Gentle Teaching has played a significant role in my life, both at work and at home. When I first came to COR, I remember the concept of Gentle Teaching seeming so clear to me. Of course we want to treat people with love, respect, dignity and kindness. Of course we want to be present when we are with people, and use our words, hands and eyes to allow people to feel safe with us. I quickly realized that Gentle Teaching was something I had believed in my entire life, I just never had the opportunity to work at an organization that embraced it. I saw that Gentle Teaching was so much more than just simply using these tools to build relationships.

Seeing the people I support growing through teaching moments, learning to feel safe, and realizing that not everyone will leave their lives is why Gentle Teaching is so special. I remember a particularly difficult moment supporting someone, and not feeling very safe myself. I remember wondering if I could possibly get hurt, and was trying my best to support them through that moment. I remember the person I was supporting putting their hand on my shoulder, looking me in the eyes and saying “I will not hurt you”. I knew in that moment that the relationship we had build, the trust and love we had for each other, and the time I had spend letting that person know that they were safe with me was all worth it. I remember driving home after that night, a little shaken, needing a good sleep, but smiling because I knew I had allowed someone to trust me, and I in-turn was able to trust them back.

Gentle Teaching has not only impacted my work life, but also my personal life. My grandma is experiencing dementia, and it has been very difficult my myself, my family, and especially my for mom and her sisters. If it wasn’t for my background in Gentle Teaching, I genuinely do not think I would be able to support my grandma in the ways that I do. Ensuring my that my grandma is feeling safe and loved is essential when I visit her. Not only this, but I have learned such patience through my time supporting at COR. Giving my grandma grace, allowing her time to ask the questions she needs, and giving her warm and comforting answers (even if I have to give them numerous times) has been very helpful. Understanding that she cannot help her condition, and the fear she must feel when she doesn’t remember things or know where she is must be extremely scary. Showing her kindness, and just simply being present with her in that moment even if she doesn’t remember it is so important, and I will forever be grateful for my time spent with her, and also grateful for my ability to use Gentle Teaching to enhance our relationship during her last few moments of life.

Kristyn, COR Family Member