Forest Park Education Summit 2025
FORMING NEW CONNECTIONS IN THE COMMUNITY!
Overview
The D91 Family and Community Engagement ensemble is proud to host its 2nd annual education summit; Empowering All: Unlocking Student Potential Through Collaborative Learning. Attendees will be able to experience a keynote speaker, breakout sessions and hands on experiences that empower caregivers as they support their youth.
Primary goals or purposes of the educational summit are to:
Offer an opportunity for families to learn from experts in the field of education and child/youth development.
Create opportunities for attendees to exchange ideas, experiences and build connections to better support their children.
Connect families and caregivers to community resources and organizations that may benefit their families both educationally and social-emotionally.
Attendees will leave equipped with strategies and resources to positively impact their families in their everyday lives.

Session # 1: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Title | Description | Presenter(s) | Audience |
Language Matters | Language Matters aims to recognize the importance of word usage and its impact on identity. This program focuses on the stigma associated with language and labels regarding mental health conditions/symptoms. Stigmatizing language is used far more often than it should be and since stigma is the #1 barrier to seeking treatment this is a major problem. We can use language to empower each other, build community, and promote inclusivity and representation. | Claudia Hypes NAMI Metro Suburban | Caregivers/Parents |
9th - 12th and Higher Education Funding Opportunities | All education opportunities can be free. Come learn about financial and merit-based funding opportunities for high school and higher education. | Dr. Robert Hubbard D91 Staff | Caregivers/Parents |
Sharing Your Voice in Local Government Forums | Resident input in local government forums is important. Officials make better decisions when residents participate. The presenter is an elected representative of local residents. She will explain how local public forums work and how residents can express their views at these meetings. These meetings are governed by Illinois laws and rules, which the presenter will clearly explain. | Commissioner Michelle Melin-Rogovin Village of Forest Park | Caregivers/Parents |
Play Therapy Techniques that can Improve Your Child's Mental Health | Amanda Tollberg, a local mom and mental health professional will provide an engaging a thought-provoking presentation including tangible play-therapy techniques you can use at home or in your classroom. These techniques include reflective listening, limit setting, and choice giving. Amanda has a passion for child and parent mental health and is trained in Child-Centered Play Therapy. She is excited to spread the word about this simple, yet powerful way of being in relationship with children. | Amanda Tollberg Forest Park Resident/Parent | Caregivers/Parents |
Stress Less: Resilience for Success! | Stress Less provides an overview of how | Angelica Mojica and Samantha Malone NAMI Metro Suburban | Students (5th-8th Grade) |
Session # 2: 11:15 AM - 12:15 AM
Title | Description | Presenter(s) | Audience |
Understanding Teen Dating Violence | For today’s youth, navigating the world of dating and romantic relationships can sometimes feel complicated, but a strong relationship with a parent or guardian can be helpful in preventing future relationship violence. This workshop will cover what is unique about teen dating violence, red flags to look out for, and local resources. | Chidori Lively Sarah's Inn | Caregivers/Parents |
Improving School Climate Through Collective Well-Being | This dynamic presentation will shift the way you think about what it means to be well at school. Join us as we introduce a brand-new toolkit designed specifically for educators. These open-source resources can help leaders make intentional decisions about how systems within their schools should and can support their most important asset: the adults within the building. | Vienna Webb Mindful Practices | Educators |
Parents' Introduction to Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation in Middle School | In this workshop, sex ed facilitators share their experiences working with youth. We introduce common terms in gender identity and sexual orientation, and how those can show up in middle school. Parents will learn about common concerns and questions about sexuality that come up at this age and will get advice and suggestions for having conversations on these topics at home. | Nina Brewer-Davis, Cari Hipes Oak Park Our Whole Lives | Caregi0vers/Parents |
Mastering Time Management: Cook Up Success with Your Favorite Meal! | In this hands-on workshop, students will learn the essentials of time management by planning and preparing their favorite meal. Through fun, practical activities, they'll discover how to break down tasks, set priorities, and stick to a schedule—all while planning to cook up something delicious! Perfect for students looking to sharpen their organization skills in a creative and engaging way. | Be Able Learning Services | Students (5th-8th Grade) |
8 Kidpower Safety Skills to Prevent and Stop Bullying | In this dynamic, positive, and practical workshop, Kidpower International Senior Trainer and Great Lakes/Chicago Center DirectorJoe Connelly will teach and lead strategies and skills that have protected thousands of young people from bullying both in-person and online. Participants will be coached in how to use these skills to recognize bullying behavior; take charge of making safe and wise choices even if they feel upset inside; protect themselves from hurting words and teasing; escape from an unsafe situation; advocate for themselves and others; and be very persistent in getting help. | Joe Connelly Kidpower Great Lakes/Chicago Center - part of Kidpower International | Students (5th-8th Grade) |

RESOURCE FAIR EXHIBITORS
Featured Exhibitors of the Week


Organization/Business Name | Website | Category |
Be Able Learning Services | Youth Enrichment | |
By Discovery, LLC / Creative Arts Studio | Youth Enrichment | |
Collaboration for Early Childhood | Specialized Family Services | |
Dynamic Lynks | Mental Health and Youth Enrichment | |
Forest Park Public Library | Adult and Youth Enrichment | |
Forest Preserves of Cook County | Youth Enrichment | |
Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana | Youth Enrichment | |
Howard Mohr Community Center | Government or Municipality Entity | |
Illinois Action for Children | Specialized Family Services | |
LAN 60 | Specialized Family Services, Mental Health, Youth Services | |
Legacy Sports Camp | Youth Enrichment | |
Loyola Medicine | Healthcare Services | |
Oak Park Our Whole Lives | Specialized Family Services | |
Park District of Forest Park | Youth Enrichment and Government or Municipality Entity | |
Proviso THSD 209` | Specialized Family Services, Youth Enrichment, Mental Health, Healthcare Services, and Education Entity | |
The Arc of IL | Other | |
The Firehouse Dream | Mental Health | |
The HAP Foundation | Specialized Family Services | |
The Loft at 8 Corners | Mental Health | |
Tutortastic NFP | Specialized Family Services | |
West40 | Specialized Family Services | |
WSSRA | Youth Services | |
Youth Crossroads | Specialized Family Services, Youth Enrichment and Mental Health |