Wellness Day
Workshop Descriptions
February 18, 2020
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: 8 :00 AM - 8:50 AM
High School Auditorium
SESSION 1: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
SESSION 2: 1 0:15 AM - 11:15 AM
LUNCH/HEALTH FAIR: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
High School Cafeteria
SESSION 3: 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
SESSION 4: 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Acoustic Guitar 101
Presenter: C aitlin Shroyer, West Essex Regional School District
Sessions: 3, 4
This workshop is catered to the beginner with no previous experience required. Beginning guitar
fundamentals will be covered and you will leave the workshop able to play "Horse With No Name"
by America so you can continue to show off at home. Guitars are provided.
Acupuncture
Presenter: M ichelina Kraus, Points to Health
Sessions: 1, 2, 3, 4
Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine and a key component of traditional Chinese medicine
in which thin needles are inserted into the body. It is an intricate system of integrative medicine that
involves pricking the skin or tissues with needles, used to alleviate pain and to treat various physical,
mental, and emotional conditions.
Adult Coloring for Stress Relief
Presenter: A manda Procaccino, West Essex Regional School District
Session: 1
We are all faced with stress on a daily basis, and because of technology that stress follows us
around every minute of every day. A simple way to relieve stress is by coloring, which uses both
sides of your brain and naturally refocuses your attention on something completely different. Break
your pattern of stress with this mental, physical, and emotional shift from the non-stop stimulation.
Come unplug with us!
Analyzing Data Using Google Sheets
Presenter: E rica Serio, West Essex Regional School District
Session(s): 3
This session will go into detail on using Google sheets to analyze different types of data, quick data
analysis with Google sheets, using formulas to synthesize data for instruction using Google sheets.
Anxiety & School Avoidance: Increasing Understanding & Implementing Meaningful Interventions
Presenter: Abby Maitland
Session: 2
Identify truancy versus chronic absenteeism and school avoidance due to anxiety. This session will
identify factors contributing to school avoidance, define anxiety and stress reactions, and educate
regarding impact of chronic stress on the student's functioning. It will also go into detail on trauma
related concerns and how the chronic over activation of the stress response system impacts
functioning, mindfulness, Social Emotional Learning and other interventions to combat school
avoidance related anxiety. Finally, we will review current best practices being implemented
nationally.
Bar Method Class & Discussion
Presenter: K athy Costello, Bar Method of the Caldwells
Session: 3
Join the owners of The Bar Method of the Caldwells for an enlightening discussion about the positive
impact of exercise on your brain. A light sample Bar Method class (appropriate for all ages and
fitness levels!) is included in the session. Bar Method exercises, designed with physical therapists,
safely carve lean muscles, improve posture and increase flexibility. Come join the fun!
Breathwork
Presenter: T iffany Curran, Breathwork
Session(s): TBD
Breathwork is a New Age term for various breathing practices in which the conscious control of
breathing is said to influence a person's mental, emotional or physical state, with a claimed
therapeutic effect. Breathwork has no proven positive health impact other than promoting relaxation
and can cause distress.
Cardiac Health/Stroke Screenings
Presenter: F lorey Cruz, Mountainside Hospital
Session(s): TBD
Cardiovascular screening is a medical consultation that involves undergoing different exams to
measure or assess heart health and the risk factors associated with heart-related diseases.
Creative Writing in Every Classroom
Presenter: A aron Myerson, West Essex Regional School District
Session(s): TBD
This workshop will explore various creative writing activities and prompts to be used in any content
area as well as in specific disciplines (based on which teachers sign up). Activities/prompts include
icebreakers, satire, multimedia presentation ideas, research prompts, team-building, etc. We will also
spend some time exploring ideas for writing our own creative fiction, poetry, and nonfiction.
Core Conditioning
Instructor: Natalia Kumar, Fitness 1440
Session: 2
Core conditioning is a non-aerobic, muscle-toning class, usually focused on core strength. Most
sculpting classes use weight bars, exercise bands, or dumbbells, or a combination of these gadgets.
You perform traditional weight-training moves in a class setting.
Courageous Conversations
Presenter: C aroline Blanchard, West Essex Regional School District
Session: T BD
Do you shy away from topics and conversations in the classroom that you don't know how to
handle? Are you worried about your own implicit biases and how it impacts your relationships with
coworkers and students? In this workshop, we'll assess our own biases, the science behind them,
and how to move past them in the classroom to tackle hard topics and create a more meaningful and
productive discourses. We will also introduce the concept of "intersectionality" as a lens for enriching
the classroom. Participants will leave with a self-created "tool kit" to use in the future.
CPR/AED/First Aid
Presenters: R yan Logan, Barbara Bruchac, West Essex Regional School District
Sessions: 1-2 * *THIS COURSE RUNS FROM 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM**
This course offers certification in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED through the American Red
Cross. The course incorporates the latest science and teaches responders how to react to breathing
and cardiac emergencies to help victims of any age. Participants who successfully complete this
course will receive a certificate for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED valid for two years.
Declutter Your Life!
Presenter: D onna Mateyka, West Essex Regional School District
Sessions: 1, 2
I will be presenting various ways to organize your school and home life. I will discuss downsizing
how-to's, organizing tips and tricks, how to "let-go" of your stuff and simplify your life.
Dietician
Presenter: E lise Sopov, Nourish Your Body
Session(s): TBD
Elise Chassen Sopov is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Exercise Physiologist and a Certified
LEAP Therapist, specially trained to help people with food sensitivities. Her mission is to educate and
empower clients to make lifelong behavior changes to help them reach their own health and weight
goals forever. Her style is motivating, realistic, achievable and always individualized to meet her
clients’ specific needs. Elise firmly believes that a healthier body leads to a healthier, happier life.
Environmentally Responsible Decision-Making
Presenter: D r. Daniela Shebitz, Kean University
Sessions: 1, 2
Through this session, we will discuss steps that can be taken by West Essex Regional School District
to make environmentally-responsible decisions that can reduce the impact of climate change not only
through those actions directly but also instilling sustainability as a way of life to your students and
the greater community. The inextricable link between human health and wellness w ith sustainability
will also be explored
Escape Room Challenge
Presenter: L ast Minute Escape
Sessions: 1, 2, 3, 4
Teams of eight participants will work together to solve a series of interactive puzzles in order to
"escape" from the classroom in 25 minutes or less. Each experience will involve teamwork,
communication, problem-solving and ingenuity to be successful. The room escape activity is a great
way to reconnect with your colleagues and reinvigorate your love of problem-solving activities! Each
1-hour session includes two unique games for 25 minutes each.
Forest Bathing
Presenter: L auren F. Taibi, LPC, NCC, Be Well Psychotherapy
Session: 2
Shinrin-yoki is a term meaning “taking in the forest atmosphere” or “forest bathing”. It was
developed in Japan during the 1980’s and has become a cornerstone of preventative health care and
healing in Japanese medicine. Researchers primarily in Japan and South Korea have established a
robust body of scientific literature on the health benefits of spending time under the canopy of a
living forest. Now their research is helping to establish shinrin-yoku and forest therapy throughout
the world.
Guided Meditation Through Vinyasa Yoga
Instructor: Michael Giaimo, Good Vibes Yoga Bar
Session: 3
This session is a guided meditation, focusing on positivism, and altering your mental framework to
feel a sense of peace. This session will also work on active pranayama (breathing technique), &
Vinyasa Flow.
Google Slides in the 21st Century
Presenter: D avid Semaya, West Essex Regional School District
Session: 1
Google Slides is not a boring presentation application. In this workshop, we will be sharing
innovative ways to use Google Slides. This includes adding interactive links and work-spaces,
template design, and even game design. Slides is not just for presentations anymore!
Healthy Eating
Presenter: L uciana Gencarelli, Zest
Session: 1
Looking for simple ways to make healthy eating a lifestyle? Luciana Gencarelli, owner of Zest and alumni of
West Essex ('10) is happy to share her valuable insight about nutrition, meal planning and healthy eating.
Luciana will be joined by Jaclyn Jacobsen, M.S., Nutritionist and Founder of Lifestyle Nutrition to share tips on
how to develop sustainable solutions for better health.
How to File Your Taxes Using TurboTax
Presenter: A ndrea Llauget, West Essex Regional School District
Session: 1
This session will only be offered for those f iling single or head of household. We will be working with
the TurboTax software to help you get started and upload your own documents into the system and
answer any questions about simplifying your taxes with tips to file correctly and efficiently. Have
your W2's any other income statements from employers, mortgage tax statement, interest
statements from banks and any children information such as social security number with you.
Introduction to Vinyasa Yoga (gentle)
Instructor: Ana Montoya, Good Vibes Yoga Bar
Session: 2
This session is a gentle introduction to Vinyasa yoga. Yogis will work through a sequence of poses
linked together through breathing exercises.
Learn to Meditate Using Headspace App
Presenter: B rett Florence, West Essex Regional School District
Sessions: 1, 2
The benefits of meditation are numerous and varied, and supported by science. Many people start
meditating to manage stress, reduce anxiety, and to cultivate peace of mind. But there are thousands
of studies documenting other less-known mindfulness meditation benefits, which can have a positive
impact of mental, physical, and emotional health. This workshop will introduce the practice of
meditation by exploring the basic concept, then attendees will explore the Headspace App, the most
common app for practicing Meditation using your phone, computer, or tablet. The workshop will
conclude with a 10-15 minute guided meditation using Headspace.
Learn to Snap & Read
Presenter: C yndy McDonough & Janice Tufaro, West Essex Regional School District
Session(s): TBD
This lively presentation features a high school and middle school teacher explaining the benefits of
Snap & Read. This extension is available for all West Essex students and teachers. We will
demonstrate how to use the program to close the achievement gap for our struggling learners and
assist all students with reading and writing. It offers text leveling, outline and study tools, read
alouds, annotation, and visual displays. It is great for every student and teacher!
Inclusive Curriculum
Presenter: T BD
Session(s): 1
Description TBD
Meditation in the Classroom
Presenter: T om Collins, West Essex Regional School District
Session(s): TBD
Mindfulness is the psychological process of purposely bringing one's attention to experiences
occurring in the present moment without judgment. Mindfulness meditation seeks to quiet the mind
by shifting one's focus to greater awareness of the body. This workshop will educate participants
about the benefits of mindfulness meditation in the classroom (for teachers and students) and
provide practical uses for meditation as opening, brain break, or closing to a lesson. Mindfulness
practices such as a focus on breath, noting, visualization, and guided meditation will be addressed.
Metabolic Conditioning
Presenter: M ichael Puca, GT Fitness Concepts
Session: 3 , 4
Metabolic Conditioning is a method of training that involves a very high work rate, using exercises
designed to burn more calories during your workout and maximise calories burned after your
workout. This “Bootcamp” style class will be given by Former Marine, Michael Puca and James
Gilmore. It uses fast, explosive movements to help elevate your heart rate, build muscular endurance,
release endorphins and, ultimately, raise your metabolic conditioning.
Mindful Meditation
Presenter: M arjorie Jameson, West Essex Regional School District
Session: 3
Learn the simple steps that will allow you to relax and unplug from the hectic lives we live. We will
practice Mindful meditation exercises designed to get you started on the way to a happier, stress free
life.
Muting Your Mind
Presenter: J ason Kraus, Mindfulness Coach
Sessions: 1, 2, 3, 4
Do you ever find yourself going down a rabbit hole of negative thoughts and emotions that you’re
unable to stop? Are you finding it hard to make changes in your life even though you know you
should? If you answered yes, don’t worry, because this is extremely common in today’s fast paced,
high intensity world. Jason Kraus, a Mindfulness Coach, will be leading a candid and empowering
seminar showing us that we are in fact, not our thoughts. Once Jason helps you come to this
realization, he will introduce you to new concepts and techniques that will allow you to take back
control of your mind, and thus your life.
Painting Workshop
Presenters: J ohn Atura & Erica Lescota, West Essex Regional School District
Sessions: 1, 2, 3
For this one-hour painting workshop, we will attempt to do something we rarely have the
opportunity to do in school, relax and have fun! In keeping with the theme of the day, each
participant will create a painting to serve as a reminder of the importance of getting outside, smelling
the air, starting yoga or meditation practice and or just plain chilling out from time to time.
Participants will be led step by step through the painting process. For this project, the journey is the
destination and there will be no grades! Of course, we welcome creativity, so if you already have
something in mind that would like to paint, that is ok too! Attendees may want to bring a smock or
wear something that they don't mind getting paint on.. acrylic paint is permanent and won't wash
out!
Photography for Soccer Moms/Dads
Presenter: S tephen Miller, West Essex Regional School District
Session: 1 , 2, 3
In this hour-long session, our goals are to introduce you to the basic functions of the DSLR camera.
An emphasis will be placed on practical knowledge and functions. Items to be covered include
camera shooting modes, image formats, picture styles, auto-focus, exposure compensation, drive
modes, white balance, f-stop, shutter speed, and ISO. The goal is that this session will help you
achieve better results in your own picture taking. Bringing your own DSLR camera is recommended,
if you own one, but not required.
Pickleball
Presenter: G regory Aschoff, West Essex Regional School District
Session(s): TBD
Pickleball is a paddleball sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Two or
four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated polymer ball,
over a net.
PiYo
Presenter: J eannette Mackesy, West Essex Regional School District
Session(s): TBD
PiYo is functional fitness your body craves. Think of it as aerobic yoga. Upbeat and low-impact, PiYo
moves to the vibing beat of music rather than the more soulful pace of the breath that we're used to
seeing in a traditional Yoga or Pilates class. Participants may want a yoga mat or towel, but not
required.
PLYOGA
Presenter: S tephanie Lauren, PLYOGA
Session(s): TBD
PLYOGA is a 4 part interval training system using the benefits of fundamental & accelerated yoga as
an active recovery for plyometric (reactive) movement.
Project Adventure/Team Building
Presenters: G reg Ruggiero & Michelle Riker, West Essex Regional School District
Session(s): 1
This session will invite participants to overcome individual challenges followed by partner and group
team building exercises. All participants will be required to work together to complete compelling
tasks such as creating a square with a long rope, Trolley walkers, and Human Treadmill Race.
Comfortable or active clothing is recommended.
Reiki
Practitioner: P aula Arbadji, PT, West Essex Regional School District
Sessions: 1, 2, 3, 4
Reiki is a Japanese relaxation technique that promotes stress reduction and relaxation. It is
administered by a licensed Reiki practitioner and involves "laying on hands" in a gentle manner and
is considered an energy technique which assists in balancing one's internal life force energy. Reiki is
performed lying down, fully clothed in a comfortable relaxing environment. A Reiki treatment has
been documented to feel like a wonderful glowing circle that flows through and around you creating
feelings of peace and well being. It has been known to have added benefits of healing and improved
sleep.
Relaxation Yoga
Instructor: Danielle Martucci, Good Vibes Yoga Bar
Session: 4
This session is geared towards reiki meditation and elemental yin. Yin is a restorative practice to
focus on being mentally grounded during times of stress.Yogi's will engage large muscle groups,
joints, and work on facial relaxation.
Restorative Yoga
Instructor: Sarah Griffin, Good Vibes Yoga Bar
Session: 1
This session is gentle and therapeutic, focusing on grounding your mind through supportive practice.
Self-Defense Class
Practitioner: C hristina ?, Indigo Yoga/Fitness 1440
Sessions: TBD
Description TBD
Self-Defense Seminar
Practitioner: J ohnny Guerrero, Guerrero Martial Arts
Sessions: 4
In this seminar you will learn tactical and realistic self-defense moves using the art of Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu. This will be a hands on course on exactly what to do in different attack situations. Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art which was designed for a smaller, weaker person to defend themselves from
a larger and stronger attacker. These systems are used by law enforcement because the person
doing the defending can get away without marking or injuring it's attacker. Hence Jiu-Jitsu meaning
"the gentle art".
Social-Emotional Learning in the Classroom
Presenter: P atricia Heindel, Ph.D., and Maurice Elias, Ph.D., College of Saint Elizabeth
Session: 2
After participating in this interactive workshop, teachers and staff will understand the relationship
between teachers’ own social-emotional skills and health and student success. Be able to know the
common four approaches of evidence-based SEL instruction and leave with examples of SEL
curriculum and programs. Understand the effect of successful SEL instruction on the school and
classroom climate. Identified what they are currently doing to create positive school and classroom
climates and what teaching strategies that they are currently using that promote students’ SEL.
Spice Up Your Winter: Warming Recipes to Calm Inflammation
Presenters: L isa Boymann & Ashley Ricart, West Essex Regional School District
Sessions: 3, 4
The cold and dry winter weather can leave us feeling low on energy and depleted of essential
nutrients and vitamins. In this cooking class, we will share flavorful recipes that help to soothe
inflammation as we prepare satisfying vegan and gluten-free dishes. This class will be a
combination of both instructor demonstration and hands-on cooking by the participants. Menu will
be different from last year.
Taxes Q&A
Presenter: A ndrea Llauget, West Essex Regional School District
Session: 2
This session will be open to everyone that is looking for guidance with filing their taxes. This will be
an open forum to ask your questions and get accurate data to make sure your taxes are filed correctly
and efficiently.
Vinyasa Yoga
Instructor: Danielle Purciello, CHES, RYT-200, West Essex Regional School District
Sessions: 1, 2
This is an athletic energetic and free-flowing class that is challenging, yet approachable. If you want
to build muscular strength, and balance - this is the class for you! Modifications are offered to serve
the needs of all experience levels. Come with a water bottle, mat, and an open mind! Mats will be
available the day of the workshop.
Volleyball Tournament
Instructor: Toni-Anne Cavallo & Bettina Plesnitzer, West Essex Regional School District
Session: 4
Interested in some friendly competition? Finish Wellness Day participating in a Faculty Volleyball
tournament. Teams will be drafted after registration. Playing for bragging rights.
Weight Watchers Recipes
Presenter: A manda Fernicola & Lauren Cherny, West Essex Regional School District
Session: T BD
This session would allow for teachers to work together to discuss how they’ve been successful on
the program and to create a recipe book from each other's ideas. We could also see if someone from
WW can come in during the last 10-20 minute to present information to the session.
Yoga/Meditation
Instructor: Steph Parcells, Indigo Yoga
Sessions: TBD
When you think of doing yoga, your first association might be with the physical practice: moving
through the yoga poses and practising yoga breathing. Meditation is the act of focusing your mind is
also part of a well-rounded yoga experience.