Pastors and Church Leaders The Voice – Student Wellbeing and Mental Health in the time of Covid-19

Pastors and Church Leaders

Please join us:
8:30 – The Voice ~ Student Wellbeing and Mental Health in the Time of Covid-19

The Voice: Student Wellbeing and Mental Health in the Time of Covid-19

Student mental health is a constant concern. The pandemic has increased both the number and severity of mental health issues among teens.

Our expert panelists bring a range of perspectives and experiences to The Voice. Along with their expertise our panelists demonstrate extraordinary care for the social, emotional, physical, academic, and spiritual wellbeing of students.

You’ll hear from each panelist, and then we’ll move to your questions.

Meet your Panelists:

James Apers, Master of Social Work, RSW
James has more than 20 years of experience in Guidance and Student Services. He is Director of Student Services @ HDCH and a parent of alumni. James earned his MSW from the SUNY at Buffalo; he has worked extensively in adolescent residential treatment facilities, in trauma treatment for elementary school aged children and their families, and with street involved youth in the Niagara Region. James is passionate about helping teens build resilience and develop collaborative problem solving strategies. For fun, James loves hiking and camping, and making his neighbours jealous with the aromas wafting from his back-yard smoker.

Dawn Berkelaar, Scientist
Dawn has a particular interest in sleep and wellness, mindfulness, and healthy habits. She is a current HDCH parent.

Shawn Groen, Therapist with Shalem Mental Health Network
Shawn Groen is a therapist with Shalem Mental Health Network in Hamilton. He is an HDCH grad from 2002. Woot woot. He is the therapist at HDCH this year and loves working with students. Shawn has special interest in working with anxiety, depression and trauma, and tends to see mental health issues through the lens of attachment and relationships.

Outside the office Shawn has a wide variety of interests. He’s still recovering from the Road2Hope Half Marathon yesterday, he’s an all-Canadian man that makes maple syrup every spring, he fixes lawn mowers for neighbours, friends and family, goes fishing as often as time allows, is actively involved in his church, and loves spending time with his wife, Robyn, and four kids.

Kat (Vos) Giles, Master of Social Work
Kat is a former student from HDCH (class of 2013). Post-graduation, Kat obtained a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from the University of Waterloo and a Masters of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Toronto, where she specialized in Children and their Families. Kat is currently working as a Registered Social Worker at By Peaceful Waters, a Christian Counseling agency. Kat has a passion for working with children, youth, and families, to achieve their full potential and restore hope amidst challenging situations.

Owen Webb, PhD in Educational Leadership
Owen’s studies have focused on Restorative Practices and healthy relationships. He is Dean of Students @ HDCH and a current HD parent.