It is in our nature to eat together. It turns out that it is also in our best interests for a whole host of reasons that science has only lately uncovered. Unfortunately, as food became an industry, and eating an independent activity, the natural relational context that converts food into true nurturance – for both the body and the self – has been lost. From questions about picky eating to behavior at the table, we can only make sense of these things by understanding relationship, development, and human emotion.  Join us for a lively conversation between Deborah MacNamara and Kelly Tess, as we explore the connection between food and family care. Deborah will inspire us to take back this territory in order to recover the natural power of food in both our own lives, and the lives of our loved ones. Register Here

Presenter: Dr. Deborah MacNamara is a clinical counselor and educator, the author of Rest, Play, Grow, The Sorry Plane, and her new book, Nourished: Connection, Food, and Caring for our Kids (and everyone else we love), and a mother.  Deborah speaks regularly to parents, educators, social workers, child care and health care professionals, sharing her insight and passion for making sense of kids. She is on Faculty at the Neufeld Institute and is a dynamic presenter who makes developmental science come to life in the everyday context of how and classrooms. 

Facilitator: Dr. Kelly Tess is the Superintendent of Winnetka Schools, District 36. In her career as an educator, Dr. Tess has prior experience as a classroom teacher, elementary and middle school assistant principal, middle school principal and assistant superintendent. Her diverse experiences in the early years as an elementary teacher in southern California, within a Department of Defense school system in Alabama and on the North Shore of Chicago continue to shape her commitment to the development of emerging leaders, creative problem solving and compassionate leadership. Dr. Tess received her Bachelor of Science in Media Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Master of Elementary Education from DePaul University, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Concordia University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from DePaul University. She has served as a mentor to new leadership in a Central Office role through the Illinois Association of School Personnel Administrators, and served as an adjunct professor for Concordia University to those in the Educational Leadership cohort.