Dr. Tomasula took part in an expert panel at the Poe Center for Health’s Annual Meeting and conference in Youth Mental Health on Friday September 6, 2024. The Conference focused on Promoting Well-Being and Safety.
-
Beyond the Scale: Addressing the Biopsychosocial Impact of Pediatric Obesity - A Call to Action for Psychologists
On Saturday September 13, 2024, Dr. Tomasula presented at the North Carolina Psychological Association's Fall Conference.
Her informative workshop was designed to identify the biological, psychological, and social implications of pediatric obesity. Participants gained a better understanding of their role in maintaining weight-based stigma and learned strategies to diminish this impact through personal growth.
-
Helpful or Harmful? The Impact of Social Media on Positive Body Image in Adolescence: 19th Annual Castal Pediatric Symposium
Dr. Tomasula, along with other experts from across North Carolina discussed new and innovative ways of treating and caring for common issues seen in today’s pediatric care at the 19th Annual Coastal Pediatric Symposium hosted by the South East AHEC.
Dr. Tomasula delivered an engaging and informative presentation titled “Helpful or Harmful? The Impact of Social Media on Positive Body Image in Adolescence”.
-
Coping With Chronic Disease
Dr. Tomasula presented to a local Celiac Support Group about coping with chronic disease.
-
Mental Wellness Strategies: Healing Pines Respite Series
-
Mental Health Awareness: Girl Scout Brownie Troop 638
On January 16, 2024, I had the opportunity to spend time with Girl Scout Brownie Troop 638 to help them earn their Mental Health Awareness patch. The girls enjoyed learning about parts of the brain and how important it is for us all to take care of this critical part of our body. We chatted about emotions and their impact on our mental health. I led the girls through different strategies to calm their bodies and brains, such as grounding (5-4-3-2-1), progressive muscle relaxation (robot to ragdoll), and deep (square) breathing. The girls all came up with wonderful ideas on how they can take care of their brains and mental health, as well as ways to stay calm and relaxed when in situations that may evoke feelings of anxiety or stress.
-
Keeping our Kids Healthy: Harris Creek Elementary School
On November 14, 2023, I navigated a busy book fair to engage with the Harris Creek Elementary School PTA to celebrate PTA Healthy Lifestyles Month. Strategies to address important topics like sleep hygiene, screen time, physical activity, and emotion regulation were discussed.
-
Keeping our Kids Healthy: Durant Road Elementary School
On Monday November 6, 2023, I engaged in a lively discussion with the Parent-Teacher Assocation (PTA) at Durant Road Elementary School to celebrate PTA Healthy Lifestyles Month. Different strategies to improve mental and physical health in youth and adults were presented as well as how untreated mental health difficulties can directly be related to the development of chronic physical health conditions and vice versa.
-
Empowering Teens: Navigating the Impact of Social Media on Positive Body Image
On Saturday November 4, 2023, the North Carolina Museum of Art’s Teen Arts Council and I offered a free event which aimed to increase awareness of the intricate relationship between social media and body positivity among adolescents. Through an interactive art project and insightful discussion, we aspired to equip adolescents with some of the tools they need to cultivate a healthy, positive body image in today’s digital landscape.
-
Balancing Act: Coping and Caregiving in Ministry
On Friday October 27, 2023, I had the distinct pleasure of working with WakeMed’s Spiritual Care team to discuss the importance of self-care in helping professions, like hospital chaplaincy. Reflection and permission-giving exercises were essential in moving beyond identifying strategies to creating individual plans to avoid compassion fatigue.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
~ Mahatma Gandhi