Why I Speak…
When I left academia to be at home full-time with my children, one of the things I knew I would miss was my classroom teaching. I loved being responsible for helping college students learn about how we develop as children and adults. Speaking with students, teaching them about theories, and providing real-life examples of those principles at work was exciting. Regular exclamations of “So that’s why they do that!” would come frequently. Most often from a student who was raising children while working on a degree.
What they were learning was instantly applicable.
I decided then, that even after leaving the University, I would still try to help parents develop their own best practices, by somehow teaching them about normal development.
How I am Unique …
As a speaker-scholar, I offer a somewhat different background than most. I have found it not only natural but essential, to integrate my faith life into my intellectual work. Both writing and speaking in areas of faith development have helped me to appreciate the richness of our faith and the importance of seeing the human person as both whole and integrated.
My approach comes from research, the bible, and what I have experienced raising my own children. I bring alive the concepts of human development and help individuals to internalize a deeper understanding of normal development so that they can make intentional choices in their own lives. My work brings theory and research together in a practical way. I bridge the gap between academic researchers and the individual trying to live out their purpose in the real world.
Talks from “Enkindling the Flame of Faith Parenting Conference“
Specifically geared to parents of adolescents, this talk discusses how parents of tweens and teens should approach faith in the home, to give the best chance of transmitting the faith across generations. It outlines specific research on concepts of faith and authority held by Gen Z.
How do children’s concepts of faith form? How and why can teach our children about the Kerygma?. How can we proclaim the Gospel in a way that it takes deep roots in our children’s hearts?
Suggested Topics
Possible topics for parents, RE groups, teachers, or women’s groups include by are not limited to:
Identity Development: Including areas of Gender, Sexual, and Faith
Identity as God’s daughter
Mental health and families
Babies – everything from neurodevelopment to sleep to attachment.
Screens, gaming, phones, and their effects on the mind and soul.
Faith Life and Teens
The Domestic Church
Emotional Resilience
Moral Development
Motivation
Leadership
Shame Free Discipline
Raising Honest Kids
Parenting without Perfection
Equally Yoked
Virtual Session 2022
Enjoy this virtual talk offered through Blessed is She in Spring 2022
Events in 2023 & 2023
-January Notre Dame Prep Mother’s Guild Annual Luncheon
-February Parish Mission: St. Andrews Parish
-February Notre Dame Prep Senior Mother’s Retreat
-June Arizona School Nurse Annual Conference
-September Diocese of Phoenix School Board Inservice
-October St. Teresa’s Parish
-October Chew’s Life Retreat Michigan
-December Saints Simon & Jude Advent Retreat
-January 2024 St. Hedwig Women’s Retreat, California
-February 2024 Notre Dame Prep Retreat