Struggling Well: Practical Skills for Resilience and Wellbeing

w/

Dr. Kathy Snyder - Director, Midland Area Wellbeing Coalition

Presentation Summary: 
Stress is part of being human—and part of working with humans. Rather than trying to eliminate stress, this interactive session explores how we can better understand and work with our natural stress response, both in ourselves and in the people we support. Participants will learn what happens in the body when stress takes over, why we sometimes get stuck there, and how regulation, perspective, and connection can help us move through difficult moments. Through conversation and simple, practical strategies, participants will explore ways to navigate their own stress and build resilience while also creating conditions that help employees feel supported, regain their footing, and respond more effectively to challenges.

Learning Objectives: 
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

• Understand stress in themselves and others
• Recognize how stress shows up in the body and behavior, and how the stress response can influence how we think, communicate, and interact.
• Respond more effectively in difficult moments
• Use practical strategies to regulate their own stress while helping others find enough steadiness to think, connect, and problem-solve.Build and support resilience
• Strengthen their own capacity to struggle well while helping create workplace interactions and environments where others can navigate challenges, recover, and grow.

About Dr. Snyder:
Kathy Snyder is the Director of the Midland Area Wellbeing Coalition. She holds a doctorate in community leadership and master’s degrees in counseling and applied positive psychology. Kathy has more than 30 years of experience in education and community-based work.Kathy loves helping individuals, organizations, and communities build a strong wellbeing foundation - so people can feel good, navigate challenges, and function effectively in life. She translates research from positive psychology and related fields into practical tools that support resilience, connection, and growth across settings.Kathy approaches her work with curiosity, warmth, and humor - helping people connect, learn, and thrive together. She has led a range of community initiatives and collaborates with partners across sectors to strengthen wellbeing at individual, organization, and systems levels.Outside of her professional roles, Kathy gives back to her communities through board roles, serving on or chairing committees, and helping at events. She enjoys music, reading, Ted Lasso, sports (mostly skiing and football), and spending time outdoors in every season with her husband Mike and their two grown children.

***Please be aware that any in-person registration received after Thursday, October 8th will be subject to an additional $10 late fee.***

***The virtual version of this meeting will go live no later than 11:45am.***

Networking: 11:20am-11:30am

Lunch: 11:30am-12pm

Program: 12pm-1pm

Closing: 1pm-1:15pm