"… Her manner and approach were so satisfying… Please keep me informed of other upcoming workshops." Bay Area LCSW
Workshops Seminars and Coaching
| The custom-designed, signature presentations in my repertoire include these topics: |
- Self-Care: Taking Care of #1
Self-Care isn’t Selfish: It’s Essential. We all need to renew and refill ourselves in order to extend care to others. During this interactive workshop presentation, participants will understand the necessity and benefits of tending to themselves, assess their level of self-care, and discover ways to enhance their own well-being.
"Sometimes
we tend to get so over-involved with our work and family that we forget
about ourselves. This is the greatest thing that I’m taking away with me
today, "Take time for self." Sara, 4th grade teacher
- Forgiveness
The Power of Forgiveness. Forgiving others the wrongs they have done to us has the power to free us from the grudges and resentment that have held our spirits hostage. This is what allows us to truly heal. We practice forgiveness for ourselves. We don’t do it for the wrong-doer. We don’t condone the wrong that was done to us. We rise above it. The nature and power of forgiveness (of our own as well as others’ wrongs) and steps to begin the process are the key elements of this workshop.
"… a
wonderfully warm, inspiring, nurturing style of presenting." Mental
Health Professional, Bay Area
- Honoring Diversity
Safe Schools for All. A quality education in a safe, respectful learning environment is the right of every student, regardless of ethnicity, race, gender, abilities, or sexual orientation. All of our youth must be allowed to reach their educational potential in order to maximize their options for productive citizenship and lives. This workshop has meaning for all school personnel – administrators, teachers, and classified staff – parents, and students as we discuss behaviors and attitudes that must be in place to effect safe schools for all youngsters.
"Informative
materials. Good pacing and audience involvement. Gave real "how-to’s."
Participant, National Youth at Risk Conference
- Self-Esteem
Creating the Self-Esteem Classroom (or Workplace). Self-esteem can be defined as the beliefs or feelings that we have about ourselves. How we define ourselves hugely influences our motivations, attitudes, and behaviors. Numerous research studies show evidence that when self-esteem increases, performance improves. In this workshop, we explore strategies for building self-esteem and creating a classroom where students thrive or a workplace where employees come forth with their best.
"I came away from her seminar with a wealth of understanding of how to better meet the needs of my students." Elizabeth, 5th grade teacher
"Well organized, great handout, great resources, theory, content, and involvement. Wow! Thanks." Participant, National Youth at Risk Conference
Especially for Schools
As a teacher, I experienced first-hand how isolation and the pressure to do more and be more in order to increase students’ test scores affects teachers and their students. Finding a constructive, supportive outlet that helps teachers overcome frustrations and solve classroom problems is nearly impossible.
And, the support staff at each school does not escape many pressures. Each adult plays a huge role in student success. Coaching can help create changes in how the staff work together and how they see their ability to affect the learning environment.
Connections & Conversations was originally conceived to create staff support and alleviate isolation and stress in schools. This is an on-site, voluntary opportunity for certificated and classified staff in which we provide a forum for conversations regarding professional concerns and/or how personal issues may influence their work.
| Coaching by a career teacher who understands the educational milieu, offers help on professional matters, and uses counseling and coaching techniques can be a primary factor in more success for schools. | "Making connections with Annis … The conversation between the two of you--flows…you find yourself talking to her as if you had known her your entire life." Judith, middle school teacher |
| "I made appointments to talk to her about school related subjects as well as personal subjects. She was a good listener, offered good advice, was unbiased…Ms. Cassells is a warm and caring person." Sue, middle school teacher |
My on-site program at schools includes time for meaningful conversations with individual staff members on a weekly basis, small group meetings, and/or whole-staff presentations. Online or email support are additional options to round out the program. |
Attracting, encouraging, and retaining good teachers are challenges that face education today. I will put my experience and talents as a coach and teacher to work to assist your school or district in meeting those challenges.