Exer-Psyche Mental Wellness Project
The Exer-Psyche Mental Wellness Project is an initiative of the Mind Matters Family Center. The mission of the Family Center is to improve the mental wellness of our communities by engaging and educating families and individuals and partnering with community groups.
What:
The Exer-Psyche Mental Wellness Project aims to teach grade school-aged children and their families 10 themes important for building healthy mental functioning and
diminishing the risk and impact of mental illness (click underlined for details). This project is an evolution of a group therapy program developed in 2011 that employs Taekwondo training and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy principles in a therapeutic, multi-family group experience focused on helping children struggling with mental illness.
The Mental Wellness Project combines many of the ideas and experiences learned from this treatment group with knowledge of habits that contribute to healthy mental functioning, also known as mental wellness. In essence, our goal is to provide an experience suitable for all children in grade school to learn and practice 10 themes of mental wellness in an active, engaging, and fun experience with their parents and other children of varying ages. Taekwondo teaching and mindfulness practices are included in each session.
When:
The full Exer-Psyche series consists of ten sessions. Our Spring 2026 session ended successfully on June 6. Starting in September we are partnering with Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District to offer Exer-Psyche at the THPRD Cedar Hills Recreation Center. Our next series begins Saturday, September 12, 2026, from Noon to 1 pm and will be on successive Saturdays (except Halloween), with or final session on November 21, 2026. Each session presents the basic skills of taekwondo and a different theme of Mental Wellness,
Where:
Sessions will be hosted by THPRD Cedar Hills Recreation Center at 11640 SW Parkway, Portland, Oregon 97225.
Cost:
The Mind Matters Family Center is sponsoring this series of sessions hosted by Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District. the cost of the 10-session series is $106 for each registered child (accompanying adult is free. Logo T-Shirts will be provided to each participant (both child and adult). THPRD may be able to offer a reduced enrollment. Participants may donate to Mind Matters Family Center to help us continue our mission for all in the community.
Who:
This program is designed for children in elementary school, ages 6-11 (exception can be made for 5 or 12 year olds depending on maturity level). Each child must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult
Registration:
Sign up will be through Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District Online Registry. Registration will open for District Residents August 8 and for Non- Residents on August 10. Watch for sign up details.
Leaders:
David Conant-Norville, MD, Exer-Psyche developer; Child, Adolescent, and Sports Psychiatrist, president of Mind Matters Family Center, 3rd Degree Black Belt
Robin McCoy, MD, MMFC board member and Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician at The Children’s Program
Diana Haggard, 2nd Degree Black Belt and Taekwondo Instructor
Daniel Jones, 2nd degree Black Belt and Taekwondo Instructor