- “I wanted to thank you…I have a daughter who is 1½, a full time job, and attend school full time. I definitely know just how valuable time is, and I appreciate that you took the time to speak with me, and also put all this information together and get it to me so quickly. I must say out of all the prevention programs I contacted, Wingspan was by far the most helpful. It shows how passionate you guys are!”
- - Student
- University of Cincinnati
- “Our organization has a research-driven approach to implement the best science-based prevention programs that involve parents while serving children and youth. Al’s Pals: Kids Making Healthy Choices is our missing piece. Children eagerly learn from Al, Keisha & Ty, and we are encouraged by the participation of older siblings, parents and community members. Wingspan staff are terrific. When I call, they always help me brainstorm, whether it be for grant writing purposes or to support program implementation with fidelity. Al’s pals are the best!”
- - Gary Young
- Drug Prevention Coordinator
- Key West, Florida
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The Wingspan Team
- About Wingspan Founder, Susan R. Geller
- Multi-Disciplinary Development Team
- Wingspan Trainers
- Responsive Administrative Support Team
About Wingspan Founder, Susan R. Geller
Susan R. Geller founded Wingspan in 1997, in partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Beginning in 1993, while at VCU, Ms. Geller directed the development of the nationally recognized early childhood prevention program, Al's Pals: Kids Making Healthy Choices and the companion parent education program, Here, Now and Down the Road . . . Tips for Loving Parents.
Ms. Geller holds a Masters Degree in Developmental Psychology from Vanderbilt University and has dedicated her professional career to providing and developing effective prevention services for children and families. Ms. Geller manages Wingspan which makes Al's Pals and Here, Now and Down the Road as well as other prevention services available nationwide. She conducts professional training and continues to develop educational materials and initiatives designed to strengthen young children's personal, social, and emotional skills for life.
Multi-Disciplinary Development Team
Under the leadership of Ms. Geller, a multi-disciplinary team of experts crafted the Wingspan programs using the resilience research as a foundation. This dedicated team, comprised of professionals with extensive experience in early childhood education, child development, social work, mental health, substance abuse, violence prevention, conflict resolution, and creative expression, worked together to develop meaningful programs that are in touch with the needs of today's children and families. Throughout the pilot phase the team observed implementation, listened to feedback, and made revisions to improve the programs. Many members of the original development team continue to conduct Wingspan training and develop new services and materials.
Wingspan Trainers
Our cadre of expert professionals who conduct program training represent a broad range of experience in the fields of early childhood education, child development, prevention services, and mental health. Their expertise in social-emotional development, positive guidance of young children's behavior, and early childhood mental health consultation is incorporated into the training experience.
The trainers' extensive knowledge of and passion for Wingspan's programs, services, and curriculae are reflected in training delivery. Wingspan trainers' effective communication and facilitation skills, combined with their easy-going, approachable manner create a welcoming, participatory learning environment. Trainers understand essential concepts of adult education and how to facilitate the varied learning approaches that comprise Wingspan training programs - preparing participants to integrate the program concepts into demographically varied classroom and family environments.
Responsive Administrative Support Team
Before and after you access Wingspan's services and programs, our proficient administrative staff will assist you in planning, respond promptly to inquiries, help organize successful training sessions, and ensure quality control and accurate, timely order fulfillment. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff make it easy for you to use our programs and receive support whenever it is needed.