How Can We Help? The Role of the School Community
8:45 - 9:35 am
Harriet Berman, Ph.D.
As an extension of home, schools become an integral part of a support network for students struggling with parental cancer. Drawing on personal experience, as well as from the experience of many families with whom she has worked, Dr. Berman will focus on the importance of the school's response to families coping with cancer. Special emphasis will be placed on the needs of the child and the school's ability to meet these needs.
Harriet Berman, Ph.D. is the Program Director of The Wellness Community - Greater Boston. A clinical psychologist practicing in the greater Boston area for 25 years, she has focused her work in life cycle issues, including illness and health. Harriet's own diagnosis of breast cancer and the experience of her school-aged children have been important influences in her work.
Cancer in the Family: One Diagnosis, Many Responses
9:35 - 10:25 am
Paula Rauch, M.D.
Through lessons learned from a guidance program for adults with cancer, a series of guiding principles have emerged for supporting children and families facing the challenges of a parent's serious medical illness. This presentation will introduce these principles which revolve around supporting the child's routine, protecting family time and facilitating communication about the illness.
Paula K. Rauch, M.D. is a consultation child psychiatrist at the Massachusetts General Hospital. She is the chief of the Child Psychiatry Consultation Service to inpatient pediatrics and the founder of the MGH Cancer Center Parenting Program: Parenting at a Challenging Time (PACT).
The Real World: A Panel of Students and Parents
10:40 - 11:40 am
Karen Fasciano, Psy.D.
This candid and revealing session will invite participants into the worlds of both parents coping with cancer and their school-aged children. Attendees will learn from "real-life" discussions about the school's reaction to families living with cancer. Discover what types of support have worked for them and what they still find to be missing.
Karen Fasciano, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and the Associate Program Director of the Wellness Community of Greater Boston. Dr. Fasciano has worked in psycho-oncology for over eight years with children, adults and families. She has a special interest in school consultation in the context of a cancer diagnosis within the school community.
Sharing Experiences: A Working Lunch
11:40 am - 12:55 pm
Facilitators: Susan Englander, LICSW, Harriet Berman, Ph.D., Anna Muriel M.D., MPH, Sharon Bober, Ph.D., Karen Fasciano, Psy.D., Laura Basili, Ph.D.
Not only will this be a time for lunch, but it will also be a time to meet other attendees and discuss issues of particular interest to you. Professionals will join these tables to facilitate conversation among participants. Lunch tables will be designated by topics listed below:
- Challenges in the Inner City
- When a School Professional Has Cancer
- When a Parent Dies
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- Elementary School
- Middle School
- High School
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Non-designated tables will also be available.
Separating Fact from Fiction: A Medical Overview of Cancer Treatment
12:55 - 1:45 pm
Lidia Schapira, M.D.
People often have preconceived notions about cancer and its treatment. This session will present the most current information on the variety of cancer treatments as well as their side effects. This information will help school personnel gain a greater understanding of the parent's cancer experience.
Lidia Schapira, M.D. is a Staff Physician at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Specializing in Oncology and Hematology, Dr. Shapira has taught at Harvard Medical School and has a special interest in the humanistic aspects of medicine.
Take a Breather: Relaxation for Caregivers
1:45 - 2:10 pm
Guide: TBA
Participants will be guided in a short relaxation session allowing them to renew before continuing the program.
Role Plays: Practice What You've Learned
2:25 - 3:15 pm
Facilitators: Susan Englander, LICSW, Harriet Berman, Ph.D., Anna Muriel M.D., MPH, Sharon Bober, Ph.D., Karen Fasciano, Psy.D., Laura Basili, Ph.D.
Now is your chance to apply what you have learned. Conference participants will simulate conversations between students, parents and school personnel. Facilitators will supply real life scenarios and offer feedback to participants.
Concluding Remarks
3:15 - 3:25 pm
The Wellness Community and Hurricane Voices
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