Chrys Masses-Rhodes, a mother of 6, grandmother of 9 and wife of 43 years, spoke to the Club today about child development with a focus both professional and philosophical on humanistic education and social-emotional learning. Chrys believes very strongly in educating the whole child using the following five competencies:
a) Self-awareness (sense of purpose and
confidence)
b) Self-management
c) Social awareness
d) Relationship skills (making responsible
decisions)
e) Consequences of relationships.
She also believes you can and should start introducing these competencies to children as young as 5 years of age. She does not believe in hitting a child, ever, but talking to them in a calm reasonable manner while showing unconditional love.
Chrys’ life’s work has been dedicated to serving children and their families. In a career that has span 40 years, she has been a Master Teacher/Director of Preschool, Elementary Education Teacher, Principal of a LA Unified School District Charter School, Supervisory of Special Needs Residential Program and, a Communication Specialist/resolution Facilitator. In retirement, Chrys has established a private practice supporting families on a path to greater connection, empathy and understanding of one another. She facilitates Mom and Girl’s Groups in partnership with The Center for Childhood. She also teaches parenting empowerment classes to unhoused families through non-profit agencies such as The Salvation Army-Westwood, Harvest Home for unhoused pregnant women and, the St. Joseph Center.
Chrys is also the MTSS (multi-tiered support system) social-emotional learning consultant to Charter schools and preschools in the greater Los Angeles Area.
A big shout out to Nanci Cohen for leading the pledge of allegiance, Roozbeh Farahanipour for the Thought for the Day which included a visual tour & explanation of all the memorabilia in the Persian Gulf restaurant and, PP Ed Gauld for leading us in singing God Bless America. We also welcomed special guests Vicky Smith from the Westside and, Roy George from Redlands Rotary.
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