Do you feel like keeping up with your kids’ social media is a full-time job? You’re not alone. Parents today have it hard. We’re all playing catch up with the social media world and often feel overwhelmed by how to parent through it. Our first two Town Halls on Social Media Parenting were so successful that now we’re back to host our THIRD Town Hall on Social Media Parenting (we call it 3.0) where parents and experts in our community can come together to discuss kids and social media. We’ve got a host of experts for everyone plus time built in for small group discussion that will be relevant to your family’s needs – whether you’re holding off on social media and devices or all-in. 
Charlotte Smarty Pants is partnering with Charlotte Christian School on April 29th at Charlotte Christian School for this event. All parents from preschool to high school and from any school are welcome to join in on the conversation. Our goal is to bring knowledge, relief, and empowerment to navigate the iGeneration. And guess what? It’s FREE.
We hope you join us because let’s face it: what happens in my kid’s school affects what happens in yours thanks to social media. Register here now.
Event Details:
When:
Sunday, April 29 from 2-4pm
Click here to register.
Where:
Charlotte Christian School
Center for Worship and Performing Arts
7301 Sardis Rd, Charlotte, NC 28270
What to expect:
We’ll start out as one big group then (2) 30-minute breakout session blocks, (4) breakout panels. Panels will repeat for the 2nd session block. When you register, you’ll be prompted to tell us what (2) breakout session topics you plan to attend.
Register here now. Hope to see you there!
Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Our panelists include:
Alan Becker, K-12 Educational Technology Dept. Chair., Charlotte Latin School
Alan Becker coordinates K-12 Educational Technology at CLS, where he has been teaching various forms of “digital citizenship” and “media literacy” for the last seventeen years. His specialty is developing and delivering the School’s Digital Citizenship curriculum for students in grades 3-8. In addition, he makes presentations to CLS parents and CLS Upper School students on issues like screen time, digital safety and health, and guidelines for family tech use. Alan is also an Upper School English teacher and cross-country coach, and he serves on the CLS Families & Technology Task Force and the School’s Goal One Strategic Planning Committee.
Cathie Broocks, Educational Consultant, Rooted and Grounded
Cathie Broocks is the founder of Rooted and Grounded, an educational firm dedicated to supporting a young child’s love of learning by providing early childhood educators and parents with pragmatic, easy to implement, research-based ideas to foster learning. Cathie has more than 35 years in education as a teacher, administrator and consultant most recently served as the director of admissions at Charlotte Christian School. She has been a preschool teacher, church youth and preschool director and is a member of multiple professional organizations. Cathie is passionate about joining brain-based research with the role of developmental pathways (ages and stages) in the learning process of each child and supporting play as the essential vehicle for the development of critical thinking in the young child.
Gwendolyn Henshaw, 6th grade teacher, Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School
Gwendolyn Henshaw is a born and raised Charlottean, who lives out her passion for education as a 6th grade teacher at Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School. She graduated from Charlotte Catholic High School, received her B.A. in Elementary Education from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and is back as a Forty-Niner, pursuing a Master’s Degree in School Administration.
Gwendolyn has experienced all types of social media from the beginnings of Myspace to the accessibility of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and more with the touch of a finger. On a daily basis, she sees the importance to educate about social media, how to use social media, and the effects of it on her students.
When she is not teaching, you can find her cheering her students on at their sporting events and extracurricular activities, or traveling around the world to explore new cultures. Are you curious about what goes on in her classroom?! Follow her on Instagram: @TeachingWithA6thSense!
Jonathan Hetterly, Licensed Professional Counselor, Southeast Psych
Jonathan Hetterly is a licensed professional counselor at Southeast Psych in Charlotte, NC. He cofounded Quarter Life, a program that aims to help young men successfully launch into adulthood. Jonathan specializes in helping teens and young adults navigate the emotional, behavioral, academic, or substance-related challenges they face in life. He works to help young people develop greater awareness and discover their passions, purpose, and overall life direction.
Jonathan is also a writer and pop culture enthusiast. His articles on psychology and pop culture are regularly featured on www.ShrinkTank.com and www.PsychBytes.com. Follow him on Twitter at @jhetterly.
He received his bachelor degree from Biola University, and completed two masters degrees from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, one in Christian Leadership and a second masters degree in Counseling.
Kaylah Holland, Middle School Technology Facilitator, Google Certified Trainer and Innovator, Charlotte Christian School
Kaylah Holland is the middle school instructional technology facilitator at Charlotte Christian School as well as a Google Certified Innovator and Google Certified Trainer. In addition to teaching design-based classes of Robotics and Live Broadcasting, she has a vital role of assisting teachers with the integration of technology into the classroom and oversees the middle school’s 1:1 iPad program including device management, division protocols, and student training. Ms. Holland holds a master’s degree in English literature and in instructional design and technology. She is currently completing her doctoral degree in the field of instructional design and technology at the University of Memphis and is passionate about building an innovative culture for learning.
Dr. Amanda Moran Lanier, Charlotte Pediatric Clinic
Dr. Amanda Moran Lanier is a pediatrician at Charlotte Pediatric Clinic, part of Atrium Health, and has been serving Charlotte area children for nearly 20 years. She is currently serving as Site Based Medical Director for CPC – South Park and chair for the LCH Family Continuum committee. She received her bachelors degree from the University of Virginia, medical degree from West Virginia University School of Medicine and completed her pediatric residency at Carolinas Medical Center. Dr. Lanier is also mother to a middle schooler at Charlotte Christian and a Junior at Providence Day School.
Amy O’Bryan, Middle School Counselor, Charlotte Christian School
Amy O’Bryan is the middle school counselor at Charlotte Christian. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Lee University and her master’s degree in counseling and development with a concentration in school counseling and clinical mental health from Winthrop University. She is a licensed professional counselor associate (LPCA) and a nationally certified counselor (NCC) and is passionate about working with students to achieve and maintain balance as it pertains to their social life, academic and personal successes, and physical and emotional health.
Dr. Rhonda Patt, Pediatrician, Charlotte Pediatric Clinic
Dr. Rhonda Patt is a pediatrician at Charlotte Pediatric Clinic, part of Atrium Health, and has been a practicing pediatrician for almost 15 years. She is currently serving as an Assistant Specialty Medical Director and Social Media Chair at Levine Children’s Hospital. Dr. Patt has been a contributor for the Charlotte Observer’s MomsCharlotte blog site, and is a mother of three herself. She attended UNC- Chapel Hill for undergrad, West Virginia University for medical school and completed her pediatrics residency at Carolinas Medical Center.
Dave Purcell, Executive Director, Herring Ridge/Camp Harrison
Dave accepted the position as Executive Director of Herring Ridge/Camp Harrison in the fall of 2008. An Ohio native, he graduated from Miami University with a BS & MS in Education. Dave started in full time camping in 1987 as the Director of YMCA Camp Cosby in Birmingham, AL. In 1993, he began his involvement with the YMCA of Greater Charlotte as the Executive Director of Operations for YMCA Camp Thunderbird. Dave has worked very close with YMCA Camp Harrison since its opening in 2004. He is married to Margie, and they have one daughter, Marlett.
Karl Simon, Middle School Assistant Principal, Charlotte Christian School
Mr. Karl Simon is the middle school assistant principal and middle school boys’ lacrosse coach. He received his B.A. in communications from Gordon College and his M.A. in education from Lesley University. Karl has extensive educational experience with middle school adolescents and is the parent of two elementary school-aged children. He is committed to educating parents and often speaks to small and large groups on a variety of topics related to the middle school years. He has appeared on a Charlotte Smarty Pants podcast and as part of the Social Media Town Hall series.
April B. Whitlock, CEO, Fundanoodle
April B. Whitlock is the CEO and majority owner of Fundanoodle. After managing the brand for two years at Carolina Pad, she acquired the product line and spun the company off as her own. She has a passion for early education and a desire to develop products that will give parents, teachers and caregivers the tools needed to inspire a life-long love of learning.
April is a graduate of Duke University and began her career with Grey Advertising in Chicago. She caught the entrepreneurial bug and returned home to Charlotte as the 32nd employee and 7 year veteran of LendingTree.com. In 2006, she launched the Charlotte office of Mom Corps, a start-up focusing on career and professional development. Two years later, April was recruited by Carolina Pad to develop and launch the Studio C brand and the company’s first ever consumer marketing campaign. April took over the management of the Fundanoodle product line in 2011. In 2013, she successfully raised capital to establish Fundanoodle as an independent company. She has spent two-years developing and testing a consumer focused business model which resulted in the Fundanoodle Ambassador Pilot Program launch in 2015. April is committed to developing a business model that will empower others who are passionate about early education.
April resides in the historic Dilworth neighborhood of Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband, her three daughters and their sweet dogs Dixie and Daisy. She is an active volunteer at her church, her children’s schools and with local non-profits that support education and youth.
Ruth Wilson, Lower School Technology Facilitator, Charlotte Christian School
Ruth received her B.S. in business administration from Clearwater Christian College and is in her fourth year as a technology facilitator and teacher having taught technology to students in junior kindergarten through 12th grade. She joined the Charlotte Christian faculty in 2017 from Highlands Christian Academy in Pompano Beach, FL. She is passionate about preparing students to be able to use technology in whatever career path they follow. “As a parent and teacher, I understand the fear the surrounds the Internet and social media. A healthy fear of the dangers online should motivate us to stay educated about what is happening online, monitor what our children are doing, and most importantly teach our children how to make wise decisions when they are using technology.
Moderators
Jen Plym, Founder, Charlotte Smarty Pants
Jen Plym is the mom of four active kids from elementary school to high school. She and her best friend started Charlotte Smarty Pants as a daily blog in 2007 before social media even existed. With Jen’s leadership and vision, CSP now engages thousands of Charlotte parents each month and has become the ultimate parenting resource for our community.
Jen’s passion is connecting Charlotte parents with each other. She is committed to opening the communication lines between all parents and truly believes that when everyone is talking to each other, big things can happen.
Originally from Vero Beach, Florida, Jen graduated from the University of Florida with a BSBA in Marketing. She loves spending time with her family on the beach – especially during sea turtle season – and can be found at any number of Charlotte sporting events cheering on her kids.
Jen has been featured on Charlotte Today, WCNC, Fox News Rising and 107.9 The Link’s Matt & Ramona Show.
Cheryl Perry, Vice President, Charlotte Smarty Pants
Cheryl Perry is a mom of four school-aged children and Vice President of Charlotte Smarty Pants. Cheryl started with CSP in 2011 as a writer and now not only writes about life as a Charlotte mom, but works closely with CSP’s education, health, fitness, and all other partners to develop and implement collaborative, targeted messages on the CSP site and social media.
A Charlotte native, Cheryl graduated from Charlotte Catholic High School and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication.
Cheryl has been featured on Charlotte Today, WCNC, and 107.9 The Link’s Matt & Ramona show.
Jenni Strazzulla, Social Media Manager, Charlotte Smarty Pants
Jenni is a mom to active twin boys who are just about to embark on their first year of elementary school. She is also the Social Media Manager at Charlotte Smarty Pants. A native of Vero Beach, FL, Jenni is a former K-5 elementary school teacher with dual certifications in Elementary Education and Art Education. As a teacher, Jenni’s expertise was in teaching children to read. She is trained in the Orton Gillingham Method, the Lucy Calkins Writing Program and curriculum development. As a Reading Specialist, she developed cross-curriculum lessons that embraced all learning modalities. Jenni graduated from the University of South Carolina with a B.A. in Art and Art History and from Mercer University with a Masters in Education. Today she stays busy keeping up with her twins, staying Smarty, and dabbling in all things art – reading, photography, painting, and more.
