Becoming Aware of…
Presented by the Health Ministry
Sundays, 9:40am
Commons
To “become aware” means to know, to be informed of, to be alert, to be on guard against. “Becoming Aware” chases ignorance and illusion, creates effort and action, and boosts hope and togetherness. The first three sessions of this series throw the big spotlight on “Becoming Aware of Autism”, which is occurring with such increased frequency as to be called a national epidemic. It has been a daunting mystery, now being embraced with great effort. Autism is being dealt with as a spectrum affecting different people in different ways.
February 10 “Becoming Aware of Autism Part I” with Dr. David Laman, Psychologist
February 17 “Becoming Aware of Autism Part II” with Dr. David Laman, Psychologist
February 24 “Becoming Aware of Autism Part III” with Krista Mason, Executive Director of Benjamin’s Hope
Two persons in the forefront of involvement and treatment will help us “become aware”:
Psychologist, Dr. David Laman
Dr. Laman has worked 25 years with assessment and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder; 15 years training and supervising professionals on ASD; 15 years of consultation on assessment/treatment for organizations, state and community Departments of Mental Health, Pine Rest, and schools; 9 years as founding president of Developmental Enhancement, which trains and establishes treatment centers in Michigan and beyond. He has given more than 100 presentations and workshops addressing ASD regionally, nationally and internationally. He’s been a partner in the dream of Benjamin’s Hope. On Sundays, February 10 and 17, he will give PowerPoint presentations with intervals for questions and discussion.
Executive Director of Benjamin’s Hope, Krista Mason
Krista is a local mother of Ben and the founding spirit and now Executive Director of Benjamin’s Hope. She will share with us her family’s story with autism. She will use some visuals to present the unfolding, redemptive story of how Benjamin’s Hope, now nearing its opening, will give future hope for hundreds of families in our community. “Benjamin’s Hope is called to create an innovative work, live, play and worship model for persons and families living with autism and other developmental differences.” Krista will share with us on Sunday, February 24.
Classes will continue through March 24.
March 10 “Becoming Aware of Anxiety” with Dr. Jim Dumerauf, MD, Director of Behavioral Health Sciences at Holland Hospital
March 17 “Becoming Aware of Depression” with Thomas Mullens, LMSW, CAADC -Grand Haven Outpatient Clinical Director
March 24 “Becoming Aware of Alzheimer’s” with Donita Robards, RN, Hope Church Nurse
More information regarding March classes will soon be available.