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College of Saint Mary OT Student Plans Ice Skating Program Focusing on Improving Mental Health of Children

Monday, March 4, 2024

OMAHA, Neb. – A College of Saint Mary occupational therapy student will host a program focusing on improving the mental well-being of adolescents in the Omaha metro area through ice skating.

Michelle Davidson, who will graduate in May, has planned Skating Away Stress: A Mental Health Program for Adolescents for her capstone project, the last requirement before earning her degree.

“Overwhelming evidence shows that physical activity is just great for mental health,” said Davidson, an Omaha native who ice skated as a child. “With adolescents, it’s such an important time for social-emotional development, so that’s really why I wanted to target that area specifically.”

The interactive group ice skating program, open to children ages 10-18, will take place over several days in March at Grover Ice Rink, 6171 Grover St., Omaha. It is a therapeutic and leisurely way to promote positive mental health through engaging in physical and various mental health activities.

Participants will be grouped by age. Dates for the program include:

 

Group 1: Ages 10-14

  • Saturday, March 9, 2-4 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 16, 2:30-4 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 21, 5:45-7:15 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 28, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

Group 2: Ages 15-18

  • Saturday, March 9, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 16, 5-6:30 p.m.
  • Monday, March 25, 5:45-7:15 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 26, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

To sign up for the program, go to surveymonkey.com/r/BMHSBYS.