Families and Children

Join us for a monthly parent and children’s group this Fall starting August 20th, 2022 in Pasadena, facilitated by a veteran school psychologist and marriage-family therapist examining a wide range of parenting issues from early childhood through the teen years. Both parents and children meet outside, simultaneously in their own groups, where experienced teachers will lead age-appropriate discussion and activities.

This group is by semester only (no drop ins). A pre-application process is needed. Sign up to our email newsletter here to learn when Spring 2023 semester begins.

The Purpose:

Adults share their parenting challenges and triumphs in a safe space designed through meditation and other exercises to support them in embracing the complexity and uncertainties that are an ongoing part of the parenting role while exploring alternative strategies for addressing them. Children are encouraged through play and age-appropriate activity to better understand themselves and what they can offer to others.children playing outdoors in a group

When:

Monthly from August through December, 2022 on the following Saturdays from 1:30 PM to 3 PM outdoors: August 20, September 24, October 29, November 19 and December 17. (No drop-ins)

Where:

We meet outdoors on the campus of the Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church (next door to the Gamble House), 301 N. Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena

What:

Separate sessions at the same time for parents/guardians and children.  Children groups teachers will lead age-appropriate activity and healthy snacks will be served.  A veteran school psychologist will facilitate the parents group, which will focus on a wide range of parenting issues from early childhood through the teen years.  Parents are encouraged to touch in with their true nature and wisdom and embrace the complexity and uncertainties that are an ongoing part of the parenting role.

children gathering around table for fun activities

Who can attend?:

The Fall 2022 Semester has begun and is closed for new families. See link below to learn how to apply to our Spring 2023 semester. Children ages 3 to 12 and parents/guardians.  Adults may attend with or without their children; children must come with an enrolled parent or guardian in order to attend.  Infants may be with their parent(s)/guardian(s).

How to apply (Pre-registration for Spring 2023 Semester)

  1. Please apply at this link: https://forms.gle/dpGPaSojDGsxF5oM7
  2. Applications will be considered on a first come first served basis.

Cost

Tuition: $125 for the 5-session semester. 

Have questions? Contact Todj Mandel at [email protected].


Present Parenting Facilitator Bio

Todj and Natasha, Facilitators of Families and Children Group

Todj and Natasha, Facilitators of Families and Children Group. Natasha Mitchnick leads the Present Parenting Group

Natasha Mitchnick is a mother of three, ranging in age from 16 to 40.  She is a founding member and, since 2010, facilitator of Shambhala Meditation Center Los Angeles Families and Children Present Parenting.  She has been a student and member of Shambhala for over 20 years.

Natasha has a Master’s in marriage family therapy and school psychology.  She has been a practicing school psychologist for 18 years, working with young humans of all developmental ages from pre-school through high school.  Her former private practice included work with children, couples, and single adults as well as pro bono counseling to clients of the Center for Non-Violent Education and Parenting, where she also received a parent educator credential.

Natasha’s intention is to create and hold safe, confidential space for parents along the parenting path as well as to support each other in the most vulnerable task of raising children, along with the breadth of emotions that come with it.