Connected Lives Series. Loneliness and Isolation Across the Lifespan: Different Seasons Along the River

Connected Lives Series. Loneliness and Isolation Across the Lifespan: Different Seasons Along the River

Class | Registration opens 8/31/2026 8:58 AM EDT

12/11/2026 (one day)
10:00 AM-11:00 AM EDT on Fri
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Connected Lives Series. Loneliness and Isolation Across the Lifespan: Different Seasons Along the River

Class | Registration opens 8/31/2026 8:58 AM EDT

Registration deadline: Dec. 3rd 

NOTE: If there is inclement weather, class will be held on Zoom and registrants will be notified via email. ***           

Connected Lives is a series of lectures exploring how loneliness and isolation have emerged as the most significant public health challenges of our time. This engaging nine-part lecture series explores the science, psychology, and sociology of human connection. Students may sign up for any or all of the courses as desired. Each session is a standalone course.

The need for connection remains constant throughout life, but loneliness can take different forms at different ages. This lecture examines how relationships evolve from childhood through older adulthood and explores the unique challenges and opportunities for connection at each life stage. Participants will consider the important role that intergenerational relationships, mentorship, caregiving, and community involvement play in fostering belonging and purpose throughout life.      

Participants will learn to:

  • Identify common sources of loneliness and isolation across the lifespan
  • Understand how developmental stages affect social needs
  • Recognize the benefits of intergenerational relationships for both younger and older generations
  • Reflect on how connection contributes to purpose and well-being throughout life

With over 17 years of experience in the mental health field, Thasia Awad is a licensed Master’s Level Clinical Social Worker who provides compassionate, individualized care to individuals and families navigating a wide range of emotional and relational challenges. Her clinical areas of expertise include trauma-informed care, complex trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship conflict, self-esteem and identity, social-emotional learning, and life skills development.


  

  • About Thasia Awad's Connected Lives Lecture Series

    Connected Lives: Reclaiming the Waters of Human Connection
    The Science and Practice of Human Connection, Finding Community & Purpose in the Age of the Loneliness Epidemic

    Loneliness and isolation has emerged as one of the most significant public health challenges of our time. Drawing on the U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on the Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, this engaging nine-part lecture series explores the science, psychology, and sociology of human connection. Through research, storytelling, discussion, and practical application, participants will examine how loneliness and isolation affects individuals and communities and discover evidence-based strategies for creating deeper relationships and stronger communities. Using the timeless Yoruba story of Oshun as a guiding metaphor, the series invites learners to explore what happens when the waters of connection run dry and how they can help restore them.  
Thasia Awad

With over 17 years of experience in the mental health field, Thasia Awad is a licensed Master’s Level Clinical Social Worker who provides compassionate, individualized care to individuals and families navigating a wide range of emotional and relational challenges. Her clinical areas of expertise include trauma-informed care, complex trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship conflict, self-esteem and identity, social-emotional learning, and life skills development.