Breakout Sessions

As a mom, it’s easy to put your own health on the back burner while focusing on your children’s well-being. However, taking care of yourself is just as important. Navigating the healthcare system can also feel overwhelming, especially when you’re adjusting to a new doctor, dealing with insurance changes, or moving to a new area. In this session, Doreen Forsythe, BSN, RN, Women’s Health Navigator at AdventHealth for Women, will share practical tips on how to prioritize your health, simplify the process of accessing care, and ensure you and your family’s health needs are met. Whether you’re a busy mom or just looking to better manage your health, this session will give you the tools you need to stay on track and feel your best.

Join James Lee, founder of Rock Self Defense, for an engaging and hands-on workshop designed to empower women with essential self-defense skills and awareness. A Martial Arts Weapons expert, Hollywood Stunt Double, Hand-to-Hand Combat specialist, and actor (you may recognize him as Willis in the 2023 movie Plane starring Gerard Butler), James brings real-world expertise and experience to this dynamic session. Learn practical techniques that can help you stay safe, boost your confidence, and improve your personal safety awareness.

Whitney Brown, creator of Whitney Brown Events and Grown Woman-ish, will lead an empowering, judgment-free forum on the dynamics of co-parenting and parallel parenting. In this session, Whitney will help you navigate the challenges of raising children with someone who may not be on the same page. Learn how to effectively communicate, set boundaries, and create a positive co-parenting or parallel parenting plan that puts your children’s well-being first. Discover how you can still be the MAIN Author of your family’s story, even when you’re not on the same page or in the same book!

The experts at Inlign Auto, proud sponsor of the Single Mom Summit, will host a hands-on workshop focused on the essential skills every car owner should know. Whether you currently own a car or are planning to purchase one in the future, this workshop will guide you through the basics of car maintenance, empowering you with the knowledge to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely. Learn practical tips, step-by-step procedures, and expert advice on how to properly care for your car, saving you time, money, and stress down the road.

Join Dawn Sipley, a seasoned HR expert and child of a single parent, for a dynamic session on how to strategically navigate the job market to maximize your salary and secure top-tier offers. In this workshop, Dawn will share essential tips for crafting a standout resume, asking the right questions during interviews, and identifying toxic work environments. By mastering these key skills, you’ll position yourself to land high-paying roles with healthy companies that prioritize work-life balance—giving you the opportunity to thrive both professionally and as a parent.


Discover the Full Scope of Habitat for Humanity’s Impact

Think Habitat for Humanity is only about constructing homes? Think again! In this informative session, you’ll learn about the wide range of free community resources Habitat for Humanity offers, from home repair programs to financial literacy workshops. Discover the pathway to homeownership with Habitat, including the steps you can take to qualify and prepare for a future as a homeowner. Whether you’re seeking assistance or dreaming of owning your own home, this session will provide valuable insights and resources to help you along the way.

 Using ACEs to Empower Your Healing Journey

Join Cendie Stanford, a featured panelist at the Single Mom Summit, for an insightful session that explores the profound impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how understanding them can empower you on your path to healing. Cendie will guide you through the process of becoming trauma-informed, helping you recognize the lasting effects of ACEs and how this knowledge can unlock personal growth, resilience, and healing. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable tools for transforming your life and fostering a deeper sense of self-awareness and empowerment.

Kelly Mawhinney, former Seminole County educator, founder of Coach Kelly Live (https://coachkellylive.com) and single mom of two young adults, shares how essential it is to construct a village of support for your family as a single mom. Homes have more than one load bearing wall and your home needs that too. Learn the 10 pillars of support to consider, including education and skill development, to help them achieve their highest potential.

Bored with your daily menus?  Tired of the mental gymnastics required to plan and cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner?  Discover new ideas for fast, healthy meals that won’t break the bank.  Join Healthy Cooking Enthusiast, Chrissy Mifsud, as she cooks a gluten-free, allergen-friendly, stress-free meal—right before your eyes—in 20 minutes.  And of course you get to taste!  Learn easy kitchen hacks and the secrets of drastically cutting meal planning and cooking time—and finally put an end to stressing over what to make for dinner!

In this breakout session, Eryn Vargo, a seasoned entrepreneur, single mother, and the Founder and CEO of Mom Commerce Media, will guide you through the essentials of building meaningful relationships and developing your personal network. Navigating single parenthood can often feel isolating, but one of the most powerful tools in building a fulfilling life is learning to connect with others. Whether you’re looking to alleviate loneliness, find support, or expose your children to new friendships, this session will provide you with the tools to thrive. Eryn will share practical strategies for connecting with your community, how to form authentic relationships, and how to get over the discomfort of stepping outside your comfort zone to build the network you deserve. You’ll leave this session with 3 key takeaways: understanding the importance of connection and how to actively cultivate it, learning how to build authentic, lasting relationships with others, and gaining simple, actionable networking skills to start making connections and expanding your social circle today.

Maggie Jobson, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and co-founder of Quandary Counseling and Consulting, knows that being a single mom often means juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, which can leave little time or energy for yourself. In this empowering breakout session, we will explore practical and effective self-care strategies that fit into your busy life. You’ll learn how to prioritize your well-being, manage stress, and find balance—without feeling guilty.

This session will cover mindful practices, and simple ways to incorporate self-care into your daily routine. Whether you need to refresh your mind, boost your energy, or nurture your emotional health, this session will help you reclaim time for yourself and learn to care for the most important person in your life—YOU!

Navigating legal challenges can be overwhelming, especially when you’re balancing life as a single mom. In this informative session, you’ll learn about the free legal services available to you through Community Legal Services in Central Florida. Our expert speaker will guide you through the various programs that provide assistance with family law, housing issues, child support, domestic violence, and more. Whether you’re facing a legal hurdle or simply want to be empowered with knowledge about your rights, this session will equip you with the tools and support you need to take action. Join us to gain confidence and clarity in your legal journey, and discover how these free services can help you create a stronger future for you and your family.

Lisa Linn, owner of Bee Organized, knows that being organized in your home is essential—it saves time and money and reduces stress. When everything has a designated place, you no longer waste time searching for items or spending extra money replacing things you already own but can’t find. A cluttered home can also take an emotional toll, leading to feelings of embarrassment or even preventing you from inviting others over due to fear of judgment. But organizing doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Start small—take your junk drawer, for example. Empty it out, group similar items together, and decide what truly belongs there. Discard anything unnecessary, then use an inexpensive drawer divider to keep everything in its place. That’s it! The same simple process applies to any space in your home, making organization more manageable and less intimidating. Attend this class to get practical tips of home decluttering and organization.

First-Time Homebuyer: Navigating the Path to Homeownership

Are you ready to take the exciting step toward homeownership but feel overwhelmed by the process? Join Olivia Reese of Sovereign Mortgage and Financing by Reese for a comprehensive guide to becoming a first-time homebuyer. Whether you’re dreaming of owning your own home in the future, or ready to start the process, this class will walk you through the essential steps and help you understand what to expect every step of the way. You will be provided the tools, resources, and confidence you need to make informed decisions so you can leave the session with a roadmap for your homeownership journey.

More Breakout Sessions Coming Soon