DYS Parent Leadership Summit highlights mental health, special education | Local News

THE 2025 Parent Leadership Summit that the Division of Youth Services hosted at Aqua Resort Club on Saturday featured a workshop and the Public School System’s presentations on mental health and special education.

Among the guest speakers were PSS Special Education Director Donna Flores, who discussed parental involvement in the Individualized Education Program; and SPED itinerant teacher/coach Jerry Diaz, who led participants in an icebreaker exercise.

The PSS Mental Health Team, comprised of mental health specialist Laura Kyonka Walter, behavioral specialist Mary Hocog-Brazzle, and local education agency community project manager Walter Mendez, discussed recognizing barriers and improving conversations about mental health.

Northern Marianas College’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Program Director Eileen Babauta shared tips on communication and public speaking while Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems, Inc. Program Manager Elsie T. Rebuenog tackled anti-bullying efforts.

Grace Naputi, who was among those nominated as parent leaders, said it was her first time to be involved in the summit. She is vice president of Kagman Unified Schools, a group of Parent Teacher and Student Associations in Kagman.

“To be honest, coming here, I did not know what to expect. But so far, I am very appreciative and humbled by how they highlight parents, and it also helps to encourage more participations of parents and find strength from one another,” she said.

According to DYS, recognizing parent leadership is important because it builds a better community that supports parents and families through tough times. It brings the community together for a common cause. It is also important to acknowledge parents who are “indispensable in the creation of a happy community.”

“Parents aid their children with the correct values and tools to make the space around them safe and happy,” DYS said.

 DYS Administrator Vivian Sablan said the event was one of several highlighted activities for Parent Leadership Month, which is celebrated nationally in February.  As an annual event, she said, its goal is to bring parents together to engage in interactive discussion on topics that affect CNMI children, families, villages and communities.

 On Saturday, the content areas focused on mental health, communication and public speaking, bullying and assisting families with children with disabilities.

“We also recognized and honored 28 parent leader nominees who were recommended by participating public/private schools or community organizations,” Sablan said. “These nominees were selected based on the exemplary roles they play in schools and in the community.  We extend our huge congratulations to these parents, who are now officially advocates for DYS and who will also now serve as liaisons for other parents who want to access DYS programs and services, as well as other available crucial resources and support,” Sablan added.

She noted that the summit was attended by 57 parent participants, 45 children and 28 partners and staff.

Sablan said the DYS Family & Youth Enhancement Program continues to work closely with community partners in identifying innovative ways to bring parents to workshops.

“What continues to help is that, fortunately, we are able to continue providing the children’s program component of the workshop, which provides a separate meeting room for children to engage in interactive youth development activities while their parents are attending the workshop,” she said.

“Throughout the year, smaller parent group training sessions are also offered in different community settings that include other youth and community centers and partner agency venues. We extend our utmost appreciation and congratulations to all our parents, children and community partners who contributed to the overall success of the workshop,” Sablan said.