Teaching Philosophy

As a Licensed Psychologist, my mission is to build safer and more inclusive environments by training and consulting with healthcare professionals, employers, parents and educators about gender diversity. Trainings are developed with the intent of creating a cooperative, transparent, and energetic learning environment. I believe that effective teaching can unravel preconceived notions of gender by empowering participants to relate to gender non-conforming individuals and their families with empathy, affirmation, and respect.  As a college Professor, I am experienced and comfortable with setting an open and cooperative tone in a classroom.  My learning events are highly experiential.  In addition to my knowledge of transgender health, I also am continuously learning best teaching practices and I am dedicated to cultivating culturally relevant and socially conscious pedagogy.

 

Specialized Workshops for Organizations:

Introduction to Working with Transgender Clients (Available as 4 hours or 6 hours)

This training is designed to increase the ability of health and mental health care providers to provide culturally competent care to their transgender and gender non-conforming patients. Through a series of interactive activities, participants will:

• Master introduction of basic terminology and appropriate application of transgender inclusive language
• Learn to assess for gender dysphoria and the variety of treatment options available
• Identify the primary diagnosis for patients presenting with co-morbidities
• Learn evidence-based approaches for effective work with families of gender nonconforming children
• Understand the role of transphobia plays in the lives of gender non-conforming individuals and their families

Introduction to Gender Identity (Available as 1.5 hours or 3 hours)

This interactive learning experience is focused on gender identity, gender roles, and transgender identity. Through a series of interactive activities, participants will:

• Recognize the role gender identity and gender stereotypes play in self perception, bias, and trans-discrimination
• Understand the concept of transgender identity
• Apply skills that enhance positive support of transgender people

Pride at Our School: Integrating Transgender Affirmative Education (Available as 3 hours)

This lively workshop can be suited for academic staff in K-12 settings. Using the latest research on how to improve academic success for transgender students, participants will:

• Discuss gender identity from a developmental lens
• Explore state and local laws which pertain to transgender students rights
• Review how school staff can best work with families of transgender student

Bridging the Gap: Methods for Mental Health Professionals to Provide Medical Documentation for Gender Transition (Available as 3 hours)

This training is designed for mental health providers who wish to enhance their ability to support transgender clients. Medical gender transition is defined as any semi-permanent or permanent change to the body that is directly linked to the experience of being a transgender person. This workshop is advanced in content and we recommend completing our Introduction to Gender Identity as a pre-requisite. Through didactics, small group exercises, and case examples, participants will:

• Become familiar with the two most commonly used approaches to documentation of gender transition
• Articulate how the two models of documentation are most appropriately utilized
• Understand the current role of the health insurance industry as a major factor in transgender health disparities
• Learn what medical treatments are available for transgender people

Customized Programs:

Not seeing what you are looking for above?  Custom-built learning events are available.  Send an inquiry.