Parent Leadership Academy
Program Overview
A proven, scalable train-the trainer program that equips staff to support parents
Who are we – And Why It Matters
When caregivers are supported, families and entire communities grow stronger. Through self-care and stress management, Family Resiliency Programs help adults build emotional awareness, strengthen relationships, and stay steady so your child feel safe and loved.
For more than 26 years, we have presented our programs to over 5,000 New York City public-school parents and parent support professionals, many serving families in under-resourced communities.
Through the Parent Leadership Academy, we train and license Parent Support Personnel to deliver the Masterful Parenting Program directly to parents—creating a sustainable approach to family engagement and support.
Who We Support
The Parent Leadership Academy is designed for
professionals who work closely with families,
including:
- Parent Coordinators
- Family Workers
- Social Workers
- Guidance Counselors
- Head Start Staff
- Community organization leaders
Because the principles presented are universal, the
training is relevant for professionals serving families
of any age group, background, or culture
The Parent Leadership Academy Helps Organizations:
- Provide meaningful professional development
- Stronger Parent–School Partnership
- Build protective factors that support family well-being
- A Healthier Emotional Climate for Children
- Expand and sustain parent engagement
- Build internal leadership capacity
- Sustainable programs without reliance on outside facilitators
Materials Provided
Upon successful completion participants receive the full Masterful Parenting facilitation package, including:
- Masterful Parenting PowerPoint presentation series (English and Spanish)
- Facilitator Instructional Manual
- Facilitator Training PowerPoint
- Access to the online learning dashboard
- 22 Social-Emotional Learning videos
- Yoga, meditation, and nutrition resources
- The course text
Program Format
A structured pathway—from personal experience to confident facilitation.
👥 Cohort Size
8–24 Participants
Parent Support Personnel from schools and community organizations
🌍 Universal Approach
Relevant Across All Families
Applies across ages, cultures, and backgrounds
🕒 Schedule
10 Weekly Sessions
2 hours each • Live or blended onlinE
What Participants Gain
Participants become certified to facilitate the Masterful Parenting Program in their communities while strengthening their own well-being and capacity to support others.
- Social-Emotional Leadership
Develop the ability to listen deeply, communicate clearly, and respond with empathy, responsibility, and intention. - Stronger Relationships
Build trust and connection with parents and families through more effective communication and support. - Self-Care & Stress Management
Learn, present and reinforce simple, practical tools—breathing, meditation, gentle movement, exercise, nutrition, and attaining an adequate night’s sleep—to stay calm, present, and resilient.
- Parent Support Skills
Gain confidence in guiding and supporting parents through real-life challenges. - Healthy School Communities
Help create a more caring, connected, and emotionally supportive school environment. - Certification
Become licensed to skillfully deliver the Masterful Parenting Program in your school or organization.
How the Program Impacts Schools and Families
“The most meaningful measure of our work is the experience of those we serve.”
Administrator Perspective
Administrator Perspective
"Your training enhanced our ability to be introspective, acknowledge feelings and consider the steps needed to resolve conflict. The issues raised stimulated group circle discussion about effective strategies to provide mediation and negotiation. The feedback from the participants was extremely positive"
Administrator Perspective
"We appreciate the work and effort that went into each session and know firsthand the benefit of your Masterful Parenting Course. Thank you also for sharing yourself with us and providing a space where meaningful interactions took place and the impact and beauty of this work was sincerely felt.”
Administrator Perspective
Staff Perspective
Staff Perspective
"Their work with parents is stellar. I am thrilled to have been a part of the classes, witnessing my personal growth along with my colleagues and others."
Staff Perspective
“Listening without the voice in my head, listening without judgement, listening without trying to solve any problems...just listen!”
Staff Perspective
“Acceptance, responsibility, caring and reflecting.This course has changed my way of dealing with life.”