Kate Ortolano
Biographical Highlights

"Powerful," "strong," and "creative" are words to describe parent educator Kate Ortolano. In addition to working with a multitude of families through the Family Education Center in Santa Rosa, she coordinates and teaches parent education with Positive Discipline Associates and Summerfield Workshops, both of which offer programs to teachers, parents, children, and employers. She teaches ongoing classes with Headstart, is part of the Family Support Team and teaches Parent Education for the federally funded Mentor Program at Flowery Elementary School, and has taught a high school ROP program. She is coauthor of Positive Discipline: A Teacher’s A-Z Guide

Kate excels in working with groups. Her charismatic and multi-talented style presents simple and practical ideas and tools to support and strengthen human relationships through the Adlerian philosophy. Corporations, schools, parent groups, and hospitals have discovered that her workshops are lively and a safe place to learn and exchange ideas. Kate focuses on raising responsible children, encouragement, and empowering both children and adults.

Kate was inspired to teach when she herself was a participating parent in family education. She has three vivacious children and a supportive husband who add to her practical experience. They are a continual and fundamental part of her personal education.

Kate is known as a natural teacher who brings energy and humor to her experiential activities during workshops with teachers, parents, and drop-in parent support groups.

SAMPLE TOPICS

· Positive Discipline
· Raising Responsible Children
· Empowering Teens and Yourself in the Process
· Becoming a More Effective Parent
· Juggling It All—Work, Home, School, and Time for Fun
· Building Self-Esteem through Rules, Routine, and Responsibility
· Sibling Rivalry
· Birth Order Influence
· Responses to Stress—What Is Your Style and Making the Most of It
· Family and Classroom Meetings
· Self-Awareness—For Kids Only
· Positive Discipline Workshops:
· Teaching Parenting
· Empowering Teenagers and Yourself in the Process
· Positive Discipline in the Classroom

WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT KATE ORTOLANO

"I have attended a parenting class facilitated by Kate since October of 1989. I appreciate her knowledge of the subject, ability to work with groups, self-honesty, wit, and humor."
— Gary Stein
Sonoma, CA

"I have found the parenting groups led by Kate Ortolano to be very helpful for me and my family. I’ve learned that by being more of a democratic parent, I can accomplish what needs to get done with cooperation instead of nagging."
—Joanie S. Moshier
Santa Rosa, CA

"Kate is a great teacher, full of knowledge, warmth, nurturing, and direction. She has helped make a positive change in our lives."
—Janet Calvo

"I have been able to learn a lot from Kate. She is open, understanding, and knowledgeable of the subject matter. She is full of compassion and utilizes humor in a very effective way."
—Clyde Calvo