Barbara has worked with Parents and Teachers, School Administrators and Counseleors for over 35 years, helping them see through the eyes of a child and learning how to maximize children's excitement about learning. She took her skills into jails where she worked successfully with male and female drug addicts for seven years as a counselor and the creator and teacher of two education programs: parent education and domestic violence prevention education. Barbara teaches continuing education teacher training courses for colleges and universities.
Daughter of a war hero and officer in the military, Barbara attended schools in six states and three foreign countries. Her strict military and religious upbringing led to her search for a softer way to parent that did not include spanking, yelling or threatening. Her journey has given her a unique perspective on how to balance discipline and love that is respectful to both the adult and the child, as well as the needs of the situation.
Barbara’s advanced certifications and experience include: State Board Certified Domestic Violence Prevention Counselor and Clinically Certified Domestic Violence Counselor. Forensic Counselor, Family Issues Counselor, Addictions Counselor, Board Certified Hypnotherapist with advanced Clinical Certification, Certified Administrator of the Myers-Briggs Type Inventory, Advanced EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), Body Talk Access Technician, Reiki Practictioner, Ordained Interfaith Minister and Board Certified Hospital Chaplain.
Rev. Barbara's formal education includes the University of Maryland, Munich Campus, Germany, Sacramento State, California, the University of Metaphysics, Nevada, and the International Metaphysical Ministry.
Barbara and her husband just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary! They have two grown sons and their families, including five grand-children ages 21, 15, 8, 6, and 16 months and their wonderful Mommies! They all live in Northern California and the guys run a family real estate development business together. Pat and Barbara live with a 12 year old Malti-poo and a 15 year old Cockatiel.
TESTIMONIALS
Parent Testimonials
"Entertaining, informative, and enlightening! Have Barbara back as soon as possible---I want to bring everyone I know to hear what she has to say. Best evening program yet!"
Mary Caraway, Parent, Kennett, Missouri
"As a mother of two I was treading water. I definitely took a plunge underwater when the twins came along! Barbara had me get in touch with my strengths and helped me let go of the expectations of others. She had me focus on my children’s strengths and the ability of the older two to help me with the babies.
I have increased patience, and I’ve learned how to handle temper tantrums and how to accentuate the positive. I also have diversionary tactics that come in very handy!"
Jennifer Poletti, Parent, Author: Midnight Magical Trolley
"I foresee the lasting benefits of your presentation to be better communication among the parents in our nursery school as well as between the parents and their children. I appreciate your nonthreatening interaction with the audience, your use of humor and positive feedback. You've been here before and you will be invited back again!" Laura (Lolly) Miller, Director, Woodside Parents Nursery School, Woodside, CA
Teacher/Administrator/Counselor Testimonials
"Barbara Smailey's workshop helped me find the key for turning low-producing, low self-esteem students into high-producing, high self-esteem students!
I chose to try Barbara's encouragement techniques on the eleven students in the school with the worst attitudes and the worst grades. Within three weeks all eleven students went from being F students to being B- and C+ students!
The bottom line is to help kids feel good about themselves. I learned so much from Barbara, it's amazing!" Don Powell, Teacher, Woodland High School, CA
"Barbara Smailey's workshop provided me with first-hand experience of a child's perspective. Seeing through the eyes of a student increased my awareness and sensitivity toward young people. I recommend Barbaras presentation on Self-Esteem to teachers, administrators and parents." Jerry Falat, Assistant Principal, Stockton, CA
"I was very apprehensive about yet another workshop. I'm always concerned about how much time I spend at something like this---it had better be worth my while! Barbara's workshop was excellent and definitely worth the time AND money!" Bob Triplett, Counselor, Orofino High School, Idaho
Getting to the Heart of It!
With Barbara Smailey, PhD.
(650) 365-(days a year) KIDS
(650-365-5437)