Media Archives - Alive Center - Naperville & Aurora

Inside the Teen Mind Episode 8: The Double-Edged Scroll

Kandice — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 22:30:31 +0000

Inside the Teen Mind Episode 8: The Double-Edged Scroll

By Dr. Lisa Konick & Amanda McMillen, LCSW | Inside the Teen Mind Podcast – Episode 8 Companion Article Social media has become a major part of how teens communicate, build friendships, explore their identities, and understand their place in the world. For parents and caregivers, however, it can be difficult to know when online activity is helping a teen feel connected and when it may be contributing to anxiety, comparison, isolation, or low self-esteem. Parents often hear that they should focus on limiting screen time. But what if the more meaningful question is not simply how much time a teen spends online, but how that time makes them feel? Episode 8 of Inside the Teen Mind, “The Double-Edged Scroll: Social Media and Teen Mental Health,” is now available. In this episode, Dr. Lisa Konick of Konick & Associates and ALIVE Center Executive Director Amanda McMillen explore the emotional experiences unfolding behind teens’ screens. Rather than labeling social media as entirely “good” or “bad,” they help parents understand the different ways teens engage online and how those patterns can affect confidence, relationships, identity, sleep, and emotional well-being.

The Same Screen Time Can Affect Teens Differently

Two teens may spend the exact same amount of time on social media but walk away from that experience feeling completely different. One teen may feel inspired, entertained, and connected to friends. Another may leave the same platform feeling excluded, anxious, or as though everyone else is happier, more successful, or more accepted. That is why screen time alone does not always tell the whole story. The emotional impact of social media can depend on several factors, including:

The type of content a teen is viewing
How frequently they compare themselves to others
Whether they are actively connecting or passively scrolling
The role group chats and online feedback play in their friendships
Whether social media is being used for creativity, belonging, distraction, or emotional escape
How they feel about themselves before and after going online

Understanding these patterns can help adults move beyond arguments about phones and begin having more productive conversations about what teens are actually experiencing.

The Four Social Media Profiles

In this episode, Dr. Konick and Amanda introduce four social media profiles that can help parents better understand the emotional needs behind their teen’s online habits. These profiles are not permanent labels. A teen may move between them depending on their stress level, friendships, environment, or stage of development.

The Social Comparator

The Social Comparator often uses social media as a way to measure appearance, popularity, achievement, or self-worth. After scrolling, these teens may feel as though everyone else is doing better, looking better, or experiencing more than they are. Parents may notice mood changes after social media use, increased sensitivity about appearance, or pressure to be perfect.

The Avoidant Scroller

The Avoidant Scroller uses social media to escape boredom, stress, anxiety, or uncomfortable emotions. Scrolling may temporarily help them disconnect from what they are feeling, but it can also interfere with sleep, responsibilities, hobbies, family connection, and healthier coping strategies.

The Identity Explorer

The Identity Explorer uses social media to express creativity, explore interests, find communities, and learn more about who they are. This can be a meaningful and healthy part of adolescent development. Challenges can arise, however, when a teen’s confidence becomes overly dependent on likes, views, comments, or approval from others.

The Socially Dependent Connector

The Socially Dependent Connector relies heavily on group chats, messages, and online responsiveness to feel included and secure in their friendships. Delayed responses, unread messages, or being left out of a conversation can feel deeply personal. Even though these teens may be constantly connected online, they can still experience loneliness, fear of missing out, and anxiety about where they stand socially.

What Parents and Caregivers Will Learn

Episode 8 offers a balanced and research-informed perspective designed to help adults better understand the “why” behind teen social media habits. Listeners will learn:

What the four social media profiles may reveal about a teen’s emotional well-being
Why the same amount of screen time can lead to very different outcomes
How to recognize when scrolling is helping a teen connect versus leaving them anxious, isolated, or feeling “not enough”
Why group chats, likes, views, and delayed responses can carry so much emotional weight
How parents can approach conversations with curiosity instead of immediately creating another conflict over phones
Practical ways to help teens notice how online experiences affect their mood, confidence, and relationships

Moving From Control to Conversation

When adults are worried about a teen’s social media use, it can be tempting to begin with restrictions, consequences, or demands to put the phone away. Boundaries are still important, particularly when social media is disrupting sleep, school, family life, or emotional well-being. However, rules are often more effective when they are paired with curiosity and open communication. Instead of beginning with, “You’re always on your phone,” parents might ask:

“How do you usually feel after you’ve been scrolling?”
“Does social media make you feel more connected lately, or more stressed?”
“Are there certain accounts or group chats that leave you feeling worse?”
“What parts of being online feel fun or supportive to you?”
“Is there anything happening online that feels difficult to manage?”

These questions give teens an opportunity to reflect on their experiences without immediately feeling criticized or punished. The goal is not to ignore unhealthy habits. It is to help teens build the awareness and skills they will need to make healthier choices for themselves.

Helping Teens Build Connection Beyond the Screen

Social media can offer meaningful opportunities for creativity, friendship, and belonging. At the same time, teens also need places where they can connect in person without worrying about likes, followers, filters, or online performance. At ALIVE Center, teens are given opportunities to build real relationships, explore their interests, develop leadership skills, and feel accepted for who they are. Our teen-led, teen-driven programs create low-pressure spaces where young people can step away from online expectations and experience genuine community. These offline experiences can be especially valuable for teens who feel isolated, overwhelmed by comparison, or unsure of where they belong.

Listen to Episode 8

If you have ever wondered whether social media is affecting your teen’s mental health, or how to know when online habits are becoming a problem, this is an episode you will not want to miss. Listen to Episode 8 of Inside the Teen Mind: “The Double-Edged Scroll: Social Media and Teen Mental Health.” [LISTEN TO EPISODE 8] Inside the Teen Mind helps parents, caregivers, educators, and other supportive adults better understand adolescence through honest, research-informed conversations. The podcast is co-hosted by Dr. Lisa Konick of Konick & Associates and Amanda McMillen, Executive Director of ALIVE Center.

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Alive Center, Nicor Gas and the City of Aurora Partner for Free Trades Career Fair

Kandice — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 16:58:47 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alive Center, Nicor Gas and the City of Aurora Partner for Free Trades Career Fair

Alive Center and Nicor Gas, in partnership with the City of Aurora, invite teens, young adults and community members to explore hands-on, living-wage career opportunities at the Aurora Trades Career Fair on Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 13 S. Water St. in downtown Aurora. The free event will connect attendees directly with local employers, unions and trade professionals representing utilities, plumbing, construction, union trades, apprenticeships and skilled labor. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, learn more about training and apprenticeship pathways, and meet people currently building careers in these high-demand fields. Nicor Gas, Miller Plumbing, Local Union 19 and additional local partners will be on-site to share insight into the wide range of opportunities available throughout the trades. “This event is about helping young people and community members see possibilities they may not have been exposed to before,” said Amanda McMillen, Executive Director of Alive Center. “The trades offer meaningful, stable careers, and there is nothing quite like being able to meet the people doing that work, ask honest questions and begin connecting what you are good at with a path forward.” The Aurora Trades Career Fair will also take place alongside the City of Aurora’s Touch-A-Truck event, giving attendees a chance to see vehicles, equipment and tools connected to these careers up close. Alive Center’s mission is to create Teen-Led, Teen-Driven centers focused on empowering the youth of today to become confident, impassioned, resilient leaders of tomorrow. Creating access to real-world career exploration is one more way Alive helps teens build confidence, make connections and envision futures that fit who they are. The Aurora Trades Career Fair is free and open to the public. For more information, visit alivecenter.org or follow Alive Center on social media. ### About the Alive Center The Alive Center is a nonprofit teen center dedicated to empowering youth through its Teen-Led, Teen-Driven model. Offering free after-school drop-in hours, leadership opportunities, mentoring, STEM, preventative mental health programming, and community service initiatives, Alive gives teens a safe space to belong, discover their passions, and develop skills that prepare them for life.

Media Contact:

Maggie Weiterman Director of Marketing & Development Alive Center, NFP maggie@alivecenter.org | 630.778.6093 www.alivecenter.org

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Alive Center Offers Affordable Teen-Led Summer Programs Focused on Leadership, Mental Health, STEM, and Creativity

Kandice — Fri, 22 May 2026 20:56:00 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alive Center Offers Affordable Teen-Led Summer Programs Focused on Leadership, Mental Health, STEM, and Creativity

This summer, Alive Center is excited to offer its ATI (Alive Teen Initiative) Summer Programs, a unique lineup of Teen-Led, Teen-Driven experiences designed to help youth explore their passions, build confidence, and connect with peers in a safe and supportive environment. Created by teens and led by teens, the ATI Summer Programs offer a wide range of affordable and accessible opportunities for students in grades 3–12. Programs focus on leadership development, preventative mental health, STEM and AI exploration, creativity, self-expression, and life skills, while giving teens meaningful opportunities to lead and make an impact. This year’s lineup includes programs such as Interactive Machine Learning, Teen-Led Career Fair, Hands Up ASL, Women Crossing Boundaries, Alive with Pride, Future Millionaires, Dungeons & Dragons, AstroThink, Code for Kids, Crafting Future Physicians, Brain Training Games, Summer Show Choir, and Tranquil Teens, which focuses on mental health awareness through games, conversation, and interactive activities. Many programs are completely free, while others are offered at a low-cost $25 registration fee to ensure accessibility for families. “At Alive, we believe every teen deserves opportunities to discover who they are, build meaningful relationships, and develop confidence in their abilities,” said Executive Director Amanda McMillen.“These programs are intentionally designed to be engaging, welcoming, and empowering, while also providing preventative mental health support through connection, belonging, and leadership.” Alive Center’s Teen-Led, Teen-Driven model empowers teens to take an active role in shaping programs and experiences for their peers. By centering youth voice and leadership, Summer Programs create an environment where young people feel seen, valued, and inspired to grow. Programs begin in June and run throughout the summer. Registration is now open. For more information or to register, visit alivecenter.org ###

About Alive Center

Alive Center is a nonprofit organization creating Teen-Led, Teen-Driven centers focused on empowering the youth of today to become the confident, impassioned, resilient leaders of tomorrow. Through free Drop-In services, leadership opportunities, mentoring, tutoring, and innovative programming, Alive provides preventative mental health support and safe spaces where teens can belong and thrive.

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Alive Teens Take the Lead

Kandice — Wed, 06 May 2026 20:32:50 +0000

Too often, adults underestimate what teens are capable of.

We talk about young people as “the future,” while overlooking the incredible leadership, creativity, compassion, and innovation they are already bringing into the world right now. At Alive, we believe teens are not waiting to become leaders someday, they are leaders today.

That belief is at the core of everything we do.

Alive’s Teen-Led, Teen-Driven model was built on a simple but powerful idea: when teens are trusted, supported, and given meaningful opportunities to lead, they rise to the occasion in extraordinary ways.

And they do.

Every day, Alive teens step into leadership roles that challenge them to think critically, collaborate, solve problems, support their peers, and create experiences that directly impact their communities. From leading Teen Advisory Boards and planning programs to mentoring younger teens, organizing service projects, and speaking at community events, Alive teens are actively shaping the culture around them.

What makes this leadership model so impactful is that it is authentic. Teens are not simply following directions created by adults. They are helping design programs, identify community needs, and bring their own ideas to life with guidance and support from mentors who believe in them.

This process builds far more than leadership skills.

It builds confidence.
It builds resilience.
It builds communication, empathy, and problem-solving.
It teaches teens that their ideas have value and that their voices deserve to be heard.

For many young people, this may be the first time they have ever felt truly empowered.

At Alive, we have seen shy teens become confident speakers. We have watched young people who once struggled to connect with peers become mentors and role models. We have seen teens discover passions for service, advocacy, technology, art, leadership, and community-building simply because someone gave them the opportunity to try.

And perhaps most importantly, we have seen teens begin to believe in themselves.

This generation of young people has so much to offer the world. They are thoughtful, creative, socially aware, compassionate, and deeply motivated to make a difference. They do not need adults to have all the answers for them. They need adults who will listen to them, invest in them, and create spaces where they can safely grow into their potential.

That is what Alive strives to be.

When teens take the lead, incredible things happen. Programs become more relevant. Communities become more connected. Young people feel ownership over the spaces they help create. And leadership becomes something they experience firsthand rather than simply something they hear about in theory.

At Alive, we are proud to create opportunities where teens are not just participants, but decision-makers, creators, innovators, and leaders.

Because when young people are empowered to lead, they don’t just change their own lives.

They change communities.

They inspire others.

And they remind all of us what is possible when we believe in the next generation.

Funding for the Teen Tech Tutors Program was provided by AT&T.

#TheAliveWay #MarchingForward #TeensTaketheLead #EveryTeenDeservesAlive

Video by Sidekick Media

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Your 2026 Mardi Gras Details Are Here!

Kandice — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 20:37:42 +0000

We are so excited to celebrate with you at our Mardi Gras Gala: Marching Forward—Teens Take the Lead this Friday! Below are all the details you’ll need for a smooth and memorable evening. Event Details Date: Friday, April 24, 2026 Time: 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM Location: Chicago Marriott Naperville; Grand Ballroom - 1801 N Naper Boulevard, Naperville, IL

Check-In / Registration

To make your arrival as seamless as possible, we encourage you to pre-register in advance: PRE-REGISTER NOW Pre-registration allows you to skip the line and head straight into the celebration. You’ll also be ready to participate in games, auctions, and our paddle raise right away! Please be prepared to check in upon arrival. Our check-in lines will be organized alphabetically by last name, and a staff member will assist you in completing your account using your ID and credit card. Your credit card is required to participate in silent auction bidding, games, and the paddle raise. We appreciate your help in making this process smooth so you can enjoy the evening!

What to Expect

This is not your typical gala, our teens are taking the lead! You’ll enjoy:

Teen-led activities and interactive tables
Silent & live auctions with exciting packages
Heads or Tails game
Inspiring teen stories and speakers
A lively paddle raise to support Alive teens
Music, celebration, and a high-energy after-party

Attire

Cocktail attire with a festive Mardi Gras flair encouraged! Feel free to bring your beads, masks, and bold colors.

Parking

Complimentary parking is available at the hotel. Please park in the lot and enter through the main side door which leads directly to the Grand Ballroom.

Our Mission

Every moment of the evening supports Alive Teen Centers, providing free, safe, and empowering spaces for teens to belong, grow, and lead. We can’t wait to welcome you for an unforgettable night where our teens truly take the lead.

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Families and Teens – register on DASH today!

Kandice — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 21:53:50 +0000

We’re excited to share that Alive Teen Center is moving to a new system called Dash, a centralized platform we’ll be using for check-ins, registration, waivers, program updates, and communication, all in one place.

After months of behind-the-scenes planning and staff testing, we’re ready to roll Dash out community-wide. This transition is an important step as Alive continues to grow, and it reflects our commitment to creating a smoother, more connected experience for teens, families, and caregivers.

Dash will make daily check-ins faster and easier at the center, improve communication around programs and schedules, and ensure we always have the most accurate contact and emergency information on file, helping us keep teens safe, supported, and connected.

What we need from you

To help make this transition as smooth as possible, we’re asking all families to complete a quick, one-time re-registration in our new system. The process only takes a few minutes and will ensure everything runs seamlessly moving forward.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we take this next step together. We truly appreciate your help in keeping Alive a safe, welcoming, and well-connected space for teens.

Click here to register for DASH NAPERVILLE

Click here to register for DASH AURORA

Click here to register for DASH HANOVER PARK

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Teen-Led Solutions, Community Impact: The Power of Teen Tech Tutors

Kandice — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 14:56:42 +0000

As part of Teen Tech Tutors, Alive Naperville Teen Advisory Board members provide tutoring services to older adults in multiple senior living communities throughout our area

This unique program is supported by a grant through AT&T to fund the Teen Tech Tutors program, an intergenerational initiative where trained teen leaders provide one-on-one technology assistance to older adults throughout the community.

Powered by Alive’s signature Teen-Led, Teen-Driven model, Teen Tech Tutors does more than teach technology. The program strengthens digital literacy and access for seniors while cultivating leadership, confidence, and purpose in teens, bridging generational divides through meaningful, human connection.

“Thanks to the generosity of AT&T, our teens will be able to reach even more seniors who are struggling to keep up in today’s digital world,” said Kandice Henning, Founder and CEO of the Alive Center. “This grant allows us to empower teens to take on meaningful leadership roles while providing a vital service that promotes connection, independence, and inclusion for older adults.”

About Teen Tech Tutors

Teen Tech Tutors empowers teens ages 15–18 to assist seniors with essential technology skills, including using smartphones and tablets, video calling, email, telehealth apps, and online safety best practices. Offered at no cost to participants, the program has already helped many older adults feel more confident, capable, and connected in an increasingly digital world.

With support from AT&T, the Alive Center will:

Expand programming across its Naperville, Aurora, and Hanover Park locations
Train additional teen leaders in digital literacy, customer service, and mentorship
Increase access for underserved seniors in surrounding communities
Enhance tutoring experiences by utilizing technology and learning tools through AT&T’s Connected Learning resources

Impact Beyond Technology

Teen Tech Tutors directly addresses social isolation, one of the greatest health risks facing older adults today while offering teens real-world leadership experience, professional skill-building, and a strong sense of purpose. In 2024, more than 78% of Alive teens reported increased confidence, and 71% reported improved leadership skills through programs like Teen Tech Tutors.

Through Teen Tech Tutors, Alive teens are not only closing the digital divide, they’re building relationships, strengthening communities, and proving that when teens are trusted to lead, everyone benefits.

During a recent Teen Tech Tutoring session to a local senior living center, teens spent the afternoon helping residents with everyday tech, showing them how to send text messages, navigate apps, and stay connected with family and friends. What started as a simple tech lesson quickly became something much more meaningful. Through patience, kindness, and genuine connection, our teens are building bridges across generations and making a real difference in the lives of seniors in our community.

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NEWS: Alive Aurora is now open five days a week

Kandice — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 14:38:48 +0000

Big News for Aurora Teens & Families!

We’re thrilled to kick off the new year with an exciting announcement for the Aurora community: Alive Aurora is now open five days a week! Starting January 2025, Alive Aurora will welcome teens Monday through Friday, from 3:00–7:00 pm, giving students more opportunities than ever to connect, unwind, and thrive in a safe, teen-led space after school.

But that’s not all.

Thanks to the generous support of Dunham Foundation, we’re excited to now offer direct after-school transportation from:

Washington Middle School
Jefferson Middle School

This new transportation option removes a major barrier for families and makes it even easier for teens to access Alive’s free, supportive programming right after the school day ends. At Alive Aurora, teens find more than just a place to hang out—they find belonging, leadership opportunities, academic support, and positive relationships with peers and trusted adults. Expanding our hours and adding transportation means more teens can participate, more consistently, in a space designed just for them.

Transportation spots are limited and expected to fill quickly.

If you have a student attending Washington Middle School or Jefferson Middle School, we encourage you to complete our interest form as soon as possible. Our team will follow up with next steps.

Interest Form:
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSfmX.../viewform...

We can’t wait to welcome more Aurora teens into our space and continue building a community where every young person feels seen, supported, and inspired to come alive.

Alive Teen Center - Aurora 406 W Galena Boulevard Aurora, IL 60506

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NEWS: Alive Teen Center Announces 2026 Mardi Gras Fundraiser Leadership

Kandice — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 19:35:07 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alive Teen Center Announces 2026 Mardi Gras Fundraiser Leadership: Jen Mendoza Named Chair and Felipe Rocha Named Co-Chair for Mardi Gras – Teens Take the Lead

Naperville/Aurora/Hanover Park, IL — January 1, 2026 — Alive Teen Center, an evidence-based, award-winning nonprofit dedicated to strengthening teen mental health through connection, leadership, and belonging, is proud to announce Jen Mendoza as Chair of its signature fundraiser, Mardi Gras Marching Forward – Teens Take the Lead, with Felipe Rocha serving as Co-Chair. Alive’s Mardi Gras fundraiser celebrates the organization’s trademarked Teen-Led, Teen-Driven model, an approach that empowers teens to shape programs, lead with confidence, and build purpose in a safe, supportive community. Proceeds from the event directly support Alive Teen Center’s free programs and drop-in services for teens ages 11–18 across its teen centers in Naperville, Aurora, and Hanover Park. “Jen and Felipe bring the kind of leadership and community spirit that perfectly matches the heart of this event,” said Amanda McMillen, Alive Teen Center Executive Director. “Their partnership will help expand awareness and support for the teens who rely on Alive as a place to belong, grow, and thrive.” As Chair, Jen Mendoza will lead event strategy, sponsorship engagement, and community outreach, working closely with the planning committee to ensure the fundraiser reflects Alive’s mission and the energy of teen leadership. As Co-Chair, Felipe Rocha will support sponsor and community partner engagement, helping to broaden event reach and deepen impact across the region. “Serving as Mardi Gras Chair alongside Felipe Rocha as Co-Chair is both an honor and a full-circle moment for me. I have supported Alive Teen Center since the opening of its Aurora location and have witnessed the powerful role it plays in creating safe, inclusive spaces for teens. As a mother of three whose children receive support and resources through Alive, I feel privileged to now sit on the Executive Board and contribute to advancing a mission that strengthens youth and families throughout our community,” said Jen Mendoza. Alive Teen Center provides preventative mental health support through free, teen-led programming, creating space for connection before challenges escalate into crisis. Through drop-in hours, leadership development, tutoring, mentorship, and enrichment opportunities, Alive helps teens feel seen, supported, and valued. Mardi Gras Marching Forward - Teens Take the Lead will be held on April 24, 2026 at Naperville Marriot from 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM. Sponsorship opportunities are available and tickets will go on sale February 16. Community members and businesses interested in supporting Mardi Gras Marching Forward- Teens Take the Lead can contact Alive Teen Center at maggie@alivecenter.org or visit alivecenter.org

About Alive Teen Center

Alive Teen Center is an evidence-based, award-winning nonprofit dedicated to strengthening teen mental health through connection, leadership, and belonging. Rooted in its trademarked Teen-Led, Teen-Driven model, Alive provides free drop-in and enrichment programming for teens ages 11–18 at teen centers in Naperville, Aurora, and Hanover Park, helping young people build confidence, resilience, and purpose. Media Contact: Maggie Weiterman Director of Marketing & Development, Alive Teen Center 630.778.6093 maggie@alivecenter.org ###

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ALIVE has officially launched an innovative social franchise model

rafal-sdhusdf — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 23:13:32 +0000

Naperville-based Alive Center for Teens to start franchising

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