Press Releases

Internationally Known Child Psychologist to Present Workshop For Educators at National Memorial

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 8, 2009

Media Contact: Nancy Coggins, APR
405.235.3313 or 405.760.9053
nc@oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org

INTERNATIONALLY KNOWN CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST TO PRESENT WORKSHOP FOR EDUCATORS AT NATIONAL MEMORIAL
Participants learn to identify, support students in crisis

OKLAHOMA CITY — Dr. Robin Gurwitch, professor in the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center will present Dealing with Students in Crisis: Identification, Strategies & Support. This special workshop will be held at the Oklahoma City National Memorial’s Center for Education & Outreach, April 15, 2009, from 5:30-8 p.m.

The 2.5 hour workshop will include methods of identifying at-risk students, the importance of a support system in dealing with crisis in schools, and practical ideas for dealing with students experiencing anger, depression, violence, trauma and crisis.

“Violence in a variety of forms impacts every classroom, and educators need resources and support to deal effectively with students in crisis, “said Lynne Roller, Deputy Director. “We are pleased to provide an opportunity for Dr. Gurwitch to share her expertise with participants in an interactive setting.”

Gurwitch is the Program Coordinator for the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement, co-investigator at the Terrorism and Disaster Center of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and is a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) expert on Disaster Mental Health.

In the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing, Gurwitch responded to the Family Center, helping to set up mental health services and serving on the mental health team for families waiting to find loved ones. She also served on the death notification teams, not only helping with the family notification, but also helping families talk with their children about what happened. Gurwitch also provided mental health support when families were taken to the site prior to the implosion, provided mental health services and consultation to the YMCA daycare center and families for 18 months following the bombing and provided individual mental health services to children surviving the bombing as well as to families who lost parents in the building. Gurwitch also worked with the Oklahoma State Department of Education and provided supervision to counselors who from Project Heartland who were working in the schools. Her research on the effects of the Oklahoma City bombing on children is frequently cited in scholarly journals by other scientists studying the subject.

Gurwitch was also part of a team of educators who co-wrote the Big Book, a book designed especially for young children to help them understand the events of April 19, 1995, for the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum and worked with the committee that developed the Children's Area for the Memorial Museum.

Participants in the workshop will receive staff development documentation and are eligible to apply for 2.5 hours in continuing education units. A light supper will be provided. Space is limited. Reservations must be made by Friday, April 10 at 5 p.m. The workshop is provided free of charge by the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.

For reservations or for more information, contact Lynne Roller, Deputy Director, at 405.235.3313 or lr@oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org.

###

« Back to Press Releases | Archived Press Releases »