ERICA WHITFIELD, MACP, LMHC, BC-TMH

Licensed Mental Health Counselor 

Executive Functioning Coach 

Founder of Positive Development, LLC

Topic: Battle of the Brains: How Parents & Kids Can Beat School Stress Together

School stress doesn’t just affect kids—it stresses out parents too. And when everyone’s brain is overwhelmed, it’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of frustration and conflict which makes things worse. In this session, we’ll talk about what’s really going on in our brains when stress hits, and share some simple, down-to-earth ways to stay calm and connected during tough moments. Join this thoughtful, accessible session designed to support both you and your child through the ups and downs of school stress.

1. Gain insight into how your child’s brain—and your own—responds to school stress, and why it can lead to conflict.

2. Recognize the emotional triggers that cause tension at home and how to spot them before things escalate.

3. Learn simple, effective tools to help you and your child stay calm, connected, and better equipped to handle school-related challenges together.

Register FREE for TEFOS '25 here >

About Erica

Erica Whitfield is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist and author of the book, Effortless Until Now: What to Do When High-Performing Kids Begin Struggling in School. She has over 15 years of therapy experience working with children and adolescents and is the Founder of Positive Development, a therapy and executive functioning skills practice located in Florida.

As a past high-performing student throughout her academic career in private school and public magnet school settings, Erica is uniquely positioned to understand and address the challenges faced by gifted, creative, and high-performing kids.

Erica helps kids manage stress and anxiety, improve their organization and executive functioning skills, process difficult life adjustments, form healthier relationships, and perform better in school. Through her extensive history working in schools, the community, and coaching on international platforms, she has helped hundreds of kids unleash their capabilities, transform obstacles into opportunities, and find healthy ways to express their energy and creativity.