Parent Education Series Program

Yorkshire Academy regularly hosts presentations and seminars of particular interest to parents. Each event in the Parent Education Series is free of charge and open to the community. Reservations are not required, so please check back regularly for schedule updates, and bring a friend!

2011/2012 Schedule

Rawfully Organic

September 28, 2011 | 9:00 a.m. | Library
Presented by Kristina Carillo-Bucaram

Learn more about the benefits of choosing organic fruits and vegetables. At the age of 20 before she graduated college, Ms. Carillo-Bucaram started the non-profit organization called Rawfully Organic. This organic produce co-operative in Houston, Texas grew from 12 people in her living room to over 3,000 families in the greater Houston city limits.

Curious About Adoption?

October 26, 2011 | 9:00 a.m. | Library
Presented by Dr. Christina Navarro

This workshop will identify the various types of adoption, how to use respectful adoption language, as well as explore current issues / trends in adoption. This workshop will allow participants to ask any and all questions about adoption in a safe environment.

Healthy Family 101

February 8, 2012 | 9:00 a.m. | Library
Presented by Tyler Reimers M.Ed., CSCS and Stephanie Brown M.Ed, RD, LD

What has changed in the world of fitness and nutrition since you were a child and how have those changes affected your family's health? What are the challenges to creating healthy eating and physical activity habits for today's families — and how do you learn to spot and take advantage of the opportunities? Learn which responsibilities are yours as a parent when it comes to food and fitness and what role your child has in designing nourishing fun, and tasty meals and snacks and creating fun interactive physical activity play for the whole family.

Common Nutritional Issues in Pediatric Medicine

April 18, 2012 | 9:00 a.m. | Library
Presented by Fernando Navarro, MD

This workshop will identify several common nutritional issues in children. Dr. Navarro will offer suggestions for parents as to when to seek medical intervention with regard to nutrition and/or pediatric gastroenterology related concerns.

Past Presentations

Some of the previous Parent Education Series presentations sponsored by the Yorkshire Foundation have included:

Living in the USA: Understanding US American Culture

If you are not from the USA, living here can be a challenge as well as a pleasure! Sophie Simons discussed some of the core values of Americans, and where these values came from. A better understanding of culture (your own and your new home’s culture) makes it easier to live anywhere.

Internet Safety for Children

You may have heard it before, but it is worth repeating. The Internet is a wonderful tool, but children need to be educated on how to safely manage the ‘www.’ Every elementary parent should attend, and not a bad idea for parents of younger children as well. Presented by Amanda Hinton, FBI.

Alarming to Charming — Raising a Refined Child

Presented by Gigi Lewis, Club Etiquette, the program talked about how teaching children social skills gives them an edge by virtue of their knowledge in a variety of social situations. Children and adults can always benefit in learning more about manners.

Brain Gym Seminar

Brain Gym movements, exercises, or activities recall the movements naturally done during the first years of life when learning to coordinate the eyes, ears, hands, and whole body. Clients, teachers, and students have been reporting for over 20 years on the effectiveness of these simple activities. Even though it is not clear yet "why" these movements work so well, they often bring about dramatic improvements in areas such as: concentration and focus , memory, academics, physical coordination, relationships, self-responsibility, organization skills, attitude. Presented by Thad Trahan, Brain Gym Instructor/Consultant.

Evening Workshops

In 2009-2010, Pete Hinojosa, an award winning trainer, author, and teacher, hosted workshops covering: understanding people and their needs, connecting positively with others, applying insights to improve communication and reduce misunderstandings, enhancing the strengths of each individual while recognizing how to overcome struggles.

Facebook/MySpace Seminar for Concerned Parents & First Time Users

Misty Khan reviewed these topics: What is Facebook, where did It come from, who uses it, and what for? Dos and don’ts for monitoring. Your kids on Facebook. Some ideas for using Facebook as a communication tool.

• Download PowerPoint presentation. (412KB)

Life (with Children) Management

Wende Ragonis, a former Yorkshire parent and PVC President, shared life management and organizational skills that you can utilize in your day-to-day routine.

Swim Safety is a Priority!

SwimJim Texas explained where drownings of children happen, how to protect your family and what to do if a drowning event should occur.

Food Allergies—What Every Parent Should Know

Parents learned the basics about food allergies and how to separate fact from fiction. Mike Lade is a frequent public speaker on this topic and has been interviewed by KPRC Local 2, Great Day Houston, Newsweek Magazine, and the Houston Chronicle.

“Say it with Power”

Presented by Performance English—a Training and Development Company offering Corporate Workshops, Seminars, Executive and Private Coaching—this program has assisted men and women from around the world to be clear and impactful in their verbal communications.

100+Activites for Houston Kids

Being a parent is no easy job and the Houston humidity doesn't make it easier. As a mom and native Houstonian, Meagan Salch culls through loads of information and shares it with Houston parents and grandparents regularly. Whether you're looking for upcoming events, restaurant suggestions, informative dialogue on issues facing Houston parents or want someone to research a family issue for you, the Kids Activity Queen is a great resource.

Speech and Language Delay, What to Look for?

Carissima Gori, a pediatric speech pathologist and Yorkshire Academy parent, gave a talk on the important speech and language milestones children should reach from birth to 3 years of age. She also educated parents on warning signs for continued speech and language delays, as well as on the importance of early intervention.

Empowerment Seminar — Accessing Your Brain’s Full Potential

Empowerment therapy is a unique combination of the latest psychological theories and the most comprehensive cutting edge research of the human brain. Dr. Schreiber has incorporated these two disciplines in order to provide a powerful, productive, and very time efficient approach in accessing ones’ true potential.

What’s in Your Closet?

Ms. Loggins is a key fashion consultant at Harold Powell, but has also spoken at many local groups sharing her expertise and practical approach to one of life’s joys, clothes. She explored how you can make the most out of what is already in your closet, and suggested those ‘must haves’ for any occasion.

“Wake Up Your Make Up”

Come into the light and discover the real you! Ms. Shah is a dynamic Image Consultant, and focused this program on a myriad of make up tips. Whether you prefer a natual, modern chic, or all out glam look, need advice in choosing the right colors, or techniques to drive away Father time, Ms. Shah has the answers.

Room-Markable Redo

Belinda Postman-Kaylani, owner of Room-Markable Redo presented at YF’s fall Parent Education Series. Her slogan is “From mansions to mobile homes, from ranches to riverboats and everything in between, I’ll take your furniture and accessories and help you create your dream!” Parents and teachers found her talk to be so entertaining, helpful and just plain fun.

Make Your House Into a Model Home

Pamela O'Brien of Room Redo presented her very best design tips in “Make Your House into a Model Home.” Everyone wants to create the model home look and achieve the “WOW” factor. The no-cost and low-cost ideas she shared can improve the look, feel and function of your home almost instantly! Pamela O’Brien, president of Room Redo, is a member of Interior Refiners Network® and has studied at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Pamela provides creative ideas and solutions to a wide variety of residential and commercial clients.

Fitness for Youth

Are you concerned about your child’s fitness? Parents heard about inactivity related diseases and the risks posed to sedentary adolescents and youth. They also learned about programs to combat this health dilemma. Presented by Jeff Biehl BS. PES. CSCS. — Fitness Director & Certified Personal Trainer, and Kathy Veen MSEd. — Aquatics Director

Financial Planning for the Families with Young Children

Parents of young children face unique financial challenges in planning for the future and paying for the present! Parents joined Gene Marabello for tips on financial planning for their families.

Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

Undiagnosed Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) can lead to difficulties at school, home, and in interpersonal relationships. Information on the most commonly exhibited symptoms were provided. Presented by Premier Psychological Services

Boys! The New Gender Gap Between Boys and Girls

Studies show boys are literally falling behind girls in every major academic area. Ms. Shootman addressed research and how it applies to boys at Yorkshire.

Inactive Youth

Judith Whatley, a physical therapist for 15 years, educates patients, colleagues, and consumersto make better choices. Discussion focused on strategies to help children maintain a healthy weight and to prevent obesity.

Good Families Don’t Just Happen

Cathy Garcia-Prats is a popular author and mother of 10 boys. If you’ve raised 10 happy and successful boys YOU have something to say. One or two kids may be luck, but ten is by design.