Home » Fathers in Focus Conference Track 2: Relationship and Parenting Skill Building
Fathers in Focus Conference Track 2: Relationship and Parenting Skill Building
Fathers in Focus Conference 2024 » Track 2: Relationship and Parenting Skill Building
Track 2:
Relationship and Parenting Skill Building
Relationship and Parenting Skill Building
This track is designed to help you strengthen your relationships with your children and partner. Sessions will cover topics such as building strong emotional bonds with your children, effective discipline strategies, and nurturing healthy relationships within your family. Whether you’re a new parent or looking to enhance your parenting skills, these sessions will provide practical tips and advice to support you on your parenting journey.
Concurrent Session 1: The Paternal Parenting Style & Effective Fatherhood Engagement
Paternal parents play an important role in the social-emotional, physical and cultural development of children. It is for that reason that community support professionals need to know how to effectively engage fathers when working with families. This workshop will provide an exploration into the benefits of fatherhood involvement on child development/maternal health and thoughtful discussion on fatherhood culture.
Presented By
Richard Ferrari Traner career began in 2008 when he earned a bachelor’s degree in social welfare from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He formally began a public service career in 2009 with the United States Peace Corps. Upon his return to US in 2011, he was commissioned with the Wisconsin Army National Guard to serve as a Logistics Officer. While leading with the National Guard, Ricky also served in leadership roles with the Curative Care Network, My Choice Wisconsin & Milwaukee County Department on Aging (ADRC). In 2017, Ricky joined the Direct Assistance for Dads (DAD) project as a Public Health Social Worker and Supervisor. Currently, Ricky works as a Section Manager with the Wisconsin Department of Children & Families as well as Founder/Lead Trainer with Kuflau Professional Trainings, LLC.
Concurrent Session 2: WisconSibs – Helping Sisters and Brothers of People with Disabilities
Discover how WisconSibs supports siblings and parents of people with disabilities, providing resources and community. Learn strategies to empower and assist brothers and sisters in navigating their unique roles and relationships.
Presented By
Bill Grennell is a professional known for his expertise in nonprofit work. With a career spanning over 34 years, he has held leadership roles in the WisconSibs, American Red Cross, The Literacy Council, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Boy Scouts of America, has and contributed significantly to helping grow community support and program growth for these organizations. Grennell is also recognized for his commitment to youth-serving nonprofits, making a substantial impact in both his professional and personal endeavors. He has received the Presidential Points of Light award for his service as a volunteer and professional member of the Boy Scouts of America.
Contact: Bill@WisconSibs.org
Concurrent Session 2: Making meaningful memories with your kids
Research shows kids value experiences more than toys. This workshop offers tips on planning affordable activities in Madison, sharing where to go and how to make outings enjoyable, stress-free, and memorable.
Presented By
Aaron Seligman has been the editor/publisher for MacaroniKID Madison since April, 2023. He shares a regular calendar and ideas for free/low cost events, activities, and family-friendly ideas. Aaron is a Madison native who loves finding fun things to do with my family–yes, even in winter. He and his wife have two daughters who especially enjoy all the parks, festivals, and beaches. He also likes Ultimate Frisbee, bike commuting (or cargo bike with kids), and trying new restaurants. Aaron is excited to share family-friendly activities, events, and businesses with other families in the Madison area! He is a former lawyer and also works on policy and internal communications with the Universities of Wisconsin, and he is involved in public school and civic organizations in Madison.
Contact: aarons@macaronikid.com
Concurrent Session 3: Bonding with Baby: Promoting Attachment Relationships Before and After Birth
This workshop covers evidence-based strategies for promoting early father-child attachment, including pre-birth preparations, practices for secure relationships in the first year, and supportive contextual factors. It is ideal for fathers, practitioners working with new or expectant parents, and those creating father-inclusive programs.
Presented By
Geoffrey Brown is a developmental psychologist and associate professor in the department of Human Development and Family Science at the University of Georgia. His research is focused on social and emotional development in infancy and early childhood, with a primary interest in the development of early father-child relationships. His strengths-based work continues to document the factors that promote father engagement, supportive paternal parenting practices, and healthy child development among diverse families. Recent projects are examining contextual factors supporting the transition to parenthood and fathers’ contributions to infant development among unmarried, Black fathers.
Contact: glbrown@uga.edu
Concurrent Session 3: Everlasting Connections: Strengthening the Evolving Bond with Your Child
A lived experience exploration of the real and raw journey of fatherhood, delving into the lessons learned without guidance. This workshop covers the good, bad, and ugly aspects of being a father, offering valuable insights and support.
Presented By
Jamaal Eubanks developed a passion for both being a father and making his community better. In 2018 he started Eubanks Solutions LLC, an umbrella for the different aspects of his company. A full time parent to his children, he developed a creed that helped him push through the hardest of times: Fuel or Crutch. Through mentoring and interactive motivational workshops he spread the message of #FuelOrCrutch and branched out to begin consulting with school districts, colleges and community organizations to solve equity and behavior issues with at risk youth in Madison.
Contact: Jeubie22@gmail.com
Concurrent Session 3: Why Fathers Matter!
Discover how social workers play a pivotal role in promoting and enhancing father involvement to benefit children’s well-being. This session will explore strategies to overcome cultural barriers that hinder active participation of fathers, especially with young children. By the end of the workshop, participants will gain practical insights and tools to foster meaningful engagement and strengthen familial bonds.
Presented By
Brian Benford is the proud father of five children, including two UW-Madison graduates. Currently, Brian also serves as the Success Coach/Social Worker for the award winning, UW – Madison Odyssey Project, where he helps underserved and at-risk students overcome barriers to achieve their educational goals. He received his Master’s of Social Work from UW Madison in 2020.
Contact: brian.benford@wisc.edu
Concurrent Session 4: The Present Parenting Passage
This workshop offers strategies to unlearn conditioned behaviors that cause disconnection, while enhancing self-awareness and accountability. Participants will engage in activities to identify and express their feelings, empowering men to build deeper, more meaningful connections with their families.
Presented By
Mr. Andrew Ghelfi was born and raised in Madison, WI, in a single-parent household where his mother worked two jobs. Despite facing challenges, including becoming a father at 15, Andrew has built a successful personal and professional life. He has been with the mother of his children since the 8th grade and is a proud father of three. As an entrepreneur, Andrew partners with several restaurants and a barbershop and is the founder of a nonprofit organization. His journey into personal and professional development began over a decade ago, driven by a deep belief in the power of connection.
Contact: Ghelfi04@gmail.com
Concurrent Session 4: Fatherhood engagement in schools
This session will highlight practical strategies for fathers to actively participate in school life, strengthen parent-teacher partnerships, and positively impact academic and emotional development. Discover how fostering a supportive environment for fathers enhances student success and builds a stronger school community.
Presented By
Jerald B. Adams is a dedicated advocate for the Department of Strategic Partnerships and male engagement initiatives for Milwaukee Public Schools. With a deep commitment to strengthening families and communities, Jerald has spent years working to enhance academic achievement and improve school climate through various programs and services and experience in the classroom and community.
Contact: adamsjb@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
