect Program titled Connections over Compliance: Adult Nervous System states through the lens of Applied Educational Neuroscience.
View the companion presentation:
Connections over Compliance companion presentation (PDF, opens in new tab)
Dr. Lori DeSautels is an Assistant Professor at Butler University (since 2016) where she teaches
undergraduate and graduate programs in the College of Education. She previously taught at Marian
University and founded the Educational Neuroscience Symposium.
During this event, Dr. DeSautels explored how the adult nervous system can unintentionally
escalate or steady a child, and shared practices to recognize behaviors and support nervous
system states as part of daily routines. Participants explored perspectives on discipline and
how perceptions impact others.
Watch the recording:
WeVideo recording link (opens in new tab)
2023–2024
April 2024: Screenagers Under the Influence
This special event included the viewing of the documentary Screenagers Under the Influence.
The film depicts strategies parents and schools can use to encourage healthy decision-making,
support teen mental health, set limits, and create healthy home environments. After the film,
a panel of experts provided resources and answered questions.
Panelists included:
- Dr. Gina Ross, Supervisor of Pupil Services, Neshaminy School District
- Judy Hirsch, Director of Community Engagement, Be a Part of the Conversation
- Dave Fialko and Melanie Swanson, Intervention Specialists, The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania
Learn more about the film:
Screenagers Under the Influence information (opens in new tab)
Local Substance Use Prevention, Treatment & Recovery Support
Additional Resources for Caregivers and Educators
December 13, 2023: Screen Smart Parenting
Dr. Jessica Janze offered a parent presentation titled
Screen Smart Parenting: Balancing Act for the Digital Generation.
View the companion presentation:
Screen Smart Parenting companion presentation (PDF, opens in new tab)
Dr. Janze is a psychologist from the Child Mind Institute with experience supporting anxiety,
mood, and trauma-related disorders across multiple care settings.
October 4: Navigating Internet Safety webinar
Middletown Township Police Officer Melissa Robison offered a parent presentation titled
Navigating Internet Safety: Guardians of the Digital Realm.
View the webinar presentation:
Navigating Internet Safety PowerPoint (PDF, opens in new tab)
.
Watch the archive video:
Navigating Internet Safety archive link (opens in new tab)
2022–2023 Archive Videos
Tobacco, Nicotine, Vaping and Youth
Tobacco, Nicotine, Vaping and Youth: tobacco and vaping trends among adolescents (opens in new tab)
with David Fialko, Certified Prevention Specialist, Council of Southeast PA
Understanding Stress, Anxiety, and Strategies to Support Your Child
With Susan Damico, Director of Devereux Center for Resilient Children
2021–2022 Archive Videos