Let’s face it! Teen life today is stressful! It doesn’t have to feel like it, though! In this one-semester psychology class, we will explore the causes of stress, signs of stress, the affects that stress can have on the body, how to avoid stress, stress reduction techniques, and creating your own stress management plan so you can beat stress and THRIVE!
SPECIAL NOTE #1: Tuition includes a user license for Yellowdig, an internal communications platform for students to use within Canvas. Yellowdig promotes deeper discussion and critical thinking skills.
SPECIAL NOTE #2: Please note that Dr. Gillies is not a licensed therapist, and this is not a forum for serious mental health issues. Occasionally topics of a more mature nature may surface, so please be aware prior to registering.
SPECIAL NOTE #3: Please note that this course may not be eligible for reimbursement through the Florida Step Up program. Please check with registration@excelsiorclasses.com.
Please see this video by Dr. Gillies for more information about this class!
Please view prerequisites and required supplies below.
Yellowdig, an internal communications platform for students to use within Canvas (included in registration)
Dr. Catherine Gillies grew up on the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis, Maryland. Her life after high school can be summed up in two words: “Big Adventures!” She graduated from the Naval Academy in 1989, going on to be a helicopter pilot serving on seven aircraft carriers during her career. She later flew in a Marine Corps squadron and taught Naval and Marine student pilots to fly the UH-1N "Huey." Catherine earned a Masters in Psychology in 1997, a Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology in 2000, and a Doctorate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology in 2003. Catherine retired from the Navy in June 2009.
Catherine has taught undergraduate and graduate courses for three different colleges. She and her family live near Annapolis, Maryland, where she was a homeschooling mom to three kids for 12 years. In her spare time, she likes to sew, bake, swim, sail, and hike. She has also been a Scout leader for 17 years. Through her mentorship, the youth she works with strengthen their servant leadership and become better stewards of God’s gift to us — our big, beautiful Earth.
Student S. –
Hi, fellow students and parents! I didn’t truly understand what impact this class would have on my life until I completed the class for my 2024 fall semester. I am currently a junior, and I used to be an incredibly nervous, shy, and overly anxious person. After this past semester, Mrs. Gillies has completely changed the way that I view my worries and has helped me to fight them with “Stress Toolkits”. I’ve learned various skills such as having a good laugh, creating healthy habits, doing breathing exercises to reduce my stress, and so much more. It was so amazing to have Mrs. Gillies as my teacher. She’s always so encouraging and enthusiastic in class. For students interested in Stress? Less!, I highly recommend this class for those who really want to take their stress head on. Don’t be afraid to dive deep in this class because, students, you’ll be less stressed by the end of this course!
Parent P. –
I signed my daughter up for this class to teach her some anxiety management skills. She poured her heart into this class and it shows. She learned so much from Ms. Gillies that I can confidently say she is not the same young lady who started this class 15 weeks ago. She is more confident, less stressed, and is trying new things which she would have never attempted this past summer. This class was more effective than the year of counseling we had her in. If you are a parent with a student who struggles with stress or anxiety at all, do not hesitate to sign up your student. If your student puts the effort in and applies what they are learning, they will benefit from the material.
Julie P. –
My high school junior took this class. He is a competitive swimmer. This class was extraordinarily helpful for him to learn tools and techniques on how to manage the stress associated with academics, athletics, and everything that life throws at him! I would highly recommend that every high schooler take this class.