LPLC Quarterly eNewsletter (Spring 2024)

Executive Director's Update


Dear LPLC Community —


In May we announced the Wendy Pesky Endowed Chair of Clinical Psychology. The establishment of this prestigious position at LPLC was in direct response to the growing scarcity of clinical psychologists in Idaho and beyond. As a matter of fact, by the year 2030, Idaho will face a severe shortage in the number of clinical psychologists needed to serve individuals facing significant obstacles to learning, including challenges related to academics, mental health, and self-regulation (American Psychological Association). Establishment of this endowed chair in clinical psychology is a critical step in LPLC’S ability to recruit and retain a highly skilled professional to lead our clinical services team while contributing to the health and well-being of our entire state.

 

The board and staff at LPLC named this endowed chair to honor our co-founder, Wendy Pesky. As shared by LPLC board member, Nate Katsuki, “Wendy was undeniably inspiring, epitomizing traits of grace, honesty, and an unyielding dedication to serving others. Every interaction with Wendy left me feeling empowered and understood…”

 

Feeling “empowered and understood” are reinforced when participating in inclusive environments. Whether at home, at work, in school, or attending a childcare center, we all need to feel included. Yet, creating and maintaining inclusive environments is not easy work and as LPLC strives to become increasingly diverse, equitable, and inclusive, we recognize that to truly “walk the talk” we must move forward deliberately, strategically, and empathetically. This newsletter shares stories of how LPLC’s contributes our small part in making the world a more inclusive place – we believe that Wendy Pesky would approve. 


In partnership,


Lindy Crawford

 

Lindy Crawford, PhD

Executive Director

lcrawford@lplearningcenter.org

LPLC Board of Directors


Greg Pesky, Chair

Gregory Byron, Secretary

Buck Harris, Treasurer

Jim Foudy

Lisa Gabel

Mark Hamachek

Dana Herrman

Will Hughes

Nathan Katsuki

Barbara Morgan

Alan Pesky, Co-founder

Decker Rolph

Robert Sanchez

Jerry Sturgill

Matthew Weatherley-White

William Young

MEET THE BOARD HERE

Recommended Reads

This issue, peruse recommended reads focused on inclusive environments.

How To Be an Inclusive Leader by Jennifer Brown examines how to be an inclusive leader and covers the challenges and mindsets that continue to hold many leaders back.

A Little SPOT of Belonging: A Story About Being True to Yourself and Making Friends by Diane Alber is a story about the importance of including others and being kind. 

DEI Deconstructed: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Doing the Work and Doing It Right by Lily Zheng lays out the path for anyone to become a more effective DEI practitioner, ally, and leader.

Tier 1 Spotlight:

Building an Inclusive Early Childhood Environment

We are excited to launch our newest course for early childhood educators!


Building an Inclusive Early Childhood Environment provides educators with evidence-based tools and strategies to create an inclusive, developmentally appropriate environment that meets the individual needs of each child in their care.


The course includes three parts including emotional support, classroom organization, and instructional support. Educators who complete the course will have a better understanding of how to implement the tools necessary to effectively monitor, prevent, and redirect challenging behavior. Also, they will learn how to implement the tools needed to organize and maximize learning time, promote higher order thinking skills, and provide high quality feedback.


According to Professional Development Director, Courtney Painton, “This course provides an amazing opportunity for educators to gain a better understanding of the fundamentals needed to create a space where all children can thrive. An inclusive environment is built upon the connections and relationships that we create with children, and this new course emphasizes that importance.”

LPLC's New Course!

Are you interested in creating an inclusive environment for young learners at your center or school?


Click on the link below to learn more about LPLC's newest course or learn more about our course via a recent feature by CBS2 news HERE.


Questions? Please reach out to LPLC's Professional Development Director, Courtney Painton: cpainton@lplearningcenter.org

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Counseling Corner: Creating Inclusive Environments

Individuals, especially children, thrive more within an inclusive environment as it helps to highlight diverse ages, interests, preferences, abilities and learning styles. It can promote learning, development, engagement, ensure a sense of belonging, and foster positive social relationships. An inclusive environment requires core values and expectations that accept an individual as they are which includes people-first language that emphasizes the individual, not the label. All individuals regardless of family background, race and ethnicity, gender, and cognitive and physical ability deserve to feel they belong.


How an individual is treated has a dramatic impact on how they view themselves and the world around them. When someone is excluded, it can diminish their feelings of self-worth and confidence and have a negative impact on their social-emotional skills and the relationships they form with others. Safety and inclusivity also promote positive feelings toward school and help to teach important life skills, including empathy and compassion for others.


It is important to foster a mindset that supports divergent views with judgement-free listening and observing while identifying our own biases and assumptions. By focusing on how cultures and families influence interactions, communication, social and cognitive development, and service delivery we can broaden our perspective and, in turn, create a more welcoming environment for young learners.

We are Truly Better Together:

Sending Gratitude to the LPLC Community!

Sending gratitude to the LPLC community for your support of our annual spring event!


This past May, you helped us raise over $170,000 for children and educators overcoming learning obstacles alongside an additional $150,000 for The Wendy Pesky Endowed Chair of Clinical Psychology. Thank you!


Please take a moment to watch what your impact is making possible below.

LPLC Establishes The Wendy Pesky Endowed Chair of Clinical Psychology


The Wendy Pesky Endowed Chair of Clinical Psychology was recently established to honor the legacy of LPLC's late co-founder, Wendy Pesky. This esteemed position reinforces the critical role that psychology plays in creating pathways to learning, particularly for those who experience obstacles and addresses the ongoing need for expertise in this field in the state of Idaho.


You can learn more about the Wendy Pesky Endowed Chair of Clinical Psychology by reading a recent feature in Idaho Education News or visiting LPLC's website here.

Alumni Spotlight: Share Your Highlights or Updates

We Love Hearing From our Alumni and Alumni Families!


Click the button below or email advancement@lplearningcenter.org to submit quotes, stories, updates, and pictures. We look forward to hearing about the adventures you have embarked on and challenges you have tackled since your time at LPLC!

Share Your Updates Here

Leaving a Legacy for LPLC


If you are interested in learning more about supporting LPLC with a planned gift, you can do so here or sign up to receive our bi-annual planned giving newsletter here. Your gift today empowers tomorrow's children!

Lee Pesky Learning Center works together with individuals, families, schools, and communities to understand and overcome obstacles to learning. 

www.lplearningcenter.org

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