Frequently Asked Questions
My anxiety as a student was unseen and not addressed so I became a teacher determined to change the way things were taught and create a class culture that enables kids to thrive.
Now I help teachers meet the needs of anxious and disengaged students so they can find more time, feel energized and create a community that thrives.
And I help parents and kids through family coaching.
In more than 35 years of teaching, and doing teacher training locally and abroad, I find that many children really struggle to engage with schoolwork, and they struggle with social and emotional skills.
Many kids are bored. Others are overwhelmed. Many give up, become disruptive, or withdraw. This is their way of communicating a need. We must pay attention!
I have a deep desire to support kids like me. Kids whose main ways of learning are active, hands-on, through discovery and a sense of play. And I find that ALL kids can learn this way.
As parents, you are your children’s biggest allys, role models and leaders. You may not realize it but even teens look up to their parents! You have an awesome privilege! And, you also have an incredible opportunity to train leaders, with a heart to create change.
In our parent coaching program, SEL Wisdom for Parents, you are equipped with tools for social and emotional learning (SEL) or Emotional Intelligence (EQ). You learn parent self-care strategies, mindset strategies and problem-solving strategies.
Coaching sessions are 60-90 minutes with parents and if it is appropriate, we can work with your children as well.
We have written a number of blogs for teachers which are also very helpful for parents.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the program, SEL Wisdom for Parents:
1. What online platform will you be using for this learning opportunity?
Zoom Video Conferencing or phone
2. How are the programs structured?
The SEL Wisdom for Parents Coaching Program is customized to each family. One or both parents receive ten sessions over a three-month period. The dates and times will be determined in a discussion. There may be an opportunity to have your children talk to me about their learning inside their own (free) video series, SEL Wisdom for Kids, which can be accessed on our website.
Note, in an emergency, cancellations must be done 24 hours in advance to the start of an appointment or the session lost.
3. Can you talk about your credentials for providing this type of program?
Here are a few:
Team Management and Leadership Program: trains participants in being world-class leaders and includes communication courses and advanced leadership training. Experiences include Social and emotional development, coaching inside communication programs, assisting in all aspects of training and integrating learning into my work and life. (3.5 years)
Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) Conference, 2019
Greater Good Science Center (GGSC) Summer Institute for Educators, 2019, Berkeley, California (one-week training in SEL, mindfulness and character education)
Presenter of teacher workshops in SEL in various places across Canada, U.S., Holland, India, Brazil and New Zealand/Australia
Extensively trained in the arts, and with Dr. Eric Jensen in brain-compatible pedagogy
Decades of experience in transforming classroom practice to enable students and teachers to thrive