Work + Life Classes and Webinars
Being in harmony with work and life is a daily learning experience. Indiana University, its partners, and community organizations provide education and enrichment opportunities for those who seek information and strategies.
UPCOMING WEBINARS
Planning for the Financial and Legal Aspects of Long-Term Care
Tuesday, February 4
1:00-2:00 p.m. (EST) / 12:00-1:00 p.m. (CST)
OnlineJoin us to hear from two leading experts about how you can plan ahead for the financial and legal aspects of long-term care including the various options for care, different payers and resources, how to financially prepare for long-term care, and essential documents everyone over 55 needs.
Presented by Care.com
Work-Life Balance: Stop the Obsession
Tuesday, February 11
12:30-1:30 p.m. (ET) / 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (CT)
OnlineWork-life balance is becoming an increasingly more popular topic of discussion by employers, employees, and job applicants alike. During this session, we will discuss the concept of work-life balance, how it can be damaging to one’s personal and professional life, and consider alternative approaches to thinking about these issues, including reflective practice and experimentation.
Program Facilitators:
Megan M. Palmer, PhD, MS
Megan M. Palmer, PhD, is associate dean of the Indiana University (IU) School of Medicine Office of Faculty Affairs and Professional Development. Dr. Palmer is also vice chair for education and faculty development and associate professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the IU School of Medicine. Further, Megan is an associate professor of higher education in the IU School of Education – Indianapolis. In her associate dean position, Megan supports faculty in teaching, promotion and tenure, orientation, work–life integration, and other aspects of faculty life.
Emily C. Walvoord, MD
As the Associate Dean for Student Affairs for the IU School of Medicine (IUSM), Dr. Walvoord oversees the enhanced statewide delivery and continuous improvement in the areas of academic advising and career mentoring, wellness, and development of a new student success program, among other services, at all nine campuses. Prior to moving into her student affairs role, Dr. Walvoord was an assistant dean for faculty affairs and professional development and an associate program director for the pediatric residency program at IUSM.
Navigating Work + Life: Boundary Management
Thursday, February 20
12:30-1:30 p.m. (ET) / 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (CT)
OnlineTechnology that allows for continuous connectivity to work and the demands of family life have increased. The rise of work + life integration challenges our ability to maintain boundaries between work and personal life, resulting in undue stress. This webinar will discuss simple strategies participants can put in place to maintain healthy boundaries and reduce stress.
Program Facilitators: Jackie Bezy, MPH, CHES, Health and Wellness Coordinator & Health Educator, Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center and Marielena R. Burt, MSW, IU Work + Life Intern
GRIT: How to Bounce Back from Adversity, Challenges, and Failure
Tuesday, February 25
12:30-1:30 p.m. (ET) / 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (CT)
OnlineMost of us would like to be a little grittier to achieve our goals, but cultivating the passion and perseverance to bounce back from adversity and failure is a skill we're rarely taught. In this workshop you'll learn: Why is GRIT important? What are the five characteristics of GRIT? Strategies to increase your GRIT to work through adversity, challenge, and failure.
Program Facilitator:
Charlotte Westerhaus-Renfrow, JD, MEd
Charlotte Westerhaus-Renfrow is a Clinical Assistant Professor for the department of Business Law and Management at the IU Kelley School of Business-Indianapolis. She has extensive consulting experience in the areas of professional development, team dynamics and cultural competency. Charlotte is a Certified Facilitator and Administrator: Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), Cultural Intelligence (CQ), and Intercultural Conflict Inventory.
Art-based Approaches to Self-Care
Tuesday, March 3
12:30-1:30 p.m. (ET) / 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (CT)
OnlineIn this webinar, participants will explore the connections between art making and mindfulness. Art-based experiences individuals can utilize at home or in the workplace to combat feelings of stress, burnout, and anxiety will be demonstrated. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn about museum art therapy and wellness, as a profession.
Program Facilitator: Lauren Daughtery, MAT
Lauren Daugherty is the Arts-Based Wellness Experiences Manager and art therapist at the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art at IU Bloomington. In this role, she leads art therapy and wellness groups for individuals of all ages from Indiana University and the greater Bloomington community. These experiences utilize in-gallery and art-making experiences to promote health and well-being. She received her master’s in art therapy from Herron School of Art + Design at IUPUI and has experience leading art therapy and wellness groups for individuals with disabilities and those with mental and behavioral health concerns.
The Attentive Bite: How to Transition from Mindless to Mindful Eating
Thursday, March 5
12:30-1:30 p.m. (ET) / 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (CT)
OnlineJoin Healthy IU Registered Dietitian Steven Lalevich as he shares techniques for mindful eating and tips on food choices that have been shown to reduce stress and increase well-being.
Program Facilitator: Steven Lalevich, RD
The Developing Brain: Cultivating Resiliency in Children
Thursday, March 26
12:30-2:00 p.m. (ET) / 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (CT)
OnlineDue to recent advances in technology, we can see what’s happening in a child’s brain in response to his or her environment, and now know that parental interactions play a large role in childhood cognitive development. Learn how psychologists are using this information to develop effective parenting strategies that cultivate the portion of the brain that is responsible for functions such as self-regulation, executive functioning, empathy, working memory, and life-long learning abilities. Through communication and connection strategies, we can carve the neural pathways to cultivate resilient, competent children.
Program Facilitator: Nellie Springston, M.Ed.
Nellie Springston, a proud Indiana University undergraduate alum, finished first in her class with a M.Ed. School Counseling & Psychology from the University of Louisville, then spent years working in Psychology research learning about trauma, stress and the brain in military soldiers suffering from PTSD. Her passion was always to work with children, so she made her way back to a school setting as a behavior interventionist where she trained school staff to use preventative approaches with students to minimize negative behaviors. Nellie used mindfulness techniques with her most troubled students, and saw incredible results. She founded Calma: Calm & Loving Minds Achieve to provide parents and educators the tools they need to practice mindfulness in home and school settings.
Cancer Survivors' Care-Fear of Recurrence: Strategies for Adaptive Coping
Thursday, April 9
12:30-1:30 p.m. (ET) / 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (CT)
OnlineMajor advances have been made in cancer treatment resulting in more and more people surviving cancer every year. Once treatment ends, many cancer survivors struggle with lingering side effects (e.g., fatigue, pain, sleep disturbance) and understandable concerns about cancer recurrence. This session is designed to support IU faculty and staff who have been treated for cancer in coping adaptively with cancer-related challenges. Engaging session activities will focus on promoting self-awareness, identifying and pursuing valued goals and actions, and enhancing mindfulness and compassion for self and others.
Program Facilitator: Shelley A. Johns, PsyD, HSPP, ABPP, Assistant Professor of Medicine, IUSM
Dr. Johns conducts patient-oriented research testing behavioral interventions to: (1) reduce cancer-related fatigue and associated symptoms for post-treatment cancer survivors; and (2) improve adaptive coping and quality of life for adults with advanced-stage cancer and their family caregivers. As a clinician-scientist currently working as part of the Palliative Care Service at Eskenazi Health, Dr. Johns is deeply aware of the needs of adults with cancer and their family caregivers. Her heightened awareness of the limitations of existing evidence-based interventions in effectively addressing the needs of many patients has led to a number of research ideas for which Dr. Johns has secured funding.
ARCHIVED WEBINARS
Aging and Caregiver Support
Aging Well
In this pre-recorded webinar, offered by Care.com, addresses common risk factors of aging such as falls, isolation, and memory loss. Strategies for seniors to remain active and engaged and maximizing quality of life for those living with chronic conditions are also be explored.
To view, click here.
Caught in the Middle: How to Cope as a Sandwich Generation Caregiver
Are you juggling the care of your parents and kids while trying to focus on your job, too? If so, you are probably in the caregiving sandwich and you’re not alone. Nearly half of adults ages 40-59 are caring for both an aging parent and child and most are also in the workforce. If you are caught in the middle, don’t miss this lively and dynamic webinar, offered by Care.com in which you will learn important caregiving strategies and find ways to take care of yourself, too.
To view, click here.
Caring for Our Parents and Ourselves
A Fireside Chat with Care.com's VP of Senior Care and Author Jody Gastfriend
When it comes time to provide care for those who once cared for us, it can be overwhelming. Taking the time to care for yourself is crucial, but between work, kids and your parents, how do you find the time? This engaging webinar, offered by Care.com, assists you with:
- Setting realistic expectations with your family,
- Get the support you need from your employer, and
- Ultimately embrace the positive aspects of caregiving.
To view, click here.
Advocating for a Loved One in a Healthcare Setting
While you hope to never receive the call that mom has fallen or dad had a stroke, many families are not prepared for what happens next. Knowing the right questions to ask, how to be an effective advocate, and what documents to have in place can make a difference. In this webinar, you will learn how to communicate more effectively with healthcare providers, address grievances, and identify helpful resources.
Program Facilitator: Stephanie Gerberding, LCSW, Care.com Senior Care Advisor
To view, click here.
Important Resources for Family Caregivers
As family caregivers, we are often confronted with a confusing array of choices. How can you sort out the various senior living arrangements, in-home services and care options, so you can determine what’s best for your loved one? How do you find the right support for yourself so you can handle your caregiving responsibilities along with everything else? Learn about the long-term care landscape including resources and costs so that you can be an informed and proactive caregiver.
Presented by Care.com
To view, click here
To receive a copy of the handouts, please contact the Work + Life office.
Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia: Caregiving Challenges and Strategies
This seminar reviews the different forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, and signs your loved one may have the disease. Despite the devastating nature of Alzheimer’s disease, there are supports out there that can make a difference and help you continue to connect with your Mom or Dad. Learn about caregiving strategies and types of care that can improve the quality of life for both you and your parent.
Program Facilitator: Jill McNamara, LICSW, Sr. Manager, Senior Care, Care.com
To view, click here.
Aging and Caregiver Support Series
This two part webinar answers common questions that arise among individuals that are aging or caring for an elderly loved one. Find out what to expect when visiting healthcare providers and tips on talking to providers about any health concerns. Learn keys to healthy aging and preventive behaviors for common ailments afflicting the aging, including Dementia and Alzheimer's. Elements of advanced care planning, such as living arrangements, health care coverage (Medicaid, Medicare, etc.), living wills, and health care power of attorney are also discussed.
Program Facilitator: Jennifer Carnahan, MD, MPH, MA, IUSM Assistant Professor of Medicine and Research Scientist
Click to view, week #1 and week #2.
Week #1 PowerPoint
Week #2 PowerPoint
Breastfeeding and Maternal Health
Breastfeeding in the Workplace
Renee Oswalt, RNC-OB, BSN, LCCE, Darla Hughes, BSN, RN, IBCLC, and Angela L. Reese, MSW
View Recordings
Breastfeeding in the Workplace Part 1
Breastfeeding in the Workplace Part 2
PowerPoint Slides
Breastfeeding in the Workplace: Planning Your Return to Work
Angela L. Reese, MSW
PowerPoint Presentation
Breastfeeding in the Workplace: How to Support Breastfeeding Employees
Angela L. Reese, MSW
This workshop shares with supervisors and management how they can support their employees that are breastfeeding. Areas covered include:
- Positive impact of breastfeeding for baby, mom and employer
- Proper environment for expressing milk
- Breastfeeding basics (time it takes, storage, etc.)
- Alternate work scheduling
To view, click here.
Pregnancy and Perinatal Mood Disorders
During and after pregnancy, the body experiences many changes. Some changes may include depression, anxiety, or other perinatal mood disorders (PMD). This webinar explores why PMDs may occur and how to recognize their signs and symptoms. Attendees will learn how to prevent, address and navigate through these disorders - as well as support a partner who may be challenged with them.
Program Facilitator: Birdie Gunyon Meyer, RN, MA, CLC
To view, click here.
Mental Health and Substance Use
Managing Stress in the Workplace
In this pre-recorded webinar, offered by Care.com, learn the difference between positive and negative stress, the warning signs of stress overload and strategies to stay calm, present and balanced when the going gets tough.
To view, click here.
Cancer Survivors' Care-Fear of Recurrence: Strategies for Adaptive Coping
This session is designed to support IU faculty and staff who have been treated for cancer in coping adaptively with cancer-related challenges. Engaging session activities will focus on promoting self-awareness, identifying and pursuing valued goals and actions, and enhancing mindfulness and compassion for self and others.
Program Facilitator: Shelley Johns, PSYD, ABBP, IUSM Assistant Professor of Medicine
If you would like to view the webinar recording, please contact the Work + Life office.
Handouts
Define Your Values
Nutrition and Physical Activity Guidelines
Three Quick Steps to Mindfulness
80th-Birthday-Party
Expanding Patterns of VBA
FCR7 w/Scoring
Reading List and Apps
Values Assessment Rating
VBA Worksheet
Fear of Recurrence Coping Skills FlierThe Path from Substance Use to Addictions
This interactive webinar explores the path from substance use to addiction and the impact substance use has on users’ judgement, health and wellness, productivity, and more. Attendees learn about drug characteristics, common names, signs of individual use, and the effects drugs of abuse have on their users as well as the community.
Presented by Jim Ryser, MA, LMHC, LCAC
To view, click here.
Identifying Behavioral Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse
This webinar explores, in detail, behavioral signs and symptoms of substance abuse. Attendees learn important tips for supporting loved ones who may be challenged with substance abuse, what to know when seeking help, and what to do when contacting IU Employee Assistance Program for support.
Presented by Susan S. Day, ACSW, LCSW, LCAC, EAS-C, Manager, Indiana University Employee Assistance Program
To view, click here.
Mental Health Matters
What is the difference between mental health and mental wellness? Do you know how to distinguish between the two? Is mental health affecting your life at work, home or play? Do you know how to maintain a life of mental wellness? This webinar will teach you why mental health matters and how to distinguish between it and mental wellness. You will also learn how to recognize signs of when your mental wellness is in jeopardy and how to maintain mental wellness through practiced behaviors, monitoring thoughts and adjusting your actions.
Program Facilitator: Susan S. Day, ACSW, LCSW, LCAC, EAS-C, Indiana University Employee Assistance Program Manager
To view, click here.
Managing the Blues
The holiday season is a time to celebrate, give thanks, and spend time with friends and loved ones. However, it is also a time that triggers many feelings and concerns related to current stressors possibly resulting in an onset of Holiday Blues, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and Depression. This webinar will identify the signs and symptoms of these illnesses and discuss therapeutic treatment options. Restorative activities such as relaxation and focus, exercise, travel, and more will also be shared to assist participants with managing these illnesses.
Program Facilitator: Susan S. Day, ACSW, LCSW, LCAC, EAS-C, Indiana University Employee Assistance Program Manager
Parenting
Bright Financial Futures
Sesame Street in Communities offers various pre-recorded webinars that explores ways to talk about money with young kids. They also provide resources for every age to help kids build a positive understanding of money, and a bright financial future.