NYSPEP Member Spotlight: Judy Nordstrom

Judy Nordstrom

Judy Nordstrom—Founder and Owner of T.E.P.E. Training Institute, “Training for Excellence in Parenting Education”—is highly active in NYSPEP's Steering Committee and Professional Development workgroup. She has also served as Chair and co-chair of the Credential Workgroup since its inception. Judy instituted several key NYSPEP initiatives including rich dialogues with SUNY, exploration of pediatrician partnerships with Dr. Howard King, and enlisting national experts who have vetted the NYSPEP Parenting Educator Credential.

 Judy is a professional trainer, educator and national presenter. Last year she presented NYSPEP’s Adult Learning Styles workshops and webinar, as well as several Credential Orientations. Judy is currently collaborating on the development of the upcoming Compassion Fatigue workshop for NYSPEP's 2013 Strong Roots Training Institutes.

 Judy’s inspiration and drive comes solely from her family. She states, “I always wanted children (and stopped at 12) but had not one clue as to just how challenging it is to be a parent. I wish I had known about parenting education and that it had been available to me." She points out, "The key to effective parenting education lies in the talent, skill and training of a good facilitator." Judy has worked tirelessly since 1996 to ensure today’s parents know about parenting education and recognize the value of support.

Judy graduated in 1995 with a Psychology degree from Norwich University and was awarded the title of Presidential Fellow. She went on to earn an Outstanding Graduate Student Award in 1998 and a Master’s in Community-Social Psychology at the University of Massachusetts. She focused exclusively on training in parenting education after a professor requested she start with a cohort of graduate students while enrolled in that program.

 In addition to family, Judy counts the rewards she’s experienced, as a direct result from her work as a trainer and in NYSPEP, as most important.

“I’ve always been a hard worker but have never before known such collaboration and brilliance! NYSPEP’s pervading spirit is palpable and unlike any work relationship I’ve ever known. The creativity, passion, and willingness to collaborate are breathtaking. For years, front liners—those knee-deep in work with families—have yearned for professional recognition but had no way to achieve statewide influence or cooperation until NYSPEP was born. NYSPEP breaks barriers and tears down silos, with our Credential team leading the pack. I’m gratified and blessed to work with such a dedicated group of women.”

The Neighborhood of Make Believe

The Neighborhood of Make Believe

by Angelina M. Hart, NYSPEP Coordinator

Recently, an old Fox News video resurfaced and was posted to Huffington Post. The video spends several minutes criticizing Mr. Rogers for telling children they are special, based on a statement by Don Chance, a finance professor at Louisiana State University, blaming Mr. Rogers for creating a generation of students who feel entitled.

Fox News also mentions the increase of narcissism among college students, based on a scientific study led by a psychiatrist at San Diego State University. However, in researching this piece, I found no mention of Mr. Rogers being cited as the causal factor for increased narcissism, aside from Don Chance's unqualified statement.

Interestingly, San Diego State University Psychology Professor Jean Twenge, writes, "The MTV show 'My Super Sweet Sixteen' has done 100 times more to normalize narcissism than Mr. Rogers ever did."

It should come as no surprise that -according to one source- Don Chance later contacted Fox News, retracting previous statements against Mr Rogers admitting, "I have no professional qualifications to evaluate the real problems or propose solutions." Moreover, Don Chance mistakenly confuses merit (earned) with value (intrinsic).

Sadly, irresponsible journalism has become mainstream. Most audience members don't know how to discern responsible journalism from inflated hype used to increase ratings, which saturates Fox's video. Fox could have cited the full source of the original statement against Mr. Rogers as coming from a finance professor. Audience members capable of critical reasoning skills might question his qualifications for making such a statement. Mentioning the scientific study on narcissism misleads by supposition that somehow the scientific study supports Don Chance's unqualified claim, which is a fallacy.

NYSPEP received a communication from Kenneth Barish, Ph.D., Clinical Associate Professor of Psychology at Weill Medical College, Cornell University, in response to the recently resurfaced Fox video. We invite you to read his response, published by Huff Post Parents (Huffington Post). Please CLICK HERE to view his qualified response.

Looking Upstream

In March 2013, two individuals involved in the William B. Hoyt Memorial Children and Family Trust Fund (Trust Fund)* passed away. James S. Cameron, founding executive director of Prevent Child Abuse NY*, was instrumental in establishing the Trust Fund and served on its board until retiring in 2000. For more than half a century, he was one of New York's prominent child welfare experts, providing leadership on child abuse and neglect treatment and prevention across the state and country.

Thomas W. Roach, Jr. served as chair of Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) / Children and Family Trust Fund* from 1997-2007. A dedicated public servant, strong leader, and compassionate human being, he spent 50 years in public and private service improving the lives of the less fortunate and was a tireless protector of children.

The following tale illustrates the value of 'prevention':

Several villagers were found thrashing about in the middle of a river and crying out for help. A group of rescuers rushed to the riverbank to save them. One rescuer ran upstream along the bank instead. A short distance later, he discovered a bridge had partially given way, which caused the villagers to fall into the river. He noticed two more groups of villagers preparing to cross and prevented them walking across the broken bridge. Not only did he save the people, he also eliminated the additional burden that the rescuers would have faced. 

Similarly, the William B. Hoyt Memorial Children and Family Trust Fund continuously looks upstream and invests in prevention efforts. Trust Fund programs acknowledge the challenges that families face (such as poverty, mental health, and domestic violence) while focusing on strengths and partnering with families to identify challenges and skills.

NYSPEP is pleased to provide access to the NYS Children and Family Trust Fund 2012 Annual Report. This report is dedicated to Thomas Roach and James Cameron, and their incredible legacy that live in the programs they helped create and the people they touched. CLICK HERE to access the report.

* Prevent Child Abuse NY and OCFS / Children and Family Trust Fund are both NYSPEP Conveners.

NSYPEP MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: LORRAINE MCMULLIN

Lorraine McMullin

Lorraine McMullin is a member of NYSPEP's Steering Committee and Professional Development Workgroup. She is also a member of the ACEs Think Tank and Action Group, and the HEARTS Initiative.

Lorraine serves as Owner at McMullin Consulting Services, which provides workforce development training on Wellness and Stress Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, Trauma Recovery, Engagement of Families, Integration of Peers into Program Design and Implementation, and Self-Care Strategies. She is also employed by The College of St. Rose’s Institute for Community Training and Research as their Program Manager and Lead Trainer.

Lorraine previously served as Director of Family and Trauma Initiatives at Mental Health Association in New York State. She attended State University College at Buffalo and studied Sociology and Special Education and earned a Bachelors degree in 1973.

Lorraine's core expertise includes Training, Workforce Development, Motivational Speaking, Program Development, Wellness and Stress Reduction Tools, Advanced Level Wellness Recovery Action Plan Facilitation and Grant Writing.

Lorraine is the selected keynote speaker for NYSPEP's upcoming Strong Roots Training Institutes slated for Fall 2013. Lorraine will present on the topic of trauma informed care / vicarious trauma followed by a process activity. Afternoon workshops focused around the topic of self-care include compassion fatigue and supervision (self, peer, and traditional supervision). 

Locations and dates are TBD (at the time this post was published). Please visit www.nyspep.org, click the "Join NYSPEP" button, and check the box to join our no-cost mailing list to receive the NYSPEP eNews, which will provide updates and registration links as they are announced. Information will also appear on our website's calendar as it becomes available.

Here's what others are saying about Lorraine via LinkedIn:

Lorraine is an effective trainer, sharing her extensive knowledge of social emotional development and recovery techniques. She contributes to the well being of all children and families through her tireless efforts. - Susan Perkins, Senior Policy Analyst at NYS Council on Children & Families.

Lorraine is very knowledgeable and up-to-date about events and trends across the broad field and incorporates best practices into her work. As an educator, Lorraine is able to communicate to a broad range of diverse audiences in intimate and large scale settings. - Lindsay Farrar, LMHC 

Her finely-tuned professional skills are complemented by her kind, caring, and thoughtful manner. I highly recommend working with Lorraine! - Heather Larkin, Assistant Professor and Social Worker

Her knowledge and expertise, commitment, and passion are impressive. - Katy Kaplan, Assistant Director at Temple University

NYSPEP MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: KAREN KISSINGER

NYSPEP Member Spotlight: Karen Kissinger

Karen Kissinger has served on NYSPEP's Steering Committee since 2008, and is a member of New York State Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC). She also works at the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). Her current work focuses on child care providers and supporting the OCFS Regional Offices. This includes training and licensing staff, enhancing quality improvement, providing technical assistance, and implementing policies related to regulations.

Karen states, "Child care providers strengthen families and communities every day. I am honored to support these 19,000 child care programs that serve over 500,000 children and their families." 

Prior to joining the Division of Child Care Services, Karen was part of Child Welfare and Community Services. In that role, she partnered with community-based organizations to prevent child abuse, reduce foster care entry, and prevent elder abuse.

Karen also serves on the Board of a Foundation to support innovative learning experiences and community partnerships with her local school district. Previous experience includes developing training for child care providers, co-teaching at a child care center, and serving on the boards of an after-school program and a youth development organization.

Honoring Fathers

Did you know there are differences in the way moms and dads raise children? For example, moms provide babies with a sense of warmth and security when holding baby against mom's chest, arms wrapped around baby, which limits movement. Dads provide babies with a sense of adventure and independence when positioning baby facing outward and bouncing or gently lifting baby in the air. Gender plays an role in parenting and in child development. Babies need engagement from both moms and dads for optimal healthy development. In recognition of the important roles father play in the lives of children, NYSPEP wishes all fathers and male primary caregivers a Happy Father's Day!

Below are two unique gift-ideas for Dad. Both support a worthy cause. 

 

Are you looking for a special Father's Day gift that supports a great cause? Ties.com is offering limited edition ties inspired by NBA stars Chris Paul, Chris Bosh, Kevin Love, Lawrence Jackson, and Ronny Turiaf. All proceeds of these hand-numbered ties go to the non-profit Prevent Child Abuse America to support programs to prevent the abuse and neglect of our nation's children.

Another way to celebrate Father's Day and support a great cause is to send a free NO MORE e-card, which honors the role of fathers in being role models of respect. Simply upload a personal photograph and select from a menu of messages that affirm wonderful men. No More is a symbol of awareness to end domestic violence and sexual assault.

NYSPEP Member Meeting & Training Institute

REGISTER TODAY FOR THE MAY 30TH EVENT! DETAILS AND REGISTRATION LINK APPEAR BELOW.

Recently, both NYSPEP and the ECAC Strong Families Workgroup initiated efforts to promote parent involvement in children's early educational experiences and success in school and center-based settings. There is growing interest in a shared definition of 'family engagement', consistent policies that support positive family learning environments, and opportunities for professional development. 

Join us on Thursday, May 30, 2013 when keynote speaker Mary McKay will present key principles - critical elements - for engaging families, challenges and strategies. Dr. McKay, Professor and Director at McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research at NYU, has published over 100 peer-reviewed publications and is a well-known engagement expert. 

A panel of field experts will comment in response including: Patty Persell, Director of NYS Head Start Collaboration Project; Vito Borrello, President of EPIC (Every Person Influences Children) and Chair of the Steering Committee of the NY State Family Engagement Coalition; Barbara Jaklitsch, Senior Project Coordinator, Center for the Development of Human Services, SUNY Research Foundation, and Erika Brunelle, Family Engagement Specialist, NYS Office of Children and Family Services. An audience question and answer session will follow.

Registration is still just $25 to attend and includes: morning coffee/tea and light snack, buffet lunch, NYSPEP Organizational updates, and an afternoon breakout session. 

Check-in begins at 9:30 AM. Program starts at 10:00 AM and will conclude at 3:00 PM. 

Please CLICK HERE to register.