All parents and grandparents are invited to the Cook Prayer Chapel of the La Cañada Presbyterian Church on Sunday, March 12 at 9:30 a.m. to hear Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Jennifer Shim Lovers.

In this talk parents will learn about what brain research reveals about child development and how parents can help their kids feel calmer and happier. Using strategies from “The Whole Brain Child” by Daniel Siegel, Ph.D. and Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D. and from “Positive Discipline” by Jane Nelson, Ed.D., parents will leave this training equipped to help grow and integrate their child’s brain as well as have a closer relationship with their child.

Shim Lovers, MS, MDiv, is a licensed marriage & family therapist in private practice at The Center for Connection in Pasadena. Led by executive director Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D., the mission of The Center for Connection is to “help kids and families be happier, healthier, and more fully themselves.” With experience as a therapist, teacher, pastor, and chaplain, Shim Lovers has worked with a wide range of children, teens, adults, and families for over 20 years. She specializes in supporting parents through the joys and challenges of parenthood so that caregivers and children can have strong and happy relationships. She is also the clinical supervisor for the counseling services at Aveson Charter Schools and Odyssey Charter School in Altadena.

Growing Families is a monthly seminar-type class at the La Cañada Presbyterian Church for parents and grandparents led by a variety of people; some are experts in the field of child development, psychology, and education while others are parents who offer to others what has worked for their families.

La Cañada Presbyterian Church is located at 626 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridge.