by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Jul 3, 2025 | In The Media, Long Island Press
Published in the Long Island Press
North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, the preeminent not-for-profit children’s mental health agency on Long Island, hosted the Jonathan Krevat Memorial Golf Classic on June 2, 2025, at the outstanding Sands Point Golf Club. The event raised over $175,000 to support the Guidance Center’s work to bring hope and healing to children and families dealing with mental health challenges.
“With suicide serving as the second leading cause of death among children ages 10-14, the mission of the Guidance Center is more important than ever before,” said Troy Slade, Board Member and Co-Chair of the event. “Children and teens are facing unprecedented challenges that contribute to rising rates of depression, substance use, and suicidal ideation. We are all so grateful to our many friends, colleagues, and family members who came out to support this vital organization that makes a real difference for the children in our community.”
This year’s guest speaker was 13-year-old Fernanda Rivera, who began therapy at the Guidance Center in the 2nd grade when her mother noticed that she had lost interest in school, hobbies, and friends. She was eventually diagnosed with depression and anxiety, and through therapy, gained the tools to express herself and manage overwhelming emotions. “The Guidance Center paved the way for me to heal and discover who I am,” said Fernanda. “I’m so grateful to all the people who have helped me along the way, from my clinical team to my family, who never gave up on me and made sure I never gave up on myself.”
Fernanda was joined by her mother, Amanda Pena, who shared her perspective as a parent. “When my daughter was 8, I knew something wasn’t right,” she reflected. “She used to love going to school and being active, but that had all changed. She was no longer motivated, and she was so anxious about things she used to look forward to. The Guidance Center has been a miracle for my family. Us parents always want to do what is best for our kids, but we can’t do it alone. I am so grateful for the work of this organization, who gave my daughter the ability to take control of her own life.”
The co-chairs for this year’s Krevat Cup were Board Members Michael Mondiello, Dan Oliver, Michael Schnepper and Troy Slade.
The Guidance Center is grateful to the Krevat Cup’s sponsors: Aon, Susan & Jeff Krevat, NFP, Canon Solutions America, SkyBridge Capital, and the Bahnik Foundation. Special thanks to our corporate foursomes: City National Rochdale, the Levine Group, Newmark, PSEG Long Island, Rivkin Radler, and RT Specialty.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Jun 18, 2025 | In The Media
Published in Long Island Business News, Schneps Media, Long Island Press
On Thursday, April 24, 2025, a sold out crowd of close to 250 guests came together for North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center’s annual Spring Luncheon. This year’s event, which supports the Guidance Center’s mission to restore and strengthen the emotional well-being of children and their families, garnered over $100,000!
The gathering at Glen Head Country Club began with a morning session of Mahjong and Canasta accompanied by exclusive boutique shopping from several of Long Island’s most philanthropic small businesses including: Ali Weiss Jewelry, Ameliora, A2Z Loungewear, the Chintz Giraffe, Dash, Designs that Donate, Eye Candy, Excessorize, Meems, To the Max, and 2 Friends.
Due to the overwhelming support at last year’s luncheon, the Guidance Center expanded its line of signature jewelry featuring the calendula flower, known for its healing properties against anxiety and depression at the event. This symbol appeared on an elegant assortment of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, representing the Guidance Center’s mission of providing hope and healing.
The keynote speaker was Katie Fogarty, career coach and podcaster who hosts the top-ranked podcast A Certain Age, a show that spotlights women reinventing midlife.
“When we hit a certain age, we start to experience life’s curveballs, speedbumps, setbacks, and challenges,” said Katie. “Women are the frontline mental health workers for their families. We need to take care of our mental health, to put our oxygen masks on first, so we in turn can help our families, our children, our aging parents, and our communities. We can reach out to friends, we can work with trained therapists, and we can rely on organizations like North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center.”
“Katie inspired us all with her journey toward thriving mentally, physically, and socially at every stage of life,” remarked Board President Alexis Siegel. “I am so proud to represent an agency and an event that opens the doors for this conversation to take place.”
The luncheon wouldn’t have been such a triumph without the hard work of the co-chairs, Jan Ashley, Ruth Fortunoff Cooper, and Alexis Siegel. “This event is so vital to our organization because it truly starts a conversation about the mental health challenges that our children face today,” said Kathy Rivera, Executive Director/CEO of the Guidance Center. “While society has come a long way in normalizing discussions around mental health, we know there’s still work to be done. The stigma hasn’t disappeared, and many families still struggle in silence.”
The Guidance Center is also grateful for the support of its sponsors. They are: The Jack and Dorothy Kupferberg Foundation, Amy Cantor, Joan Grant, Marilyn Albanese, Americana Manhasset, Ruth Fortunoff Cooper, Linda Cronin, Klipper Family Foundation, Nancy Lane, Alexis Siegel, Jan Ashley, Tracy Brown, Adina Eigen, Flagstar Bank, United Healthcare, Sheryl Albanese, Stephanie Ginsberg, Andrea Leeds, National Grid, Michele Silverman, South Oaks Hospital and Zucker Hillside Hospital – Northwell Health, and Debbie Klein.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Jun 18, 2025 | Blog, In The Media, Long Island Press
By Denise Ingenito, Director of Clinical Services at North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center
Originally Published in Schneps Media on May 8, 2025
A tragic reality that has become all too common has left parents and children grappling with fear on a daily basis. Data tracked by Everytown for Gun Safety shows that, in the first five months of 2025 alone, there have been 47 incidents of gunfire on school grounds, resulting in 13 deaths, 41 injuries, and a widespread environment of anxiety and uncertainty for our most vulnerable population.
According to Pew Research Center, 57% of teens expressed worry about the possibility of a shooting happening at their school, while nearly 70% of parents worry for their children’s safety while receiving their education.
This deeply rooted concern challenges the sense of security that is so important for children’s mental and emotional development, impacting their ability to thrive both academically and socially. It’s more important than ever for parents to instill a sense of safety and security in their children, strengthening the emotional well-being that allows children to learn, grow, and connect.
Open Communication
When a child brings up safety concerns, listen and turn the conversation into a teachable moment. Starting an open dialogue by asking questions about their experiences in school helps children articulate their emotions and empowers them to think through plans that can better their safety.
Though you don’t want to shelter children from current events, overexposing them to distressing media can heighten their worry and make them feel that the world is a dangerous place. Discussing news events as a family in a calm manner will help to manage their uncertainty and allow you to ensure they have accurate information about the situation at hand.
When symptoms of distress and anxiety emerge, create a safe and supportive space for your child. By validating their feelings, you are letting them know that it’s okay to feel worried or anxious, which helps to reduce any shame or guilt they might feel about being afraid.
Preparing Children Without Creating Fear
Balancing the need to prepare children for emergencies without creating more fear can be a challenge. Lockdown drills are scary for kids of all ages and should be presented as part of a broader safety plan. Walking children through what will happen step-by-step and explaining that these measures are there to keep them safe will alleviate some of the nervousness this type of exercise can cause.
Encouraging situational awareness and teaching children what they can do to keep themselves safe in different scenarios will help them feel in control. Emphasize that these measures are in place to prevent something bad from happening, rather than because a threat is inevitable.
Remind your children to look for the good in the world; there are always people willing to help in times of struggle.
The Relationships Between Parents, Teachers, and Students
Effective communication is the cornerstone of a safe school environment. Since children are perceptive and often pick up on the anxieties of the adults around them, parents and teachers should be mindful of how they talk about safety concerns, displaying a calm, confident demeanor and providing reassurance when needed. When adults work together, they ensure that children receive a consistent message about their safety.
While the stories seen on the evening news often feel entirely out of our control, we do have a say in how we respond. Parents play a major role in helping their children develop resilience and confidence, forming the tools they need to navigate a world full of uncertainty.
For more information about the Guidance Center’s lifesaving programs, visit www.northshorechildguidance.org or call (516) 626-1971.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | May 8, 2025 | In The Media
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | May 8, 2025 | Ask The Guidance Center Experts, In The Media
In this monthly column, therapists from North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center answer your questions on issues related to parenting, mental health, and children’s well-being. To submit a question, email communications@northshorechildguidance.org.
Question: Our 16-year-old daughter has been severely depressed since breaking up with her boyfriend, who has been harassing and cyberbullying her. He is posting cruel messages about her online, sharing private details of their relationship to embarrass her, and encouraging others to exclude her at school. We were shocked to learn that he had treated her poorly even before the breakup, though she hasn’t been open about what transpired. Now, she’s saying she just wants to disappear, and we’re terrified she might hurt herself. How can we support her emotionally, protect her from further harm, and help her heal from this toxic situation?
– Helpless Parent
Dear Helpless Parent: Finding out that your child has been a victim of teen dating violence is heartbreaking and difficult to navigate for the entire family. When a teen is experiencing interpersonal abuse, whether psychological, sexual, or physical, it can take a severe toll on their mental health, leading to depression, isolation, and even suicidal thoughts.
It’s important to help your daughter recognize that her ex-boyfriend’s actions of spreading false rumors, name-calling, and threats are tactics of control. Abusive partners often manipulate their victims by making them feel unworthy, isolating them from loved ones, and using technology to harass and intimidate. Unfortunately, this behavior is not uncommon. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among high school students who dated, about 1 in 12 experienced physical dating violence, and 1 in 10 experienced sexual dating violence, with females experiencing higher rates of both forms of violence than males.
By creating a safe space for open conversation, you let your daughter know that you are there to listen without judgment. Encourage her to share her feelings and thoughts by asking open-ended questions about what she is going through and what she needs, but understand that it may be difficult for her to talk about the trauma she has experienced. It’s important to reassure her that what happened is not her fault and that she is not alone.
Social media has made it more difficult to step away from harassment that might otherwise be confined to school. Enforcing healthy boundaries and digital safety with your daughter will allow her to feel safe at home again, away from the abuse of her ex-boyfriend. Help her adjust her social media privacy settings to protect herself from further harassment, and ensure that she blocks her ex-boyfriend. Reach out to school officials, who may have protocols in place to keep your daughter safe during the school day.
Recognizing the signs of trauma is vital in helping your daughter heal. If she becomes withdrawn, anxious, or irritable, these may be indicators of further emotional distress brought on by her experience. Signs of depression and suicidal thoughts are immediate cause for bringing her to a professional so that she can begin to work through her distress.
Teens recovering from dating abuse need mental health support to rebuild self-esteem and regain a sense of safety. Individual and group therapy can help your daughter recognize what a healthy relationship looks like and develop the tools she needs to move forward.
At North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, we provide urgent mental health services for children and families facing dire situations like this. Our Triage and Emergency Services team is here to help your daughter develop the strength to overcome this trauma and the tools to learn what a loving, respectful relationship is like.
To learn more about our lifesaving programs, call the Guidance Center at (516) 626-1971 or visit www.northshorechildguidance.org. In case of an emergency after hours, contact our partners at Long Island Crisis Center, (516) 679-1111.
