Katie Simons is the Executive Director at Talaris Institute. As Executive Director, Katie reports directly to the Board and leads the Talaris team. She directs all aspects of strategic planning, research, general operations, product development, distribution and evaluation.

Katie has a BA in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and a Masters in Public Policy from Harvard’s School of Government. Prior to joining Talaris, she was Director of Brewed Coffee for Starbucks, where she had innovation and P&L responsibility for the brewed coffee business in Starbucks stores nationwide. Previously, she was a Project Leader for Boston Consulting Group in New York and Korea, where she led teams and provided strategic management consulting to Fortune 500 companies. Katie was also an Account Director for the online marketing company Avenue A Razorfish and was a Fulbright scholar in Africa.

Katie and her husband, Steve, have two young daughters ages 1 and 3.

Parenting Counts is pleased to announce one of the newest additions to its product line designed for parents and caregivers:  Big Feelings: A book filled with emotions.  Big Feelings is a beautifully illustrated picture book filled with ten lovable animals in emotional situations just like the ones toddlers and preschoolers might face each day. With the help of animals like Ellie the Elephant and Mikey the Monkey, parents can talk with their children about how they feel and act when they experience a particular emotion. Whether frustrated, proud, lonely or excited, this delightful story will help children name and share their experiences.

Big Feelings Product Update

Time, love and patience are perhaps the three most important gifts parents can share with their children.  Carolyn Pirak from Talaris Institute explains how these pillars of positive parenting help to create a strong and secure foundation for a child’s healthy growth and development.

http://www.king5.com/on-tv/Learning-for-Life-Give-your-time-love-and-Patience-79240512.html

Center on the Developing Child  Harvard University

Serious depression in parents and caregivers affects not only the adults who are ill but also influences the the well-being of the children in their care.  The first joint Working Paper from the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child and the National Forum on Early Childhood Program Evaluation summarizes recent evidence on the negative effects of severe depression on children and families.  The report also highlights the need for early intervention to ensure mothers’ well-being and children’s healthy development.  

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