Welcome!  Thanks for inquiring about the readiness trainings I provide. I don’t know if you’ve heard me before or not, but I have to say that speaking and training for Family Programs conferences, FRG and FAC trainings and military spouse programs is my absolute favorite thing to do! I’ve had great feedback on the impact, help and applicability of my programs.

All training programs are designed to enhance readiness and each includes its own custom-prepared readiness tool to take with you. Pretty soon, I’ll have some sample DVD footage available on this site so you can see for yourself. In the meantime, click on a link below for a brief descriptions below and more information about the program.

Large Group General Session Trainings
Small Group Trainings and Breakouts
Skill Advancement Training

Large Group General Session Training:

"How the heck did my butt get so BIG?... and other realities of reunion"  (reunion/reintegration)

You’re home now, and that’s wonderful! But fitting back in has come with some challenges. Together we’ll look at the top 8 concerns people have with reintegration. Let’s see how they compare with your experiences! Now let’s learn what to do about it. With a “lighter” approach, I’ll take you through a hands-on exercise, and teach some techniques designed to facilitate better more open communication between you and your spouse, kids, boss at work, friends, etc. These techniques will be looked at through stories and examples that you’ll find fun and interesting.

“The Military Recruits…the Family Retains!”  (before and during deployment)

This general session is based on the 2nd edition of the book titled “I’m Already Home…Again” and brings you fun new ways to connect with your families – reunion, community, FRG and extended family strategies - along with a couple of requested favorites – Flat Daddy™ and Mel and Marge. It’s readiness training at its best, and includes a training tool to keep working for you following the session. (This presentation opened the 2006 NG Family Programs conventions in Philadelphia and Boston) It’s illustrated with over 40 beautiful photographs and designed to enhance all phases of readiness.

T.G.I.F. – Teamwork Generates Innovation and Flexibility  (any phase of deployment)

This brand new course is 100% interactive using a physical building exercise. In a fun way it lets attendees experience what it takes to create strong teams and work better together! All materials are provided.

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Small Group Training and Breakouts:

From Barracks to Backyard  (reunion/reintegration)

This fun and highly interactive session reviews your most pressing concerns and issues about coming home. Then together we’ll develop new and different strategies to help. You’ll leave with at least 25 ideas to implement immediately.

Make a Small World…Smaller!  (during deployment)

Presented twice to “overflow crowds” at the Philadelphia National Guard convention. Elaine will take you through participation in a fun networking instrument and then teach you how to develop and use your own to help all people in your unit FRG and FAC’s learn about each other. This process is great for rural units whose members are far apart and hard to get involved. The goal of this session is to be sure no one in the unit feels left out or disconnected with the families around them, and that we generate ideas on ways each can help.

Creating a Connections Action Plan for your Family  (before and during deployment)

This 60 minute session is almost entirely interactive. Part 1: Group is introduced to the specifics of what a family action plan should look like and then works with another person to create their own. If they are spouses, their plan will be for their family and if they are FRG volunteers who work with other families, they’ll learn how to help the families under their care develop their own plans. Part 2: designed to generate additional connection ideas focused around certain “themes”.

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Skill Advancement Training:

Before I was involved with the military families over the past 3 years, my business was built around 20+ years of corporate and association training in the areas of presentation skills and networking. Here’s how I believe that my expertise in these two areas can be beneficial to you.

Speak for SUCCESS! - Presentation Skill Training

Designed as a ½ day (4 hour) session and can be extended to a full day. I will provide the concepts of public speaking in a fun, informative and non-threatening manner! We’ll cover how to work with the stress one feels while presenting, how to develop confidence and even how to get to a place of enjoyment. Together, we’ll develop your Authority, Energy and Awareness as they apply to every communication situation…even listening. Why would you need to know this? Because often you, as an FRG or FAC leader/volunteer, are asked to present your ideas to community groups or in meetings. You might also be providing training sessions and doing the teaching yourself. You need to bring out those personal qualities that let you be the best you can be. Just because you’re speaking, doesn’t mean that people are listening!

I’ve also been asked to develop some one-time, state specific training sessions designed around the problems they wanted to solve. I can do that for you too. Just tell me what your needs are and we’ll go from there together.

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