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Discipline That Works is now available in Spanish
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Testimonials |
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Special Consideration
On April 19, 2005 I had the pleasure to have Joyce Divinyi present a fabulous workshop to foster, relative and adoptive parents in Sacramento, CA. The topic of the workshop was The Bridge from Rage to Reason: Coaching Traumatized Children to Think Before They Act.
Joyce was professional, dynamic, upbeat and engaging in her presentation. Her material is logical, up-t0-date, and made so much sense to the participants. Half of the audience social workers/therapists and the other half has traumatized children living in their homes. She was equally able to respond to questions from both the professionals and the parents. Both groups felt that they were being given valuable information to use at home or in their offices with other clients and their families. The practical aspects of the workshop may have been the most valuable to the foster/adoptive parents as they are the ones who deal with the most difficult situations with their children on a daily basis. It was very helpful for some parents to understand that behaviors are tied to trauma and past emotions. Others remarked that they liked the "common sense answers for everyday problems". Many remarked, "This class should be mandatory for al1 foster parents before they are licensed and have children in their homes." Other parents felt Joyce helped them be aware of their own triggers so that they can step back and be helpful to the children
In general, most participants felt they had gained some very practical tools that had not been presented to them before. Several said they would use the techniques "as soon as they got home." Joyce's style of including case examples and stories was very helpful. Her sense of humor was delightful. To her credit, she had a case of laryngitis and still managed to present a wonderful workshop to 60 people.
We will definitely have Ms. Divinyi back to present another workshop.
Sincerely
Peggy McDermott Foster & Kinship Care Education/ILP Program Director American River College Sacramento, CA. Dear Joyce: Let me first say that we have used your philosophy of discipline to help create a school-wide motivational plan titled, "E-T-A the Cricket Way!" We have had great success in teaching our children the steps toward understanding the difference between thinking and feelings. I recall one student during the school year who, without prompting, after experiencing a behavioral setback said to me, "I didn't stop to think before I acted" or another who said, "I guess I had an E-A-T instead of an E-T-A!" We have purchased more than 80 copies of your book for our staff and have encouraged two other schools in our district to go out and do the same. It is a philosophy that has merit and a proven track record at North Springs Elementary. What I am in the process of doing is creating a school calendar. Beneath each photograph we have devised a caption titled, "E-T-A Points to Ponder" and used excerpts from your text to serve as reminders for those that read them. We have also credited you in the calendar for the use of these statements. My hope is that this will lead parents to read your book in order to strengthen their own parenting skills. Below It is my hope that you will allow us the
opportunity to share your words of wisdom with our North Springs families. Sincerely, Mark E. McDermet |
Educational Testimonies Dear Joyce,
You'll be pleased to know that my faculty is buzzing about your presentation and we look forward to applying your ideas in the fall. Lee Ann T Ralph Downs Elementary School Okalahoma City, OK June 6, 2005 Dear Joyce,
I want to thank you for your great workshop last Friday (February 18, 2005) at Shadow Rock. Your speech gave me so much energy and it gave me a push in a good way. I am trying to make myself do things that are fun - it is so easy to forget. I just wanted to say Thank You and to tell you that you did make a difference. I listen to your CD over and over and I can't wait for your book!
Margo T
Mrs. Divinyi, I just wanted to tell you that I enjoyed your in-service program that you presented at Lee County ever so much. I usually do not have to set in on them since I work in the office as the attendance clerk at the middle school but this time Mr. Kincaid thought that everyone could benefit from your session and I will have to say "I loved it". I have put many of the things that you spoke about to use this week during the first week of school and I have had a wonderful week. Thanks again for taking time out of your busy schedule to be with us. Teresa N
Because I have heard your presentations at
other HSTW Conferences and at our own Alliance for Education conference in
Shreveport, I recommended your sessions to teachers and my new school
counselor who were on my school team at the recent HSTW conference. At the
end of each day, we held de-briefing sessions where we shared what we
learned and how we plan to use our new knowledge to benefit our students.
Your sessions helped set the tone and share the vision I have for our Gayle F.
I want to thank you for your entertaining insight, integration of brain-based research, and common sense approach to dealing with the youth of today. Barbara M. Several teachers have shared with me how they are incorporating strategies they learned in your workshop in their classroom. Teachers are using the phrase, “Don’t bother me right now, I am operating in the E.” I must admit that I also use it on occasion. Thank you for working with us and I am sure we will be asking you for a follow-up session. Jervie S. Thank you for the wonderful newsletter. The suggestions on dealing successfully with foster children will be helpful to teachers on my campus who work with at-risk students. I plan to share your ideas with them. Gayle
I am so saddened that I did not learn this during college! Thankfully I have it now! Small Group Workshop Attendee
Enjoyable! I enjoyed the small group atmosphere! There were many great strategies explained that will help with chronic students. Thanks. Small Group Workshop Attendee Business Testimonies "I have learned some new techniques for working out difficult situations at work and home" Michigan Dept. of Civil Service Your subject matter was right on target for my employees that deal with the never ending changes in the business world today. Many comments were made of how you kept it interesting but lighthearted with your entertaining stories of day-to-day life. Your true professionalism and broad background of experiences made the program a success. Hewlett Packard Feedback received from the attendees was excellent. What the participants found to be especially interesting was the technique that you presented regarding the brain origins of irrational and out-of-control behavior, and the successful strategies for dealing with customers in their emotional state. Hyatt Regency Hotel |
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Public Speaking Testimony
Joyce Divinyi's presentation to our Rotary Club certainly held everyone's attention. The always timely topic, "Why People Do Things That Don't Make Sense", was one that all of us can relate to. With her lively style, Joyce was able to add just the right amount of humor to a serious message. Both the content and the delivery were enjoyable. I would recommend her to anyone--anytime. Larry |
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