Community Conversations is an ongoing event series dedicated to open discussions on the mental health and wellness topics that impact our community, offering a space for education, support, and collaboration.
Join the Conversation!
Stay tuned to learn more about our future panel discussions.
If you are interested in being on our next panel, please contact Jade Adalbert at [email protected]
If you are interested in being on our next panel, please contact Jade Adalbert at [email protected]
Past Events
December 10, 2025- Nourishing: Supporting Positive Body Image and Balanced Eating
How we talk about food and our bodies matters. DMYFS partnered with Monte Nido Walden for a virtual community conversation about helping youth build body confidence and develop a healthy relationship with food. During the event, experts in the field of Eating Disorders discussed how to recognize early signs of disordered eating and support positive habits at home.
April 24, 2025- The Opioid Epidemic: A Local and Personal Perspective
No community is untouched by the opioid crisis—including ours. This powerful event brought our community together to acknowledge the impact of addiction, honor those we’ve lost, and inspire hope for healing and change.
The evening features John Lally, founder of Today I Matter (TIM), who shares his family's heartfelt story of losing a son to overdose. His words remind us of the urgent need for compassion, education, and action.
We also present TriCircle’s Memorial Quilt—a moving visual tribute to Connecticut lives lost to substance use.
The event concludes with a candlelight vigil on the town green, where participants walked a path lined with photos of local residents who have passed, lighting the way toward awareness and remembrance.
The evening features John Lally, founder of Today I Matter (TIM), who shares his family's heartfelt story of losing a son to overdose. His words remind us of the urgent need for compassion, education, and action.
We also present TriCircle’s Memorial Quilt—a moving visual tribute to Connecticut lives lost to substance use.
The event concludes with a candlelight vigil on the town green, where participants walked a path lined with photos of local residents who have passed, lighting the way toward awareness and remembrance.
April 23, 2025- Community Conversations: Suicide Awareness and Prevention
This vital community event offers education, insight, and tools to help protect and support the mental health of young people. Led by Caitlyn Keib, LPCA, NCC, and doctoral candidate, the session explores common myths and facts about suicide, providing practical guidance on how to recognize warning signs, engage in meaningful conversations, and connect youth with appropriate resources. Designed for parents, caregivers, educators, and concerned community members, this presentation empowers attendees to take informed, compassionate action. Together, we can foster a safer, more supportive environment where all young people can thrive.
Jan. 6, 2025- Vaping 101: What Every Parent Needs to Know
This recorded presentation, originally held on January 6, 2025, features Tricia Dahl, Senior Research Assistant at Yale University School of Medicine. Tricia brings extensive expertise in clinical trials focused on adult and adolescent substance abuse and has contributed to groundbreaking research on the effects of tobacco use on adolescents. Having presented at over 70 schools across Connecticut, Tricia is passionate about sharing resources and insights with students, parents, educators, and administrators on the risks and behavioral effects of e-cigarette use.
In this presentation, Tricia covers:
Current trends in youth e-cigarette and vape use, including Connecticut-specific data.
The health risks associated with vaping, including addiction and exposure to harmful substances.
Practical tools for parents to address and prevent vaping.
Resources for quitting vaping, tailored for both youth and adults.
Watch the recording to learn more and join us in raising awareness about the dangers of vaping.
In this presentation, Tricia covers:
Current trends in youth e-cigarette and vape use, including Connecticut-specific data.
The health risks associated with vaping, including addiction and exposure to harmful substances.
Practical tools for parents to address and prevent vaping.
Resources for quitting vaping, tailored for both youth and adults.
Watch the recording to learn more and join us in raising awareness about the dangers of vaping.
Oct. 28, 2024- Community Conversations on Youth Mental Health
Our Community Conversations on Youth Mental Health event was a fantastic success! With an engaged crowd and insightful panelists, the evening was filled with meaningful discussions and valuable information. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this event impactful for our community!
