Panel: Raising Children While Recovering From Trauma

Name: Panel: Raising Children While Recovering From Trauma
Start: 2025-11-19T18:30:00-05:00
Location: Locally crafted workshop

Schedule

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025 at 06:30 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Locally crafted workshop | Gaithersburg, MD

Parenting While Healing: Breaking Cycles and Building Connection
Join us for an honest and compassionate conversation about what it means to parent while healing from your own past experiences. This event brings together an inspiring panel of women who have walked the path of personal growth, resilience, and transformation, and who now dedicate their work to helping others do the same.
You will gain practical tools to nurture your child’s emotional health while honoring your own recovery and growth. Together, we will explore how self-awareness, community, and courage can transform not just our parenting but the legacy we pass on.
Meet the Speakers
Dr. Leda Kaveh, Psy.D., Owner and Director, Washington Psychological Wellness and Washington Insight Solutions: Dr. Leda Kaveh is a licensed clinical psychologist and the founder of two award-winning practices in Montgomery County dedicated to empowering individuals and families through therapy, assessment, and holistic wellness. A summa cum laude graduate of the University of Maryland and a Doctor of Clinical Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology, Dr. Kaveh’s experience includes work with Children’s National Medical Center, American University, and DC Public Schools. She is trained in EMDR and the Gottman Method for couples. Her mission is to provide integrative, evidence-based, and culturally sensitive care that fosters resilience and connection. Dr. Kaveh is passionate about community collaboration and advancing mental health access across the DMV.
Dr. Jaclyn Halpern, Licensed Psychologist and Partner, Playful Therapy Connections: Dr. Jaclyn Halpern is a licensed psychologist, partner, and clinical director of psychology at Playful Therapy Connections. A former elementary school teacher turned clinician, Dr. Halpern specializes in attachment-based therapy, parent coaching, and helping families navigate neurodivergence with compassion and understanding. Her work centers on creating affirming, trauma-informed spaces for clients of all ages. As a supervisor and clinical leader, she ensures her team delivers strengths-based, inclusive, and evidence-based care rooted in neuroscience and empathy. Dr. Halpern’s mission is to help parents and children embrace their authentic selves and build relationships grounded in trust, curiosity, and play.
Monica Blakely, Founder, Passion For Ezra: Monica Blakely is the outgoing, think-outside-the-box owner of Passion For Ezra, a fashion brand she launched at just 26 years old. What began as a way to provide for her daughter has grown into a nationally recognized brand that helps people look and feel their best for every occasion. Known for her “never give up” attitude, Monica’s designs have been showcased on some of the biggest stages, including the Super Bowl, where she designed Donna Kelce’s viral Chiefs-Eagles denim jacket and custom shoes now featured in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Her bold, creative vision has also been seen on the Washington Commanders’ Command Force, in-game hosts, and player families. Monica’s journey is one of faith, grit, and purpose, proof that healing, creativity, and ambition can coexist.
Nicole Hennessy, Certified Life Coach and Founder, The Hennessy’s House and Stellar Strategies: Nicole Hennessy is a Certified Life Coach, Therapeutic Art Coach, and Meditation and Breathwork Facilitator, as well as a mother of three. Through The Hennessy’s House, she creates empowering spaces for women to reconnect with themselves through healing retreats, moon circles, and creative workshops. Having personally navigated early independence, young motherhood, and breaking cycles of trauma, Nicole brings both wisdom and empathy to her work. Her approach blends reflection, creativity, and community, reminding parents that healing does not have to be heavy; it can be playful, expressive, and full of joy. Beyond her wellness practice, Nicole also runs Stellar Strategies, a marketing agency that supports women-owned small businesses through storytelling and strategy.
Why Attend
This event is for anyone who has ever asked themselves, “How can I be the parent I needed when I was younger?”
You will walk away with:
• Tools to support your child’s emotional development
• Guidance for managing your own triggers and healing journey
• Connection with other parents walking the same path
• Inspiration from women who have transformed pain into purpose