Instructors by Specialization

Katie Ahearn

Certified Instructor

Katie Ahearn believes in education that promotes meeting the child where they are at after addressing her own adult self first. She is an educator who loves the next challenge and to go against the status quo. State officials, district personnel, and any other observers who walk into her planning, classrooms, and trainings describe it as innovative and transformational because of the connection and love apparent in the environment. Education is truly the great equalizer, when schools are safe, connected, and work to solve problems.

Amy Allen

Certified Instructor

Amy Allen has been a Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor since 2010. She conducts Conscious Discipline classes, book studies and empowerment groups focusing on the latest research for wiring up children’s brains to help parents and caregivers use connecting activities to instill impulse control, willingness, cooperation, and self-regulation. She also works with school center’s staff, training and coaching them how to implement Conscious Discipline’s brain-based strategies and techniques into their teaching practices.

Laura Angulo (Bilingual)

Certified Instructor

Laura Angulo was born in Bogotá Colombia and was raised in Florida where she graduated from High School and went on to study Psychology and Special Education at the University of Miami. After working as a Special Education teacher in the Broward County public school system with children with severe and moderate cognitive disabilities, she realized the fundamental importance of early intervention and obtained her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education at UM. During her years at the University of Miami and through her practicum experience in Special Education pre-k classrooms Laura was first introduced to Conscious Discipline in 2004. Her formal training began in 2006 when after attending a two day session with Becky Bailey in Miami, Laura knew that this was the “better way” she wanted to follow and spread.

Amanda Bagwell

Certified Instructor

Amanda Bagwell is a wife, teacher, consultant and mother of four.  She has an undergraduate degree in business and a Master’s Degree in Special Education.  Amanda is a certified educator in 3 states and has been teaching since 2004.  She became a Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor in 2011 and has even taught Conscious Discipline internationally.

Jenny Barkac

Certified Instructor

Jenny has earned a Doctorate Degree in Education, a BA in Elementary Education, an MA in Early Childhood and Curriculum Instruction. She has been in the education field for over 28 years as a teacher of Infant and Toddlers, Preschool, Behavior Interventionist, K-6, and is an Adjunct Professor teaching a Behavior Management Course using Conscious Discipline.

Mindy Becker

Certified Instructor

Mindy, founder of Grow With Us Academy LLC, has been working with children and families since 1990. As a Barry University Suma Cum Lade graduate, she majored in Exceptional Student Education (ESE).  She was first introduced to Conscious Discipline® in 2001 where she used some of the strategies with medically fragile children while working at Children’s Rehab Network. After receiving her teaching degree Mindy started working at the Pre-Kindergarten ESE District Office in Miami-Dade County substituting in the demonstration classrooms, helping with the assistive technology team, and teaching at various PPEC’s (Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care).

Polly Beebe

Certified Instructor

Polly Beebe has over 32 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education. Her roles have included Pre-K Teacher, Kindergarten Teacher and Early Childhood Resource Teacher.

Carmen Bernard (Bilingual)

Certified Instructor

For more than 16 years, Carmen Bernard has dedicated herself to working with young children and families in many diverse settings, providing coaching in both English and Spanish. She coaches not only in the classroom, but also in homes, hospitals, the juvenile justice system, family court and foster care system. Though varied, her passion for […]

Carla Briezen

Certified Instructor

Carla Briezen has been working in the field of education in Aruba for over 20 years. Her aim is to introduce Conscious Discipline to as many people as possible and to be an example of living the principles of Conscious Discipline. Carla believes that adults and children alike can grow and live joyous, valuable lives founded on love instead of fear. By consciously accessing our brilliance when we apply the powers and skills of Conscious Discipline, we can build more loving and connected families, schools, companies and communities.