Meet Our Teachers
Our Little Story
I have been told that the best way to learn is to teach. This has certainly been true for me. I feel such gratitude to the people who helped enlighten me so that I have been able to fill my parenting and teaching toolbox so positively. Mastering the material I need as a Parent Educator to teach, which I have done for over 15 years, has provided me with the tools I apply to be the “best mother” I can be! It has also made my “motherhood journey” joy-full and rewarding. I feel so very blessed to be a mother of three beautiful boys who are now all teens, two of whom are twice exceptional/2e. When I began my career as a Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles County in the 1990s, I was saddened to see the rupture of relationships between parents and teens… parents literally told me I needed to take over as they had “lost control”.
When I became a mother of twins in 2002, it did not take long to realize that strong relationships with our children, and all others, are built on trust, love, and connection – not control. The trainings I have taken and/or programs I have my certifications in which include Redirecting Children’s Behavior (RCB), Positive Discipline, Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG) and Reflective Parenting have provided me with a plethora of knowledge which assists me in passing along the tools to parents at home, teachers in the classroom and to all others who are responsible for being a part of the village necessary to raise children. In addition, the education I have received regarding child and brain development in children has enabled me to understand, as well as teach, why all behavior, including misbehavior, is merely our children trying to communicate “something” to us – whether it is in the home, a classroom, a camp, etc.
I was the Co-Director and Co-Founder of Empowered Parenting for almost a decade before becoming the parent educator at the Summit Center. Raising Enlightened Children is a program I developed for any adult involved in caring for and thereby “raising” children. The practical and easy to use tools are combined with simple explanations on how our brains work to co-create loving and respect-full relationships. Meditation and mindfulness practices are incorporated into the lessons taught since our minds (brains), hearts (emotions and feelings) and souls (states of unconditional love; spirits) must all engage to enjoy mind-full, heart-full, spirit-full and joy-full relationships and lives!
It is my hope and belief that by raising enlightened children in our homes, our schools and everywhere children are taught and “raised” will make it a better world for us all to live in!
For more information, please click on Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Learners
OUR PARTNERS
WHAT PARENTS SAY
Put Simply, this course has changed our lives. Using the techniques we learned in this class brings us closer to our children and each other on a daily basis. It has improved our communication in every aspect of our lives, including professionally. This course is a must for every parent
As an attorney I am logical and persuasive. I could not imagine what a parenting course could possibly provide but my wife convinced me to join her. We have two year old twins. The methods and insight I gained during this course have been invaluable. They have improved communication with respect to my work, our marriage and no doubt will pay off for a lifetime of raising our children. I encourage every parent to take this course.
Out of the many books I have read, lectures I have attended, and comments or advice I have received from other professionals, this class has been the most enlightening, useful and transformative resource for parenting – as well as for relationship building in general that I have ever experienced. Profound!
“I began the course with the utmost skepticism but early on I experienced the biggest paradigm shift of my life! The most valuable gift a parent can acquire is the power to empathize with one’s child and seeing the world through his/her eyes. Acquiring this ability is an exciting journey that I started in this course. I cannot wait to take the course again.
Thank you so much; I am much closer to my son just in these few weeks of classes! From a male perspective this course is great for my relationship with my wife as well as my co-workers.
The course lived up to all my expectations. I really believe I that I will enjoy a healthier and happier relationship with my daughter – as well as my husband and family.
Thank you so much for reminding us how to stay present with our children. We have already seen a huge difference in our family. By giving us these great tools we are happier and much calmer with our two boys. I can’t wait to do more workshops and recommend this to all our friends.
I honestly loved it all…[t]his course is a must for all parents. I learned to respect my wife and children.
This class changed how I view my role as a parent. It provided me with the tools to become a better parent and, ultimately, a better person.
Melanie was terrific, a great guide for a more loving way to parent.