A one-day educational conference
Practical tools for the people helping teens thrive.
Join Grant Halliburton Foundation for When Life Hands You Teenagers, a one-day conference designed for anyone who teaches, counsels, mentors, lives, or works with teens!
This year’s conference will explore key topics impacting youth mental wellness, including substance use, neurodiversity, parent support, and school-based mental health resilience through the lens of race and trauma.
Attendees will leave with practical tools, meaningful insights, and a deeper understanding of how to help teens navigate life’s challenges and build a strong foundation for lifelong mental health.
Registration: $85 Groups of five or more: $75 per person
Keynote Speakers
It Takes a VillagePartnering With Caregivers to Support Teen Mental Health
Ahou Line, Ph.D., LPC-S, RPT-S, CSC, NCC, CCPT-S
Founder, Parent Partnership Consulting
It Takes a VillagePartnering With Caregivers to Support Teen Mental Health
Ahou Line, Ph.D., LPC-S, RPT-S, CSC, NCC, CCPT-S
Founder, Parent Partnership Consulting
Additional session details and speaker biography coming soon.
Why Is This So Hard?Understanding Executive Functioning, Neurodiversity, and Mental Health
Amanda Gray, Ph.D., LP, LSSP
Owner, Gray Area, PLLC
Why Is This So Hard?Understanding Executive Functioning, Neurodiversity, and Mental Health
Amanda Gray, Ph.D., LP, LSSP
Owner, Gray Area, PLLC
Additional session details and speaker biography coming soon.
Growing Strong MindsBrain-Based Support in the Age of Addiction
Drew Dutton, M.Ed., MBA, MAPP, LPC-S, LCDC, ACPS
CEO, Phoenix House Texas
Growing Strong MindsBrain-Based Support in the Age of Addiction
Drew Dutton, M.Ed., MBA, MAPP, LPC-S, LCDC, ACPS
CEO, Phoenix House Texas
Additional session details and speaker biography coming soon.
Rooted and ResilientYouth Mental Wellness and Thriving in Marginalized Communities
Erin Harper, Ph.D.
Population Science Program and Project Manager, UT Southwestern
Rooted and ResilientYouth Mental Wellness and Thriving in Marginalized Communities
Erin Harper, Ph.D.
Population Science Program and Project Manager, UT Southwestern
Additional session details and speaker biography coming soon.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Exhibitor Sponsors
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Your sponsorship supports mental health education for parents, educators, and youth-serving professionals while showcasing your brand to a purpose-driven audience.
Got Questions? We Can Help.
Who should attend this conference?
If you teach, counsel, mentor, live, or work with teens, this conference is for you! You'll learn how issues such as anxiety, stress, and depression are affecting teenagers and how you can help.
What is the cost of the conference?
Registration is $85.
Do you offer a group discount?
Yes—for groups of five or more! Registration is $75 per person for groups of five or more.
Can I register using a PO form?
Yes! Download the registration form and return it to the Foundation by email or mail to 3000 Pegasus Park Drive, Suite 750, Dallas, Texas 75247.
Are CEUs offered for attending the conference?
Yes! Participants can receive social worker, LPC, and LMFT CEUs. Exact number of hours coming soon.
What’s included with registration?
This enlightening conference features four keynote speakers, inspiring TeenED Talks, a delicious continental breakfast, a box lunch, and CEUs. Plus, attendees will receive an event bag with conference handouts, a printed notepad, sticky notes, ink pen, lanyard name badge, and sponsor materials.
What about sponsor opportunities?
If you’re interested in sponsoring the 2026 conference, contact us at 972-744-9790. You can also purchase your sponsorship online or download the Sponsor Form and email it to us. But hurry—sponsorships sell out fast!
Is the conference in person?
Yes—When Life Hands You Teenagers is only in person! There’s no hybrid option. We look forward to seeing you at this year’s conference at Plano Event Center, located at 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, Texas 75074.
Is there a virtual option?
No. We do not offer a virtual option. This is an in-person event at Plano Event Center.
See the Conference in Action
Check out photos from past When Life Hands You Teenagers conferences.
View Photos