There are countless issues confronting young lives in today's complex world. Be equipped to respond with informed, compassionate care through exploring the theological foundations for pastoral support and spiritual formation of children and young people. 

This Mental Health Institute and Mary Andrews College Intensive is a Professional Development offering for ministry workers, teachers, school counsellors, and mental health professionals. Parents, grandparents, and anyone concerned for the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of children and young people will also benefit from the content.  

You may choose to attend for ONE, TWO, or all THREE days. 

Date: Monday October 12 – Wednesday October 14; 9:00am – 5:00pm   

• Monday: Young lives in a complex world - key questions and issues; how relationships shape personhood and supporting growth into independent adulthood; AI chatbots and what they tell us about the enduring importance of social connection; spiritual formation in relational ecosystems   

• Tuesday: Theological anthropology – understanding our created humanity; young people and sexuality: consent and respectful relationships, sexualised online content   

• Wednesday: Neurodivergence; the ‘digital native’ experience and its consequences; supporting wellbeing in children and young people; mental health and mental illness in young lives 

Delivery mode: Hybrid (in person and online)   

If you would like to study this as an accredited unit through Mary Andrews College, follow this link: https://www.mac.edu.au/our-units

Any questions? Contact mentalhealthinstitute@mac.edu.au

Speakers

Rev. Dr Keith Condie

Topic/s:

How relationships shape personhood and supporting growth into independent adulthood - Monday

Supporting wellbeing in children and young people - Wednesday

Biography:
Keith teaches some units in the Graduate Certificate of Pastoral Care for Mental Health at Mary Andrews College. Keith and his wife Sarah are Co-Directors of the Mental Health Institute at ADM. Keith was previously a lecturer and Dean of Students at Moore Theological College.

Amy Yeung

Topic/s:

Young lives in a complex world - key questions and issues - Monday

AI chatbots and what they tell us about the enduring importance of social connection - Monday

The ‘digital native’ experience and its consequences - Wednesday

Mental health and mental illness in young lives  - Wednesday

Biography:
Amy teaches in the areas of mental health and wellbeing. For over 15 years she has been studying these two fields and integrating them through her work with young people in Australia and Canada. Prior to joining the Mental Health and Pastoral Care Institute, she developed The Sanctuary Youth Series, a free youth mental health and faith resource.

Kate Morris

Topic/s:

Neurodivergence, family, and faith. Creating welcoming spaces - Monday night Spotlight
(Followed up by discussion of Spotlight content led by Amy Yeung on Wednesday morning)

Biography:
Kate is a writer, speaker, podcast host, and Honorary Research Fellow at Mary Andrews College. She has lived experience as a mother of neurodivergent children. She holds a Bachelor of Arts/Education (specialising in Gifted Education, UNSW), a Diploma of Bible and Missions (Moore Theological College), and a Graduate Certificate in Autism and Neurodivergent Studies (University of Wollongong). She has also engaged in long-term cross-cultural mission in France with CMS, working with children and young people. Kate equips families and churches with practical, Bible-shaped resources about neurodiversity.

Dr Rachel O’Brien

Topic/s:

Young people and sexuality: consent and respectful relationships - Tuesday

Biography:
Rachel is an Education Consultant working to lift learning in NSW Independent schools in partnership with teachers & leaders. Educator with experience in tertiary teacher education and secondary education focusing in 7-10 PDHPE, HSC PDHPE and IB Sports Exercise and Health Science. Skilled in Lecturing, Curriculum Development, Health Education, Nutrition Education, and Research. As as educator Rachel is energetic and innovative. She applies her research skills and knowledge to engage in critical pedagogy and practice. Rachel has been awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the University of Sydney for her research on Masculinities in Elite Boys' Schools.

Emma Argall

Topic/s:

Essential conversations to have with young people navigating sexualised online content - Tuesday

Biography:
Before joining ADM, Emma worked as a high school teacher for over twenty years and is mum to three teenagers. She cares deeply about young people and is both fascinated and daunted by the opportunities and challenges of this cultural moment. Her particular interest lies in relationship, sex and consent education in an increasingly online world. She hopes to play a small part in equipping and encouraging fellow adults—whether they know Jesus or not—to become the kind of people our young people need us to be.

Mel Hanger

Topic/s:

Spiritual formation in relational ecosystems   - Monday

Biography:
Creating an environment where students can flourish and study well is a priority for Mary Andrews College. Mel contributes to this endeavour through developing and improving vital systems and processes.