The purpose of transformative education is to incorporate the perspectives, dispositions, and interpretations that students bring to their learning experiences. Teachers specifically encourage students to share their experiences with one another. Additionally, some of the students’ worldviews and stereotypes need to be re-examined. Mentors are only able to offer the conditions, resources, and support needed to clear the path. All students can learn how they want to learn without feeling left out of the session by including learning experiences in the curriculum. In the end, the student gains a lot since they are stimulated through a variety of channels. Meet Vanessa Kahlon, Executive Director and Founder of KFS SCHOOL, a transformative educational experience that empowers students to achieve their goals through social and emotional learning.
Success Ladder
As a clinical psychology master’s degree holder who began her profession 20 years ago, Vanessa Kahlon was familiar with the requirements of families with children who had been diagnosed with high-functioning autism, ADHD, or other forms of global exceptionality. In order to offer behavior consultations and professional support to parents and professionals who work with children who have learning and behavioral issues and requirements, she founded KAHLON FAMILY SERVICES in 2008. She later developed her own yoga curriculum (YEAS YOGA), Yoga Education for Autism Spectrum, to help address children’s self-regulation and body awareness needs as well as to provide social coaches in the field at various schools. She then developed behavioral programs across the country and began facilitating social skills groups.
KFS School is a nonprofit organization that provides services to families and children in the San Francisco Bay Area. The KFS school, which was established by Kahlon Family Services LLC in 2016, aims to provide the greatest possible education to all children who are intelligent and have been labeled as Twice Exceptional (2E). The majority of KFS students have faced academic challenges in regular school environments, yet they are able to succeed academically and enhance their social-emotional learning.
Additionally, KFS School intends to offer behavioral counseling, parent workshops, and school assistance to students who have had difficulty fulfilling the behavioral and academic expectations of their school.
Revolutionizing the Education Sector
KFS offers behavioral consulting, school assistance, and parent education services to assist children with behavior and learning challenges. Having instructed in numerous parenting classes, in addition to supervising and advising in-home behavior programs all around the state of California, there is no “one size fits all” approach to education, according to KFS SCHOOL, and every student requires a personalized plan that takes into account their unique challenges and goals. Using “The 3R Method,” Redo, Rewind, and Repair, which Vanessa designed to promote Social emotional learning through interactions with classmates and teachers, the team helps children realize their academic potential while also fostering a sense of self. They have personally seen how the programs have helped the students’ lives change; the students are now more self-assured, engaged members of their communities.
Vanessa mentions, “A child who wouldn’t take a risk is now stepping out of their comfort zone.”
Fulfilling the Gap
Vanessa Kahlon, a family interventionist, family advocate, and educator, realized there was a huge need for programs and services that may assist children with behavior problems holistically by modeling behaviors and using certain phases for the children to reflect on their own conduct, “The 3R’s Method.” She observed while working in the sector that there is a much larger issue at hand with little or no answers, particularly in light of the pandemic and youngsters behaving badly. Like the inquisitive mind of any other entrepreneur, Vanessa sought to close the gaps.
Vanessa contends that while school is meant to prepare students for success in the real world, far too many kids struggle because they aren’t given the opportunity to develop the skills necessary for both academic and behavioral success. As educators, parents, and teachers, it is our duty to give our kids the greatest environment possible so they can succeed academically and learn in their own way. That is why KFS was created; it wants to alter how children are educated, how adults deal with their behavior, and how adults may approach children in different ways to help them achieve their objectives. One illustration is the use of movement desks in each classroom, such as bikes, steppers, and side-to-side spinning workstations, to assist students in focusing on what is best for their individual bodies and learning preferences. not what parents believe is best for kids.
Consistent Towards Responsibilities
Vanessa Kahlon seeks to see systems for early intervention, identification, and support of youth at risk, as well as increased access to high-quality education, put in place. She thinks KFS schools can be crucial to a child’s holistic development and in giving them the tools they need to succeed in both academics and conduct. She keeps this in mind as she works constantly with the kids, helping the parents and teachers while assessing the effectiveness of the approaches she has established. Since consistency is essential, it is her responsibility to ensure that she uses the same strategy at home and at school.
“In a few words, I start with building the relationship with the child first and meet the child on their level emotionally, physically, and academically. When a child starts to increase their self-esteem, that is when they start to blossom at school, at home, and in the community.” She explains.
Maintain to Meet Client Expectations
By offering prompt responses, polite interactions, and flexible hours, Vanessa and her colleagues uphold a high standard of professionalism. They constantly strive to go above and beyond the expectations of their customers because they take their responsibilities toward them seriously. Families are surveyed about what they wish to change about their child as well as about specific objectives and expectations. As of February 2022, we will be a part of the WASC accreditation process, which includes these surveys.
Steps for Improvement Toward Society
Vanessa always tells parents to:
Trust yourself as a parent
The most crucial thing a parent can do is have faith in themselves. If you allow yourself to be open-minded and trustworthy, you will be able to give your child the finest environment possible because you are the one who knows them best.
Do not avoid difficult conversations
It is a duty as parents to conduct difficult conversations with the kids. They must understand that there are repercussions for their conduct and that their parents may not always agree with them.
Let Them Fumble
Parents should provide a positive role model for their kids while still allowing them to make mistakes. When their children have acted improperly, parents shouldn’t be reluctant to inform them; however, parents also let their children know that they are always proud of them.
Greatest Risk Recorded
The greatest professional risk, in Vanessa’s opinion, was opening KFS School. To put it mildly, she knew nothing about cash flow or what it took to start and run a successful school. She learned how to generate money at school for the first time, as well as how to ask for help, which has always been a challenge for her. The school started in her living room after she rented a room at a synagogue to finally own a place in San Francisco. She has gained a great deal of insight into who she is and how to put forth effort and maintain focus.
“There have been a lot of challenges, but it has also been a lot of fun too!” Vanessa says
According to her, the journey has been fantastic, and there have been many challenging times, but it has also been tremendously rewarding, and what motivates Vanessa to keep going is when she sees the children’s eyes light up when they accomplish something difficult.
Future Prospects for the KFS School
Kahlon is enthusiastic about what lies ahead for them because she thinks they can have a huge impact on people’s lives all over the world. She recently launched the “How To Do Parenting With Confidence” book series and is eager to see it develop so that more and more people may read it and benefit from the experiences, strategies, and approaches for dealing with kids’ normal behaviors. To assist SEL in the schools, Vanessa is currently producing a manual for instructors on “The 3R’s Method.” Along with “Parenting With Vanessa Kahlon,” her podcast. She observes the school’s ongoing expansion and success. They are dedicated to being a leading organization in the fields of parenting, education, and social emotional learning approaches and are constantly seeking out innovative ways to enhance their methods and offerings.
Wisdom Words for New Leaders
Vanessa advises young, aspiring leaders to be open to new opportunities and willing to take on challenges. You will advance in your profession and become a better leader if you maintain your focus and keep studying. Vanessa also thinks it’s critical to maintain a good outlook no matter what happens.
Vanessa describes her experience: “From what other colleagues have called me, “The Yes Girl,” even when I had no idea what I was doing, I just said “Yes,” and when an opportunity raised and I wasn’t sure, I figured it out later. A little anxiety at times, but once it was over, I was grateful for the opportunity.” She believes growth means getting out of her comfort zone.
Written by Steve Sanchez.
