“If you ever want fascinating, thought provoking ideas presented with flair, please read on. If you want to engage your greatest fears and most hopeful dreams in an exercise of integration while simultaneously being entertained, I have a suggestion:

. . . Dr. Stern's topic, "Parenting is a Contact Sport," contained vital information on how to maintain that close relationship with your children that's so easy when they are small, and get's more difficult as they grow to the point of facing hard choices and peer pressure.

We listened with rapt attention and some of us even took notes. All of us were mentally reviewing our parenting and grandparenting skills as we heard Dr. Stern artfully illustrate the information with personal stories from her life experience and from those of her clients so we understand the impact on the lives of real people. The emphasis on the parent - child relationship and the emotional bond of trust that must be built from the beginning was very refreshing. There are "how to" books that are used like recipes for parenting successfully, but they rarely honor the individuality of each parent and each child. Dr. Stern understands how to encourage that individuality, while maintaining the parental role of guiding — as opposed to controlling. . . .”

Joanne Tatham, President
The Inside Edge, Irvine, CA

“I wanted to express our team’s sincere appreciation for your presentation at our Clinical Symposium in Washington, D.C. You accomplished all that we asked in regard to giving our clinical leadership tools to go home and use. I think they say it best in a few comments that I have extracted from the evaluations:

• “… engaging, very informative, great take home message …”
• “… very knowledgeable speaker, nurses need to go beyond people pleasing and promote right from wrong … hard lessons to learn …”
• “… very personable presenter. I love the concepts…”
• “… thought provoking. It was good to go through the exercise of identifying 'bad' management style and good to know how to become congruent…”
• “… knowledgeable and motivated speaker…”

Thank you again for sharing your wisdom, confidence in positive change, and your caring.”

Barbara McCann, Chief Clinical Officer
and Chief Industry Officer, Interim Health Care, Sunrise FL

“Wow! Joanne was only talking for an hour but she had me and her audience both crying and laughing. She was an outstanding speaker — making me feel like I was having an intimate conversation while in a packed library. After her talk, people were still reluctant to leave. She graciously stayed, and in fact, walked out with the final stragglers. All of us left invigorated and inspired to be that connected parent Joanne encouraged us to be in her book and in her presentation.”

Alice Lucchesi, President
Aspen Creek K-8 PTA, Broomfield, CO

“You have a gift for speaking about difficult topics in a relaxed and non-threatening way. You engaged everyone as all parents have challenges with parenting. The easisest of children, as you kindly pointed out, make inappropriate choices that case anxiety for the family. . . Meaningful to all were the ways to stay connected to your children throughout the years. Forming as you say, ‘the unbreakable bond’ is what makes parenting so special and loving our children so rewarding.”

Jill Kessler, head of school
Pardes Jewish Day School, Phoenix, AZ

“Joanne was able to tailor her presentation for our specific audience. We are a unique half-day school for children and adolescents with learning difficulties such as dyslexia and attention deficit disorder. . . Joanne was able to address our parents’ particular needs, stressing the importance of never giving up on developing mutual trust and respect. . . .By evening’s end it was clear to all of us — we needed to reflect on our current relatiosnhip with our children and begin putting Joanne’ s guidance and counsel to work! It was a powerful presentation, and we can’ t thank Joanne enough for sharing her practical advice.”

Charlotte W. Tye, M.A.
Director, The Hill Springs Learning Center
Colorado Springs

“. . . Inspiring, informative, and entertaining. I learned some very practical things I can do to make my relationships with my children and grandchildren even better. Thank you, Joanne, for baring your soul and sharing your stories so that other parents and grandparents can benefit.”

Terry Durham, parent and grandparent,
Palos Verdes Estates, California

“At a time when raising kids seems to be more complicated than ever, Dr. Stern gave our Aspen High School audience straight forward advice on being effective parents. . . Parents found her discourse intriguing, entertaining, and enlightening. It was clear by the audience’s response that her anecdotes struck a common chord with parents and that her advice made very good sense. This presentation was a huge hit with our parents! I can enthusaistically recommend Dr. Stern for parents of all age children.”

Charlie Anastas, Principal
Aspen High School, Aspen, Colorado

“. . . On target in every way, with a message that is powerful and filled with practical things parents can take home and start doing immediately. Joanne’s message would be well received by parents, administrators, and teachers — it would be a powerful evening at any school gathering.”

Patricia J. Thorpe, EdD
Lead Faculty, University of Phoenix, Education, and
former high school principal

“None of the other nationally renowned parenting experts I’ve heard have the ability to connect as deeply and passionately with parents as Joanne Stern does. I wish every parent could hear from Joanne, because she leaves you with new hope. Your heart and mind are touched in amazing ways when Joanne shares her expertise in nurturing open and trusting relationships with your children.”

Barbara C. Watson
Certified Teacher of Social and Emotional Learning and Former Director of Student Affairs at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Austin, Texas