Big emotions · Social media · AI · ADHD · The college launch
A lunchtime meet-up for parents of middle and high school tweens and teens
Monday, November 9th, 12:00–1:00pm Rec Room Montclair
Therapy Story - Nayan Suryavanshi, LSW and Kaci Mial, M.Ed.
Growing up doesn't happen on a schedule, and neither does figuring out how to parent through it. You want to give them room to grow, but between morning battles, missing assignments, and screen-time negotiations, you're stretched thin.
Maybe...
● You get "fine" when you ask about their day, then hear them laughing on the phone with friends minutes later.
● Every morning you're the alarm clock, the reminder app, and the lost-and-found. By the time they're out the door, you've lost your cool and everyone's running on empty.
● You've reminded them about the same assignment five times, found it unfinished at 11pm, and wondered if it's ADHD, or if you have it too.
● Their schedule is busier than yours, with no time left.
● Senior year is coming fast, and you're not sure whether they're ready to let go, or whether you are.
● And somewhere in there, you're still trying to manage your own job, life, and sanity.
If any of this sounds familiar, you're not alone, and this hour is for you.
What to expect
This isn't a lecture. It's an open conversation with other parents, guided by Nayan Suryavanshi, LSW and Kaci Mial, M.Ed. of Therapy Story and shaped by your questions. Anonymous question cards will be available. You'll leave with a few go-to ways to get more than "fine," a clearer sense of when to worry, and some new local parents in your corner.
What we'll talk about
● Big emotions: Why they go from "fine" to slamming doors, how to respond, and when moodiness is a sign of something more.
● Staying connected: What gets them talking, staying calm when they push your buttons, and repairing when you don't.
● ADHD: How it shows up in teens and adults, and how it affects school, work, and family life.
● School and social pressure: Friendships, grades, college apps, or no motivation at all, and how to protect their well-being through it.
● Social media and AI: Screen time, peer pressure, and the AI chatbots teens are turning to.
● Getting ready for what's next: Building independence now so life after high school feels within reach.
● Knowing when to get more support: When tools are enough, when it's time for more help, and what teen or family therapy actually looks like.
Meet Nayan Suryavanshi, LSW Therapy Story Clinician, Licensed Social Worker
Nayan Suryavanshi is a Licensed Social Worker who earned her Master of Social Work from Michigan State University. She specializes in working with older adolescents, college students, young adults, and their families as they navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD-related challenges, and major life transitions. Her approach is collaborative, relational, trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally responsive, drawing from Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and other evidence-based practices.
Nayan is passionate about supporting multicultural and LGBTQIA+ young people and families navigating identity development, cultural and family expectations, academic and career stress, and the shift from adolescence into adulthood. She believes meaningful change happens when clients feel seen, heard, and supported in a safe and affirming space.
Meet Kaci Mial, M.Ed. Therapy Story Office Manager, Care Coordinator
Kaci has worked with families in reproductive and mental health for 14+ years in direct patient care and administrative support. She is passionate about connecting people with resources, improving client experience, and increasing clinic efficiency. For getting connected with a therapist or community resources, Kaci is your go-to.
Important info:
🗺️ Getting here: Put “Lackawanna Station” or the Montclair location of Popeye’s in the GPS to get to the correct entrance. Using “RecRoom” or “1 Lackawanna Plaza” will send you to a weird side entrance.
🚗 Parking: Use the lots at 1 Lackawanna Plaza (our front entrance) or 227 Bloomfield Ave (our rear entrance) . Download the HONK app or scan a QR code on-site to pay ($2.50/hr) and avoid a ticket. First 45 minutes are free.
♿️ Accessibility:Lackawanna Station is an ADA accessible building with no stairs to navigate. We have a single-room, non-gender-specific restroom inside RecRoom, and there are 2 more inside the station.
📍Once You’re Inside: We’re the first door on the right when you come into the main entrance at 1 Lackawanna Plaza.