207-761-2709 | Monday - Friday, 9 am to 4 pm info@kidsfirstcenter.org

 Co-Parenting Through the Holidays: A FREE Webinar 

Thursday, November 14, 2024 • 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm (EDT)


Co-parenting during the holidays can be incredibly challenging and stressful, as families navigate conflicting schedules, emotional dynamics, and the desire to create joyful experiences for their children amidst the complexities of shared responsibilities. In this webinar, the Kids First Center explores how to create the best possible holiday season for your children while providing support and peace of mind for parents.  Join us to hear from Terri DeCoster and Christopher Leddy, seasoned Kids First facilitators as they discuss tools and resources to empower your holiday season.

This is a free event though pre-registration is required. 

  About the Kids First Center 

The Kids First Center for Co-Parent Education and Family Resilience, located in Scarborough, Maine, is committed to supporting families facing the challenges of co-parenting and transitions. Offering educational programs, workshops, and resources, the center promotes effective communication and collaboration between parents. Established to unite professionals from fields such as law and mental health, Kids First aims to enhance children's lives by reducing their exposure to conflict during divorce and separation. By prioritizing the well-being of children, the center empowers families to build resilience and navigate difficult times more effectively.

More about the Kids First Center at its website, kidsfirstcenter.org.

   Moderator

   Allie Sirrine

Allie Sirrine is a social worker and the Client Coordianator at the Kids First Center. In this role, Allie is responsible for managing and supporting all attendees of the center's programs and ensuring that they receive the necessary resources to help them on their co-parenting journey. 

Allie earned her Masters of Social Work from the University of Maryland.

  Presenters

   Christopher Leddy

Christopher Leddy is an attorney with Ainsworth, Thelin & Raftice in South Portland, Maine.  Having started his Family Law and Criminal Defense practice with ATR in 2010, Chris is a regular speaker at Family Law and Guardian seminars throughout Maine and teaches classes at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy to police cadets.  The early years of his legal career were spent in service to the State of Maine as an Assistant District Attorney in Cumberland County, and with the Attorney General’s office in the Child Protective Division.  He became a rostered Guardian Ad Litem in 2004 and was appointed to the initial Guardian Ad Litem Review board by the Law Court in 2015.  

Chris earned his JD from the University of Maine School of Law in 1996 and appears in Maine courts from Bangor to York.  

  

   Terri DeCoster

Terri DeCoster, MS CPC, is a mediator and parent educator and co-parenting consultant with a private practice in Falmouth, ME. Terri has a Master of Counseling Psychology and Bachelor of Science from Syracuse University. She has been involved with the Kids First Center in Portland, ME for over 20 years; as a founding member, past Board President, and current program facilitator. She is an experienced facilitator of psycho-educational groups for children, adults going through separation and divorce, and parents with new partners and stepparents. In May of 2018, Terri was honored with the Kids First Center Outstanding Service Award. She was also active in The Opportunity Alliance Mediation Services Program. Currently, Terri serves on the court roster for family matters in Portland and Biddeford, ME. She specializes in supporting families and individuals in transition through education, effective communication, parenting, and compassion giving special consideration to the experience of the child.

Terri earned her Masters from Alaska Pacific University, and facilitates the First Step and Parents with New Partners programs at the Kids First Center. 


    Fill for Free Registration

A Zoom link will be emailed to you prior to the event.


What Parents Say ...

“I learned how important our behavior (verbal and non-verbal) is, and how it impacts our children. How I can rise above all issues, and just focus on my babies.”

Next Step

Program Participant

“What I learned was that the best thing I can do for my kids is to say something good about their other parent!”

ICOPE

Program Participant

“I appreciated the focus on how many different relationships my/our kids are dealing with.”

Parents with New Partners

Program Participant

“I learned I am in control of my behavior; I can’t control my co-parent!”

First Step

Program Participant

“I received validation; it helped to know that I’m not alone. I appreciated the section on preparing for court – that is coming up soon and I am scared.”

Kids First for Women

Program Participant