Welcome to Parent University

Parent University is a New Trier Parent Association program that provides educational opportunities for parents and caregivers throughout the New Trier experience. Through presentations, discussions, and shared resources featuring New Trier staff, outside experts, and community voices, Parent University supports families as they navigate academic, social, and emotional topics relevant to raising adolescents, with programs reflecting the evolving needs of students and families and addressing areas such as adolescent development, academic planning, mental health, social media use, and post-high school pathways.
Upcoming Programs
Past Programs & Recordings
Parent University programs are intended to serve as ongoing resources for families. Recordings, presentation materials, and related links from past programs are available for parents and caregivers to revisit below.
Past Program Highlight:
- Navigating New Trier
- New Trier Class Profiles
- College & Career
- Executive Functioning & Neurodiversity
- Mental Health & Wellbeing
- Technology
Navigating New Trier
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New Trier 101: Introduction for Incoming Freshman Parents
Parents of incoming 9th graders joined Northfield Principal Paul Waechtler and a panel of New Trier leaders to learn about a variety of topics to help your student transition smoothly to New Trier High School. Topics included resources such as academics, student supports, etc.; clubs, sports, performing arts, and other activities; the adviser system; and day-to-day logistics for students at the Northfield Campus.
- Student Resources: Navigating Academic, Emotional, and Physical Supports at New Trier
Parents were invited to join New Trier’s Associate Principal of Student Services, Chris Mitchell, to learn about the numerous resources available to support the holistic development of every New Trier student. New Trier staff shared strategies for academic success, emotional well-being, and physical health.
- Understanding New Trier’s Emergency Operations Plan
Superintendent Paul Sally, Principal/Assistant Superintendent of the Winnetka Campus, Denise Dubravec, Director of Safety, Rai Pavely, and Director of Technology, Angel Villaluz provided an overview of safety measures we have implemented, including building security, emergency preparedness plan and communication, and training.
Presentation | Additional School Safety Resources
New Trier Class Profiles
- Profile of the Class of 2025 New Trier's Superintendent, Peter Tragos, and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Chimille Tillery, had an interactive discussion reviewing the New Trier Class of 2025 Profile The Profile is an annual report that details course-taking patterns, college application trends, and college choices for New Trier’s most recent graduates, and shows the success of students across academic levels in pursuing their individual post-high school paths. Presentation | Video
- Profile of the Class 2024 New Trier's Superintendent, Paul Sally, and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Peter Tragos, had an interactive discussion reviewing the New Trier Class of 2024 Profile. Presentation | Video
College & Career
- Harlan Cohen’s Happy, Healthy, Almost Stress-Free College Planning & Success: For Parents and Students
New York Times bestselling author of the #1 book on college life, Harlan Cohen (The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College and The Naked Roommate: For Parents Only!) helps students and parents reframe college search and selection to reduce stress and guarantee success. Harlan shares the latest facts, stats, and strategies to guide high school and college students as they navigate the changes ahead. He helps parents be the best partners and empowers students to explore what they really want.
Video
- Dan Maga- College Financial Planning
This webinar educates parents on how to prepare for your child's college costs, and pay for college in the most tax efficient manner. Dan discusses how to predict the amount of grants and scholarships each college will offer your student, prior to applying, so you know exactly what to expect in terms of financing. This webinar is designed to help parents who qualify for need-based financial aid, as well as those who do not.
Video
Executive Functioning & Neurodiversity
- Special Education & PHSC @ New Trier
Presentation | Video
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Movie Screening and Panel Discussion: The Disruptors
The Disruptors documentary follows five families as they navigate the challenges and surprising triumphs of living with ADHD. Following the screening, Nancy Burgoyne Ph.D., Chief Clinical Officer at The Family Institute at Northwestern led a panel discussion featuring, Megan Zajac, Director of Special Education at New Trier, Hannah Kreps and Nikki Slade, Psychologists at New Trier, and Dawn Livorsi D.S.W., LCSW, Staff Therapist at The Family Institute. Video
Mental Health & Wellbeing
- Substance Use Risk in Teens
A panel of experts shared insight into current trends affecting teens, early warning signs parents should know, and the powerful role parents play in reducing risk through connection, communication, and support. Panelists included:
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Kris Hummel, LCSW, CADC, New Trier’s Student Assistance Program Coordinator and Social Worker
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Aaron Weiner, PhD, a board-certified psychologist and the Executive Vice President of the Prevention Research Institute. A past president of the Society of Addiction Psychology, Dr. Weiner is a clinician, author, consultant, and national speaker on issues related to addiction prevention, treatment, and public health policy.
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Guy Sutherland, a 2010 New Trier alum who currently works as Director of Residence Life at Providence Farm, a sober living facility on the North Shore.
Presentation | Video
- Building Bridges - Helping Your Student Navigate Healthy Relationships
Parents are invited to join a panel discussion providing valuable insights into adolescent development, healthy relationships, and recognizing unhealthy relationship behaviors. They will also share effective parenting strategies to support your student’s well-being. Panelists will include:
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Book Discussion: Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverted Kids
Did you know that at least one-third of all people are introverts? It's quite possible that your student is one of them. To delve into the power of introversion and foster a better understanding of the topic, Principal Denise Dubravec and Elizabeth Bennett, New Trier's Music & Theatre Department Chair, and a self-proclaimed introvert will explore the strengths of introversion, provide valuable insights to help introverted individuals build confidence, and discuss strategies for thriving in a world that often values extroversion.
Video -
Eating Disorders: What You Should Know and How You Can Help
Principal Denise Dubravec led an informative discussion addressing the recent increase in eating disorders among teenagers across the country. Joined by a panel of esteemed experts in the fields of medicine, mental health, and adolescent development, each specializing in eating disorders. They provided valuable insights on identifying signs of disordered thinking about eating and eating patterns, offered guidance on how to communicate health-promoting behaviors, ways to equip our young individuals with the tools they need to maintain a healthy relationship with their bodies and food, and strategies and resources for intervening. Panelists included:
- Kris Hummel, New Trier’s Student Assistance Program Coordinator and Social Worker
- Kristen Anderson, Co-founder and therapist for Chicago Center for Evidenced Base Treatment
- Sara Desai, Co-founder and therapist for Chicago Center for Evidenced Base Treatment
- Dr. Sejal Danawala, Adolescent Medicine, Pediatrics and Internal Medicine at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
- Supporting Youth Mental Health During Uncertainty: What Parents and Educators Should Know & How They Can Help
New Trier High School and the New Trier Parents’ Association present Supporting Youth Mental Health During Uncertainty: What Parents and Educators Should Know & How They Can Help. It is no longer news that there is a youth mental health crisis. According to the American Psychological Association (2022), mental health problems are pervasive and profoundly affect children’s education, safety, and futures. Dr. Nancy Burgoyne, Chief Clinical Officer, and Dr. Smita Gautam, board certified child and adolescent psychiatrist at The Family Institute at Northwestern University shared what parents and educators should know and how they can help current research and discussed the factors that impact mental health, strategies parents can employ to support their child when they are struggling, and how to access and amplify adolescents’ capacity for resilience.
Video | Presentation
Technology
- Emerging Technology: Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Preparing the Next Generation of New Trier Students
Assistant Superintendent Peter Tragos, Chief Technology Officer Michael Marassa and Instructional Technology Manager Jacqui Pritchard addressed how New Trier is utilizing emerging technology to prepare the next generation of students.
Topics covered included:- Evolution of Machine Learning & AI
- Explosion of Generative AI & The Future of Work
- AI Education for New Trier Teachers & Students, Impact on Teaching and Learning
Community Partner

New Trier is a proud partner with the Glenbard Parent Series (GPS) to provide our families with access to informative sessions and valuable resources that support their children’s growth and development. These FREE presentations feature world-renowned authors, clinicians, and speakers and are open to all families.
Most programs are offered virtually at noon and 7 p.m. Central Time, with no registration required.
View upcoming GPS sessions here, and visit their YouTube channel to view their library of past programs, including clips and Q&A sessions.
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