The Batavia Parent Academy is committed to providing parents with the information they need to raise their children in a safe, proactive and nurturing environment. Through educational series and lectures on compelling issues influencing our youth, we seek to highlight ways parents can: build their child's positive developmental assets; reduce their incidence of risk-taking behaviors; and encourage the development of strong character and sound decision-making.

August 27, 2007
Raising Readers
Mary Bigler
7:00 p.m., Batavia High School
Welcome in the new school year and join Dr. Mary Bigler, an internationally-known motivational speaker and literacy
expert as she shares ideas on how parents, teachers and interested adults can help children become good readers. Dr. Bigler will share good books that engage and excite children of all ages. She will answer frequently asked questions about learning to read and will suggest practical ideas to make reading an enjoyable part of family and
school life no matter what your child's age. Mary puts parents at ease and emphasizes how important they are in helping their children be successful in school in this popular and practical program.

October 16, 2007
Time to Stand
Sean Stephenson
7:00 p.m., Rotolo Middle School
Nationally recognized speaker and motivator, Sean Stephenson invites parent to get off of their "buts" and stand up. Sean motivates students and parents to live a life of character through his powerful message and inspirational stories. Audiences are taken on a journey through human potential, using emotional stories from Sean Stephenson's life. Predicted not to survive at birth because of a rare bone disorder that stunted his growth and caused his bones to be extremely fragile, Sean has triumphed with the power of STANDING.

November 29, 2007
Tales of a Slightly Off Supermom:Fighting for Truth, Justice, and Clean Underwear
Deb DiSandro
7:00 p.m., Batavia High School
Deb DiSandro says, as the caped-crusader for the super stressed-out super parents of America, she offers a slightly off perspective that is sure to leave you laughing, or at least grateful she isn't a part of your family! Deb's goal is to encourage all parents to let go of the 'super' syndrome and embrace the 'slightly off' side of life.

March 6, 2008
Birth Order: Understanding Your Family Constellation
Michael P. Maniacci, Psy.D.
7:00 p.m., Batavia High School
In this insightful workshop, Dr. Michael Maniacci, clinical psychologist, will explore how the presence (or absence) of siblings influences your personality. "Oldest", "only", "second", "middle" or "youngest" are the roles we adopt in early childhood with our family and these roles have surprisingly long lasting effects.This workshop will show
how Birth Order dynamics influence your career choices, social relations, marital partners & even parenting skills.

If you would like to see some more information on speakers we have showcased in the past, please check out our Speaker Information page.