WLCFS - Wisconsin Lutheran Child & Family Service

The educational presentations listed on this page are available to your church group, school group, staff in-service, community outreach, or other venues. All prices are subject to change. Costs for a presentation delivered outside of our service areas may be adjusted due to travel requirements and time spent away from the office. Requests for presentations not specifically listed on the website also may be subject to development and preparation fees.

If you have any general questions about the presentations listed below, please contact Susan Mixdorf.

Not finding the presentation you're looking for? Need something specific? Fill out our presentation request form with the information that you require.

A Visit to Wisconsin Lutheran Care Center request this

Presented By: Wisconsin Lutheran Care Center staff

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Description: Children will work with residents and staff on an intergenerational project, learn about WLCFS from Pastor James Mattek, CEO, and enjoy a snack in our activity room. Groups are encouraged to prepare songs and perform them for the residents at Wisconsin Lutheran Care Center.
Length: 60-90 minutes
Notes: This program is a shortened version of the Care Center Morning program and is geared for grade school-aged children.
Cost: $n/a

Alcohol’s Effect on the Family request this

Presented By: Elsa Manthey, MS, LPC, SAC

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Description: Alcohol affects the family members of a drinker. What are the effects? What can be done to maintain a relatively healthy family? This presentation will explore the answer to these questions and more.
Length: 90 minutes
Notes: This presentation can be modified to fit the audience's timeframe.
Cost: $100 plus travel expenses

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder request this

Presented By: Sheryl Cowling, MSW, LCSW

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Description: In this presentation, the symptoms of ADHD will be discussed, along with their impact on academic and social functioning. Treatment strategies, including counseling, medication, and classroom accommodations will be addressed.
Length: 1 hour
Notes: A 6x8 screen for PowerPoint projection is requested. Handouts will be provided.
Cost: $100 plus travel expenses

Avoiding Teacher Burn-out request this

Presented By: Rhoda Wolle, MA

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Description: Research suggests that 50% of teachers leave the profession in the first five years of service. This interactive teacher in-service will discuss the challenges and blessings of our ministry and offer relevant strategies for renewal, zest, and balance as we work with the precious souls entrusted to our care.
Length: 90 minutes
Notes: Rhoda Wolle, MA, is an Educational Therapeutic Consultant.
Cost: $150 plus travel expenses

Brain-Based Learning Strategies request this

Presented By: Rhoda Wolle, MA

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Description: Do you realize that there is not a memory bank where all memories are stored? Do you understand that a teacher can biologically have as great of an impact on a student's life as his or her genetics? The mind is an incredible organ, and our Lord is slowly allowing us to learn more about how it works. As a teacher, you work with minds every day. In this teacher in-service workshop, you will learn what some of the latest research suggests about how our minds work and how we can best teach the students entrusted to our care.
Length: 2 hours
Notes: Rhoda Wolle, MA, is an Educational Therapeutic Consultant.
Cost: $150 plus travel expenses

Bullying: Establishing Healthy Peer Relationships request this

Presented By: Rhoda Wolle, MA

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Description: During this presentation, we consider the multi-aspects of bullying and discover practical strategies to promote a climate of love and inclusion for all students.
Length: 90 minutes
Notes: This presentation can be tailored to fit a faculty in-service or a Parent-Teacher Organization. Rhoda Wolle, MA, is an Educational Therapeutic Consultant.
Cost: $150 plus travel expenses

Child Abuse and Neglect request this

Presented By: Sheryl Cowling, MSW, LCSW

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Description: Child abuse and neglect can have a profound impact upon a child or teenager physically, psychologically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. In this presentation the signs and causes of abuse and neglect are highlighted. Information about how to help a child who has been abused or neglected will be provided.
Length: 1 hour
Notes: A 6x8 screen for PowerPoint projection is requested. Handouts will be provided.
Cost: $100 plus travel expenses

Childhood and Adolescent Anxiety and Depression request this

Presented By: Sheryl Cowling, MSW, LCSW

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Description: Some children and adolescents experience anxiety and depression, but their emotional struggles are often manifested in ways different from those of an adult. In this seminar, participants will learn the signs of pediatric anxiety and depression, plus proven treatment strategies.
Length: 1 hour
Notes: A 6x8 screen for PowerPoint projection is requested. Handouts will be provided.
Cost: $100 plus travel expenses

Christ-Centered Children in a Me-Centered Culture request this

Presented By: Rhoda Wolle, MA

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Description: Children are bombarded by messages telling them that they deserve to have whatever they want. Many children rarely hear the word "no." As parents and teachers this makes our job much more challenging when children move toward an attitude of entitlement. So what do we do? How do we set healthy boundaries and build a trusting relationship with our child while also teaching them the blessing that comes in the package of "no"?
Length: 2 hours
Notes: This interactive seminar walks parents and teachers through the minefield of raising a resilient, strong, and Christ-centered child amid today’s "Yes" culture.
Cost: $150 plus travel expenses

Christian Self-Concept request this

Presented By: Elsa Manthey, MS, LPC, SAC

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Description: Who I am in Christ defines who I am. This concept is different from the world’s view of self. This presentation will explore what it means to have a positive Christian self-concept.
Length: 90 minutes
Notes: The length of this presentation can be adjusted to fit a preferred timeframe.
Cost: $100 plus travel expenses

Christian Treatment of Classmates request this

Presented By: Elsa Manthey, MS, LPC, SAC

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Description: This is a three-pronged program designed to address the Christian treatment of classmates for teachers, parents, and children. A faculty in-service workshop addresses the topic with the faculty/staff. A parent-teacher meeting explores this topic with parents and interested adults. Two separate presentations are given at the classroom level to address this issue with children. The goal is to stress Christ’s admonition to be kind to one another, compassionate, and forgive one another just as Christ Jesus has forgiven us.
Length: negotiable
Notes: This workshop has been presented at schools in Green Bay, WI; Appleton, WI; Hartford, WI; Greenville, WI; and Seminole, FL. Cost is determined by size of school and travel expenses incurred.
Cost: $ negotiable

Conflict Management request this

Presented By: Brandon Hayes, Ph.D., LP

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Description: This presentation will review styles in which individuals typically deal with conflict. Assessments will be given to determine each individual's preferred conflict management style. Then, opportunities will be provided to determine the impact of this conflict management style within various life domains. Finally, guidelines for effective conflict resolution will be reviewed. The presentation will consist of a lecture format, including a PowerPoint slide show. In addition, individuals will complete assessment questionnaires. The seminar may include small group discussions and opportunities for question and answer.
Length: 90 minutes
Notes: This presentation is available throughout the Milwaukee metropolitan area. Please contact the presenter to arrange for travel fees/accommodations for venues outside that area. A room containing tables for note-taking and a projector is required.
Cost: $150 plus travel expenses

Conflict Styles and Resolution Skills request this

Presented By: Rhoda Wolle, MA

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Description: Conflict is inevitable; it is a part of everyday life. And yet how we deal with it can either be unifying or tear us apart. In this workshop you will learn your conflict "style" and find effective ways to deal with conflict that brings glory to God.
Length: 90 minutes
Notes: The focus of the content is easily adjusted for faculties, families, or student/teacher interaction.
Cost: $150 plus travel expenses

Creating a Positive Academic Climate request this

Presented By: Rhoda Wolle, MA

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Description: Research points to some interesting characteristics of teachers who create a positive learning climate. This presentation considers those characteristics and basic steps to include them in your ministry.
Length: One hour
Notes: A 6x8 screen is requested for PowerPoint projection.
Cost: $150 plus travel expenses

Culturally Competent Behavioral Health Care request this

Presented By: Sheryl Cowling, MSW, LCSW

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Description: Given the incredible diversity in our society, today's mental health practitioner needs both knowledge and skills to ensure that culturally competent services are provided to their clients. This presentation explores the challenges of providing high-quality behavioral health care that takes into account the influences of race, nationality, culture, and ethnicity on individual patients and their familes. Cultural considerations when working with Americans of European, African, Hispanic, and Asian descent are provided. Implications for treatment, culturally competent counseling skills, the use of interpreters, and ethnopsychopharmacology are examined.
Length: 3 hours
Notes: Sheryl has had the privilege of providing counseling services to clients with varied ethnic and religious backgrounds. She incorporates many of these experiences into interesting case examples that highlight clinical issues. A 6x8 screen for PowerPoint projection is requested. Handouts will be provided.
Cost: $200 plus travel expenses

Dealing with Depression request this

Presented By: Kathy Jasman, MSE, LPC

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Description: Depression can be a very serious illness. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Length: 1 hour
Notes: This presentation is available in and around the Appleton, WI area.
Cost: $100 plus travel expenses

Discipline in the Christian Home request this

Presented By: Elsa Manthey, MS, LPC, SAC

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Description: “Go make disciples of all nations,” is Jesus’ command. This begins in the Christian home. What part does punishment play in Christian discipline? How important are caring, consistency, and family roles?
Length: 90 minutes
Notes: The length of this presentation can be modified to fit the needs of the audience.
Cost: $100 plus travel expenses

Faith Stepping Stones Overview Presentation request this

Presented By: Dan Nommensen, LPC, NCC, DCC, BCPCC, CEAP

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Description: Would you like to learn more about the Faith Stepping Stones program before attending a training? This brief overview of the program using a PowerPoint presentation highlights how FSS can be used as a family ministry and outreach tool for churches, schools, and preschools.
Length: 60-90 minutes
Notes: Please provide a large screen for the PowerPoint presentation. This overview is well suited for pastor/teacher conferences or church council/committee meetings.
Cost: $ travel expenses only

Faith Stepping Stones Training Seminar request this

Presented By: WLCFS Faith Stepping Stones trainers

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Description: Come to this fun, interactive seminar to be trained in this relevant family ministry program. Once trained and licensed, you will be equipped to present seminars at which parents learn how to nurture their children and themselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually. For more information about the program, click on "Eqipping Families & Teens," then "Faith Stepping Stones" on the left menu bar.
Length: 8:30 am-4:00 pm
Notes: Faith Stepping Stones is a great outreach tool for churches, schools, and preschools. Churches who host receive two free registrations.
Cost: $95/1st person; $50/each additional person

Handling Stress request this

Presented By: Kathy Jasman, MSE, LPC

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Description: Stress can be positive or negative. Our approach to it can determine how it affects us. Learn strategies to help deal with stress more positively.
Length: 1 hour
Notes: This presentation is available in and around the Appleton, WI area.
Cost: $100 plus travel expenses

Internet Safety request this

Presented By: Rhoda Wolle, MA

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Description: At what age should my kids be able to log onto social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook? What are they doing when they are logged on? How do I protect my kids from online predators? How do I protect my family's personal information that can be accessed by hackers? The Internet can be a wonderful blessing; like all blessings it can be abused. Your best defense is knowledge. In this workshop you will learn how to protect your family while they take advantage of all the wonderful tools the World Wide Web has to offer.
Length: 60 minutes
Notes: This workshop is designed for parent groups.
Cost: $150 plus travel expenses

Managing Stress and Anxiety request this

Presented By: Brandon Hayes, Ph.D., LP

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Description: This presentation will review various strategies and techniques to manage stress and anxiety. Specific topics will include assertiveness, time management, self-care, and relaxation exercises. Opportunities to practice these techniques and receive feedback will be provided. The presentation will consist of a lecture format, including a PowerPoint slide show. In addition, the seminar may include small group discussions and opportunities for question and answer.
Length: 90 minutes
Notes: This presentation is available throughout the Milwaukee metropolitan area. Please contact the presenter to arrange for travel fees/accommodations for venues outside that area. A room containing tables for note-taking and a projector is required.
Cost: $150 plus travel expenses

Marriage Relationships: Love and Respect request this

Presented By: Elsa Manthey, MS, LPC, SAC

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Description: Building a Christian marriage is a continuing process. Relationships need encouragement and evaluation from time to time. This workshop will provide tools for couples to help maintain a healthy, loving marriage.
Length: half-day or full-day seminar
Notes: This is a half-day or full-day workshop. Cost will be determined by length of workshop and travel costs.
Cost: $ negotiable

Memory: Retention and Recall request this

Presented By: Rhoda Wolle, MA

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Description: How does memory work? Where are memories stored? How are they best retrieved? And how do I get my students to remember better? As teachers, we work with the mind all day, every day. In this fast-moving workshop, you will learn practical strategies you can implement the next day to help your students remember better.
Length: 90 minutes
Notes: This program is ideally suited for educators but can be adapted to any audience.
Cost: $150 plus travel expenses

Our Christian Responsibility for Our Bodies request this

Presented By: Sheryl Cowling, MSW, LCSW

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Description: Today's teens are bombarded with highly sexualized images and messages from television, movies, music, videos, magazines, Web sites, etc. Alcohol and drug use is often glorified in the media, too. In this presentation, adolescents are reminded of what God's Word has to say about beauty, our bodies, alcohol and drugs, and sexuality.
Length: 1 hour
Notes: Handouts will be provided.
Cost: $100 plus travel expenses

Parenting for Middle Childhood (Ages 6-12) request this

Presented By: Marc Scherschel, MA, LPC

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Description: This presentation outlines the development of children ages 6-12. Following this, various techniques will be given for working both to prevent and resolve problem behaviors. Finally, there will be practical application of these techniques to more than a dozen specific problem behaviors.
Length: 90-120 minutes
Notes: Handouts will be provided for attendees. A room with tables for note-taking is required. A computer with projector for the PowerPoint presentation is preferred.
Cost: $100/hr. plus travel expenses

Peer Leadership Conference request this

Presented By: Rick Loewen and Rhoda Wolle, MA

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Description: Over 85% of teens turn to another teen when they have a problem. This 2- to 3-day interactive conference prepares teens to offer solid advice and assistance to those in need. In addition, teens learn about leadership skills and how to apply them in their everyday life to make an impact in their school, at their job, and among their friends and family.
Length: 2 or 3 days depending on the format
Notes: This is an interactive conference that revolves around small group work. It is ideal for 25-35 students.
Cost: $1,000 plus travel and accommodations

Peer Pressure: Saying No in a Yes Culture request this

Presented By: Rhoda Wolle, MA

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Description: In this interactive seminar, we discover tools to assist our children in making Christ-centered decisions in and out of the classroom.
Length: 90 minutes
Notes: Designed for Parent-Teacher Organizations. Presented by Rhoda Wolle, MA, Educational Therapeutic Consultant.
Cost: $150 plus travel expenses

Problem Gambling in Older Adults request this

Presented By: Brandon Hayes, Ph.D., LP

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Description: This presentation will review various reasons why older adults are susceptible to gambling problems. In addition, it will briefly review several strategies to help reduce the risk of developing future gambling difficulties. The presentation will consist of a lecture format, including a PowerPoint slide show. In addition, the seminar may include small group discussions and opportunities for question and answer.
Length: 90 minutes
Notes: This presentation is available throughout the Milwaukee metropolitan area. Please contact the presenter to arrange for travel fees/accommodations for venues outside that area. A room containing tables for note-taking and a projector is required.
Cost: $150 plus travel expenses

Problems of Children of Divorce request this

Presented By: Elsa Manthey, MS, LPC, SAC

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Description: Divorce is not God’s plan for a Christian family. When divorce occurs, many challenges directly affect children. Learn what problems face children and how to help them through this difficult time.
Length: 90 minutes
Notes: The length of this presentation can be adjusted to fit a preferred timeframe.
Cost: $100 plus travel expenses

Resolving Your Past request this

Presented By: Kathy Jasman, MSE, LPC

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Description: Do hurts and issues that happened in your past keep affecting your present? Do you need to let go of past hurts and forgive? This presentation can help you understand the process of letting go and moving on.
Length: 1 hour
Notes: This presentation is available in and around the Appleton, WI area.
Cost: $100 plus travel expenses

School Violence and Bullying request this

Presented By: Rhoda Wolle, MA

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Description: Episodes of school violence and bullying are rampant. In this interactive workshop we will discuss the warning signs for school violence and bullying and offer specific strategies you can implement to reduce the level of violence and bullying within your school family.
Length: 90 minutes
Notes: This workshop is designed for school faculties or parent/teacher organizations
Cost: $150 plus travel expenses

Setting Boundaries for Children request this

Presented By: Rhoda Wolle, MA

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Description: Security comes from knowing limits. Just like the guardrail on a bridge, parents and guardians are there to offer limits that lead to safe, secure children. But what is appropriate? How do I enforce them when I'm tired? Society offers so many mixed messages that sometimes it all seems overwhelming. In this workshop we will discuss ways to set boudaries/limits that do not require constant energy and attention from you.
Length: 90 minutes
Notes: This workshop is designed for parent groups.
Cost: $150 plus travel expenses

Stages of a Christian Woman's Life request this

Presented By: Elsa Manthey, MS, LPC, SAC

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Description: This presentation gives a picture of a Christian woman at various ages in her life and the roles she plays. Small group discussion is encouraged throughout this presenation.
Length: 90 minutes or half-day seminar
Notes: An overhead projector, screen, or blank wall are requested for this presentation. Handouts are provided.
Cost: $100 plus travel expenses

Strategies for Students-at-Risk request this

Presented By: Rhoda Wolle, MA

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Description: God has called us to teach all of the students He places in our care, not just the compliant ones who learn quickly. In this teacher in-service, we'll discover what it means to be at-risk and what factors contribute to it. We'll also learn practical strategies to promote learning for every child we are privileged to teach.
Length: 90 minutes
Notes: Rhoda Wolle, MA, is an Educational Therapeutic Consultant.
Cost: $150 plus travel expenses

Teaching the Learning-Challenged Child request this

Presented By: Elsa Manthey, MS, LPC, SAC

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Description: Different challenges arise when children begin to learn in a formal setting. Understanding and addressing these challenges take time and patience, especially when involving the child, parent, teacher, and support resources. This workshop will touch on ways to make teaching the learning- challenged child exciting rather than exhausting.
Length: 90 minutes
Notes: This presentation is intended for teachers and parents of learning challenged children. It can be modified to meet the needs of the audience.
Cost: $100 plus travel expenses

Teasing (The Three People Involved) request this

Presented By: Elsa Manthey, MS, LPC, SAC

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Description: Teasing can be wrong and hurtful. Is it the same as bullying? How do we address the issue from a Christian stance, and how do we deal with the triumvirate that is involved?
Length: 90 minutes
Notes: The length of this presentation can be modified to accommodate the needs of the audience.
Cost: $100 plus travel expenses

The Care Center Morning Program request this

Presented By: Wisconsin Lutheran Care Center Staff

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Description: Wisconsin Lutheran Care Center activity staff lead an intergenerational morning of interactive programs with students and residents. Also learn about our therapy department, and hear from WLCFS CEO Pastor Mattek. A kid-friendly lunch and a goodie bag complete the morning.
Length: 2 hours
Notes: This program is geared for grade school-aged children, but can be adapted for older students.
Cost: $n/a

The Healthy Christian Family request this

Presented By: Kathy Jasman, MSE, LPC

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Description: This presentation will talk about the qualities of healthy Christian families.
Length: 1 hour
Notes: This presentation is available in and around the Appleton, WI area.
Cost: $100 plus travel expenses

The Hurried Family request this

Presented By: Kathy Jasman, MSE, LPC

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Description: The Christian family is a gift from God. What are we doing with this gift? The world’s values are not “family friendly.” The hustle and bustle of today’s society can be hurtful to our families. Learn about what can be done to nurture and cherish the family.
Length: 1 hour
Notes: This presentation is available in and around the Appleton, WI area.
Cost: $100 plus travel expenses

Understanding Grief request this

Presented By: Kathy Jasman, MSE, LPC

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Description: Events that cause grief are part of human life. In dealing with grief, various emotions are felt. Learn about the grieving process and how better to cope.
Length: 1 hour
Notes: The presentation is available in and around the Appleton, WI area.
Cost: $100 plus travel expenses

Understanding the Culture of Poverty request this

Presented By: Rhoda Wolle, MA

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Description: Many of our WELS schools have a much more diversified student body, now more than ever. In order to best meet a student's educational needs, we must understand his or her mental and social framework for life. This teacher in-service will offer an understanding of the culture surrounding poverty and offer strategies to enrich the minds and lives of our students.
Length: 90 minutes
Notes: Rhoda Wolle, MA, is an Educational Therapeutic Consultant.
Cost: $150 plus travel expenses

What's Going On In There? --The Teen Brain request this

Presented By: Rhoda Wolle, MA or Sheryl Cowling, MSW, LCSW

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Description: The adolescent brain undergoes tremendous growth during the teen years. Parents are often left stunned and confused by teen behavior. Through the Peer Leadership program, teens are learning how their brain changes during the adolescent years. The reaction from teens has been, "Would someone please tell my parents about this?" So, now we are.
Length: One- or two-hour presentation
Notes: The focus of the content is easily adjusted for the following audiences: parents, high school students, school faculty, and religion or health classes.
Cost: $150 plus travel expenses