socialsklz:-) comes to New England

socialsklz:-) comes to New England

Juanita Allen Kingsley is the only certified trainer in region

Century Health Systems, parent company of Natick Visiting Nurse Association and Distinguished Care Options, today announced that Juanita Allen Kingsley, Director of Business Development, has become a certified socialsklz:-) instructor. She is the only instructor certified to teach socialsklz:-) workshops throughout New England.

socialsklz:-), which was founded by Faye de Muyshondt, serves to equip children and young adults with the vital tools needed to succeed on the playground, in the classroom and ultimately at the workplace. Through a series of fun, interactive workshops, socialsklz:-) teaches lessons including greetings and introductions; making a good first impression; starting conversations; patience and thoughtfulness; self-control; respect and consideration; dining and phone skills; and safe internet interaction for the older age set. The skills mastered are not only empowering, but build confidence and self-esteem, paving the way to a more fruitful life.

In today’s fast-paced world, the ways in which we interact are constantly evolving. While new technology has enhanced our lives in many ways, the art of face-to-face interaction remains crucial to success.

“As parents, we are determined to help our children succeed in academics, athletics, and music. When our children are taught the emotional and social tools—life skills– they will use every day for the rest of their lives, they have the very best chance to succeed,” said Kingsley.

As de Muyshondt writes, “We have classes in music, ballet, tennis, cooking—most every extracurricular activity, though many children will never go on to use these skills past their high school years. Social interaction and communication skills, however, are used for life—starting in childhood and through adolescence and adulthood. If they are carefully taught and practiced just like any other skill set, they will undoubtedly make your children’s lives more rewarding and fulfilling.”

Kingsley agrees that strong social skills bring confidence and make children stand out among their peers. “As a diplomatic family, we lived in North America, Europe, and Africa during my childhood, constantly meeting new people and attending new schools. Many years later, I am still grateful for my parents’ ongoing emphasis on graciousness and strong communication skills,” she said.

“My goal is for our socialsklz:-) programs to create a partnership between the children we teach and their parents so parents can reinforce at home what their children learn in our workshops,” Kingsley added.

Kingsley will offer a number of socialsklz:-) workshops geared toward different age ranges.

The socialkidz essential workshop is geared to children aged four to seven. In this workshop, children will learn about the value, importance and impact that social skills have on their lives. They will learn through role-playing, games and a mini excursion.

The socialtweenz essential workshop, which is geared to children aged eight to 12, will provide attendees valuable social, communication and life skills. Such skills include how to make a good first impression; effective communication; how to navigate their independence; living with gratitude; and dining skills.

Finally, the socialteenz essential workshop is geared to teens (aged 13 to 17) and will teach attendees the skills they need to succeed in school, college and beyond. These skills, which include social and emotional intelligence, are key to academic, professional and personal success. Teens will learn how to make the first impression they’d like to; execute introductions; initiate, maintain and close conversations; dine properly; express gratitude; and more.

A health educator, Kingsley trains more than 2,000 people in the Boston and MetroWest region annually through her First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, CPR and AED classes in addition to the variety of health and safety programs she teaches.

Kingsley has successfully created and facilitated various programs aimed at providing individuals of varying ages and backgrounds the necessary education and tools to foster effective and positive social development. Youth programs include Home Alone Safety, Bullyproofing, Babysitting, Family Life and Sexual Health, and Girls’ Empowerment. Young adult courses include Goal Setting and Time Management.

For information on booking a course, contact Century Health Systems at 508-651-1786 or info@centuryhealth.org. A detailed description of socialskilz:-) courses is available at www.centuryhealth.org.

Century Health Systems is located at 209 West Central Street, Suite 316, Natick, Mass., 01760. For additional information, call 508-651-1786 or visit www.centuryhealth.org.

About Century Health Systems: Since 2001, Century Health Systems has provided high- quality, innovative health education and wellness programs to the MetroWest community. Its programs aim to meet the needs of individuals of all ages – from pre-school to seniors – and cover such areas as professional health and safety training; public health consultations; corporate wellness; school and early childhood programming; and recreation. Along with its affiliates, Natick Visiting Nurse Association and Distinguished Care Options, Century Health Systems provides a true continuum of care throughout the communities it serves.