the support my family needed didn't exist. so, we created The Village Well.

I'm raising two sons with disabilities, so when I'm not just speaking as an expert - I'm in The Village with you.

meet our founder, Ed Center

Growing up, I was a kid with big feelings and behaviors that often got me in trouble. I was admonished to “stop acting out” or “get in control of your feelings!” The scolding, threatening, and punishment didn’t work. I promised I would never do the same to my own kids.

Years later, I’m blessed with two sons. I’ve broken that promise so many times. I wanted to give my kids better support and guidance, but I didn’t have the tools.

I now understand that I have ADHD. My kids have ADHD and other complex issues. This makes it challenging for us to regulate our emotions. Challenging but not impossible! I’ve learned that there are approaches, skills, and tools that are very effective in helping kids (and adults like me) feel safe, regulated, and focused. I’ve learned that positive behaviors are skills that we can teach and practice with students. That experience, along with my 30 years in education and family support, is the heart of The Village Well.

I started my career as a high school teacher and now I work full time with expanded learning programs, educators, and families to support kids with disabilities. My speciality is supporting positive behaviors, minimizing meltdowns, and creating calmer environments for learning and play.

Through our work, you and your staff will spend less time on behavior management and more time on teaching and learning. And we’ll have fun making it happen.

The Village Well provides knowledge and tools to educators, youth-serving organizations, and families who support children with disabilities. Our promise is to bring more calm, joy, and meaning into this work.

We focus on preventing and addressing challenging behaviors so that both adults and kids can focus on learning and play.

most of our work focuses on supporting children and youth with the following disabilities:

autism spectrum

sensory processing challenges

trauma

mental health challenges

ADHD

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, The Village Well is expanding nationally to meet the growing demand for compassionate, effective support.

testimonials

I notice more about myself in the moment and am able to self-reflect and notice when I am feeling depleted. Even naming that has been helpful. Allowing myself to be human has created space for my kids to be human. The struggle against the tendency to be perfect is so real. Grateful for this course!

- Laura R.
This was a very good course. We all think that we are either expert parents or that we don't have enough time for this. But if you want to get out of your rut and become a more mindful parent, I would highly recommend their courses.

- Jamie R.
Tremendous job Village Well team! I really appreciate what you’ve created and I gained so much. I hope I can look back years from now and know this is where my parenting journey made a breakthrough and I continue to expand as the mother I strive to be.

- Nikki T.
I learned that there are accessible tools to use to be a better parent and have a better relationship with my child. It was also comforting to know that I'm not alone. There are other parents like me who want to become better parents than the ones who raised us.

- Jennielyn D.
Over the last six weeks times during our day that used to be a battle don't feel like that any more. For example, bed time does not feel like a battle time of trying to get William down. It also helps to recognize what he is seeking so we can respond in a way that makes better sense rather than everyone getting triggered.

- Megan T.
The Village Well gave our team the gifts of confidence and hope. Staff who felt defeated now feel capable and supported. We’ve seen stronger relationships, fewer power struggles, and more kids with disabilities truly included in our program.

- Vicky C.