For more than a decade, Westbridge Academy has offered professional development seminars twice a year at no cost. When COVID restrictions prohibited in person gatherings, Westbridge took the events online, opening the virtual “doors” for far more guests to attend.
In December, Westbridge hosted author and speaker Barbara Rubel, MA, BCETS, DAAETS, who addressed the topic of Building Resilience in the Face of Stress and Vicarious Trauma in School Communities. It was the school’s largest gathering ever, approaching 200 guests.
In March, we welcomed Dr. Buzz Mingin to talk about Social and Emotional Learning During COVID, and again filled the virtual room, with 300.
Aligned with the mission of Westbridge Academy, the events offer CEUs to educators and clinicians on topics designed to help increase the use of best practices when working with students who have mental health challenges.
“These events are an important and vital way for us to serve and support a community of practitioners, and to help students beyond our school. In the past, we have had to turn away our colleagues once our meeting room reached capacity. Now, with a virtual event, we can accommodate hundreds,” said Dr. Anthony Hadzimichalis, Executive Director.
