Kathy Behre

In preparation for returning to the classroom after remote teaching for months, we knew we needed to give our students and teachers the tools they needed to be successful.

The St. Mary Academy professional development team immediately thought of Robin Buckley, Ph.D., and Tom Grebouski, Ph.D., LCMHC, of Insights Group, as the perfect resource. Dr. Buckley and Dr. Grebouski have supported our students and teachers in the past, and we felt confident that they could help us during this unprecedented time. Dr. Buckley replied to our request for a teachers’ workshop with enthusiasm. She succeeded in customizing a workshop that fit our current needs. It was important to her to make sure she knew her audience and provided us with the most accurate and relevant information. Since Dr. Grebouski had done a workshop for our teachers on supporting students with anxiety a few years ago, we were interested in a workshop to address not only student concerns about Covid-19 but also teachers’ possible anxieties. Dr. Buckley immediately saw the value in that and put together an engaging presentation that was interactive and empowering. After the workshop, our staff felt more equipped to deal with anxieties that they and their students might be feeling. The breakout sessions offered small groups the time needed to ask questions and allowed for personal connections to be shared. The workshop was well thought out and purposeful. It helped build confidence by providing the tools our staff needed and reduced stress among all who attended. Dr. Buckley and Dr. Grebouski have a relaxed and calming effect on people. They were able to address a very complicated topic, with a lot of knowledge and compassion for our staff and students. In these unknown times, with more questions than answers, it was reassuring to have the Insights Group be there for us.