Join us Saturday, October 17, for a day of practical learning, meaningful conversation, and caregiver connection. Explore classes led by local professionals, take part in small-group workshops, or spend time creating and connecting in our drop-in scrapbooking space. Topics focus on everyday family life—from understanding your child and navigating challenging behaviors to supporting mental wellness and building stronger relationships.
Choose Sessions that fit your interests and schedule, whether you’re joining us for one or spending the day with us!
9:00am-10:00am
Mental Wellness & Suicide Prevention
Mental Wellness & Suicide Prevention
📅 Saturday, October 17th
60 minute class l Time: 9am-10am
Join Lisa for a real conversation about difficult discussions and some resources we should know more about! We ALL can help to make a difference!
Instructor
Lisa Clavier
Lisa Clavier wears many hats in our community. She is a founder and serves as President of Kiersten’s Ride, a non-profit for suicide prevention in Northern Lower Michigan. Lisa serves as Co-Chair of the Charlevoix/Emmet County Suicide Prevention Coalition. Clavier provides direct outreach and facilitates Survivors of a Suicide Loss support group and empowers community members to help save lives through education. Clavier has received the “Champion for Kids” award from the child abuse council of Charlevoix & Emmet Counties, the Women’s Resource Center Northern Michigan “Tribute: Advocacy Award” for providing suicide prevention to youth in Northern Michigan, “Shining Light in the Community” from the East Jordan United Methodist Women’s Group and was the recipient of East Jordan’s “Citizen of the year” 2017. Along with being a wife and mother, helping community members realize that they are worthy of asking for and receiving help, is Lisa’s passion.
10:00am-11:00am
Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences
Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences
📅 Saturday, October 17th
90 minute class l Time: 10am-11am
Join Lisa for an unforgettable learning experience about how the way we connect can build strong foundations for our children and families. HOPE focuses on the positive impact strong connections can make. We understand childhood experiences can and do have an impact on lifelong outcomes, let’s build a stronger future together!
Instructor
Lisa Clavier
Lisa is the director of the Child Abuse Prevention and Education Council in Antrim, Charlevoix, and Emmet Counties! She does amazing work by offering opportunities for families to learn, grow, and connect on all things related to child safety! Lisa is a true community builder who values building strong, lasting connections with families! For more information about the CAPE Council or HOPE training, please visit http://www.capeace.org
11:30am-12:30pm
Understanding Your Child’s Temperament
Understanding Your Child’s Temperament
📅 Saturday, October 17th
60 minute class l Time: 11:30am-12:30pm
Join Kate for this one-hour class for a brief introduction of the Strengthening Families
Framework with a focus on how temperament can show up in everyday parenting. You’ll
get a chance to think about your own temperament and your child’s, consider practical
ways to use that understanding as a parenting “superpower,” and learn how it can help
support your child’s social and emotional growth.
Instructor
Kate Essenberg
Kate Essenberg is proud to call Northern Michigan her home, where she has dedicated her career to supporting families and children. She has held roles such as public health educator, community playgroup facilitator, and program director, all of which have provided her with the opportunity to work with children, families, and colleagues dedicated to healthy, thriving communities. Kate holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education from Central Michigan University. She is also a National Alliance Certified Trainer of “Bringing the Protective Factors Framework to Life in Your Work” and a Certified “Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences/HOPE” facilitator. As the Director of Central Lake Early Opportunities (CLEO), Kate leads a network of partners that provide programs and resources for children and families. She can be reached
at cessenberg@cisnwmi.org.1:00pm-2:30pm
How to be an Askable Trustable Adult
How to be an “Ask-able” Trusted Adult
📅 Saturday, October 17th
90 minute class l Time: 1pm-2:30pm
Join us for an Ask-able Adult session, hosted by Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan. The Ask-Able Adult program is for adults who hope to gain a contemporary understanding of the relationship and mental health needs of youth in our community. Don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity to have an open conversation, become better prepared to help young people in our lives, learn to navigate misinformation, and discover helpful resources.
Instructor
Megan King
Megan is the Outreach and Advocacy Program Director for the Women’s Resource Center. This is a program she has presented on several times in the past 5 or so years. Working in community outreach and violence prevention at the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan for the past decade, she has learned that many violence prevention strategies for young people rely on connection to a caring adult. This program helps teach caring adults ways they can make themselves a safe space for young people to turn to if they have questions or feel uncomfortable.
3:00pm-4:00pm
Rooted, Not Defined: How Families Heal and Grow After Hard Times
Rooted, Not Defined: How Families Heal and Grow After Hard Times
📅 Saturday, October 17th
60 minute class l Time: 3pm-4pm
Join Mrs. Bolden for this class for parents and caregivers, Understanding Trauma: Embracing N.E.A.R (Neuroscience, Epigenetics, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Resilience). Hard experiences leave a mark, but they don’t have the final word. In everyday language, we explore how stress and adversity can shape a growing brain and body, why some children are able to bounce back, and the powerful role caring adults play in that story. You’ll leave with a way of understanding the behaviors you see at home, along with practical ways to build connection, calm, and resilience in your family starting today.
Instructor
Mrs. Tanisha N. Bolden, M.A. Ed., CPC
Mrs. Tanisha N. Bolden is the CEO and Principal Consultant of Affinity Educational Strategies, a Michigan-based firm that partners with schools, agencies, and communities to build environments where every child feels seen, safe, and ready to learn. Mrs. Bolden believes our hardest experiences do not define us. Instead, they can become sources of strength we use to show up for the children, families, and communities we serve. With more than 20 years of experience in secondary and post-secondary education, she is a member of the American Council on Education Women’s Network (Michigan) and the Michigan Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) State Advisory Board, where she also serves as Prevention Workgroup Co-Chair. She is also an MCBAP Certified Prevention Consultant, an IIRP Trainer, and certified in Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid. She holds a B.S. in Community Development and an M.A. in Education, and is a Doctoral Candidate and King Chavez Parks Future Faculty Fellow at Central Michigan University. She can be reached at
tbolden@affinityimpacts.org.
9:30am
Prioritizing Yourself & Your Relationships
Prioritizing Yourself and Your Relationships
📅 Saturday, October 17th
Time: 9:30am
Boyne City High School
When life gets busy, our own needs and the relationships we care about can slip to the bottom of the list. This often then leads to these relationships breaking down, decreasing our support. This welcoming, conversation-based workshop offers space to explore what helps you feel supported, how to make room for yourself, and small ways to strengthen connection with the people you love. Talk through realistic boundaries, asking for what you need, and making time for connection—even when time and energy are limited.
Facilitator
Kendra Miller
Kendra Miller is the founder of Roots of Resilience. With extensive experience working with families in many settings, she is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for connection, education, and practical support. As a wife and mother of two, she brings both professional insight and personal understanding to this work.
11:00am
Screens in Real Life
Screens in Real Life
📅 Saturday, October 17th
Time: 11:00am
Boyne City High School
Screens are part of everyday family life—and figuring out how they fit can be challenging. Join fellow parents and caregivers for a practical, judgment-free conversation about screen habits, transitions, and the effects of technology on family connection. Share what works, talk through common frustrations, and explore realistic routines and boundaries that make room for both technology and time together.
Facilitator
Kendra Miller
Kendra Miller is the founder of Roots of Resilience. With extensive experience working with families in many settings, she is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for connection, education, and practical support. As a wife and mother of two, she brings both professional insight and personal understanding to this work.
1:00pm
Building Better Behavior
Building Better Behavior
📅 Saturday, October 17th.
Time: 1:00pm
Boyne City High School
Join an active discussion between other caregivers/parents about challenging behaviors you feel like you have tried everything to fix! Connect with others about what has worked for them and what their experiences have been, and take what you feel fits best; leave what doesn’t! This is a space to connect and learn from those going through the stages of parenting alongside you. A judgment-free zone to vent about those stressors and recognize that we are not alone!
Facilitator
Rachel Markarewicz
Rachel Markarewicz is Board Certified Behavior Analyist facilitating a supportive conversation to help caregivers navigate challenging behaviors with practical ideas, shared problem-solving, and honest connection. Her workshop offers a judgment-free space for parents to learn from one another and leave with strategies they can try at home.
2:00pm
Creating Spaces That Support Us
Creating Spaces That Support Us
📅 Saturday, October 17th.
Time: 1:30pm
Boyne City High School
Join an interactive environmental wellness workshop! What if the spaces we spend the most time in could actually help us feel more balanced, peaceful, and resilient? Join Lindsay Walter Wellness Collective and MiMobile Refillery for an engaging, interactive introduction to Environmental Wellness. Together, we’ll explore how our surroundings influence our energy, stress levels, and overall well-being. Through open conversation and shared experiences, we’ll identify everyday challenges in our homes and environments, explore simple, practical solutions, and discover how small changes can make a meaningful difference. We’ll also discuss easy, toxin=free swaps that support a healthier home without adding more to your already full plate.
Facilitator
Lindsay Walter
Hi, I’m Lindsay – a nature-loving wellness guide living in beautiful Charlevoix, Michigan with my husband, our son, and our sweet (and slightly sassy) husky. I’ve spent the past decade helping people feel more aligned, grounded, and well through guided meditation, sound baths, breathwork, intuitive energy healing, and Akashic Records readings. But my wellness journey didn’t stop there.
I’ve always believed that a healthy life starts with the choices we make at home – in our minds, in our bodies, and even under our kitchen sinks. My love for sustainability and low-toxin living inspired the creation of Mi Mobile Refillery – a refill delivery service that brings clean, natural, plastic-reducing household and personal care products straight to your door.
My mission is simple: to help you live your very best days, every day – with less waste, more intention, and a whole lot of ease.
Let’s clean up our routines and care for this beautiful planet, together.
Classes
Understanding Your Child’s Temperament
📅 Saturday, October 17th
60 minute class l Time: 11:30am-12:30pm
Join Kate for this one-hour class for a brief introduction of the Strengthening Families
Framework with a focus on how temperament can show up in everyday parenting. You’ll
get a chance to think about your own temperament and your child’s, consider practical
ways to use that understanding as a parenting “superpower,” and learn how it can help
support your child’s social and emotional growth.
Instructor
Kate Essenberg
Kate Essenberg is proud to call Northern Michigan her home, where she has dedicated her career to supporting families and children. She has held roles such as public health educator, community playgroup facilitator, and program director, all of which have provided her with the opportunity to work with children, families, and colleagues dedicated to healthy, thriving communities. Kate holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education from Central Michigan University. She is also a National Alliance Certified Trainer of “Bringing the Protective Factors Framework to Life in Your Work” and a Certified “Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences/HOPE” facilitator. As the Director of Central Lake Early Opportunities (CLEO), Kate leads a network of partners that provide programs and resources for children and families. She can be reached
at cessenberg@cisnwmi.org.
Mental Wellness & Suicide Prevention
📅 Saturday, October 17th
60 minute class l Time: 9am-10am
Join Lisa for a real conversation about difficult discussions and some resources we should know more about! We ALL can help to make a difference!
Instructor
Lisa Clavier
Lisa Clavier wears many hats in our community. She is a founder and serves as President of Kiersten’s Ride, a non-profit for suicide prevention in Northern Lower Michigan. Lisa serves as Co-Chair of the Charlevoix/Emmet County Suicide Prevention Coalition. Clavier provides direct outreach and facilitates Survivors of a Suicide Loss support group and empowers community members to help save lives through education. Clavier has received the “Champion for Kids” award from the child abuse council of Charlevoix & Emmet Counties, the Women’s Resource Center Northern Michigan “Tribute: Advocacy Award” for providing suicide prevention to youth in Northern Michigan, “Shining Light in the Community” from the East Jordan United Methodist Women’s Group and was the recipient of East Jordan’s “Citizen of the year” 2017. Along with being a wife and mother, helping community members realize that they are worthy of asking for and receiving help, is Lisa’s passion.
Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences
📅 Saturday, October 17th
90 minute class l Time: 10am-11am
Join Lisa for an unforgettable learning experience about how the way we connect can build strong foundations for our children and families. HOPE focuses on the positive impact strong connections can make. We understand childhood experiences can and do have an impact on lifelong outcomes, let’s build a stronger future together!
Instructor
Lisa Clavier
Lisa is the director of the Child Abuse Prevention and Education Council in Antrim, Charlevoix, and Emmet Counties! She does amazing work by offering opportunities for families to learn, grow, and connect on all things related to child safety! Lisa is a true community builder who values building strong, lasting connections with families! For more information about the CAPE Council or HOPE training, please visit http://www.capeace.org
How to be an “Ask-able” Trusted Adult
📅 Saturday, October 17th
90 minute class l Time: 1pm-2:30pm
Join us for an Ask-able Adult session, hosted by Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan. The Ask-Able Adult program is for adults who hope to gain a contemporary understanding of the relationship and mental health needs of youth in our community. Don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity to have an open conversation, become better prepared to help young people in our lives, learn to navigate misinformation, and discover helpful resources.
Instructor
Megan King
Megan is the Outreach and Advocacy Program Director for the Women’s Resource Center. This is a program she has presented on several times in the past 5 or so years. Working in community outreach and violence prevention at the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan for the past decade, she has learned that many violence prevention strategies for young people rely on connection to a caring adult. This program helps teach caring adults ways they can make themselves a safe space for young people to turn to if they have questions or feel uncomfortable.
Rooted, Not Defined: How Families Heal and Grow After Hard Times
📅 Saturday, October 17th
60 minute class l Time: 3pm-4pm
Join Mrs. Bolden for this class for parents and caregivers, Understanding Trauma: Embracing N.E.A.R (Neuroscience, Epigenetics, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Resilience). Hard experiences leave a mark, but they don’t have the final word. In everyday language, we explore how stress and adversity can shape a growing brain and body, why some children are able to bounce back, and the powerful role caring adults play in that story. You’ll leave with a way of understanding the behaviors you see at home, along with practical ways to build connection, calm, and resilience in your family starting today.
Instructor
Mrs. Tanisha N. Bolden, M.A. Ed., CPC
Mrs. Tanisha N. Bolden is the CEO and Principal Consultant of Affinity Educational Strategies, a Michigan-based firm that partners with schools, agencies, and communities to build environments where every child feels seen, safe, and ready to learn. Mrs. Bolden believes our hardest experiences do not define us. Instead, they can become sources of strength we use to show up for the children, families, and communities we serve. With more than 20 years of experience in secondary and post-secondary education, she is a member of the American Council on Education Women’s Network (Michigan) and the Michigan Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) State Advisory Board, where she also serves as Prevention Workgroup Co-Chair. She is also an MCBAP Certified Prevention Consultant, an IIRP Trainer, and certified in Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid. She holds a B.S. in Community Development and an M.A. in Education, and is a Doctoral Candidate and King Chavez Parks Future Faculty Fellow at Central Michigan University. She can be reached at
tbolden@affinityimpacts.org.
Workshops & Activities
Prioritizing Yourself and Your Relationships
📅 Saturday, October 17th
Time: 9:30am
Boyne City High School
When life gets busy, our own needs and the relationships we care about can slip to the bottom of the list. This often then leads to these relationships breaking down, decreasing our support. This welcoming, conversation-based workshop offers space to explore what helps you feel supported, how to make room for yourself, and small ways to strengthen connection with the people you love. Talk through realistic boundaries, asking for what you need, and making time for connection—even when time and energy are limited.
Facilitator
Kendra Miller
Kendra Miller is the founder of Roots of Resilience. With extensive experience working with families in many settings, she is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for connection, education, and practical support. As a wife and mother of two, she brings both professional insight and personal understanding to this work.
Screens in Real Life
📅 Saturday, October 17th
Time: 11:00am
Boyne City High School
Screens are part of everyday family life—and figuring out how they fit can be challenging. Join fellow parents and caregivers for a practical, judgment-free conversation about screen habits, transitions, and the effects of technology on family connection. Share what works, talk through common frustrations, and explore realistic routines and boundaries that make room for both technology and time together.
Facilitator
Kendra Miller
Kendra Miller is the founder of Roots of Resilience. With extensive experience working with families in many settings, she is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for connection, education, and practical support. As a wife and mother of two, she brings both professional insight and personal understanding to this work.
Building Better Behavior
📅 Saturday, October 17th.
Time: 1:00pm
Boyne City High School
Join an active discussion between other caregivers/parents about challenging behaviors you feel like you have tried everything to fix! Connect with others about what has worked for them and what their experiences have been, and take what you feel fits best; leave what doesn’t! This is a space to connect and learn from those going through the stages of parenting alongside you. A judgment-free zone to vent about those stressors and recognize that we are not alone!
Facilitator
Rachel Markarewicz
Rachel Markarewicz is Board Certified Behavior Analyist facilitating a supportive conversation to help caregivers navigate challenging behaviors with practical ideas, shared problem-solving, and honest connection. Her workshop offers a judgment-free space for parents to learn from one another and leave with strategies they can try at home.
Creating Spaces That Support Us
📅 Saturday, October 17th.
Time: 1:30pm
Boyne City High School
Join an interactive environmental wellness workshop! What if the spaces we spend the most time in could actually help us feel more balanced, peaceful, and resilient? Join Lindsay Walter Wellness Collective and MiMobile Refillery for an engaging, interactive introduction to Environmental Wellness. Together, we’ll explore how our surroundings influence our energy, stress levels, and overall well-being. Through open conversation and shared experiences, we’ll identify everyday challenges in our homes and environments, explore simple, practical solutions, and discover how small changes can make a meaningful difference. We’ll also discuss easy, toxin=free swaps that support a healthier home without adding more to your already full plate.
Facilitator
Lindsay Walter
Hi, I’m Lindsay – a nature-loving wellness guide living in beautiful Charlevoix, Michigan with my husband, our son, and our sweet (and slightly sassy) husky. I’ve spent the past decade helping people feel more aligned, grounded, and well through guided meditation, sound baths, breathwork, intuitive energy healing, and Akashic Records readings. But my wellness journey didn’t stop there. I’ve always believed that a healthy life starts with the choices we make at home – in our minds, in our bodies, and even under our kitchen sinks. My love for sustainability and low-toxin living inspired the creation of Mi Mobile Refillery – a refill delivery service that brings clean, natural, plastic-reducing household and personal care products straight to your door.
Creating Lasting Memories through Scrapbooking
📅 Saturday, October 17th
9am-12pm
Join Amy Bielas to find the best ways to organize all those old photos you have lying around. This is a space for calm connection and crafting to put your old memories to good use with a true expert on the art of scrapbooking!
