Parenting During A Pandemic
Creating Stability in The Midst of Uncertainty
GEF Virtual Event • May 21 & May 28, 2020
Guest Speakers:
Rebecca Wetter, School Psychologist, O’Maley Innovation Middle School
Dr. Brian Orr, MD, Brian Orr Pediatrics
Dr. Mark Konecky, Phd (May 28th event only)
Moderated by:
Aria McElhenny, Executive Director, Gloucester Education Foundation, and
John Sarrouf Co-Executive Director and Director of Program Development, Essential Partners
Balancing work, children, remote learning, and family life in the midst of a pandemic is challenging new territory for all of us. With so much information out there it’s hard to know what to prioritize and how to cut through the clutter.
Join us for a two-part interactive series to discuss how the change in our daily lives is affecting our children. Our experts will answer your questions and provide ideas and solutions for how parents can maintain a sense of calm for our kids during an uncertain and anxiety-producing time.
Topics will include:
- How do we keep our kids mentally healthy during this time of uncertainty?
- Dealing with disappointment and grief- how to help kids mourn the losses that they are experiencing.
- How to safely fulfill our kids needs to be social.
- Spotting the warning signs of anxiety and depression.
Gloucester Education Foundation drives innovation, encourages creativity, expands student opportunities and empowers educators to strengthen teaching and learning in the Gloucester Public School District. Since it was established in 2005, Gloucester Education Foundation has raised more than $8 million to fund programs in the Gloucester Public Schools.
More on our Guest Speakers:
Brian Orr is a Gloucester Pediatrician. He has authored two parenting books and written many parenting articles for local papers. His work extends beyond his practice to local nonprofits and international care systems for children. -Brian Orr Pediatrics, 1 Blackburn Dr, Gloucester, MA 01930
Rebecca Wetter is the school psychologist at the O’Maley Innovation Middle School in Gloucester, Ma. She has served the students and families of Gloucester since receiving her Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study from Tufts University in 1998. In her twenty years at O’Maley, she has passionately enjoyed working in dual roles as a member of both the Special Education and Student Services Teams. In recent years, her focus has been in the incorporation of mindfulness and trauma informed teaching practices to the classroom.
Dr. Konecky is a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst in private practice in Gloucester. He has advanced training in cognitive behavioral treatment and specializes in treating anxiety and depression for adults and families and has clinical specializations in child and adolescent therapy. He has a website on 