 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
“Treat
people as if they were what they ought to be and
you help them to become what they are capable of
being.”
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
(1749-1832) |
|
|
|
|
 
|
|
Luke and Jodes Alexander, Caloundra… |
|
“CURIOUS KIDS CAN has been the ray of sunshine our
precious daughter needed. At the innocent age of
10 she experienced deep hurt and rejection from a
family member she adored and trusted. She was
confused, angry and despondent with the situation.
My husband and I also had a very close
relationship with this person. We felt her
emotional pain, it was raw, but felt completely
helpless in taking that pain away and couldn’t.
This was real and it was either going to crush her
spirit, victimize her or make her stronger. It had
to be the latter. We believe there is no other way
in life, you turn scars into stars. Through our
own faith we helped our girl as much as we could
but it came to an end. We had to seek out someone
who could help her heal. We found Elissa and truly
believe she was Heaven sent!
We find it very hard to find meaningful words to
express not only our gratitude for Curious Kids
Can but also the gift within Elissa which has
brought about within our girl a huge
transformation in her thinking, attitude,
behaviour and choices. It is miraculous to see her
shining, peaceful, content, confident and more
determined to be the amazing girl she was created
to be. She now takes responsibility for her
choices and understands that we are all
accountable for who we are and what we do. She
really gets that other people’s behaviour and
choices DO NOT define who she is as a person. It
is so wonderful to see her control herself in
anger and no longer falling into helplessness.
Being a very intelligent child she can now reach
for the stars with the gifts she has been given
and we, as her parents, now carry a lot more peace
knowing she will walk with the seeds Elissa has
planted within her heart.
As her mother, having studied counselling and with
a heart for understanding the human spirit, I now
realize that there are times when we as parents
need to reach out and offer our children the
freedom to find their way. They are individuals on
their own journey just as we are. We encourage any
parent who is considering any form of counselling
to be open and ready for change and not only in
your child’s life but also in your own.
Confronting, yes, but if it helps our children
isn’t it worth it? Change can only come if the
parents are willing to make an effort as well. My
husband and I have looked within and seen areas
where we have been contributing to some of our
girl’s issues, simple behaviours which impact a
lot in a child’s life. It is a team effort and not
a quick fix.
In life we all have our doubters which at times
feel like 10 compared to the 1 who believes in us.
We have no doubt Elissa will always be a blessing
to all the wondrous lives she touches and we pray
Curious Kids Can continues for as long as it
possibly can. Hallelujah!” |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kylie Firth, Kureelpa… |
|
“I contacted Elissa in a state of despair! My sons
school had just phoned me (again) about his
behaviour at school towards other children and in
class. I had reached a point where I did not know
what else I could do to help my son make the right
choices. He is a beautiful boy with a loving heart
but in the school environment he is the boy that
teases others, that tells lies and is rough.
I found Curious Kids Can on the web and phoned
immediately. Elissa was able to see us on a
Saturday which was perfect for us. Over the 8 week
Personal Awareness Program we have learnt so much
about our son and how he responds and reacts to
situations. The boisterous bravado at school is
actually a mask for a boy who is struggling with
his self esteem. Through the program, as a family,
we have gained insight into all of our behaviours
and have learnt ways to help each other. From all
of us, thank you Curious Kids Can!” |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Andrea and Bernard Pollock, Mapleton… |
|
“My
oldest child who is 11years of age,
had, in the last two years of school
slowly but surely become more and more
disinterested in school, he was
negative, unenthusiastic, suffered
from bullying and appeared miserable.
My husband and I were at our wits end,
we had tried everything we could think
of to help our son regain his happy,
bright, intelligent demeanour without
success.
One of our friends suggested “Curious
Kids Can” that they had seen
advertised, so we made an appointment
with Elissa. From the moment she first
met with him we could see the positive
effect she had on our son. We enrolled
him in an 8 week Personal Awareness
Program then and there, to start as
soon as possible.
The change in our son over the 8 weeks
has been enormous. Elissa has helped
our son regain his confidence, to
become positive again, and to be able
to deal with his emotions, peer
pressure and stress, in appropriate
ways. She has also helped us as
parents to be able to reinforce these
attitudes, and to enjoy our child
again!
We can’t thank Elissa and “Curious
Kids Can” enough for giving us back
our contented, optimistic, delightful,
clever boy.” |
|
|
|
 |
|
Kristen, Caloundra… |
|
“I first discovered Curious Kids Can advertised in
the local Kids on the Coast magazine earlier this
year and called immediately. I had been on the
lookout for a Personal Mentor for my 8 year old
son for some time and Elissa’s program sounded
perfect.
My son had hated school from day one and would cry
and beg me not to make him go on a daily basis. He
would say school is boring and no-one will play
with me, that he was just different from the other
kids and could I teach him at home.
When I spoke to his teachers about my concerns
they indicated my son was withdrawn and appeared
to be often in his own little world and to seek
professional assessment which I did. After many
conflicting opinions I was left more confused and
concerned for my son than ever before.
Then I found Curious Kids Can and started my son
on an 8 week mentoring program with fantastic
results. Elissa has helped bring my son out of the
shell he was living in. The one on one mentoring
is what he really needed not Doctors standard
opinions or mind altering medications as
recommended.
My son actually looks forward to his weekly visits
out to Eudlo and talks about what he might discuss
with Elissa each week. He no longer cries about
going to school and has made some new friends to
play with. He is gaining more confidence each and
every week.
Thanks Elissa, great program!" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Antonella Patterson, Caloundra… |
|
“Curious Kids Can has been a life saver for my son
and I. Elissa has given my son the support and
guidance needed for him to apply the knowledge he
always had to his present day school work.
Not only did she oversee his school work,
assisting him where needed, she made my son feel
as though he had someone who believed in him.
Elissa frequently states she is not a tutor but a
personal mentor. I would have to agree as she
cares not only for his educational well being but
also his personal well being. My son has blossomed
and tackles his school work with a renewed vigour
and is even drawing comments from his teachers.
I whole heartedly recommend Curious Kids Can to
any parent who is pulling their hair out not
knowing how best to help their child succeed.
Eudlo is a beautiful setting and a wonderful drive
from where we live in Caloundra. It is really a
very special experience to go there once a week
and be in that setting watching my son evolve into
a more confident, competent student and person. I
will keep my son at Curious Kids Can.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Andrea Morrison,
Chancellor Park…
|
|
“Since
entering school at the age of three,
my daughter has always had trouble
fitting in with the school system.
Socially, she is extremely capable but
academically she was having problems coping with the
rigidness of the system. She has been
tested to be extremely gifted. Over the
years I had tried many different forms
of tutoring and counselling, but to no
avail. My husband and I decided to
just ‘let her be’ and see if things
improved. They didn’t!
One morning my daughter had an
extremely bad panic attack and refused
to go to school. I did not know what
to do or who to go to as my daughter
refused to talk to any professional. A
friend of mine gave me Elissa’s
business brochure and after reading
the first sentence I knew I had to
phone. When I did, Elissa listened to
me. In the first consultation my
daughter connected with Elissa. More
than anything, Elissa has given my
daughter the feeling that for the
first time she would have control over
her fears and that no one would think
that they or she was silly.
In 8 weeks Elissa has done what no
other specialist or tutor could do.
She has given my daughter back not
only her confidence but the belief in
her abilities and the knowledge that
she can do things without her world
falling apart around her. In her words
“I was scared but did it anyway”. She
is back to playing her music, her
homework and projects are not causing
a family meltdown and she is deciding
things for herself with a confidence
that I have not seen in her since she
was 3 years old. She is reaching for
the stars knowing that she can get
there.” |
|
|
|
|
|
Angeline and Daniel Dunne, Nambour… |
|
“As a parent having a child that struggles in some
areas of learning and also with the emotional side
of the playground, is rather worrying. My child is
a bright child that needed something but we
couldn’t really put a finger on what exactly she
needed. She wasn’t failing at school but passing
was also not easy. She was always sad, unhappy and
emotional. The spark in this little girl was
burning very low and we needed to do something and
fast.
A family member suggested Elissa at Curious Kids
Can. We are so grateful because our daughter has never
looked back. She is excited about things, she
laughs, sings, dances and wow has her education
improved. But I think the biggest difference is in
the way she handles situations at school. The
mentoring that Elissa provides is outstanding and
she is gradually developing skills that I am
sure she will use throughout her entire life.
Eight weeks ago our daughter was a different child, and
we are so impressed that she will continue
mentoring next term. As a mum, all I want is to
see my children happy and Elissa has given that
back to us. I would highly recommend Elissa to
anyone as she has a genuine love and passion for
your children and that is shown from week to week.
Why not let your children see how far they can
grow.”
|
|
|
|
Dr
Amir and Nazneen Akram, Caloundra... |
|
“My son’s personal program has helped him become
more enthusiastic about his self learning and he
is making great effort towards realizing his goals
and dreams. The way Elissa designs her program to
improve essential life skills and increase one’s
self confidence is admirable. My wife and I are
very impressed with what Elissa has achieved with
my son in such a short period of time. He is very
happy and looks forward to seeing her each week.
Curious Kids Can is situated close to nature which
is perfect for discovering the potential within
each individual student.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Samantha and Robert Outridge, Maleny… |
|
“Initially I contacted Elissa because I was
attracted by the idea of my children having both
the confidence and the desire to reach for the
stars and realize their own potential.
My youngest daughter had never experienced any
difficulties with learning and until recently had
shown no fear of failure. An unpleasant peer
encounter had challenged her perception of her
abilities and suddenly she was questioning her
intelligence and was frightened to express herself
or to even read out aloud. Her confidence was very
low and she was starting to worry about going to
school.
From the very first interview with Elissa, Lucy
was engaged. Her excitement at having dedicated
attention to her needs was obvious. She was
counting down the days until she could see Elissa
again. After meeting Elissa and hearing what Lucy
was going to be doing, her big sister Emily was
desperate to be allowed “to get some help with
maths please?”
The positive and uplifting manner that Elissa used
when talking with my girls directly related to
their attitudes towards their school work and most
importantly to their self confidence. Elissa
strikes a chord with the enthusiasm and curiosity
that naturally resides in all children. My girls
are asking questions about everything they do at
school now and are wanting to excel at everything
they try….and they believe they can!
We are now starting our second eight week program
on topics they have chosen themselves and they are
even discussing what they want to do next time. I
have two bubbly, happy little girls confident in
their own skins; who can’t wait to get to school.
This is all I need to see to know that this has
been a valuable experience for both my girls and
myself.
I feel this personal mentoring program provides
something missing from many busy families today –
dedicated personal “me” time with a passionate and
caring listener. The fact that Elissa is an
educator as well makes her outstanding in this
role. As a family, we are thrilled with the
results so far and keen to continue the
relationship. Thank you Elissa. ”
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peter
and Renee Cordwell, Yandina… |
|
From the
moment she was born, our daughter was
always very energetic mentally,
physically and spiritually. She was
never naughty, just busy learning and
living. The spark in her eyes always
made people look at her twice.
Due to her young age and an obsessive
relationship with a friend our
daughter repeated Prep. She could
basically read, loved hard jigsaw and
word puzzles and was constantly
surprising people at how bright she
was. But during the second year of
Prep, we noticed she was looking more
and more sad, was a little lonely
looking, not reading anymore and
eventually the spark had gone. She
would not talk to us or anyone else
when asked if anything was wrong but
seemed happy enough to go to school.
Along came Year 1 and nothing changed.
We became very worried.
One day I randomly opened a page of
the Kids on the Coast magazine and
there was Elissa’s add. I rang
immediately and after talking to
Elissa, and making an appointment for
the next day, I knew there was a
breath of fresh air not far away.
Driving home after the very first
meeting, our daughter had a Mona Lisa
smile on her face, and my husband and
I knew we had found a way back to our
real daughter. Elissa has given our
daughter the confidence to want to
learn again, enjoy school and to be
able to cope with the new teaching
methods of which she was having
trouble with. She no longer thinks she
is “dumb” and not “good” when only the
naughty kids in class are constantly
being rewarded even though she is
always good and a keen little helper.
She has already gone up 2 levels with
her readers and is starting to stand
up for herself within relationships.
Over the eight weeks Elissa has taught
my husband and I that sometimes kids
need to be trusted to walk down a road
on their own to find their way, we
cannot fix up everything for them.
Everyday our daughter is becoming that
vibrant person again, full of
confidence and ready to run down that
road, not just walk. We thank you from
the bottom of our hearts, Elissa!” |
|
|
|
|
|
Neil and Lisa Severns, Caloundra… |
|
“Our son was coping with his school work, however,
we felt he was not performing to his highest
potential. We read about Curious Kids Can in the
Kids on the Coast magazine and thought we would
give it a go. At first our son was apprehensive to
attend, but Elissa quickly gained his friendship
and confidence. Elissa challenged him with maths
and literacy, in a fun learning environment. Her
encouragement lifted our son’s enthusiasm and
confidence to a level where he is now striving to
learn and improve. Thanks for all your work with
our son, Elissa. We’re wrapped!”
|
|
|
|
Tracey Sobey, Buderim… |
|
“My son recently completed an 8 week Personal
Program at Curious Kids Can and I am very pleased
with the results. From the outset of his program
there were significant changes in his behavior and
interest in learning. It was as though a light
inside him was once again switched on. He became
increasingly confident and happy in his ability to
learn and as a result his behavior within the
classroom improved.
Elissa’s natural ability to quickly gain a good
rapport with kids enabled my son to enjoy learning
under her guidance. He looked forward to his
weekly visits with Elissa and valued their
conversation.
I would recommend Elissa and her great mentoring
service to any parent or caregiver who feels their
child is not reaching their full potential at
school. Curious Kids Can is a great gift for any
child to receive as they can discover and explore
their natural abilities as well as grow in self
confidence in a very nurturing and supportive
learning environment.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Names withheld, Eumundi… |
|
“Does Curious Kids Can work – we think so! Our
son’s birthday is in late April thus making him
one of the youngest in his class. We have found
that while he is academically capable he has had
difficulties coping with the social and emotional
expectations of Prep and now Grade 1 (where 6
months can equate to an awful lot of development
in a child’s life).
This year we received feedback (in week 2) that he
didn’t seem to understand instructions, wasn’t
listening and wasn’t even starting the activities,
let alone staying on task. Not a good start to the
private school system that we had so wanted for
him. To do this he had shifted from the state
system where he did Prep and moved to a much
bigger school where he had to learn all the rules,
expectations and make new friends again. The
result was he felt ‘under siege’ and didn’t want
to attempt anything in case he made a mistake.
We placed him in Elissa’s Personal Awareness
Program to assist him managing his emotions,
social development and communication skills and
build up his confidence again. He has shown
progress each week. With the first milestone being
he is now working on tasks and trying at school.
By week 7 he was telling us that he was finding
schoolwork much easier. It is a work in progress
but our son is showing big improvements now –
that’s great news!
On both occasions that our son has worked with
Elissa we have achieved positive results. These
results are both behavioural and academic. We
believe Elissa’s approach of the nature walk and
talk, followed by activity, successfully brings
out the best in young boys!”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
