Training

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About

My approach is rooted in the belief that education extends beyond the intellectual realm; it encompasses the entire being—mind, heart, and will.

Having ventured into the intricate intersection of neuroscience, mindfulness, and adult education, I completed a two-year certificate program on Mindfulness at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Social Work. This knowledge has enriched my retreats and webinars in the disability field, fostering a more mindful day-to-day practice.

The arts are integral to my teaching philosophy, weaving visual and performing arts into every facet of my courses. I consider them powerful tools for learning, transcending habitual thought patterns and ushering participants into new realms of awareness and understanding.

In an era often overshadowed by fear and immobilization, I believe in inspiring action through a combination of approaches. By engaging learners in active processes—listening, observing, reflecting, digesting, and applying insights—I aim at supporting people to learn from their own biography and experience and become more present and aware in all that they do.

Three influential mentors have significantly shaped my perspective. Wolf Wolfensberger, a luminary in social services, guided me for over two decades in the understanding the power of taking up valued social roles. Coenrad Van Houten, the author of “Awakening the Will,” played a pivotal role in framing my approach to adult education. Robert Sardello, a profound figure in depth psychology and a collaborator of James Hillman, mentored me in understanding the intricate workings of the soul. Their wisdom echoes in every facet of my work.

Central to my belief is recognizing the incredible capacity and gifts inherent in every person. My passion lies in facilitating the awakening of people to their authentic selves and the boundless potential that resides within them.

Our Current Course Offerings

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Conscious Listening & Speaking

Offers participants an expanded imagination of what it takes to be truly present in a conversation and hold space.

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Navigating the Journey to Adulthood

Provides tools for supporting the young person into audulthood. For parents, siblings, facilitators and community support workers.

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Getting a Life

This two-day webinar offers a way of becoming more energized by finding more balance between the many roles we play in our lives, and supporting others to do the same.

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Benefits

 

  • Holistic Development: My philosophy emphasizes that education encompasses the entire being—mind, heart, and will—promoting a comprehensive approach to learning that nurtures emotional and spiritual growth alongside intellectual development.
  • Integration of Mindfulness: With a background in neuroscience and mindfulness, I incorporate these principles into my teaching and practices, fostering a more mindful and present experience for participants in retreats and webinars within the disability field.
  • Creative Learning through the Arts: By weaving visual and performing arts into my courses, I provide powerful tools for learning that help participants break free from habitual thought patterns, encouraging new realms of awareness and deeper understanding.
  • Active Engagement: My approach inspires action and personal growth by engaging learners in active processes of listening, observing, reflecting, and applying insights from their own experiences, leading to greater self-awareness and presence in their daily lives.
  • Empowerment and Authenticity: I am dedicated to recognizing and awakening the inherent gifts and potential within each individual, facilitating their journey toward authenticity and self-discovery, which ultimately enhances their capacity to contribute meaningfully to the world.

Testimonials

“I now understand how I need to step back, as my daughter’s voice. I want to shift my imagination from pushing her into a stage of life, to helping her find her way.”

—Navigating the Journey to Adulthood participant

“The insights I have gained are truly valuable in the sense that I now understand that the difficult questions and conversations must take place, regardless of how difficult they are.  If they feel so difficult that they keep us awake at night, sweeping them under the rug, only makes the problems worse.  By having the dedicated conversations in a safe way, we began to realize a relief, beyond our imaginations.”

—Fostering Conversations that Matter participant

“I was moved by the complex understanding of what my daughter has experienced as an individual, and how she has been put in the space of not being heard/seen/listened to, and how this has affected her ability to be empowered, experience growth, and individuate from me, as her mother.” 

—Navigating the Journey to Adulthood participant

“Judith explains her understanding to others, in a way which, in itself, makes one 'think' differently."

—Conscious Listening and Speaking participant

“This course just opened my eyes to how easy it is for us as we go through life, putting our leisure on the side burner, because we are caught up in excuses, and that feeling of guilt for doing what we love.”

—Developing Leisure Identities participant

“I think the thing that really struck me, was being actually heard. I have to think about that some more, but the experience really is validating. It makes you almost feel more real. I felt something new.”

—Conscious Listening and Speaking participant

“The materials in her mindfulness course were invaluable and the conversations were rich, and allowed for a deepening understanding of how mindful practice can enrich your life and ground the work we strive for as Independent facilitators.”

—Mindfulness participant

“The materials in her mindfulness course were invaluable and the conversations were rich, and allowed for a deepening understanding of how mindful practice can enrich your life and ground the work we strive for as Independent facilitators.”

—Developing Leisure Identities participant

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