On July 31st in St. Joseph County, Indiana, 100+ members of the community came together at their beautiful local community center to celebrate the launch of a transformative initiative: Ready to Grow St. Joe’s “Nurturing Resilience and Building Brains” in proud partnership with Conscious Discipline. This inspiring launch party marked the beginning of a multi-year, evidence-based, relationship-centered journey to elevate learning, health and wellness and family support for the county’s youngest learners—and it was nothing short of extraordinary.
A New Pathway for Early Childhood Development
The initiative, spearheaded by Ready to Grow St. Joe, is designed to build a sustainable, community-rooted model for social development, emotional literacy and mental health in early childhood education and home settings. With generous support from the Valinhos and Asante Foundations, the program aims to cultivate resilience, brain development, and emotional wellness in children from birth to age eight in both English and Spanish speaking centers and home care programs.
Terri Kosik, Executive Director of Ready to Grow St. Joe, emphasized the importance of supporting early educators with Conscious Discipline’s training and coaching:
“As a lifelong academic, I know the value of professional development. But we know that you can’t just hear something for it to work, you need to be supported and encouraged-that’s where training and coaching come in. We know that coaching will be instrumental to our growth and development. Together, with the aligned materials, our reflective practices, our focus groups and those different threads of education, training and coaching will readily support the transformational change we’re looking for.”
Conscious Discipline: A Partner in Transformation
Conscious Discipline’s adult-first, neuroscience-based approach aligns perfectly with the goals and outcomes of Ready to Grow St. Joe. The culmination of people who are committed to this cause at the launch was both impactful and joyful, bringing energy and expertise to the community.
Jill Molli, Conscious Discipline’s Chief Growth Officer and Certified Instructor, was a highlight of the event. Her engaging presentation and infectious enthusiasm captivated attendees, making complex neuroscience concepts feel accessible and empowering. Jill’s message was clear: transformation begins with adults who are willing to grow, connect, and lead with compassion.
A Community Celebration of Connection and Commitment
The launch party was more than a professional gathering—it was a celebration of community, resilience, and shared purpose. Held in South Bend, the event welcomed educators, providers, program leaders, families, local officials and others including Kari Alford, Executive Director of the Early Childhood Development Center at Saint Mary’s College and the University of Notre Dame, Heidi White, Conscious Discipline’s Senior Manager of Partner Development and Mayor James Mueller, who offered heartfelt remarks in support of the initiative speaking to the value and importance of investing in early childhood for the development of healthy communities.
Laura Jensen, representing both the Valinhos and Asante Foundations, also shared thoughtful reflections, emphasizing the importance of relationship-centered approaches in early childhood development. Her words resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom are on the front lines of education and care.
The atmosphere was festive and welcoming, thanks in part to Allie’s Catering, whose stunning charcuterie table was a visual and culinary masterpiece. Guests enjoyed delicious bites while connecting with colleagues and community members in a space designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.
Conscious Discipline’s Joy Juice Overflowed
Attendees at the event received generous “swag bags” filled with resources, raffle prizes, and branded t-shirts that added a joyful touch to the celebration. These gifts weren’t just fun: they were tools to support educators in implementing Conscious Discipline practices in their homes, centers and programs. All materials, sessions, and supports are available in both English and Spanish, ensuring inclusivity for the diverse provider community in St. Joseph County.
Building a Community of Practice
At the heart of the initiative is the creation of a strong Community of Practice. In Year 1, two cohorts of 15 programs each will receive intensive support to fully implement Conscious Discipline. These cohorts include licensed centers, registered ministries, school-based programs, and family childcare homes. Each program will benefit from:
- In-person professional development tailored to infant/toddler and preschool educators from Conscious Discipline Certified Instructors
- Coaching sessions twice annually for two years with Conscious Discipline Certified Instructors
- Comprehensive Conscious Discipline materials to embed practices across classrooms
- Ongoing community-building and support mechanisms
Expert trainers Angela Fraley and Lety Valero will lead the professional development sessions, bringing their deep knowledge, expertise, and passion to the work.
Looking Ahead: Sustainability and Local Capacity
One of the most exciting aspects of the initiative is its long-term vision. Between 2026 and 2028, ten early childhood professionals will have the opportunity to become CD Endorsed Facilitators, creating local capacity for continued growth and training beyond the life of the grant. This investment in leadership development ensures that the impact of Conscious Discipline will ripple through the community for years to come.
A Launch That Sparked Hope
The “Nurturing Resilience and Building Brains” launch event was more than a kickoff: it was a spark of hope, a celebration of possibility, and a powerful reminder of what can happen when communities come together with intention and heart. Conscious Discipline was honored to be part of this journey and looks forward to supporting St. Joseph County as it builds a future where every child has the foundation to thrive.
Conscious Discipline’s Enduring Impact
For over 25 years, Conscious Discipline has empowered educators, families, and communities to create safe, connected environments where children can thrive. Our approach integrates self-regulation, trauma responsiveness, and proven, brain-based practices to foster resilience and connection for optimal outcomes for all. For more information on how to bring Conscious Discipline to your community, reach out here.
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Jenny Shannon
Jenny Shannon has a B.A. in English, an M.A. in Educational Leadership, and an abiding commitment to believing that what you focus on, you get more of. With a strong background in education and communications and the love of a good story, she is thrilled to work on Conscious Discipline’s Marketing Team as copywriter. She lives in a 200-year-old home in northern New Jersey where she moonlights as chauffeur for her two daughters, can be caught singing showtunes in the kitchen and has strong opinions on the best place to grab a cup of coffee.
