Past Speakers

WAKE UP & SMELL THE COFFEE SERIES: Setting Boundaries

Presented by:Amy Greenamyer, Ph.D. -- Licensed Psychologist

Description to follow soon: As parents we know that we must continue setting boundaries for our children especially as they move into their teenage years but sometimes that is easier said than done. Teenagers have their own ideas, agendas and want to negotiate the boundaries. Learn how to navigate the waters of teen boundary setting with Amy Greenamyer, Ph. D. Through her work with teens and parents, Dr. Greenamyer has gained a unique perspective on this struggle. She will lead a discussion on setting boundaries, negotiating with teens and how to set effective consequences.

WAKE UP & SMELL THE COFFEE SERIES: Preparing Teens for Healthy Flirting and Dating

Presented by: Rus Funk of MensWork, Inc.

Description to follow soon: What does dating mean to your teen? Could your teen give the wrong signals by how they flirt? Does flirting and dating change when your teen enters high school? What have you taught your teens about flirting, dating, and warning signs of an unhealthy relationship? Haven’Äôt had the discussion yet? Well, you are not alone. Not sure what to teach your teens? Join Rus Funk of MensWork, a local organization dedicated to ending violence against women, as he discusses what parents should teach their children about healthy flirting and dating.

Operation: PARENT's First Annual Premier Gala

We believe parenting is the most important job we will ever have and that it certainly deserves one night of celebration and recognition. It was our honor to share the evening of October 28, 2011 with you. We all go to walk the red carpet, enjoy some delicious food, and then dance the night away as we elevate the role of parenting!

Thank you for celebrating the privilege of parenting with our wonderful community of parents. Proceeds from the event directly supported Operation: PARENT and the programs we provide. Already, we can't wait for the Second Annual Gala to take place!

WAKE UP & SMELL THE COFFEE SERIES: Eating Disorders

Presented by:Cheryl Ades, LCSW - Eating Disorders

Description: Since 1990, Cheryl Ades has been an avid supporter of wellness and healthy, addiction- free living with a particular emphasis on healthy relationships with food. Cheryl treats a wide range of food issues ranging from compulsive overeating, emotional eating, food addiction, anorexia, bulimia including exercise, purging, and non-purging type, childhood obesity, as well as those who simply don't know how to eat healthfully. In her presentation she will address warning signs of an eating disorder, where parents can go for help, as well as how these disorders are impacting male teens.

Notes from the presentation:
Facts about Disordered Eating:
- 1 in 10 people with eating disorders receive treatment
- Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness
- The mortality rate associated with anorexia nervosa is 12 times higher than the death rate of ALL causes of death for females 15-24 years old.
- There is a genetic and social component to eating disorders
- High relationship between alcoholism and eating disorders
- Anorexia is the 3rd most common chronic illness among adolescents
- 50% of girls between the ages of 11-13 see themselves as overweight
- 95% of those who have eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25
- People with eating disorders tend to bounce between anorexia and bulimia. Certain behaviors are possible warning signs of anorexia and bulimia. In combination, and over a period of time, they are of greater concern

Some warning signs of Anorexia
- Major weight loss--weighs 85% of normal weight for height or less
- Skips meals, always an excuse for not eating, refuses to eat in front of others
- Wears baggy clothing or many layers of clothing to hide weight loss and to stay warm
- Inspects image in mirror frequently, weighs self frequently
- May harm self with cutting or burning
- May faint or feel dizzy frequently
- Exercises excessively and compulsively Some warning signs of bulimia
- Disappearance of large quantities of food
- Excuses self to go to the bathroom immediately after meals
- Calluses across the joints of the fingers from self-induced vomiting
- Teeth may develop cavities or enamel erosion
- Evidence of discarded packaging for laxatives, diuretics, enemas
- Swollen salivary glands (swelling under the chin)
- Preoccupation or anxiety about weight and shape
- Broken blood vessels in the eye from self-induced vomiting

If you observe any of these behaviors, especially in combination or over a period of time, it's important to take your child to his or her doctor for an evaluation. The earlier the eating disorders are recognized and treated, the better chance for recovery.

Ask your child questions regarding their eating in a calm, curious and compassionate way. Need to be non-judgmental with your own responses to their answers. State the facts "I have noticed that you are not eating at dinner lately. What is that all about?"

Recovery Therapy
Physical -- Emotional -- Spiritual
Need to deal with the underlying issue which is usually the feeling of "not safe", "not good enough", "not enough". Recovery comes from within; they have to want to recover.

Recommended Books:
Self-Therapy by Jay Earley 20 Things Adoptive Parents Need to Succeed by Sherrie Eldridge

WAKE UP & SMELL THE COFFEE SERIES: Legally Speaking

Wednesday, March 16th from 10am-12:00pm
Operation: PARENT Headquarters, 13029 Middletown Industrial Blvd., Louisville, KY 40223

Presented by: Judge Tim Feeley and Attorney Rob Riley

Description: What happens when teens are arrested? How does the legal system work with the families and teens? What are the legal consequences for sexting, driving under the influence? These are just a few of the questions that will be addressed by Judge Feeley and Attorney Rob Riley.

Notes from the presentation:
Parents are not liable for the crimes of their minor children (parents can't be incarcerated for their minor children's crimes).
Parents can be sued for damages for the crimes of their minor children.

Since parents can be sued civilly for results of criminal or negligent acts by their children under a myriad of negligence theories, an umbrella policy is one way to mitigate this risk. Parents may want to consider an umbrella policy as a cost effective way to control unexpected costs associated with civil suits.

On the child's 18th birthday they are legally an adult. They can be charged with adult felonies. If the crime is committed when the child was under the age of 18 then it is a juvenile offense but some crimes may be tried as an adult (i.e. murder).

Police questioning your minor child--best advice is to tell your teen not to say anything to the police. When parents arrive talk with police to find out why they wish to question your child and the seriousness of the situation.

Underage Drinking and Drugs

Know the local ordinances in your county!
Oldham County (as well as many surrounding counties in Kentucky) has the following laws regarding underage drinking:

KRS 530.070 - "Buying or providing alcohol for minors is a Class A misdemeanor and could result in $500 fine and up to 12 months in jail."
KOC 87-300.320.2 - "Providing a place for minors to consume alcohol is a county ordinance violation, and can result in a fine of $500 - $1,000 and up to 60 days in jail."

What does this mean to you as a parent? It is illegal for an adult to knowingly allow or provide alcohol and/or drugs to any minor, knowingly allow it to be consumed on your property.

What do you do if you come home and there is a party going on in your house or on your property? Call the police or call the parents (have them come and get their child). Collect all their car keys so they do not drive home.

Schools

Parents please read your school rules and policies!

Schools have the right to have rules and due process impose upon everyone at their school.
School lockers are the property of the school and school officials can open them at any time.

If your teen drives to school and parks on school property, then the car is on school property and subject to school rules.

Teens and Driving

When a parent signs to let a child get a license, you are "civilly" liable for your teen’Äôs actions. You can be sued for damages if your teen causes damages from a driving accident.

16-18 years of age, teens are considered adults for DUI, speeding and traffic offenses.

Sexting among minors

Pornography laws govern "sexting" by minors. Consentual use of naked images might not rise to criminal level, but subsequent forwarding of such images would. Federal child pornography laws are very strict, and govern any pornographic images of children 14 or younger.

WAKE UP & SMELL THE COFFEE SERIES: Teens & Drugs: What Parents Need to Know

Wednesday, February 16th from 10am-12:00pm or 6:30-8:30pm
Operation: PARENT Headquarters, 13029 Middletown Industrial Blvd., Louisville, KY 40223

Presented by: Detective Spegal, Jeffersontown Police Dept.

Description: Detective Spegal has been in law-enforcement for the past 15 years. Early on in his career he became very active in the lives of the children in the community and has been involved as a School Resource Officer, Vice-Chair for Oldham County Challengers Program and guest speaker for Kentucky Safe Schools Conference. Detective Spegal will be discussing current trends in drug usage among teens, peer pressure, signs of drug usage, what parents can do to protect their children.

DRIVING THE MESSAGE HOME: A Fundraiser with Sarah Panzau

Driving the Message Home: A Fundraiser with Sarah Panzau

Operation: PARENT will kick off 2011 with a fundraiser designed for the entire family! We're determined to "drive the message home" about peer pressure, underage drinking, drunk driving, and the critical need for your support of Operation: PARENT's ongoing mission to eduate, equip, encourage and engage parents of teens and preteens. On Thursday, January 27th, we'll welcome you to the North Oldham Theater for an exciting and educational evening. The night's festivities will include a silent auction, drunk driving simulator rides, an engaging speech from Sarah Panzau and refreshments.

About Sarah Panzau

As a two-time member of the National Junior College Athletic Association women's volleyball All-America team, Sarah Panzau knew what it was like to be on top of her game. But on August 23, 2003, Sarah just about lost it all when her car spun out of control. With a blood-alcohol level nearly four times the legal limit, the 21-year-old decided to drive home drunk. She was ejected through the rear window of her car, her left arm was torn from her body and she was thrown onto the roadway. The emergency team pronounced Sarah dead at the scene. But suddenly she gasped for air. Surgery and a painful road of recovery followed.

Sarah is Living Proof that poor choices can have drastic consequences. However, since the crash in 2003, her life has taken a new direction. Sarah reaches students with her message about underage drinking, drunk driving, smart choices, respecting parents and rising above disabilities. She poignantly describes the physical and emotional pain of a life that is forever changed because of the poor decisions she made. She also talks about peer pressure, the "wrong crowd" and the meaning of "real" friends. She pleads with students to spot the telltale warning signs in others and underscores the need to seek help.

Sarah delivers her messages in a powerful and emotional manner that leaves the audience spellbound. She will drive the message home to your teens and preteens, so don't miss out on this increible event!

WAKE UP & SMELL THE COFFEE SERIES: Be Safe in Cyberspace

Wednesday, January 19th from 10am-12:30pm or 6:30-9pm
Operation: PARENT Headquarters, 13029 Middletown Industrial Blvd., Louisville, KY 40223

Presented by: Suzanne Davis and Gail Albright of ECHO, Exploited Children's Help Organization,
have presented to thousands of Louisville kids and parents on the importance of
cyber safety. Suzanne has been with ECHO since 2003. Gail Albright joined ECHO as a
Speaker and Liaison for the Speakers Bureau in 2005.

Description: "Be Safe in Cyberspace" provides basic cyber safety information and raises
awareness of the dangers in Cyberspace. Learn how to recognize dangers and how to teach your teens to be responsible for their online behavior. Topics to be discussed include risky online activites, predators, cyber bullying, posting personal information and pictures, cell phones & the internet, and social web sites such as MySpace and Facebook. In conclusion, our program Program Developer will instruct us all on how to set Facebook privacy settings, about the Places app and about blocking users.

WAKE UP & SMELL THE COFFEE SERIES: Alcoholism/Addiction A-Z

Wednesday, September 22, 2010 from 6:30-8:30pm
Operation: PARENT Headquarters, 13029 Middletown Industrial Blvd., Louisville, KY 40223

Presented by: Dr. Burns Brady, 2007 Ephraim McDowell Physician of the Year

Description: Last year, Dr. Burns Brady won the hearts of every parent who attended his presentation. Dr. Brady, nationally recognized physician and speaker, addresses the issues of alcohol, drugs and addiction like no one else! He openly shares stories about his own families' struggles with addiction and speaks not only as a physician, but as a parent who has had to implement "tough love." Come hear the latest information on these tough issues by a true expert... you'll leave feeling educated, equipped and empowered!

WAKE UP & SMELL THE COFFEE SERIES: Choices - An interactive play on cyberbullying and suicide

Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Operation: PARENT Headquarters, 13029 Middletown Industrial Blvd., Louisville, KY 40223

Presented by: Professional actors with the Louisville-based theater group "Looking for Lilith"

Description: When 15-year old Hannah receives numerous threatening messages from an online peer, she finds herself becoming more and more powerless. Terrified, it seems to Hannah that she has no other way to end the fear and pain than to take her own life.

In this interactive theater production, students and parents have the opportunity to stop the suicide and choose other options that will change the outcome for Hannah. Just as Hannah makes that terrible decision to take her life, the play stops...

WAKE UP & SMELL THE COFFEE SERIES: Teen Suicide Prevention

Thursday, April 22, 2010
Ormsby 3 Building, 10200 Forest Green Blvd, Louisville 40223

Presented by: Katina Wallace, B.S. and Mary Lynn Thieneman, LCSW, LMFT
Operation: PARENT presents Katina Wallace, B.S. and Mary Lynn Thieneman, LCSW, LMFT. Katina currently works as the Community Relations Representative of The Brook Hospitals and educator for The Jason Foundation. The Jason Foundation is dedicated to the prevention of youth suicide through education and awareness programs. Mary Lynn currently works in private practice and is serving on the Operation: PARENT board.

Description: The statistics regarding teen suicide are heartbreaking:
- A youth suicide (aged 15-24) occurs every 100 minutes.
- In Kentucky, 61 teens attempt suicide daily.
- Nationally, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death amongst teenagers ages 15 to 24.
...In Kentucky it is the second leading cause!
- Four out of five teens who attempt suicide have given clear warning signs

It is a topic most parents don't want to discuss with their children but current trends show that teen suicide has become a "Silent Epidemic." Awareness and education are the first steps to prevention. Come learn the latest information regarding this issue and how we, as parents and teens, can recognize the warning signs of suicide and know how to intervene.

WAKE UP & SMELL THE COFFEE SERIES: Healthy Dating

Wednesday February 24th
Ormsby 3 Building, 10200 Forest Green Blvd, Louisville 40223

Presented by: Dale Herink
Operation: PARENT presents Dale Van Fleet Herink of Sage Advice. For 14 years Dale served as the chief Human Resources and Development officer at The Center for Women and Families, an organization dedicated to addressing the issues of domestic violence, sexual assault and economic hardship. Dale earned her BA Degree Cum Laude in Psychology from Duke University, is a Certified Life Coach, and is a Certified Facilitator through Woman Within International, Ltd.

Description: Come learn the dating basics all teens need to understand: open and honest communication, personal boundaries and respect in relationships. Help your teen know the dynamics of healthy relationships for young people and how they can help themselves or a friend who is being abused. Parents will explore how to create a safe environment for disclosure from their teen and then how, as parents, they can respond.

WAKE UP & SMELL THE COFFEE SERIES: Alcoholism/Addiction A to Z

Thursday, December 17, 2009
Ormsby 3 Building, 10200 Forest Green Blvd, Louisville 40223

Presented by: Dr. Brady has extensive experience working with individuals dealing with addiction and recovery. He is the 2007 Ephraim McDowell Physician of the Year recipient and known for his work at The Healing Place. He has presented extensively to the medical community as well as to schools regarding this timely and critical issue of drugs, alcohol and addiction.

Description: Research says: "Just Say NO!"...just isn't working! Experimentation of drugs and alcohol is
on the rise among our children, as early as 4th and 5th grade. Raise your awareness of current trends
regarding drug and alcohol usage in the pre-teen and teenage years. Become aware of common misconceptions and the warning signs of usage and addiction. Most importantly, find out what parents
can do to avoid and reverse these trends. Come with questions that you would like to have answered.
Dr. Brady has allotted time in his presentation to answer any submitted questions that have not been addressed.

Notes from the presentation: Parents need to understand the disease of addiction in order to treat it properly (Just like we need to know if their sore throat is viral or bacterial). It's a family illness...everyone gets sick. It is chronic, progressive and fatal, but treatable.

90% of the population can socially handle alcohol. 10% of the population is born with a difference in brain chemistry.

If your child/teen is messing with drugs/alcohol, Dr. Brady recommends you (1) change playmates (2) change playpens (3) change play things. He also recommends The Morton Center in Louisville. Ask to speak with Jennifer Stern.

Nature vs. Nurture...genetics will play out.
If addiction or alcoholism runs in your family, education is key. Tell your teen the risk factors (impaired judgment, impaired brain development, etc.) Deal with your kids straight up...the truth is best. What's the treatment? ABSTINENCE.

Resources:
The Morton Center: www.themortoncenter.org
Louisville: 502-451-1221 Lexington: 859-373-0077
The Hazleton Foundation: Center City, Minnesota

WAKE UP & SMELL THE COFFEE SERIES: The Digital Village-The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Monday, October 12th, 2009
Ormsby 3 Building, 10200 Forest Green Blvd, Louisville 40223

Presented by: Doris Settles (Lexington, KY) - Doris speaks and writes extensively for national,
regional and local organizations on technology. She was the keynote speaker at the 2008 National Youth
at Risk Forum and also served on the National Association of Attorney's General 2007 Task Force on
Internet Safety.

Description: Finally, a presentation that is not designed to scare you but rather inform and equip
you to help your teen become a responsible digital citizen. In todays "always on" "always connected" "anytime" "everywhere" world, our kids are digital natives... Unfortunately, parents are digital immigrants. This two hour session will help close the gap as Doris provides parents with a fresh new perspective
and some practical tips on raising responsible digital citizens in this brand new world!

DORIS SETTLES: Facebook, MySpace and Cyberbullying: Unraveled

Thursday, October 16th, 2008
South Oldham High School Cafeteria

This seminar reviewed the basics of Facebook and MySpace, how to use them, how to see
what your teen is doing online, and how to keep them safe. Ms Settles focused on the
mysteries behind social networking that you and your teen might not be aware of. This
2 1/2 hour event used real-world examples from local students.

Doris Settles is a writer, teacher, speaker, and researcher who is a strong proponent of
positive youth development, endorsing youth-adult partnerships in the truest sense to
face the challenges of today and tomorrow. She has provided student assemblies, staff development, community presentations, conference workshops and keynotes for individual districts throughout Kentucky, for the Kentucky and Indiana Department of Education,
Juvenile Justice agencies in Kentucky and Indiana, as well as state, regional and national conferences across the US. Doris even recently gave the closing keynote at the 2008 National Youth At Risk Forum at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

HAL RUNKEL: ScreamFree Parenting

August 27th & 28th, 2008
Fern Creek and South Oldham High Schools

ScreamFree Parenting is a principle-based approach that's inspiring parents every where to truly revolutionize their families. The ScreamFree way compels you to focus on yourself, grow yourself up and calm yourself down.

Award-winning author and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Hal Runkel, is quickly becoming America's greatest expert on human relationships. With an impressive academic and social science background, he has taken the most advanced approaches to relationship theory and, through thousands of hours of family therapy, organizational consulting, and professional coaching in churches, family businesses, and schools, has developed the revolutionary ScreamFree Living methodology.

To watch a video about the ScreamFree Program, please visit their website.

KEITH DELTANO: Abstinence is Cool

May 9, 2007
South Oldham Middle & High Schools

KEITH DELTANO: Why Bully? and Don't Be Stupid!

September 18-19, 2007
South Oldham Middle & High Schools
North Oldham Middle & High Schools
East Oldham Middle School
Oldham County Middle School
St. Alysious

WHY BULLY?

Keith tells the story of how he stayed back in third grade and struggled through school. He talks about how he was picked on and excluded and how he overcame the situation. He takes the unusual approach of addressing the mindset of the catcher, as well as the thrower. He will inspire those that have been bullied and force the bullies to take a harsh look at why they do what they do.

DON'T BE STUPID!

Using his customary interaction and "in your face delivery," Keith brought home the harsh realities of drug and alcohol use. Students were forced to acknowledge the incredible risks they take when experimenting with drugs and alcohol. Keith graphically dismantled the idea that "It won't happen to me" and made the negative consequences real.