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 theme, Building Blocks of Mental Health, explores the key elements that support mental wellness in young people—including depression and suicide prevention, motivating young people, helping teens with grief and loss, and dating and unhealthy relationships. 

Attendees will leave with practical tools and deeper insight to help teens navigate life’s challenges and build strong foundations for lifelong mental health.

David Yeager, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology
The University of Texas at Austin

David Yeager is the author of 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, a USA Today bestseller that explores how adults can build meaningful connections with youth through respect and purpose. A leading psychologist at the University of Texas at Austin, David is one of the most-cited experts in his field. His research focuses on adolescent development, mental health, and life transitions, and his work has been featured in The New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic, and Scientific American. He has collaborated with Angela Duckworth and Carol Dweck, and co-chaired a national summit on mindset at the White House.

Vanessa Baum, MPH
Prevention Education Program Director
The Family Place

Vanessa Baumis the prevention education program director at The Family Place in Dallas and currently directs The Family Place’s Be Project, which empowers youth to end relationship violence through school-based education and community engagement. She is passionate about the health and well-being of youth and has extensive experience facilitating school-based violence prevention programs. Vanessa has also worked in educational policy, drafting non-discrimination policies for independent school districts and the Title IX Sexual Misconduct Policy for the University of Texas Health system.

Shauna Barnes
Thrive Mental Health Manager
Grant Halliburton Foundation

Shauna’s background in child psychiatry research has given her a passion for mental health awareness and advocacy. She’s motivated by the desire for adolescents, parents, teachers, and community members to have the knowledge and resources to recognize and support those struggling with a mental health condition.

Kerri Newman, LMFT
Therapist and Operations Director
Wellspring Couseling Center

Kerri Newman is a licensed marriage and family therapist with more than a decade of experience supporting children, teens, and families through grief. She began her work in the bereavement field in 2012 and served as program director at Journey of Hope Grief Support Center from 2015 until its closure in 2025. Kerri now serves as the operations director and therapist at Wellspring Counseling Center, where she continues leading Journey of Hope peer grief support groups and provides individual and family therapy. She is passionate about creating compassionate, healing spaces where young people feel seen and supported in their grief.  

Wes Woodson
Mental Health Public Speaker

Wes Woodson is a professional speaker, mental health advocate, and author of I Have Anxiety (So What?) with a passion for helping people be kinder to themselves. He’s shared his story with more than 10,000 people, using honesty, humor, and hope to inspire others on their mental health journeys. Wes’ mission is simple: to help students everywhere feel seen, heard, and supported. His ultimate goal is to empower everyone he meets to embrace three life-changing words: YOU ARE ENOUGH.

Youth Advisory Board

Grant Halliburton Foundation and UT Southwestern’s Center for Depression Research and Clinical Care have partnered to create a Youth Advisory Board made up of students from across North Texas. Through this seven-month initiative, students provide feedback, engage in mental health discussions, and help shape youth-focused programs. The board supports leadership development and collaboration while advancing mental health awareness in schools and communities.

Conference Sponsorship Opportunities Available!

When Life Hands You Teenagers is a unique conference for adults who live or work with teens. Your sponsorship helps provide essential education and resources to parents, educators, and youth-serving professionals—while supporting critical conversations about mental health.

To view sponsorship opportunities, click the button below. You can also download the Sponsor Form and email it to us. But hurry—sponsorships sell out fast!

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?

Early Bird registration is $75 and open through August 15. Beginning August 16, registration is $85.

Do you offer a group discount?

Yes—for groups of five or more! Early Bird group registration is $70 per person. Beginning August 16, 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 emailing or mailing it to 3000 Pegasus Park Drive, Suite 750, Dallas, Texas 75247. Early Bird forms must be postmarked by August 15 to receive the Early Bird discount. We understand payment may come after that date.

Are CEUs offered for attending the conference?

Yes! Participants can receive social worker, LPC, and LMFT CEUs. Check back soon for the number of hours.

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 also 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 2025 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, TX 75074.

Is there a virtual option?

No. We do not offer a virtual option. This is an in-person event at Plano Event Center.

Check #WLHYT from years past!