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Understanding and Navigating Youth Mental Health: A Parent’s Guide


Adult Enrichment / Health & Wellness -
Fall 2025

Raising a child today can be overwhelming—especially when it comes to understanding mental health. This supportive and informative series is designed to empower parents with knowledge, tools, and local resources to better understand and advocate for their child or loved one. Each session will focus on a specific topic or diagnosis, creating a safe and welcoming space to ask questions, connect with others, and leave feeling more confident in your parenting journey. Sign up for one or for all!


Week-by-Week Topics

Sept. 2 or Oct. 28 – What Is Mental Health, Really?
We’ll start by defining what “mental health” truly means in today’s world and explore when it might be time to seek support. This session sets the stage for open conversations and helps parents feel less alone.

Sept. 9 or Nov. 4 – Understanding Anxiety Disorders
Learn how anxiety can present in children and teens, from quiet worry to full-blown panic. We’ll cover common signs, what helps, and how to support your child both at home and in school.

Sept. 16 or Nov. 11 – Behavior Disorders and Emotional Dysregulation
This session explores oppositional behavior, outbursts, and other challenging behaviors—what’s developmentally typical vs. what might indicate a deeper concern.

Sept. 23 or Nov. 18 – Depression in Youth: More Than Sadness
We’ll look at how depression often shows up differently in kids and teens, including warning signs to watch for, and how to talk to your child about their emotional well-being.

Sept. 30 or Nov. 25 – ADHD: Beyond the Stereotypes
Discover the many faces of ADHD and how it affects focus, impulse control, emotional regulation, and relationships. We’ll also discuss tips for home routines and school support.

Oct. 7 or Dec. 2 – Autism and AuDHD: Seeing the Spectrum
Explore neurodiversity and better understand the overlap between Autism and ADHD (AuDHD). We’ll discuss communication strategies, routines, and how to support sensory and social needs.

Oct. 14 or Dec. 9 – When the System Fails: Advocacy and Resources
What happens when you feel unheard or unsupported by professionals? This week focuses on parent advocacy, IEPs, 504 plans, and how to effectively navigate school and medical systems.

Oct. 21 or Dec. 16 – You’re Not Alone: Parent Support & Coping Skills
In our final session, we’ll share coping strategies—for both you and your child—and create space for honest conversation, encouragement, and connecting with others walking a similar path.

Instructor

Melanie Sanchez


Melanie Sanchez is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and a Master of Social Work. She has over 20 years of experience supporting families through trauma, addiction, mental health challenges, domestic violence, and custody disputes.

Dedicated to child advocacy and community well-being, Melanie offers therapy and psycho-educational courses focused on parenting and mental health. Her background includes leading support groups, working in early childhood education, and teaching in community settings. She is passionate about making mental health support more accessible for all.

Filter Course Sections

Date Range
Start
End
Time Range
Start
End
HW70 UNDERSTANDING
Su
M
Tu
W
Th
F
Sa
Melanie Sanchez
$ 10.00
per person
Albert Lea High School
Sep 2
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
HW71 ANXIETY
Su
M
Tu
W
Th
F
Sa
Melanie Sanchez
$ 10.00
per person
Albert Lea High School
Sep 9
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
HW72 BEHAVIORS
Su
M
Tu
W
Th
F
Sa
Melanie Sanchez
$ 10.00
per person
Albert Lea High School
Sep 16
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
HW73 DEPRESSION
Su
M
Tu
W
Th
F
Sa
Melanie Sanchez
$ 10.00
per person
Albert Lea High School
Sep 23
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
HW74 ADHD
Su
M
Tu
W
Th
F
Sa
Melanie Sanchez
$ 10.00
per person
Albert Lea High School
Sep 30
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
HW75 AUSTISM
Su
M
Tu
W
Th
F
Sa
Melanie Sanchez
$ 10.00
per person
Albert Lea High School
Oct 7
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
HW76 ADVOCACY
Su
M
Tu
W
Th
F
Sa
Melanie Sanchez
$ 10.00
per person
Albert Lea High School
Oct 14
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
HW77 SUPPORT
Su
M
Tu
W
Th
F
Sa
Melanie Sanchez
$ 10.00
per person
Albert Lea High School
Oct 21
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
HW78 UNDERSTANDING
Su
M
Tu
W
Th
F
Sa
Melanie Sanchez
$ 10.00
per person
Albert Lea High School
Oct 28
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
HW79 ANXIETY
Su
M
Tu
W
Th
F
Sa
Melanie Sanchez
$ 10.00
per person
Albert Lea High School
Nov 4
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
HW80 BEHAVIORS
Su
M
Tu
W
Th
F
Sa
Melanie Sanchez
$ 10.00
per person
Albert Lea High School
Nov 11
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
HW81 DEPRESSION
Su
M
Tu
W
Th
F
Sa
Melanie Sanchez
$ 10.00
per person
Albert Lea High School
Nov 18
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
HW82 ADHD
Su
M
Tu
W
Th
F
Sa
Melanie Sanchez
$ 10.00
per person
Albert Lea High School
Nov 25
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
HW83 AUTISM
Su
M
Tu
W
Th
F
Sa
Melanie Sanchez
$ 10.00
per person
Albert Lea High School
Dec 2
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
HW84 ADVOCACY
Su
M
Tu
W
Th
F
Sa
Melanie Sanchez
$ 10.00
per person
Albert Lea High School
Dec 9
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
HW85 SUPPORT
Su
M
Tu
W
Th
F
Sa
Melanie Sanchez
$ 10.00
per person
Albert Lea High School
Dec 16
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM