The Modern-Day Family Working with The Modern-Day Family - Trends, Strengths and Challenges for Social Service Professionals Presenter: Dell deBerardinis [Photo] When: Friday, 9/28 from 9 a.m. - noon Where: District Training & Development Center 5000 Research Forest Dr. >> More Information Surviving the ups and downs Bi-Polar Disorder in children, Adolescents and Adults Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment. Presenter: Sheri Gaines, MD [Photo] When: Friday, 10/26 from 9 a.m. - noon Where: District Training & Development Center 5000 Research Forest Dr. >> More Information

The human services program at Montgomery College is launching the second year of its resource for professionals in the human services field. The newly-formed Human Services Professional Institute (HSPI) will provide relevant continuing education opportunities for professionals and develop partnerships to assist area agencies in meeting specific organizational training and development needs.

HSPI complements the college's current human services program, which includes a two-year associate's degree and certificates for students seeking a career in social services.

During 2007-08, HSPI will offer a monthly seminar series covering a variety of relevant topics for today's human services professional. The series kicks off on Friday, September 28, with a three-hour session on “Working with the Modern-Day Family--Trends, Strengths and Challenges for Social Service Professionals.” The presenter is Dell deBerardinis, a trained, licensed psychotherapist with degrees in education and clinical psychology.

Objectives for this seminar include:

• Describe trends surrounding the family today
  
• Discuss issues relating to changes in the family
  
• Identify the future issues affecting social workers

The $38 course runs 9 a.m.-noon, and includes a continental breakfast at 8:30 a.m. (when registration/check-in begins).

Following the September session, the October 26 seminar will focus on bi-polar disorders: “Surviving the Ups and Downs: Bi-Polar Disorder in Children, Adolescents and Adults--Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment.” The presenter is Sheri Gaines, MD, a licensed psychiatrist practicing in the Huntsville area. Bi-polar disorder is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health problems In America today, impacting both children as well as adults. This seminar will address the characteristic symptoms of this mood disorder, as well as what recent research tells us about both the potential causes as well as the treatment methods found to be most effective.

Objectives for this seminar include:

• Discuss characteristic symptoms of this mood disorder
  
• Describe treatment methods found to be most effective
  
• Identify the issues facing practitioners in treating this mood disorder

All of the seminars will be offered at the Lone Star College System's Training and Development Center, which is located at 5000 Research Forest Drive, in The Woodlands.

CEUs offered by Montgomery College are recognized by the Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals, the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners, and the Texas State Board of Examiners of Licensed Professional Counselors.

For more information about HSPI and the seminar series, visit http://hspi.montgomery-college.com/. The Web site includes information about how to register for the individual classes. Phone registration is available by calling (936) 273-7446. Interested persons may also contact Stephen Koszewski at (936) 273-7435 or e-mail stephen.t.koszewski@lonestar.edu

For more information about Montgomery College, visit http://montgomery.lonestar.edu/, or call (936) 273-7000. Montgomery College is located at 3200 College Park Drive, approximately one-quarter mile west of I-45 between Conroe and The Woodlands.

North Harris Montgomery Community College District, among the largest and fastest-growing community colleges in Texas, comprises North Harris College, Kingwood College, Tomball College, Montgomery College, Cy-Fair College, six satellite centers and The University Center.