Connecting with Teenagers Who Want Nothing To Do With You

Connecting with Teenagers Who Want Nothing To Do With You: Michelle Starkman in Conversation with Alisha Pedowitz and Lisa Tiano

4pm PDT

Teenagers naturally socially distance themselves from their parents, but here they are together all the time when they would rather not be. Join the experts to learn what is really going on with your teen and on their minds these days and gain the tools to help them navigate life when so much uncertainty lies ahead. Join two experts: Alisha Pedowitz, AJU alum and California Director of Moving Traditions, and local school counselor Lisa Tiano, who will guide parents using the richness of Jewish community, ritual, tradition, and wisdom to help you help your teen.

Lisa Tiano has a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and has worked more than 20 years in clinics, hospitals, and school settings as a School Counselor. She is also the co-author of 101 Girl Tips and co-founder of two parent and teen empowerment organizations, REAL Teen Talk and InnerStarGirl. She’s been featured on the KTLA Morning News and is an invited guest for podcasts, serves as a contributing writer for Thrive Global, and writes a monthly column devoted to addressing pre-teen and teenage topics and raising teenagers. Lisa consults and speaks with parents and teens on academic, social and emotional issues, and helps guide families and children with the transition to middle school, high school, and college. In her practice, she empowers her clients on relevant issues such as school and social pressures, body image and body shaming, bullying, friendship shifting, the hidden aggression in girls, and healthy versus toxic relationships. A huge part of her work has been training teachers and school staff on creating empathic leadership and educating staff and students on the impact of social media. Lisa continues to facilitate groups and education workshops for parents and teens, and produces empowerment events for tween and teen girls on developing resilience and self-esteem, teaches public speaking skills for young girls and teens, and how to self-advocate.

Alisha Pedowitz, California Director at Moving Traditions, has made her career working with teens, using the richness of Jewish community, ritual, tradition, and wisdom to help them thrive. Alisha has worked as an educator and communal professional at Jewish camps, schools, and agencies throughout California, and she is a third-year Rosh Hodesh community group leader. Alisha holds an MBA in Nonprofit Management, a MAEd with a Concentration in Experiential Education, and a Bachelor’s degree in Hebrew Letters from American Jewish University, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Stanford University. She lives in Los Angeles with her family.

Michelle Starkman was appointed AJU’s Vice President of Communications in March 2020. In this position, Michelle is responsible for leading the university’s internal and external communications strategies, including media relations. Michelle also oversees digital content, manages the University’s marketing strategy, advertising, and serves on the university’s senior team. Prior to joining AJU in 2017, Michelle served as Admissions and Marketing Director at a local Jewish day school, and as the Director of Marketing and Communications for a local management consulting firm. Michelle holds an MBA from Pepperdine’s Graziadio School of Business, and an M.A. and B.A. in Political Science from Cal State Northridge.