Parent Perspectives
Parent Perspectives is our comprehensive series of parent programs that enriches our partnership with parents while strengthening the sense of community that is a hallmark of BGA.
Whether through guest speakers or the expertise of our faculty, our programs are designed to educate, inspire and support parents as they navigate the transitions and celebrations of their child’s development. Through these expanded opportunities for engagement and learning, we aim to empower parents with information they can use to confidently guide their children through each stage of their schooling journey.
Substance Use and the Developing Adolescent Brain, Monday, March 6, at 6 p.m., CAE Theater
Please join us for an informative program with Kristen Gilliland, PhD, Director of Outreach and Advocacy Programs at Vanderbilt’s Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery. Gilliland will present on substance use and its impact on the developing adolescent brain, focusing on: the teenage brain and neuroplasticity, the changes that occur in the brain when under repeated stress and anxiety, the neurobiology of addiction, and the dangers and prevalence of high potency cannabis and fentanyl. Additionally, methods to combat everyday stressors and the importance of self-care and self-compassion on the developing adolescent brain will also be discussed.
Kristen’s presentations are fueled by the loss of her 22-year old son, Anders, to an accidental drug overdose in 2019. Kristen has a sincere passion for reaching the young and their parents to prevent this heartbreaking tragedy from happening to other families.