Rethinking Challenging Behaviors: Moving from Power Struggle to Problem Solving with Eleni E. Siderias, Educator & Consultant

In this interactive session, educator and consultant Eleni Siderias will provide parents and caregivers with a framework for increasing connection, compassion, communication, and empathy in their homes. Utilizing the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions model as a basis for understanding challenging behavior and increasing proactive collaboration, Eleni will discuss how to establish realistic expectations for your child and how to co-create solutions to frequent problems. Participants will learn how to shift the dynamics in their home from power struggle and problem behavior towards problem-solving and proactive solutions.

Eleni E. Siderias is an educational leader, researcher, and consultant with a demonstrated history of strategic vision, collaborative innovation, curricular and instructional expertise, and a commitment to equity and justice. Eleni has led teams in K-8 environments in New York City and New Jersey, inspiring mission-driven institutional growth by identifying problems, collecting data, researching solutions, and developing multi-year plans to implement meaningful, long-lasting institutional renewal and change. After years of supporting families, mentoring educators, and managing institutional change, Eleni established Theory & Practice in order to bring her unique, holistic problem-solving approach to a broader audience. Theory & Practice provides coaching and consulting services to parents, educators, schools, and districts. She holds a B.S. from St. John’s University (Childhood Education). She also studied at Teachers College, Columbia University, earning an M.A. (Gifted Education), an M. Ed. (Leadership in Curriculum and Teaching), and completing all coursework for a Doctor of Education degree in Curriculum & Teaching. Eleni is a certified provider of Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS), a problem-solving model designed by Dr. Ross Greene. CPS is based on the premise that challenging behavior occurs when the demands and expectations being placed on a child exceed their skill set or capacity to respond adaptively. Eleni has utilized the model in school and home settings, and trained dozens of teachers, administrators, and parents in its use, successfully deescalating conflict and increasing communication.