For the Love of Kids 2004 Practical Parenting Conference

Meet Our National Speakers

Robert Brooks, Ph.D.

Dr. Robert Brooks is one of today's leading speakers on the themes of resilience, self-esteem, motivation and family relationships. During the past 25 years, Dr. Brooks has presented nationally and internationally to thousands
of parents, educators, and mental health professionals with a message based on encouragement, hope and resilience. He is renowned for the warmth and humor he uses to bring his insights and anecdotes to life. Dr. Brooks is on the faculty of Harvard Medical School and has a private practice. He appears regularly on television shows in the Boston area as well as on national cable television. He has completed an educational guide for PBS and is a consultant to Sesame Street Parents Magazine. Dr. Brooks has written several books including Raising Resilient Children and Seven Steps to Help Your Child Worry Less.

Dr. Brooks' keynote address

Dr. Brooks' website

Barbara Coloroso

Barbara Coloroso is an internationally recognized speaker and author in the areas of parenting, teaching, school discipline, conflict resolution and reconciliatory justice. She is an educational consultant for school districts, the medical and business community, the criminal justice system and other educational associations in the United States, Canada, and abroad. Barbara has appeared on many radio and television shows including Oprah, The Today Show, and CNN News. Barbara has served as a classroom teacher, a laboratory school instructor and a university instructor. She is the author of two international bestsellers: kids are worth it! Giving Your Child the Gift of Inner Discipline and Parenting Through Crisis: Helping Kids in Times of Loss, Grief and Change.

Barbara Coloroso's website

Dr. Raymond Guarendi

Dr. Ray Guarendi is a clinical psychologist, well-known speaker and author. He received his Ph.D. from Kent State University. His experience includes consultant to 11 school districts, 2 psychiatric centers and operates his own private practice. He is a regular guest on national radio and television, including Oprah and CBS This Morning. Dr. Guarendi has appeared on regional television shows in over 40 states and Canada. He has written several books, including "You're a Better Parent Than You Think!" and now in its nineteenth printing, "Back to the Family." Dr. Guarendi also hosts his own national radio show and writes an award winning syndicated parenting column. And did we mention, he is the father of 10 children!

Dr.Guarendi's website

Mary Ryan Karges

Mary is an accomplished actress and founding member of T.A.L.K (Take Action Listen to Kids) Theatre - for over 10 years bringing current issues into schools and empowering children with the skills to communicate about them. Recently, Mary has turned her abilities toward promoting youth financial literacy and her dynamic presentation about teaching kids how to save, spend and share attained the Global Learning Initiative award at the Bologna International Book Fair. Most importantly, as a working mother of three, she knows firsthand what it means to teach children the value of time and money.

Moonjar's website