Having raised a blended family of five children, Winkie agrees with Madeline Hunter when she said, “Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!” Many think she was being too “warm and fuzzy” but what she meant was you are not going to reach some kids respectfully, socially or academically,  until you first reach them on the “human to human” level. Sometimes the subject matter can’t compete with the “drama” in their lives. The main ingredient missing today is a “human connection with kids.” Winkie believes that research is clear, when kids know you value them as a human being; they will work harder for you and themselves.   They will challenge you less. She also believes we don’t need any more theory and new, trendy programs with catchy names. Winkie believes we need to be given research based, proven, practical strategies and applications that we can start implementing immediately – without throwing anything out that is working. Winkie believes educators, parents and guardians have the toughest job in America as they are asked every day to wear many different hats – mom, dad, nurse, counselor, teacher, judge, jury, lawyer – just to name a few. Winkie understands that students come into our classrooms and schools with different backgrounds and cultures and their cognitive abilities, assets and experiences are just as wide ranging.  Sometimes the only thing students have in common is their age! The “one size fits all” approach does not work anymore. Winkie also knows the biggest unchallenged assumption by many today (especially politicians) about education is that kids are coming to school willing and ready to learn. As educators, we know this is not the case. We have a generation of kids coming to our schools with very little social skills. Many students are learning behavior from violent video games, MTV, violent song lyrics and a myriad of other influences.  Winkie is dedicated to helping educators, parents and guardians be successful through motivation, inspiration, entertainment and a common-sense approach to stress management. Most importantly, she leaves you with many proven, practical strategies that work.