Guidance for Early Educators and Caregivers
Nurturing Connections provides consultation and training to early childhood educators and families of young children. Denise is a skilled special educator who utilizes the principles of the Developmental Individual Differences Relationship-Based Model (DIR®). Denise is a licensed mental health clinician (LMHC) and registered play therapist™ who provides therapy to children and families utilizing play therapy and Filial and child-parent relationship therapy.
ABOUT
Denise
Galford-Koeppel
Denise has been a champion for young children for over 25 years. Denise holds degrees from Wellesley and Wheelock Colleges, Bay Path University, and a Post Master’s Certificate in Early Education Research Policy and Practice from UMass Boston. A special educator, certified early intervention practitioner, coach, advocate, and parent of a child with mental health and learning challenges, Denise loves teaching children, parents, and educators through the approaches of the Hanen Program, the Pyramid Model, and Developmental Individual-Differences Relationship -Based Model. Denise works as a child and family therapist using play therapy to create growth and healing!
A B O U T M E
Denise Galford-Koeppel
Child Development Expert
I have a range of experiences as an educator at the early childhood and university levels. I am an experienced Trainor who wants to promote an effective workforce in the early childhood education space.
I provide training to families through Child-Parent Relationship Therapy and family play therapy.
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For young children, I provide consultation and therapy, including play therapy and expressive art therapy.
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M Y A P P R O A C H
Person-Centered Therapy
My approach to working with teachers, caregivers and children is the same- I build a relationship of trust and then build on a person's strengths.​
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For educators- I utilize reflective supervision and practice-based coaching. For families, I utilize the ways we all learn best- thought play and positive relationships
Trainings
Training opportunities include Pyramid Model social and emotional approaches (CSEFEL) and Hanen® Learning Language and Loving It. Denise has developed trainings for caregivers around red flags in development, talking about difficult topics, and fostering peer interaction and social skills in young children.Trainings can also be customized to your needs.
TESTIMONIALS
Mary Kloppenberg, Executive Director Wellesley Community
Childrens Center
Denise cares deeply about children, parents, and teachers. Her thoughtful and perceptive observations enable her to clearly explain developmental needs in order to support teachers and parents as they strive to do the best for children.
K Luce, parent
Denise was wonderful to work with--she helped us prioritize areas to focus on and using her vast toolkit, created strategies so we could help our child.
Amanda Wiehe-Lopes
State Coordinator, Strong Start MA Professional Development System
“Denise is able to listen empathetically to others and easily adapts to changes in expectations.
nice about you and your services.”
