Teen Suicide Awareness Seminar Open to Public

BEAVER FALLS, PA. (10/28/2009)(readMedia)-- The Geneva College Department of Psychology, Counseling and Human Services, in cooperation with Church CARE, will present the Teen Suicide Awareness Seminar for communities in the Butler County and Northern Allegheny County area. This two day seminar will be Friday, November 13 from 6 9 p.m., and Saturday, November 14 from 9 a.m. 12 p.m. at Mars Alliance Church, 997 Route 228, Mars, Pennsylvania.

The seminar will feature workshops, panels and presentations that address teen suicide. The seminar is free, but those planning to attend must register first at Geneva's website.

Schedule for the seminar:

Friday, November 13:

5:30 - 6 p.m. Registration (w/ pizza and soda)

6 - 6:30 p.m. "Teen suicide facts, identification and awareness"

  • Cathy Sigmund, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, Counseling & Human Services at Geneva College; Chair, Church CARE, Inc. and Licensed Psychologist

6:30 - 7 p.m. Panel presentation.

  • Pastor Jeffrey L. Lawther, Family Life pastor at Mars Alliance Church
  • Amy Peters, MA, LCC, Mental Health Director for Butler County MH/MR/D&A
  • Don Villella, Executive Director of Contact Beaver crisis helpline
  • Priscilla Ortlip, MSW, LCSW, Director of Christian Counseling Collaborative; licensed clinical social worker

7:30 p.m. Break

7:40 - 8:40 p.m. Workshops

  • "Parents & Schools Dealing with Distressed Teens"
  • "Developing Church / Community Resources"
  • "Kid Care Teens Helping Teens"

8:45 - 9 p.m. Closing remarks and evaluations

Saturday, November 14:

8:30 - 9 a.m. Registration (w/ donuts, coffee, juice)

9 - 9:30 a.m. "Suicide & Other Behavioral Health Concerns: Teen-friendly Church & Community-based Interventions"

  • Cathy Sigmund, Ph. D., Professor of Psychology in Counseling & Human Services at Geneva College; Chair, Church CARE & Licensed Psychologist

9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Panel presentation

  • Amy Peters, MA, LCC, Mental Health Director for Butler County MH/MR/D&A
  • Bill Halle, Founder and CEO of Grace Youth & Family Foundations
  • Priscilla Ortlip, MSW, LCSW, Director of Christian Counseling Collaborative; licensed clinical social worker
  • JoAnn Westover, MA, LPC, Program Manager of Counseling Program at Geneva College; licensed counselor

10:30 a.m. Break

10:40 - 11:40 a.m. Workshops

  • "Developing Teen-friendly Behavioral Health & Community Resources"
  • "Developing Lay and Professional Church-based Counseling Programs"

11:45 a.m. noon Closing remarking and evaluation

Geneva College is a comprehensive Christian college of the arts, sciences and professional studies. Founded in the tradition of the Reformed Christian faith, Geneva prepares students to serve Christ in all areas of society: work, family and the church. Geneva College's philosophy of education is based on the Foundational Concepts of Christian Higher Education. Geneva is a founding member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).