I first learned about Gentle Teaching within my Kinesiology degree in 2015 from a class with Brenda Rossow-Kimball. While I enjoyed this class and everything I had learned from it, I did not apply it to my life directly after. Once I began a career with COR, I was shown first-hand how so many people were applying Gentle Teaching to their everyday life, inside and outside of COR.

Since beginning my career within COR, I have become quite aware of how my presence may have been interpreted by others. Prior to my time with COR, I did not give much thought into my tone or the types of words that I used. At the time, to my knowledge, I had never been in a position where my tone or words had been misinterpreted, but that quickly changed. I learned how my words or tone could be misunderstood by the individuals we serve. I had always spoken very monotone and did not express much emotion in how I presented myself. Once I began supporting at COR, I realized that I needed to make some changes in how I relayed things or how I displayed myself. I first realized I needed to work on myself when I was questioned on if I was mad when I did not smile, or if I was sitting with my arms crossed. Even though I was feeling relaxed in these moments, my body language was giving off a completely different perception. From these interactions, I became self-aware, and I found that I began to be very perceptive of the way that I was presenting myself. I have had a lot of personal growth since I began at COR and I am proud of the person that I am today. The skills and knowledge that I have acquired within my time at COR has helped me in my professional and personal life.

Through my self-awareness I have become a better support, friend, mother, and partner. Throughout my time with COR I have had the privilege of making some really amazing connections, as well as, join in to some really educational trainings. I look forward to expanding my knowledge.

Jayde,

COR family member