Welcome to the
NAMI Finger Lakes
Educator Support Hub
Supporting Educators & Families
At NAMI Finger Lakes, we are committed to equipping K-12 educators with the resources and support they need to foster student well-being in the classroom. Our mission is to cultivate safe and supportive learning environments where every student can thrive academically and emotionally. From classroom mental health education tools to support courses and groups for families and caregivers, we are here to empower you every step of the way.
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Empowering Educators
& Supporting Families
Summary of Programs
Elementary Students
Grades PreK-2
Meet Little Monster
Coloring & Activity Book
The Meet Little Monster Coloring and Activity Book is a creative tool designed for young children to express and explore their emotions in a fun and empowering way. This book encourages dialogue between children and trusted adults. With engaging illustrations and activities, it provides a means for children to navigate their emotions during difficult times.
Grades 3-5
Mental Health Chat
The Mental Health Chat program is an interactive mental health awareness presentation designed for students in third through fifth grade. Led by specially trained individuals with lived experience or family members, these sessions aim to educate students about mental health and provide practical coping strategies. Through engaging activities and discussions, students learn about mental illness, the importance of seeking help, and how to manage their emotions effectively.
Middle & High School Students
Grades 6-12
Ending the Silence
NAMI's Ending the Silence is an engaging presentation for middle and high school students that educates youth about the warning signs of mental health conditions and provides guidance on what steps to take if they or someone they know are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.
NAMI On Campus Club
Empowering high school students, NAMI On Campus offers a unique leadership opportunity to establish mental health clubs within their schools and communities. With a focus on personalization and empowerment, students are encouraged to shape the club according to their school's needs while receiving guidance on club operations.
Parents & Caregivers
NAMI Basics
NAMI Basics is a free 6-session education program for parents, caregivers, and family members of youth (ages 22 and younger) experiencing mental health symptoms. Led by trained facilitators, the program covers understanding mental health conditions, navigating treatment options, advocating for your child’s rights, and self-care. This program is now offered in-person or online on demand (at your own pace).
NAMI Family-to-Family
NAMI's Family-to-Family class is a free 8-session education program for family, friends, and significant others of adults with mental health conditions. Led by trained family members, the program provides valuable information about various mental health conditions, communication strategies, problem-solving skills, and resources for self-care. This class is offered locally in-person or online via Zoom.
Family Support Group
Our Family Support Group provides a confidential space for family members, caregivers, and loved ones of individuals with mental illness to share experiences and gain insight from others. Meetings are structured to ensure everyone has an opportunity to be heard and to get what they need out of the session. Meetings are held online via Zoom. Registration is required.
Ending the Silence for Families
A one-hour presentation for adults with middle or high school aged youth. The presentation covers important warning signs, facts and statistics, how to talk with your child and how to work with school staff. NAMI Finger Lakes offers this program in-person or as an online presentation.
Back to School Resources
for Educators, Students, and Parents
Back to School Toolkit
for Educators
Access vital tools to identify signs of distress and cultivate a compassionate learning environment. Empower your students emotionally with useful knowledge and skills.
Classroom Mental Health Contract
Breaking stigma surrounding mental health can happen in the classroom. With this resource, educators can help their students talk openly and frequently about mental health and well-being.
Mental Wellness Moments for Educators
This resource has daily suggestions for how to bring mental health wellness into the classroom. From Monday Moods to Fridays for Self-Care, these suggestions can help students build healthy habits for their mental well-being.
The Three C’s for Educators
This resource is meant to help educators and their students feel comfortable talking about mental health and wellness. Using these three C’s, educators can connect with students empathetically.
Five Questions for School Staff to Ask When Preparing for an Active Shooter Drill
When preparing for an active shooter drill, it’s important to use trauma-informed approaches. Use this resource to help your students understand what’s happening and how to “debrief” students after the drill.
Mindfulness Activities
Developing a state of being aware and present in a moment is called mindfulness. Teaching students how to center themselves and reengage with the world is a crucial skill. Use this resource for strategies to teach students in various age groups about mindfulness.
Three Keys For a Successful Back to School Transition
As teachers are preparing their classrooms, it’s important to understand how being trauma-informed can help create a safe and supportive environment for all students.
Compassion Fatigue and Burnout
Designed to help navigate the demands of teaching, this new resource shares signs of burnout, tips for self-care, and affirmations.
Bonus! NAMI TraumaInSight
NAMI’s first trauma awareness training is designed for educators and youth-serving professionals. Learn more about the self-directed course at nami.org/TraumaInSight.
Back to School Toolkit
for Students
Students can discover useful insights and resources to take good care of their mental health throughout the school year.
Setting Boundaries Guide
It’s important to set healthy boundaries to take care of our well-being. Students can learn about different types of boundaries, how to set them, and ways to communicate boundaries to others.
Commitment Planner
Living a full life comes with many different commitments ranging from family and school to self-care and extracurricular activities. This planner helps students prioritize commitments to prevent burnout and mental exhaustion.
NAMI On Campus At-A-Glance
For students who want to raise mental health awareness at their school, NAMI On Campus is a great opportunity. These are student-led, student-run organizations for high schools and colleges. Find out how to get started with this resource.
Social Media: Helpful Tips
Connecting with friends, family, and community can be a great way to use social media. However, we know it’s important to protect our mental health online too. Find out how to engage safely with tips from this guide.
Time Management For Students
Balancing school, work, and personal time can be challenging, even for adults! Students can use the tips in this resource to build time management skills.
Finding a Trusted Adult
Asking for help can feel scary, embarrassing, and hard. This resource can help students choose an adult to confide in and get the help they need.
Getting the Right Start
For students experiencing a mental health challenge, it can be hard to get help early. This resource helps students consider steps they could take to find help and share what they’re going through.
How to Help A Friend
Sometimes it’s hard to tell if our friends are feeling down or if there’s a deeper struggle. There are ten common warning signs that students should know. Use this resource to help students learn the warning signs and understand the next steps they could take to help a friend.
Back to School Toolkit
for Parents
Resources for parents and caregivers to support their child’s mental health throughout the school year.
Bullying Warning Signs
Parents and caregivers need to pay close attention to their child’s behavior if they believe they’re involved in bullying. Use this resource to learn the warning signs and get tips about starting a conversation with children about bullying.
Suicide Warning Signs
Over the last decade, teens have indicated increased feelings of suicidality. It’s important for parents to know the warning signs, learn how to ask the question, and how to navigate a mental health crisis.
Crisis and Relapse Plan
Before a crisis begins, it’s useful to have a plan. Document your emergency resources, write down the steps you’ll take, and explore how to safely address a relapse.
10 Questions on a Tuesday
Use these questions to talk with your child about ways to support their mental health. Learn how they like to de-stress, stay connected to their growing hobbies and interests, and understand what makes them anxious with this resource.
A Week of Wellness
The activities in this resource can help you connect with your child every day. Use these ideas to build wellness time into a daily routine and build on meaningful conversations.
The Three C’s for Parents and Guardians
This resource helps you and your child feel supported as you talk about mental health and wellness, identify support, and connect at home. Use the Three C’s to get curious, get concrete, and stay compassionate.
A Guide for Working Caregivers During the Back to School Transition
Managing changing schedules and routines for a new school year can be overwhelming, especially when managing a mental health condition. Get tips for managing stress, dealing with change, and more from this resource.
The NAMI Guide to Navigating Your Child's Mental Health: You Are Not Alone for Parents and Caregivers
Child psychiatrist and NAMI’s Associate Medical Director Dr. Christine M. Crawford provides a comprehensive, compassionate, and practical resource for anyone concerned about the mental health of young people from preschool to high school.
Grades PreK-2
Meet Little Monster Workbook
Unlock the power of expression and exploration for your young learners with our Meet Little Monster Coloring and Activity Book! Developed with care and creativity, this resource offers a unique opportunity for children to navigate their emotions in a fun and empowering way. Dive into a world of colorful characters and engaging activities designed to foster dialogue and understanding. With just a click, you can download this invaluable tool, allowing your children to unleash their creativity while gaining insight into their feelings. Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and connection with Meet Little Monster - download your free workbook now!
Grades 3-5
Mental Health Chat Classroom Presentation
The Mental Health Chat program is an interactive mental health awareness presentation designed for students in third through fifth grade. Led by specially trained individuals with lived experience or family members, these sessions aim to educate students about mental health and provide practical coping strategies. Through engaging activities and discussions, students learn about mental illness, the importance of seeking help, and how to manage their emotions effectively. Email [email protected] for more information.
Middle and High School Students
Ending the Silence Presentation
Empower your students with valuable knowledge about mental health by bringing NAMI Ending the Silence to your class or school! As an educator, you have the opportunity to introduce this engaging presentation to middle and high school-aged youth, helping them understand the warning signs of mental health conditions and learn what steps to take if they or a loved one are experiencing symptoms. By supporting the implementation of NAMI Ending the Silence, you're equipping your students with essential skills and resources for mental health awareness and support. To learn more about bringing NAMI Ending the Silence to your class or school, email [email protected]
NAMI On Campus High School Student Clubs
Empower your students to make a difference by supporting them in bringing a NAMI On Campus club to your school and community! By encouraging and guiding your students, you're enabling them to become leaders in mental health advocacy. With NAMI On Campus, students have the opportunity to shape and personalize their mental health club, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for their peers. For more information on how you can support students in starting a NAMI On Campus club, email [email protected]
Parents and Caregivers
NAMI Basics
NAMI Basics is a 6-session education program for parents, caregivers and other family who provide care for youth (ages 22 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms. This 6-session education program, taught by trained facilitators with lived experience, offers comprehensive support and understanding. This program is free to participants, 99% of whom say they would recommend the program to others. NAMI Basics is available both in person and online through NAMI Basics OnDemand. OnDemand offers the flexibility of participating in the course on your own schedule. Both formats provide identical information, strategies, and the opportunity to connect with other parents and caregivers. By participating in NAMI Basics, you'll gain practical knowledge about navigating treatment options, advocating for your child's rights, and managing crisis situations. Join us on this journey of learning and support, and discover that you are not alone.
NAMI Family-to-Family
Discover the support and understanding you need with NAMI Family-to-Family, a free 8-session education program for family, friends, and significant others of adults with mental health conditions. Led by trained family members, this evidence-based program provides valuable information, resources, and coping strategies. Through presentations, discussions, and interactive exercises, you'll learn about various mental health conditions, communication skills, problem-solving techniques, and more. Join us online via Zoom for our next session, as we navigate this journey of understanding and support together.
Family Support Group
Join our Family Support Group, where you'll find a safe and casual environment to connect with others facing similar challenges. Led by compassionate facilitators, our structured sessions ensure that everyone has an opportunity to be heard and supported. Whether you're a family member, caregiver, or loved one of someone living with mental illness, our group offers a space for you to gain insight, share experiences, and discover hope. There is no cost to join and sessions are held conveniently online via Zoom, registration is required.
Ending the Silence for Families
A one-hour presentation for adults with middle or high school aged youth. The presentation covers important warning signs, facts and statistics, how to talk with your child and how to work with school staff. NAMI Finger Lakes offers this program in-person or as an online presentation. To learn more about bringing NAMI Ending the Silence for Families to the parents of your school, email [email protected]
