This fall, University High School is offering several small-group opportunities designed to support students’ social and emotional well-being, build connections, and develop skills they can use both in and out of school.
Each group has a different focus, from managing stress and building friendships to exploring identity and practicing communication through Dungeons & Dragons. Groups are facilitated by mental health professionals and are designed to provide students with a welcoming, supportive space to connect, reflect, and grow.
Space is limited. Explore the options below to find a group that may be a good fit for your student.
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Recharge & Reset Series
First and third Tuesdays, 10:20 to 10:50 a.m.
September 1, 15; October 20; November 3, 17; December 1
7 sessions | Cost: $175
Deadline to register: Monday, August 31
School can be busy. Recharge & Reset gives students a built-in opportunity to step away from the demands of the day, recharge, and learn practical ways to manage stress and prevent burnout.
During these 30-minute sessions, students will explore strategies they can use throughout the school day to manage stress, strengthen emotional regulation, and create a healthier balance between academics, activities, relationships, and personal well-being. There’s no homework and no added pressure, just dedicated time to pause, reset, and reconnect.
This group may be a good fit for students who:
- Feel stressed, overwhelmed, or stretched thin.
- Have high expectations for themselves and want to find a more sustainable balance.
- Want practical strategies for managing stress and building resilience.
- Would benefit from having dedicated time during the school day to recharge
This group is facilitated by Michelle Karpinski, a student intern who works with teens and adults navigating stress, relationships, identity, and life transitions. Her collaborative, strengths-based approach focuses on helping clients build clarity, confidence, and self-understanding.
Dungeons & Dragons Social Group
Thursdays, 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
September 10, 17, 24; October 1, 22, 29; November 5, 12
Cost: $265
Deadline to register: Friday, September 4
Dungeons & Dragons is a collaborative storytelling game where players work together to navigate quests, solve problems, and overcome challenges. In this group, students will use role-playing and gameplay to practice communication, collaboration, self-advocacy, perspective-taking, flexibility, and problem-solving, all while having fun with other students who share an interest in gaming and creative storytelling.
This group may be a good fit for students who:
- Enjoy gaming, role-playing, creativity, or collaborative storytelling.
- Want to build social confidence and strengthen communication skills.
- Find it easier to connect with others through shared interests.
- Want to practice flexibility, problem-solving, and self-advocacy in a supportive setting.
The group is facilitated by Luke Hatton, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker who has worked as a therapist since 2022. Luke has also been a Dungeons & Dragons Game Master since 2016 and is excited to bring together his experience in therapy and his love of D&D.
Compass: Discovering Your Direction
Thursdays, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
September 10, 17, 24; October 1, 22, 29
6 sessions | Cost: $150
Designed primarily for sophomores; juniors may participate as space allows.
Deadline to register: Friday, September 4
Who am I? What matters to me? And where might I want to go from here?
Compass gives students dedicated time to explore those questions before the college application process takes center stage. Through conversation and guided self-reflection, students will consider their interests, strengths, personality, and values and how those pieces might inform future academic, career, and personal choices.
The goal isn’t to have the future figured out. It’s to help students begin thinking intentionally about who they are, what matters to them, and the direction they may want to explore.
This group may be a good fit for students who:
- Are curious about possible career paths and life after high school.
- Want to better understand their strengths, interests, values, and personality.
- Would benefit from time to think about identity and purpose without the pressure of making immediate decisions.
- Enjoy reflection and conversation with peers who are asking similar questions.
The group is facilitated by Amanda Taylor, a counseling intern pursuing her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Butler University. She brings more than 20 years of experience in education and takes a holistic, relationship-centered approach to her work.
Connections
Mondays at 8:00 a.m.
October 19, 26; November 2, 9, 16, 23
6 sessions | Cost: $150
Deadline to register: Friday, October 9
Friendships and social situations can be complicated. Connections gives students a supportive place to build social confidence, strengthen communication skills, and develop more genuine and healthy relationships with their peers.
Through guided conversations and activities, students will practice navigating common social challenges, communicating authentically, handling changing friendship dynamics, and connecting with others.
This group may be a good fit for students who:
- Want to feel more confident connecting with peers.
- Would like to build stronger, more authentic friendships.
- Are navigating friendship changes, conflict, or other social challenges.
- Want a supportive place to practice communication and relationship skills.
This group is facilitated by Aejah Levi, a student intern who works with children and teens to build confidence, coping skills, and resilience. She takes a warm, supportive approach focused on helping young people feel understood, empowered, and better equipped to navigate emotional and social challenges.
Questions about small groups can be directed to Lade Akande, Director of Wellness.