Caregivers play a critical role in supporting teen mental health, but many parents face their own mental health stressors while navigating school systems, treatment options and their teenagers’ changing needs. In this session, Dr. Ahou Vaziri Line will explore the modern parental mental health crisis, the connection between caregiver well-being and teen mental health outcomes and the barriers that often prevent effective collaboration among parents, schools and mental health providers. Attendees will learn practical strategies for engaging parents and caregivers as active partners in supporting teen mental health.

Dr. Ahou Vaziri Line is a mental health therapist, author, international speaker and former graduate professor with nearly a decade of experience specializing in parent engagement and play therapy. She is the founder of Parent Partnership Consulting and co-founder of Thread Counseling Group, a private therapy practice in Dallas. Ahou began her career as a seventh- and eighth-grade teacher before earning a Master of Science in counseling from SMU and a Ph.D. in counselor education from the University of North Texas. She has authored peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters about working with parents and other stakeholders. She recently published her first textbook with Routledge and writes a parenting blog series for Psychology Today. Whether working with mental health professionals, educators or parents, Ahou brings a practical, compassionate and research-informed approach to helping organizations create more parent-inclusive practices that lead to lasting change for children and families.

Executive functioning challenges can affect how young people plan, organize, manage time, regulate emotions, complete tasks and respond to stress. In this session, Dr. Amanda Gray will discuss executive functioning, how executive dysfunction can appear in teens, how it relates to neurodiversity and how it can affect mental health. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how executive dysfunction varies and learn practical strategies to identify and support teens who may be struggling.

Dr. Amanda Gray is a licensed psychologist and school psychologist. She has worked in private and public schools throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, as well as in hospitals, private practice and counseling centers. She owns Gray Area, PLLC, in McKinney, Texas, where she provides evaluations, counseling and support for students navigating resources in and outside of school.

Substance use can have a powerful effect on the developing brain, affecting reward circuitry, executive functioning, emotional regulation and decision-making. In this session, Drew Dutton will explore the neuroscience of addiction and how it can exploit developmental vulnerabilities throughout childhood and adolescence. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how brain development influences risk, resilience and recovery while learning strengths-based and evidence-informed approaches to supporting youth and families.

Drew Dutton is a licensed professional counselor supervisor, licensed chemical dependency counselor and advanced certified prevention specialist. He serves as president and CEO of Phoenix House Texas and is a national trainer in substance use, positive psychology and organizational leadership. Drew also teaches graduate counseling at TCU and the University of Mary and owns Better Days Counseling, PLLC. He holds a master’s degree in education from TCU, an MBA from Baylor University and a master’s degree in applied positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania.

Youth mental health concerns continue to rise, with disproportionate effects on young people from historically marginalized and underserved communities. At the same time, these communities offer powerful examples of youth resilience, resistance, belonging and hope. In this session, Dr. Erin Harper will explore the complex individual, family, school, community and societal factors that influence youth mental wellness while highlighting the protective factors that support resilience and thriving. Attendees will examine culturally responsive and strengths-based practices that help create environments where young people feel seen, supported and empowered to flourish.

Dr. Erin Harper is a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist with more than 20 years of experience providing culturally responsive psychoeducational services and professional training. She serves as an administrator at an academic medical center, where she oversees school-based mental health partnerships, programs and projects. Before this role, Dr. Harper spent eight years as a school psychologist in urban public schools and held faculty appointments at Miami University in Ohio and East Texas A&M University, formerly Texas A&M University-Commerce. She is an associate editor of School Psychology International, serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Educational and Psychological Consultation and co-chairs the Multicultural Affairs Committee of the National Association of School Psychologists. A proud graduate of Spelman College and Georgia State University, Dr. Harper is deeply committed to expanding access to high-quality education and mental health services for all students and families.