Karen Tompkins
Transforming the effects of anger and anxiety, one brain at a time.
Windsor, Canada
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Karen’s mission is to create an environment where differences are expected rather than the exception. Her understanding of the neurochemistry of behaviour has allowed the participants of her sessions to make a plan and MoveON from whatever stressors they are experiencing. Karen has been an invited speaker and presenter at the Wyoming Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Canadian Organization of Rare Disorder’s National Conference as well as the Moracle Foundation in England. Karen is the author of the children’s book Different is Just… Different as well as Purple Stew (a parenting guide). She has facilitated workshops for international conferences and several universities and teacher conferences. She is currently a sessional instructor at the University of Windsor in the Faculty of Education.
Area of Expertise
Topics
MoveON: Understanding Anger and Anxiety
Parents and advocates experience different types of stress in several scenarios. Their passion for the work can drive a ‘good stress’ reaction; however, the roadblocks, lack of outcome-control and other negative factors cause anger and/or anxiety which works against the positive gains. It can become difficult to be the best support you can be when you experience anger and/or anxiety.
Understanding the neurochemistry of stress gives the person new insight into their own behaviour and that of the people we serve. Many techniques that combat the effects of prolonged stress are explored. You will learn about why some techniques work and why they might not be working enough. Current research articles will be referenced to support Karen’s approach of bringing your neurochemicals back to an optimal level in order to renew your commitment to the journey. You will leave with a concrete plan to make a difference in your level of anger/anxiety in order to MoveON.
Label of Care
Children don’t come with a comprehensive instruction manual… and some children’s needs are not discussed in the mainstream parenting books. Karen shares her poignant story of navigating the medical and educational systems for her daughter’s rare disorder. Participants will leave with tools to develop a ‘label of care’ for themselves or the people they support.
MoveON: Understanding Anger and Anxiety
When we are in fight-flight-fight mode, making rational decisions can be challenging. Our neurochemistry is wired to keep us focused on solving the problem that is causing stress, which is great if the problem is a physical threat, like almost getting hit by a truck. However, if the problem is related to our work environment or negative relationships, it becomes more difficult to resolve. Thankfully, there are specific ways, backed by research, to increase serotonin in our system, which can help us think more clearly. If you are a parent, advocate, or educator, this workshop is designed for you.
Show me what you know: Assessment and Multiliteracies
Not all students are adept at writing their thoughts in the form of an essay, in fact, some struggle with transforming their thoughts into words in general. Gloria Jacobs suggests that “the core of a multiliteracies assessment is the core of any meaningful assessment. It is about watching and noticing what students are doing and then using that information to guide the students toward new skills and knowledge” (Jacobs, 2013 p.4).
Using Shakespeare’s text of Romeo and Juliet, an overview of a differentiated unit will be explored in order to determine best practices for translating what a student can show you into data for assessment. Learning goals, success criteria, project templates will all be shared during this session.
https://multiliteraciesproject.com/school-educators/secondary-teachers-students-karen-tompkins/
26th International Families and Fathers Conference Sessionize Event Upcoming
25th International Families and Fathers Conference Sessionize Event
Teachers for Inclusive Education: British Columbia
TIE-BC is dedicated to supporting educational professionals in their efforts to provide an inclusive education for all students. Karen has been an invited presenters for two years running on their on-line platform.
2023 NODA Annual Conference (NODAC) Sessionize Event
Canadian Organization of Rare Disorders
CORD is Canada's national network for organizations representing all those with rare disorders.
Mission: Provide a strong common voice to advocate for health policy and a healthcare system that works for those with rare disorders.
Wyoming Developmental Disabilities Conference
The WDDC is the largest developmental disability conference in the state of Wyoming and covers a variety of topics related to disabilities such as advocacy, employment, education, best practices and other critical issues. Participants include self-advocates/people with disabilities, family members, providers and professionals. The conference brings together a wide range of people and is a great opportunity to network, learn new things, make friends and reconnect.
Michigan Department of Early Childhood
Karen has been an invited presenter two years running at this event which is co-sponsored by the Council of Exceptional Children
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