What does it really mean to “succeed” in 2025—and how can we help our kids get there without burning out?
In this honest, insightful, and timely webinar, Dr. Patty Crisostomo, licensed clinical psychologist at Children’s Health Council (CHC), joins Genavae Pierre Dixon, Mental Health & Wellness Supervisor at PAUSD, and Rani Jayakumar, VP of Health & Wellness for the Palo Alto Council of PTAs (PTAC), to explore how we can better support student wellbeing in high-achieving communities.
Moderated by CHC’s outreach team, the conversation balances expert insight with real-world perspectives from families navigating these pressures today.
What you’ll learn in this presentation:
- How chronic stress impacts youth mental health
- The difference between healthy striving and perfectionism
- Cultural, academic, and socioeconomic pressures teens face today
- CBT vs. DBT and how these therapies support emotional wellness
- Actionable ways to build resilience, rest, and community
- A fresh framework for defining success beyond grades and college admissions
Watch the video:
Palo Alto Unified School District Presentation, May 5, 2025
View the slides:
Download a PDF of the slides.
Meet The CHC Expert
Patrice Crisostomo, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and Clinical Program Manager at CHC. She specializes in comprehensive psychological assessments and evidence-based treatments for children, adolescents, and families, with expertise in anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, and autism. Dr. Crisostomo earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver and completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University’s Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital. A California native, she enjoys cooking, hiking, yoga, and traveling.
