Specialty Professional Development Workshop:

Understanding Autism Through the Five Wisdom Energies

Based on my thesis work in fulfillment of my master's degree, this two-part face-to-face workshop with interactive online training is for those who support individuals on the autism spectrum, including educators, therapists, and other health care/school professionals. Taking a respectful approach to gleaning insights into the experience of autism, participants in the workshop will develop a new understanding of relationship dynamics that allows them to:

• honor individual differences with deeper understanding & integrity
• more effectively interact with individuals on the autism spectrum
• more compassionately support individuals on the autism spectrum
• more meaningfully cultivate and enrich relationships with the autistic people in their lives

What People Are Saying

"Thank you for presenting at this year's WEAC Summer Leadership Academy. We are so lucky to have someone with your knowledge and expertise who is willing to work with our members to improve their care of themselves." Peggy W.-O., vice president for WEAC and conference coordinator

"Mindfulness classes have been a positive influence in both my personal learning and professional growth. Personally, I have learned to read my body more effectively in times of stress and I have built time into my daily life to improve my general awareness and compassion. From an educator perspective, I was fortunate enough to have my entire staff trained in mindfulness by Kelly. This produced two distinct advantages. First, my staff added effective strategies into their classrooms, directly teaching young children to read their bodies and develop regulation strategies. In addition, I am now able to add mindfulness activities into my professional development meetings to increase engagement and support healthy habits. We have a new common vocabulary and belief system for future planning." M.W., 4K principal

"I want to thank you for coming into my Psych 399 class. Your lesson really reached me and I immediately felt less stress about finals and, dare I say it, life. Mindfulness put into perspective for me that happiness is more than a GPA. In hindsight, it seems silly that I would ever get those two out of order, but I guess that's what happens when your glitter keeps spinning...Thank you, thank you!" R.K., participant in professional development seminar for undergraduate students

"You did an amazing job with your class! What a great thing for more people to be exposed to." J.L., inservice workshop for paraprofessional educators

"Thanks for offering the mindfulness workshop on Friday. I really enjoyed your presentation!" A.S., inservice workshop for paraprofessional educators

"I just wanted to thank you again for adding such depth, relaxation, and insights into our family night. Lots of very positive comments!!! Whatever you did, you did what people needed at the time. You project a peaceful and loving spirit." J.G., coordinator for church group presentation

"The [workshops] and the ongoing work were quite pleasurable, and I am continuing to be amazed by the insights offered. I think that a similar approach could be helpful in working on communication in families and other groups, as well as perhaps in working with couples in therapy (e.g. a suggestion for therapists who work with couples or people in relationships). Also, just for people who want to live life more fully..." Participant, Five Wisdom Energies workshop series