found is that both sides, schools and fami-
lies, want the best for their children but they
have difficulty communicating their desires
to each other which leads to mistrust and
misunderstanding. I love when I can come
into a difficult situation and bring all sides
together focus on what’s best for the child.
Additionally, I love to see parents become
more knowledgeable about how they can
best advocate for their children’s needs.
Dr. Shaw: Dr. Dédé, I can tell that you
passionately minister to the needs of chil-
dren and their families in school settings.
I trust that the HimPower family is more
informed, motivated, and encouraged by the
information that you shared. As educators
(teachers, administrators, staff, and other
school personnel) prepare to receive our
young people in public, private, and charter
schools across the country, we are praying
for them to have a safe and productive year.
While personal, family and life events
may seem overwhelming at times, we serve
a God who is able to do above and beyond
what we ask or think.
Mary Shaw-Ridley, PhD, MCHES is a health
education professional with over 25 years of
experience. She is the President of Shaw & Asso-
ciates, LLC, a health & education consulting
group. She is also Chair and Professor of the
Department of Behavioral & Environmental
Health at a new School of Public Health/Jack-
son State University.
USEFUL RESOURCES
National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml
Mental Health America: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may
American Psychological Association: http://www.apa.org
Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning
http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/resources/family.html
Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development (Whole Child, Whole Community,
Whole School): http://www.ascd.org/programs/learning-and-health/wscc-model.aspx
32 HimPower August 2018