The Family Strong Conference begins with check-in at 8:30 a.m. For information about our speakers and organizers, click here.
The agenda and breakout sessions for the day are as follows:
- 8:30 a.m. - Registration opens
- 9:10 a.m. - Opening remarks by Elder Maxsimo C. Torres of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Archbishop John C. Wester of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe .
- 9:20 a.m. - Special performance by the Sunshine Ambassadors special needs dance squad
- 9:30 a.m. - Keynote presentation by Foster Cline, M.D.: "Raising Responsible Children with Grit and Coping Skills." Author and co-founder of Parenting the Love and Logic Way, Dr. Cline, will present the attitudes and skills that every parent or caretaker can easily learn to insure raising responsible, loving children children who cope and thrive on problem solving.
- 10:30 a.m. Breakout Session ONE (advance pre-registration required)
"When Screen Time Becomes a Wall Between Us" - Presented by Esther Devall, PhD., who will speak to the dangers we face when isolation results from too much screen time and what can be done to mend the breech.
"Special Needs Parenting" - Facilitated by Phyllis Shingle, LCSW. Listen to, learn and ask questions of a dynamic panel of parents of children with special needs as they share what they have learned over the years, including helpful techniques for parenting, working with schools, and accessing community resources. There will also be time for questions and discussion.
"Healthy Masculinity: the Pursuit of Raising Honorable Sons" - Led by Erica Davis and Mike Davis, this presentation will focus on healthy roles and behaviors for men in our society through the Davis' own experience raising five boys. This session is for both men and women. PLEASE NOTE: This breakout session is now full and closed to registration.
- 11:30 a.m.Breakout Session TWO (advance pre-registration required)
"Understanding and Responding to the Underachieving Child" - Dr. Cline will offer a developmental and evaluative overview of the underachiever. He will clarify ways that participants can develop a scheme to recognize and respond with understanding to underachievers. PLEASE NOTE: This breakout session is now full and closed to registration.
"Consider Faith: Making Home a Holy Place" - Led by Chad Hjorth of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Discover how traditional gospel principles can strengthen family ties and help make your family become more loving, forgiving, more fully alive.
"Net Safety: Protecting Our Families from the Dark Side of the Internet" - Presented by Jared Rounsville and Darlene, this session will focus on how to make the best choices about media use in your family. Learn about how media impacts children, youth, and families, and how to use it to benefit your loved ones. PLEASE NOTE: This breakout session is now full and closed to registration.
- 1 p.m. Breakout Session THREE (advance pre-registration required)
"Are your Emotions in the Driver's Seat?" - Mary Pepper discusses how to identify, communicate and manage your emotions. Come and see the value and importance of emotions in our everyday life and how they influence our relationships.
"Talk that Heals" - Aimeé Dale-Lucius teaches how to provide supportive and helpful communication to address ourselves and others seeking recovery from compulsive behaviors or addictions. Good communication for everyone to practice. PLEASE NOTE: "Talks that Heal" is now full and closed to registration.
"Keys to Bonding for Blended Families" - Michael and Nancy Carlisle lead an open discussion on the special needs and solutions to the challenges of blended families.
- 2 p.m. Keynote Closing Session with Dr. Foster Cline
"Taking the Stress out of Relationships" - Dr. Cline will offer a no nonsense, practical approach to ideas for de-stressing our relationships. A must hear for singles, marrieds, parents, grandparents alike.
From the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints:
A special thanks to the 2019 Family Strong Planning Committee--
Brad Allen, Public Affairs Director, Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints Julie Dahl, Relief Society President, Albuquerque West Stake, Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints Beth Lukes, Director, Family Life Ministry, Archdiocese of Santa Fe Mary Pepper, Director, Healthy Relationships 101 Mike Pitchford, Chair, Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs Commission, Archdiocese of Santa Fe President Martin J. Schapp, President, Albuquerque West Stake, Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints Monsignor Bennet J. Voorhies, Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs Officer, Archdiocese of Santa Fe