PEP Talks - A Parent Education Program
Parenting is tough, but PEP Talks is here to make it a little easier. Join Arlington Community Schools as we seek expert advice to examine issues facing school-aged children today, from anxiety and depression, bullying and social media to everything between. Want us to explore certain topics? Email us at peptalks@acsk-12.org.
Our Hosts:
Erin Williams is a Social & Transition Specialist for elementary and middle schools in Arlington Community Schools (ACS), a district located outside Memphis, Tenn. With a background in social work, Erin is a licensed school social worker and master social worker. She has also previously served as a victim advocate and child forensic interviewer in Tennessee.
Ja'Neair Johnson is a Social & Transition Specialist for high-school aged students in ACS. She has served as a mental health professional for more than 20 years and holds a Masters of Social Work and is a licensed school social worker.
Tyler Hill is the Director of Communications & Planning for ACS. As a former award-winning journalist, Tyler’s passion was rooted in storytelling that spoke to the heart, and he has carried that same mentality to School PR. He serves as the PEP Talks producer and sound engineer, with occasional hosting duties.
PEP Talks - A Parent Education Program
Go First: Lifelong Anxiety from Erin Williams' Perspective
Let us know how we're doing, or send us an idea!
PEP Talks brings you a new series where guests "Go First" in talking about their own experiences with an adversity or mental health challenge. In our inaugural Go First episode, PEP Talks co-host Erin Williams describes her experience with lifelong anxiety. What began in childhood has continued throughout her life, as a professional, daughter and even in motherhood as she deals with postpartum anxiety.
Erin gives her go-to tools for in-the-moment anxiety and practical preventative measures she uses to proactively regulate herself, such as deep breathing, talking with safe people, therapy, journaling and managing her lifestyle through exercise, sleep and nutrition. She also discusses simple tools for "checking in" and ways parents can validate and reassure their anxious children.
Erin's Personal Recommended Resources for Anxiety:
- Building a Non Anxious Life (Book)
- The Body Keeps the Score (Book)
- Breathing Techniques
- Therapist Approved Natural Remedies for Anxiety
Recommended Tools & Strategies for Children:
- Coping Skills for Kids on Calming Anxiety: Strategies, Skill Building, and Books
- 10 Grounding Activities by Counselor Keri
- 39 Journal Prompts for Teens with Anxiety
Let us know what you thought about our Go First series! Email us at: peptalks@acsk-12.org
