JF&CS’ BeWellATL initiative continues to support the mental health of Atlanta’s teens, adolescents, and their families through a growing series of thoughtfully curated, no-cost events. The refreshingly real workshops dismantle stigma and encourage open dialogue while offering practical tools for families. From fostering resilience and reframing failure to addressing the difficult topic of teen suicide, recent workshops have left a deep and lasting impact on those who attended. With the next event focused on neurodiversity approaching, the momentum behind this initiative continues to build.
Coming Up: Understanding Neurodiversity
On May 13, BeWellATL will continue its community education effort with a new event, Shifting Perspectives: Understanding Neurodiversity, featuring Jenna Sommer, M.A., CCC-SLP, Neurodiverse Inclusion Specialist. With more than a decade of experience guiding parents, educators, and organizations, Sommer will bring her expertise in how diverse brains function, learn, and flourish.
Jenna Sommer, M.A., CCC-SLP and Neurodiversity Inclusion Specialist, will join BeWellATL May 13 to educate parents about the topic
This session will explore the fundamentals of neurodiversity, broaden understanding of the neurodivergent spectrum, and offer stories of strength and success that challenge common misconceptions. A Q&A will follow the presentation, providing an opportunity for attendees to engage with the material and ask questions.
The event will take place from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the JF&CS Headquarters in Dunwoody. Presented in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and its inclusion initiative, JAccess, the session is free of charge and open to the public but does require registration. The presentation will be recorded, but the audience will not appear in the footage.
ICYMI: BeWellATL Events Addressed Teen Suicide + The Power of Resilience
In an effort to address one of the most urgent issues in youth mental health, the BeWellATL staff recently led a conversation on teen suicide. The topic is difficult but demands honest conversation and community-wide awareness. On February 5, a parent-focused event was held in collaboration with JTeen (a division of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta), The Peaceful Family Fund, and The Blue Dove Foundation. Mental health professionals provided attendees with practical strategies for recognizing warning signs, initiating conversations with teens, and creating environments rooted in trust and empathy.
Ben Pargman speaks on teen suicide after the tragic loss of his son, Manny
The impact of the program was immediate and powerful. Inspired by the discussion, The Epstein School approached BeWellATL to host a smaller follow-up event on April 7. The event featured Stephanie Cohen, whose daughter Gavriella Bader died by suicide two and a half years ago, and Ben Pargman, whose son Manny died by suicide last fall. Their candid reflections on grief and healing resonated deeply with attendees.
“We’re always open to bringing these kinds of programs to more intimate communities,” said Jessica Sacks, BeWellATL’s Community Outreach Coordinator. “Our goal is to make sure families across Atlanta have access to the resources and conversations they need.”
Pamela Schuller’s Resilience Workshops
The month of March brought a shift in tone but not in mission. BeWellATL welcomed nationally recognized comedian and mental health advocate Pamela Schuller for a pair of workshops — one designed for teens, the other for their parents.
Pamela addresses teen attendees during the workshop
“Pamela’s message about resilience resonated so deeply with me, and her hilarious delivery made it feel more approachable—I can’t say I’ve ever been to a ‘fun’ parenting workshop before this one!” said an anonymous, grateful parent. “I’m so thankful that BeWellATL is helping not only my kids, but my husband and I as well.”
In the teen session, Be Bold, Be You: Comedy & Courage, Schuller drew from her lived experience with Tourette’s syndrome and depression to illustrate how humor and self-acceptance can become tools for empowerment. The session encouraged young participants to embrace their individuality and see strength in their differences.
The Teen Roundtable gathers after the workshop
The parent workshop, Building Resilience: Learning from Failure, tackled the subject of failure. Through personal stories and insight from her work with teens, Schuller reframed failure not as something to prevent for young people, but as a powerful driver of confidence, independence, and long-term resilience.
Through a mix of intimate gatherings and larger-scale community events, BeWellATL aims to change the way Atlanta engages with mental health by removing shame, inviting dialogue, and equipping families with practical tools.
To join us on May 13, register here, and to support the work of BeWellATL and learn how to get involved, click here.