Education and Resources

BYA's Family Education Committee provides a variety of programs designed to improve communication between parents and their children, help parents understand child development, and enhance their parenting skills. BYA often co-sponsors programs and speakers with other groups.

Keynote Presentations

Anthony Grupido: Magic of Hope

On the evening of January 23, 2025, Birmingham Youth Assistance (BYA) hosted a powerful and unforgettable community event featuring nationally recognized speaker and magician Anthony Grupido. Held at Groves High School Auditorium, the event brought together over 125 students, parents, educators, and community members to explore critical topics such as mental health, emotional resilience, coping strategies, and suicide prevention.

Blending magic, humor, and storytelling, Anthony captivated the audience with a message that was both deeply personal and universally relatable. He shared his own journey through mental health struggles and emphasized the importance of speaking up, seeking support, and showing compassion—for others and for ourselves.

Anthony’s presentation offered more than inspiration—it equipped attendees with practical tools to recognize the signs of emotional distress, foster open communication within families, and build mental and emotional resilience. His ability to connect with young people through interactive elements and candid honesty made the evening both engaging and impactful.

This event was made possible free of charge thanks to a generous grant from Oakland County Youth Assistance, along with the ongoing support of Birmingham Public Schools, who provided the venue and helped promote the program. Special thanks go to the Birmingham Bloomfield Community Coalition, who partnered with us for the event and hosted a resource table to raise awareness about substance use prevention.

In addition, school counselors were present onsite to answer questions and offer support following the keynote. Their presence underscored our collective commitment to youth wellness and provided a reassuring space for attendees seeking guidance.

While the weather presented some challenges that day, the impact of the evening was undeniable. One parent shared that her child, who was initially hesitant to attend, left saying, "I think this event saved lives tonight." That sentiment was echoed by many who recognized how deeply Anthony’s words resonated.

The “Magic of Hope” event was part of BYA’s broader Family Education initiative, which aims to strengthen families and empower youth through accessible, meaningful programming. We are proud to continue creating safe spaces where vital conversations around mental health and well-being can take place.

Watch the event recording here.

Dr. Christopher Willard: Mindful Resilience

On November 6, 2025, Birmingham Youth Assistance welcomed Dr. Christopher Willard—Harvard Medical School psychologist, bestselling author, and internationally recognized speaker—for a powerful and timely keynote titled Mindful Resilience for Performance and Mental Health. The event drew a packed audience of parents, students, educators, and community members, all seeking tools to better navigate the stresses of modern life.

Why Resilience Matters Now More Than Ever
In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world, teens and families are facing unprecedented levels of stress. From academic expectations and social media overload to mental health challenges and emotional burnout, the need for practical, compassionate strategies has never been greater.

Dr. Willard’s talk explored how mindfulness and self-awareness can help build resilience—the ability to bounce back from setbacks, manage emotions, and maintain a sense of balance even during tough times. With warmth, humor, and real-life examples, he shared how families can foster resilience together.

Key Takeaways from the Event:

Resilience is a skill, not a trait. Through daily practices like mindful breathing, gratitude, and perspective-taking, we can all grow our ability to handle stress.
Connection is key. Teens thrive when they feel understood and supported. Dr. Willard offered techniques to help parents listen more effectively—and for teens to express themselves clearly and calmly.
Small habits make a big difference. Whether it’s a mindful walk, a moment of stillness before a test, or unplugging from screens before bed, simple shifts can improve focus, mood, and performance.
The brain can rewire itself. Mindfulness practices, when repeated over time, help develop the areas of the brain responsible for empathy, self-regulation, and emotional resilience.

About Dr. Willard
Dr. Christopher Willard is the author of over 20 books on mental health and mindfulness, including College Mental Health 101, which was gifted to the first 50 registrants of the event. His work has impacted communities in over 30 countries and is especially known for being accessible, down-to-earth, and evidence-based.

If you missed the event or would like to revisit the insights shared, the full recording is now available below. We encourage you to share it with others in your circle—teachers, students, fellow parents—who could benefit from these tools.

Watch the Event Recording Here

Download the slides

Stay Involved with BYA
Birmingham Youth Assistance is committed to supporting the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of youth and families in our community. From workshops to community events and casework services, we’re here to help.

✅ Explore our upcoming events
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✅ Volunteer or donate to support our mission

Together, we can create a more resilient, connected, and empowered community.

Additional Links & Resources

Early On Oakland Resource Guide (PDF)

Oakland County Youth Assistance Parenting Calendar (PDF)

Family Resources, Supports, and Aid Available in Oakland County (PDF)

Back to School Safety Tips (Link)