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Sparkimurs live in an interesting, magical and fun-filled world. They are almost always happy and feel good about themselves. But, like all humans, young and old, they challenges, crisis’ turning points and testing times. “Sparkimurs are different, but a lot like you and me.”

The Sparkimur Friends series focuses on helping parents, grandparents, teachers and caregivers help children succeed and have a better future. It addresses some foundations for positive motivation, acting proactively, taking on challenges, and understanding boundaries, overcoming fears, personal growth and other achievement strategies.

Key Originators and Contributors

David A. Smith is founder and CEO of Professional Workplace Interaction, Inc. (PWI) He is a father, grandfather, has coached at both the high school and college level and has presented on the topics of leadership excellence, change, diversity and behavioral risk management with global 1000 corporations, schools and government agencies. He is published in the areas of Early Childhood Social-Emotional Development, Behavioral Risk Management and Business Continuity Planning.

Dr. Roberta S. Flynn is a director of PWI. She has 30 years of experience as a teacher, and instructor in government, school, hospital, industrial, and law enforcement settings. Dr. Flynn has a BA in Education for the Deaf, a MA in Special Education, and has developed curriculum and taught preschool through post graduate students. Her doctorate is in clinical psychology. She is an expert in working with special populations such as mentally and physically challenged individuals. She is published in the areas of Early Childhood Social-Emotional Development, Behavioral Risk Management and Business Continuity Planning.

Michelle L. Michaelsen, Artist resides in Southern California . She began drawing the Sparkimur characters over twenty years ago for both personal pleasure and to share with family and friends. Her illustrations are inviting, delightful and enjoyable for children and adults.

Cappy Potter, Author/Song Writer strongly believes that music and movement are of vital importance for our children’s intellectual development and complete education. She has twenty years experience in helping young people learn to love and participate in music as a life skill. She has taught music at preschool, elementary, and secondary levels in both vocal and instrumental venues. Mrs. Potter holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education and a minor in Language Arts. Mrs. Potter composed the words and music for the Little Sparks and the authored the Sparkimur 20s lesson plan components for the Sparkimur Friends Series that brings enthusiasm and excitement into the daily Sparkimur Circle.

Evidence-based

Sparkimur Friends is the early childhood development arm of Professional Workplace Interaction, Inc. (PWI) PWI was founded in 1997 for the purpose of research and evidence-based program development, designed to address many of the difficult issues facing corporations, schools, private businesses, and governmental agencies.

PWI services include live and web-based training, personal coaching, behavioral risk assessment, expert witness and customized plans in the areas of social-emotional development, personal development, leadership and behavioral risk management.

Our clients include large Fortune 500 and international companies and universities as well as small privately held businesses and schools. PWI professionals have conducted training and provided consultation for all levels of expertise from entry-level employees and teachers to corporate presidents and CEO’s. A few of the sensitive topic areas we address include professional development, diversity, effective management, ethics, leadership and violence prevention.

Since personal social-emotional development, begins at preschool ages and is at the foundation of LifeLong Success, we have conducted research and developed evidence-based programs and materials for children, parents and teachers that are fun for everyone involved.

Meet the Sparkimurs. Please take a few minutes and review our latest social-emotional development trainings and teaching tools designed to help children, parents, teachers and families in preparing young children in achieving LifeLong Success.

PWI is proud to offer the talents of some of the best-prepared professionals in the United States. All of us look forward to using our decades of experience to tailor an early childhood social-emotional training program that fits your organization's specific needs.

Sincerely,

David A. Smith

Founder

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~Sparkimurs are different, but a lot like you and me~