Kate's first parenting book titled, Who Says Teenagers Don't Come with a Handbook - Strategies and Stories for Parenting from the Heart is a perfect blend of inspiration and useful tools for immediate movement within the relationship of teen and parent. This book is a quick read, written with the intent of fitting into the busy schedule of families. Its chapters are topics Kate has been working with for years such as Forgiveness, Unconditional Love and Embracing Uniqueness. Who Says Teenagers Don't Come with a Handbook is straightforward, practical and uplifting. The end of each chapter offers tips for parents, quotes that support and enlighten each chapter and a daily phrase for softening moment to moment frustrations. This book is unique, filled with creative and exciting approaches to parenting. Kate also offers a CD for teens titled Quiet Thinking - Living With Confidence as well as a workbook titled About Me, an exciting journey of self discovery for teens and young adults. There purpose is to give teens the opportunity to focus on and feel their unique value. The ideas in both the CD and workbook offer beauty and power, easily embarrassed by teens and young adults. Kate's vision is to connect each and every teen to their power that lies within. "My experiences have led me into the hearts of teens. Because they allow me to be there, I have to show them a better way" was Kate's response to the question asked at her last lecture "What drives you to help teenagers?"
Kate's heart has been dedicated to embracing teens for years. Communication between parent and teen is the key. For years she has been joyfully giving tips on creating communication within the family. 52 Ways to Create Communication is a deck of cards written with that goal in mind. They are fun, light hearted and the perfect starting point for creating new energy.
One of Kate's favorite statements is "Let's make this a grand adventure between kids and adults. Let's bridge the gap and laugh at the spaces where the gap seems rather large. Parents love their children and children love their parents, that is the perfect place to start!"
The word parent to me is inseparable from words such as unconditional love, compassion and joy. It can also meet head on with feelings of fear, doubt and frustration. The longing parents feel to have their children safe, happy and successful knows no limits. It is without words and ever lasting. I had the honor of speaking with a mother devastated by the thought of sending her daughter away for treatment. She was a wonderful mother and a brilliant person. She had cried until she could cry no more. "I can't send her away, I just can't. I am her mother and I will not abandon her." For this dear girl it was a matter of safety. She had become her addiction and must have help finding her creative, beautiful self once again. My response to her was as follows. "Let this next step in your daughters life be an extension of your arms. You are not abandoning your daughter, you are embracing her. You are doing what you have done since the day she was born." This she understood and it was all she needed to hear.
It is an honor to work with teens and parents. I was once asked "what is it exactly you do Kate?" My reply was this "I inspire parents to love children unconditionally and I inspire children to love themselves." I have spent the past fifteen years of my life doing this amazing work and I will joyfully continue to do so.
"You saved my son’s life, we know you did. You didn’t judge him when others did. Not only did you see his talents, you made him aware of his own goodness. He still lives the values you shared with him. Our family thanks you forever." - Father of 17 year old son
"I tried and tried to help my son. Moving here when he was 16 was very difficult for him. He left good friends and he is shy. When I wanted to talk about it he just got angry. Finding him a job around great role models has not only given him a place to belong-he is making friends. It has turned his life around." - Mother of 16 year old son
"Thank you for telling me the truth in a way I could hear. When my daughter was using drugs I just couldn't communicate with her. Our fights ended because I learned to help her in a way she could receive. Thank you Kate." - Mother of 16 year old daughter
"Kate, thank you for helping my niece. The love and attention you have given to our family goes beyond the call of duty. You just reached in and picked her up. She didn't want your help or anyone's help, and I'm not sure you even noticed. You have been amazing. Thank you so much for all you continue to do." - Aunt of 15 year old Niece
"I first heard Kate speak at an IMPACT for Youth meeting and was struck by her compassionate approach. Her words rang true, and I went home that night armed with real tools to begin facilitating better communication with my teenager. Later, she helped our family navigate some rough waters, and I’ll always be grateful for her sound support. Kate’s practical advice is guided by a real heart for adolescents - and for the parents who love them." - Mother of 17 year old boy
"Dear Kate, The day I came to see you I didn't want to live anymore. I really believed I had no reason to live. I know you didn't know it then, but you saved me that day. I wanted you to know that it has been three years since I've visited with you and I'm doing what you told me I would. I have a great life and I feel great. I am in College and living on my own. You will always be my friend." - 20 years old now
"Miss Kate, I don't know how to say thank you for what you have done for my life. You have given me hope and believed in me when I couldn't even believe in me. I want to thank you forever. I love you." - 17 year old student
"Thank you so much for the wonderful, inspiring and gratitude producing presentation at our staff workshop. You touched our hearts and filled our minds with light." - Kim Burton, Executive Director Monterey Peninsula City Library
"Kate has a talent to diffuse the most explosive of situations, bringing people together, mending arguments and supporting conflicts to successful conclusions. Kate sees the limitless potential in each child, even when they cannot see it for themselves. Along with the close connection with our youth, Kate has equally gained the respect and trust of the adults in our community. Not only will she embrace our students and enhance their lives, she will enhance our districts culture of respect and compassion." - Janet Meyer, Executive Director Impact for Youth
"Kate is one of those rare individuals that connects with teens instantly. She opens her heart and listens without judgment and with loving acceptance. Teenagers trust her. Kate has a heart to heart connection and you can just watch the healing begin. I have worked with Kate in many delicate situations and her ability to reach troubled, angry and frustrated teens is extremely affective." - Susan Pierszalowski, RN