2024-2025 Community Programs
Community Programs are designed for parents, professionals, and community members interested in improving the lives and services offered to students with learning differences and ADHD. The courses are designed to provide tools for teaching students with learning differences and ADHD, but are beneficial for all students.
The Rankin Institute offers its programs in-person and virtually. These presentations are open to all, but registration is required. The registration will allow you to select your preference for attending on our campus or virtually.
Reading Disorder: A Picture’s Worth a Billion Words
Monday, October 7, 2024, at 6:30 p.m., Cost $10
This presentation on Reading Disorder will give an overview of the disorder as well as demonstrate proven strategies for helping children with reading disorders. Presenter: Kristin Lane, Fellow/OGA of The Fletcher School.
Math Disorder: Making Math Memorable
Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 6:30 p.m., Cost $10
Some students find learning math concepts and skills difficult. Because math involves using multistep processes in order to solve problems, it takes more repetition and practice to fully understand the concepts involved in math. A student may be diagnosed with a specific learning disability in math (dyscalculia) or is struggling in math due to other reasons. This workshop will look at the causes of difficulties in math and strategies to develop a relational understanding of math concepts and procedures. Presenter: Joanie Gerken, ATF/OGA.
LD Simulations: Walk A Mile In My Shoes
Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 6 p.m., Cost $10
Have you ever wondered what a child with a learning difference experiences in the classroom? Do you have a child with a learning difference at home, and their sibling(s) just do not understand them? This workshop is designed to put you in the shoes of an LD child. Bring your whole family (ages 12+). Our hope is that this will promote more understanding, compassion, and discussion within the family. Presented by the staff of The Fletcher School.
Lunch & Learn: Healthy Boundaries and Relationships for Teens (Virtual)
Monday, October 28, 2024, at 12 p.m., Cost $10
Presented by Lauren Vandemore, MS, LCMHC of Southeast Psychological Services, this workshop will talk about equipping teens with the tools to create healthy boundaries and form positive relationships. We’ll cover various types of boundaries—emotional, physical, social, and digital—and offer actionable strategies for helping teens recognize and define their personal limits. Additionally, the session will emphasize the importance of assertive communication, showing how teens can confidently and respectfully express their needs and feelings without causing or escalating conflict.
Lunch & Learn: Written Expression Disorder (Virtual)
Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 12 p.m., Cost $10
This presentation on Written Expression Disorder will give an overview of the disorder as well as address technologies for working with children who are struggling with written expression. Presenter: Hannah Harrison, Ph.D.
Lunch and Learn: ADHD (Virtual)
Monday, November 4, 2024, at 12 p.m., Cost $10
This presentation will discuss the effects of attention deficit disorder and provide suggestions for effectively treating ADHD and managing consequent behavior. Presenter: Lisa Pennington, Ph.D., of Carolina Minds, PLLC.
Lunch & Learn: Artificial Intelligence (Virtual)
Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 12-1 p.m.
Artificial Intelligence is transforming education in many ways. A recent survey found that 70 percent of teens have used at least one type of generative AI tool. This trending technology is intimidating, but it can help students learn new concepts and provide personalized feedback on their work. Join us virtually for a lunch & learn focused on AI in the classroom.
We'll discuss:
- The different ways that AI is being used in schools
- The benefits and risks of AI for students
- Tips for parents on how to support their children in using AI responsibly
This presentation is open to all, regardless of your technical expertise. We will explain AI in a way that is easy to understand, and provide practical tips that you can use to help your child get the most out of AI in the classroom. Presented by Heather Ramsey, EdD, Director of Educational Technology
Lunch & Learn: A Mindfulness Approach to Parenting ADHD Children (Virtual)
Monday, January 6, 2025, at 12 p.m., Cost $10
This online presentation will address effective strategies that can be applied to parenting a child with ADHD utilizing a mindfulness approach and specific techniques to address some of those difficult behaviors. Presented by Alyse Bone, LCMHC, RPT of Dandelion Family Counseling, PLLC.
Auditory Processing Disorder: Gimme Just a Little More Time (Virtual)
Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., Cost $10
This workshop will review neuroscience related to language and auditory structures, current assessment protocols for auditory processing, and differential diagnosis of attention, behavior, and learning disorders. Intervention strategies from both an educational and speech and language perspective will be provided. Presenters: Mary "Mo" Froneberger, MAT, and Gretchen Hunter, Ph.D., of Child and Family Development, and Staci Blackwell, Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA, of Novant Health SouthPark Audiology.
Lunch & Learn: Social Skills Development of Children with ADHD (Virtual)
Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 12 p.m., Cost $10
This presentation will focus on developing social executive functioning skills for children with ADHD by adapting Dr. Ross Greene's lagging skills to a social-emotional model. Presenter: Michelle Tolison, LCMHC, RPTS of Dandelion Family Counseling, PLLC.
Teen Mental Health: A Conversation We Need to Have (Virtual)
Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., Cost $10
Register here.
Recent studies have shown that teenagers are experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression at an alarming rate. This online presentation will share how parents can recognize if their teen is struggling and provide practical strategies to help. We will review typical social and emotional development in teens and ways to foster emotional well-being and resilience. Lastly, we will discuss what we know about the impact of social media on mental health. Presenter: Heidi Limbrunner, Psy.D., ABPP of Ballantyne Psychology, PLLC.
Lunch & Learn: Navigating Social Media: Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health in a Digital World (Virtual)
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 12 p.m., Cost $10
Join us for an informative presentation on the impact of social media on children with ADHD and learning disabilities. This session will explore how social media influences mental health, self-esteem, and attention, as well as the unique challenges it presents for children with executive functioning differences. Parents will gain practical strategies for setting healthy boundaries, fostering open communication, and guiding their children toward balanced and mindful social media use. Whether your child struggles with impulsivity, screen time limits, or online peer interactions, this presentation will provide actionable insights to help you navigate this complex aspect of modern parenting. Presented by David Mosely, Psy.D. of Southeast Psychological Services.
Lunch & Learn: The Forgotten Ones-How to Support Siblings (Virtual)
Friday, March 21, 2025, at 12 p.m., Cost $10
Register here.
This presentation aims to provide insight into the unique challenges and opportunities of siblings of children/adolescents with developmental and/or health needs. Presented by Kate Montgomery, M.S.Ed., M.Phil.Ed., LCMHCA of Southeast Psychological Services.
Lunch & Learn: Parenting the ADHD Child as a Parent with ADHD
Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 12 p.m., Cost $10
Register here.
In this online presentation, we will focus on helping parents understand how their ADHD may impact their child and find resources and told to make the parenting process more manageable. Our goal is to address ADHD in the child and in the parent, trigger points, and effective coping skills to support the child. Presenter: Alyse Bone, MS, LCMHC, RPT of Dandelion Family Counseling, PLLC.
Lunch & Learn: Childhood Anxiety and Depression-Practical Strategies (Virtual)
Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 12 p.m., Cost $10
Register here.
This virtual workshop, presented by Heather Dyer, PhD, will address the ramifications of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents and will provide easy-to-use suggestions and treatment options.
Lunch & Learn: An Overview of Best Mental Health Practices for Adolescents (Virtual)
Friday, April 11, 2025, at 12 p.m., Cost $10
Register here.
This presentation will be an overview of key best practices for bolstering the mental health of teenagers. Topics covered will include sleep habits, eating habits, vape usage, technology use, and the importance of good relationships. Common barriers to healthy habits and practical tips will be discussed. Presented by Amy Siegel, Psy.D. of Southeast Psychological Services.