Professional Development

March is National Women’s History Month.  Each year National Women’s History Month employs a unifying theme and recognizes national honorees whose work and lives testify to that theme. Women’s Education – Women’s Empowerment is the theme for National Women’s History Month 2012.  The six women who help illustrate how ethnicity, region, culture, and race relate […]

As parents, foster parents, youth workers, youth advocates, and mentors we encourage our youth to make wise choices and all areas of life.  Robert Kiyosaki explains the difference between an asset and a liability in his book “Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens.” I want to buy this book for every teen and adult camping

If you’ve ever met me in person, read my blog, or follow me on social media you know that I am a HUGE proponent of volunteerism.  I believe whole heartedly that civic engagement builds character, leadership, and confidence in youth. The right service opportunity can help youth develop compassion, responsibility, and critical thinking skills.  I

I love music and so does my daughter.  Although neither of us is a gifted singer or musician, we have always shared our love of music with each other.  Music is a universal language. “Mommy and Me” classes that encourage parents to bond with their young children through singing and dancing have increased in popularity

Over the last few years, I’ve heard many arguments about whether there is still a need for Black History Month.  The other argument is whether Black History Month creates separatism instead of ethnic pride.  We don’t need Black History Month when have a Black family in the White House right?  I disagree.  I am of

  In his 2012 State of the Union address, President Obama asked states to consider increasing the minimum age for a student to leave school to 18. How do we keep youth engaged and motivated?  Teens are unique and their educational experiences should be unique as well.  The cookie cutter approach to education leads to

Many of us we are skilled in a variety of areas.  Our culture has taught us to multi-task like our lives depend on it (often times it does).  Throughout my career and definitely as an entrepreneur I have felt like a jack of all trades and a master of none on many occasions.  I have

Many people are compelled to donate gifts to children and youth in foster care during the Christmas holiday season (myself included).  After the Christmas gifts are barely opened we shift our focus to how we will usher in a new year.  A new year exemplifies a new chance to start fresh, another opportunity to change

January is National Mentoring Month.  For many young people great role models and mentors are a part of their everyday lives. Relatives, teachers, and neighbors often serve in that role. Finding positive role models for youth in the foster care system is often more difficult.  Luckily, role models and mentors don’t always have to be

The process of developing a portfolio in our Packaged For Success™ Portfolio Development Program builds winner habits.  Success is within our reach.   A habit is a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition.  Winner and losers do things differently.  They not only think differently but they also act differently.  Winners have habits that are valuable