For more than a decade, Kristy Vanacore, Psy.D. a holistic child and family psychologist, has provided individual therapy, coaching, neuropsychological evaluations, educational advocacy, biofeedback and workshops to support local families. Now she’s expanding her offerings of cost-effective workshops and charitable initiatives for children, teens, young adults, parents and families.

“I’m passionate about helping children and families thrive,” she says. “In an effort to spread my mission to even more local children and families, I’m now offering more workshops and groups. I’ve found that group workshops offer amazing healing power, and they’re also a cost-effective option for those who may not be able to afford private coaching, even with the sliding-scale fees that I offer. I never want cost to prevent anyone from receiving the support they need to thrive.”

Vanacore has also developed a series of outreach initiatives called “Be the Change,” fundraisers intended to celebrate loving kindness for children and families throughout the world.

“In my work with children and families, I talk a lot about the benefits of caring for self—not just for ourselves, but for the benefit of the entire world,” she says. “I teach children to understand how every action they make influences the world around them. We must become the best versions of ourselves possible, for our good and for the good of all mankind. If we see something wrong in the world, we can only be the change we wish to see. These fundraisers will put these words into action so that children see firsthand that they can make a difference.”

The most recent Be the Change event raised money and books for various programs at a local children’s hospital, as well as money to purchase solar lanterns for families who were victims of the earthquake in Nepal.

“When we come together in love and light, we can make waves,” she says. “Never underestimate the power of a few caring people to change the world.”

Here are just some of Vanacore’s upcoming workshops:  

Mindful Parenting for the Everyday Parent

“This eight-week workshop gives parents the tools to parent mindfully, allowing their own souls to be nourished while empowering them to raise self-aware, compassionate and responsible children,” Vanacore says. Now in its fourth year, the program has been expanded to include even more innovative insights and practical, user-friendly strategies for busy, tired and overworked parents.

SOAR Kids Empowerment

“These fun and inspiring workshops for children, tweens and teens help them develop confidence, perseverance, problem-solving skills and self-esteem,” Vanacore says. “They also learn how to be healthy in mind, body and spirit, and how to make a difference in the world.”  

Stress Less with Art

These interactive workshops use art and creativity to teach skills and strategies that help children understand how stress and anxiety affect the brain and body. “Participants learn to manage stress while they build the self-awareness and confidence needed to live playfully and healthfully,” Vanacore says. “They leave with a toolbox of creative and therapeutic skills they can use every day.”

Kristy Vanacore, Psy.D. practices at 334 Underhill Ave., Bldg. 3, Yorktown Heights, NY. For info about upcoming workshops or other services, follow her at Facebook.com/drkristyvanacore or contact her at 914.497.8006 or [email protected].