Westminster, VT – Kurn Hattin Homes was pleased to welcome keynote speaker, CEO of KW Diversity, Inc., Dr. Kalise Wornum to its 30th Annual Fall Conference, where she tackled the topic of “Cultural Proficiency: Establishing Authentic Connections” with educators and other professionals from the fields of health and human services.
Dr. Wornum is a nationally recognized educational leader and author in the area of anti-racist education. Her experience in the education system, and her concerns about America’s racial academic achievement gap, led her to focus on work specializing in cultural proficiency and community communications to support difficult conversations regarding race and culture.
Using real-life case studies, conference attendees were able to recognize where race and learning intersect to create a more inclusive environment and how cultural proficiency can positively transform personal and professional interactions.
Dr. Wornum says, “It is my life’s work to relentlessly pursue this goal, and in doing so the beauty of teaching and learning will be experienced by both student and teacher.”
“Kurn Hattin has always welcomed a diverse population of students,” says Assistant Executive Director Sue Kessler. “It remains vitally important for all educators and other professionals to be mindful of cultural differences so we can provide the best overall experience for the children in our care. We can come together by respecting and celebrating our differences.”
While Kurn Hattin teachers, residential staff, and counselors were attending the training sessions, the non-teaching staff were establishing their own authentic connections with the kids by visiting a local pumpkin patch, dairy farm, and fire station, ending with a stop for ice cream.
“This reversal of roles gives us an opportunity to get to know the kids better,” says communications liaison Lorie Rogers. “I love this day! It reminds me of why Kurn Hattin is such an important place.”