Karen Young
Workshop Presenter
Karen began her career as a psychologist in private practice. She has worked extensively with children teens and families and in educational and organisation settings. She has lectured and has a Masters in Gestalt Therapy. It is through her work with children, teens and families, that she learned the power of solid information when it is placed in the solid, loving hands of parents or any important person in the life of a child. Karen is a sought-after speaker and consultant and works with schools, government bodies, and child and adolescent focused organisations, both in Australia and overseas. She is the author of three books, including the bestselling ‘Hey Warrior’ and ‘Hey Awesome’, which creatively assist children to understand and manage anxiety. The books have been translated into a number of languages and have sold more than 150,000 copies worldwide.
Workshop Topic
How the early learning environment can impact long-term development in children
Early childhood is a particularly critical time for the developing brain, and the early childhood environment is rich with the necessary experiences and relationships to support children in their development, behaviour, learning, and social and emotional well-being, including the building of resilience. As some of the most important adults in the day to day lives of young children, early childhood professionals have a profound capacity to provide the experiences and relational conditions that will nurture the holistic development of all children, including strengthening them against anxiety and towards resilience. This workshop will explore ways to capture the powerful role the early learning environment can play in nurturing the strong neural foundations for long-term development in all children.