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Since 1987, Tennessee leader
Diane Lewis, M.S.S.W., A.C.S.W., has trained
thousands of parents and leaders in Active
Parenting principles. Today her popular Knoxville
parenting programs and special Leader Training
Workshops in Gatlinburg draw a steady stream of
participants. LEADER talked with Diane to learn
some of the secrets to her success. |
How did you get involved with Active
Parenting?
I’m a clinical social worker and in 1987 I was
searching for a program to use with parents who needed to
learn more effective parenting skills. With the Active
Parenting program videos, the parents can see what good,
effective parenting and communication within a family
looks like. The theory comes alive on the screen and the
role-playing sessions help them model appropriate
parenting techniques they can use later at home.
How
have you grown your parenting education program?
In 1990 I started Lewis & Associates Educational
Consultants and Training Group, a consulting and training
organization specializing in parenting education and
leadership development. We offer many programs including parent
and leader
training for 1,2,3,4
Parents!, Active
Parenting Today, Active
Parenting of Teens, Parents
on Board, Active
Teaching, and Active
Christian Parenting.
How
do you generate interest in your classes?
Parent education is my passion and I am constantly
looking for ways I can partner with local organizations
such as the public school system, community college,
social service organizations, civic groups, chambers of
commerce, United Way, and faith communities. I offer to
come and speak at a meeting as a way of jump-starting a
discussion about the need for parenting education. I help
groups find and apply for grants
to fund their program.
Your
Gatlinburg LTWs are extremely popular and draw people
from all over the country. How did those start?
Well, I know from personal experience that people in the
helping professions need respite and relaxation.
Gatlinburg is beautiful in the spring and fall and I
found a wonderful hotel to host us. I keep the group to
about 12 people to develop an intimate atmosphere where
people really get to know each other during the training
session. I would encourage other trainers to explore
nearby resort areas as possible training sites.
What
keeps you motivated?
I really enjoy making a difference and being a part of a
movement (parenting education) that is having an impact
on the life of generations to come. It’s a joy to
see “the light go on” as moms and dads learn
new ways of parenting their children. By training new
leaders I am helping to extend parenting education into
more families. The potential for change is so exciting!
Click on the link to find
out how become a leader trainer
at the annual Training
of Trainers seminar.
Reprinted from Leader magazine.
Copyright 2001 by Active Parenting Publishers, Inc.
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