About Elly...

Elly Victoria Darwin, M.Ed., NCC

General Experience

Vast experience creating and presenting classes, seminars, multi-segment courses, multi-day workshops, and entire curricula for audiences ranging from at-risk youth to highly trained professionals on topics of mental health, personal growth, professional development, substance abuse prevention and treatment, healthy families and communities.
Business owner.
Published author on educational, personal and professional development topics.
Work-related experience in university administration and retail management.
Work-related experience in 501(c)(3) nonprofit agencies (10 years).
Work-related experience in book editing and graphic arts (7 years).
Work-related experience in substance abuse prevention and treatment (5 years).
Public school teaching experience (6 years).

Education and Certification

Master of Education in counseling, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana.
National Certified Counselor (NCC #87111).
Graduate-level course work in clinical psychology, Antioch University, Los Angeles, California.
Teaching Credential, California Standard Secondary / K-12 music specialist (lifetime/tenured).
Graduate-level course work (a.b.t.) in music education, Humboldt State University, Arcata, California.
Bachelor of Arts in music education (English minor), Humboldt State University.
Associate of Arts in music, Antelope Valley College, Lancaster, California.
High School Diploma, Montclair College Preparatory School, Van Nuys, California.

Other Training

Numerous seminars on counselor skills, human development, personal management, and social interaction skills.
"True Colors" Personality Types Certified Facilitator/Trainer (Level III). True Colors, Santa Ana, California.
Certified Forgiveness Facilitator. Psychosynthesis International, Ojai, California.
Counselor in Training. Continuing education towards Louisiana Board Certified Substance Abuse Counselor license.
Preventionist in Training. Continuing education towards Louisiana Certified Substance Abuse Preventionist license.
Certificate in Nonprofit Management. University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada.
Certificate in Grant Writing. Truckee Meadows Community College, Reno, Nevada.
Various Spanish language and cultural immersion programs, including residential program in Guatemala.

Current Memberships

American Counseling Association
Louisiana Counseling Association
Association for the Advancement of Psychosynthesis

Past Memberships

Louisiana Academic Advising Association
National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletes
Chi Sigma Iota (Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International)
Toastmasters International (International public speaking organization)
National Educators Association; California Music Educators Association; Los Angeles County Music Educators Association; Lancaster Teachers Association (Lancaster, California)

Teaching Presentations

January 1999 - Present: "True Colors Personality Types." Numerous in-service presentations for teachers, administrators, and classified personnel throughout Tangipahoa, Livingston, and Washington Parishes, Louisiana.

April 2007: "Active Assistance for Administrators." Day-long seminar for area-wide school principals, LEAD Southeastern Louisiana, Hammond, Louisiana.

August 2006: "How to Navigate as a Sub-- Without Getting Sunk!" Training seminar for substitute teachers, Albany Middle School, Albany, Louisiana. 

March 2005: "True Advising: Bridging the Gap Between Academic Counseling and Academic Advising." Presentation for college and university advisors and counselors at annual statewide conference of Louisiana Academic Advising Association, Hammond, Louisiana.

February 2005: Presentation on academic and economic benefits of Supplemental Instruction program for Council of Deans, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana.

January 1999 - October 2003: Numerous in-service workshops on substance abuse prevention, Tangipahoa and Livingston Parishes, Louisiana.

August 2003: "Birth Order: Implications for Educators." In-service presentations for teachers at Albany Lower Elementary School and Albany High School, Albany, Louisiana.

December 2002: "Dealing With Difficult Behavior." In-service presentation for first-year teachers in Livingston Parish School System, Livingston, Louisiana.

March 2002: "Working With Alcoholic Families." In-service presentation for social workers, Discovery and Positive Steps Programs, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

August 2001: "What Teachers Can Do About Teasing and Bullying at School." In-service presentation for teachers, Levi Milton School, Walker, Louisiana.

March 1999 and March 2000: "Taking Steps to Prevent FAS/FAE." Master of Ceremonies at 1st and 2nd annual conferences on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effects, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana.

November 1997: "Teachers in Touch" (co-presented with Tony Armenta, Ed.D.). Full-day workshop on self-esteem for educators, Hammond, Louisiana.

September 1997: "Teachers and Parents: Sharing the Caring." In-service presentation for special education teachers, St. Tammany Parish School District, Covington, Louisiana.

June & July 1997: "Behind the Principal’s Desk: Expressing Your Authenticity as a School Administrator." Educational Leadership, Southeastern Louisiana University.

July 1996: "Living From the Inside Out." Workshop for social workers, counselors, and educators. Psychosynthesis International Quadrennial Conference, San Diego, California.

February 1988: "B is for Burnout: How to Keep Yourself Fresh and Motivated," a workshop for teachers. Affiliated Well Being Centre, Lancaster, California.

Presentations for Adults

July 2006: "True Colors Personality Types." The Red Shoes, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

January 1999 - October 2003: More than 400 class hours of parenting classes on the following topics: "Discipline That Works," "Teasing and Bullying," "Successful Stepparenting," "Active Parenting of Teens," Anger Management, Stress Management, "Building Self-Esteem in Children," "Communication Within the Family," "Conflict Resolution," "The Art of Successful Relationships," "Building Responsibility in Children," "How To Talk So Kids Will Listen," "Birth Order and Family Dynamics."

September 2003: "Building Responsibility in Children." Keynote speaker, 7^th Ward Elementary School, Denham Springs, Louisiana.

May 2003: "Birth Order and Family Dynamics." Mothers Retreat, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Hammond, Louisiana.

April 2003: "True Colors Personality Types." 3^rd Annual Family Life Conference, Southeastern Louisiana University.

April 2003: "True Colors for Couples." Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Hammond, Louisiana.

April 2002: "Birth Order and Family Dynamics." 2^nd Annual Family Life Conference, Southeastern Louisiana University.

September 2001: "Homework Without Tears." Keynote Speaker, Maurepas School, Maurepas, Louisiana.

May 2001: "True Colors: Knowledge of Personality Types Can Help Your Business." Rotary Club, Hammond, Louisiana.

April 2001: "What Parents Should Know About Club Drugs." Keynote speaker, Frost School, Frost, Louisiana.

April 2001: "True Colors Personality Types." 1^st Annual Family Life Conference, Southeastern Louisiana University.

July 1999: "Living From the Inside Out." Unity Church of Christianity, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

February 1999, February 1998: "People Skills at Work." Created and taught a six-hour continuing education class for adults in the workplace, Southeastern Louisiana University.

May 1998: Keynote speaker, Mother’s Day banquet, Happywoods Church of God, Hammond, Louisiana.

May 1997: "The Healing Power of Forgiveness," Unity Church of the Redwoods, Eureka, California.

October 1996: "Living From the Inside Out." Wesley Foundation, Hammond, Louisiana.

April 1996: Keynote speaker, women’s retreat, United Methodist Church, Hammond, Louisiana.

August 1994: "A Little English, a Little Math." Motivational speech for staff at KOLO-TV (ABC affiliate), Reno, Nevada.

November 1991: "A Different Darwin’s Theory: Survival of the Spiritually Fit." Unity of Eureka, Eureka, California.

February 2005: "Goal-setting" workshop for student-athletes (co-presented with Justine Vosloo, intern), Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana.

August 2004 - May 2005: Several training sessions for peer tutors and Supplemental Instruction Leaders, Southeastern Louisiana University.

Spring 2003, Summer 2002, Fall 2001: "Orientation and Research Guidance" for graduate counseling and undergraduate health promotion students, Miller Memorial Library, Hammond, Louisiana.

Fall 2002: "The Truth About Alcohol" for residents of Lee Hall, Southeastern Louisiana University.

Summer 2001, Spring 2001, Fall 2000, Summer 2000: "Effective Communication for School Administrators." Three-hour workshops for graduate students in School-Community Relations class, Southeastern Louisiana University.

Spring 2000: "The Truth About Tobacco" for undergraduate students in kinesiology and health sciences class, Southeastern Louisiana University.

Spring 2001: "True Colors Personality Types" for undergraduate family resource management class, Southeastern Louisiana University.

Summer 1997: "Leading From the Inside Out" and "Stress and Time Management" for graduate students in public school administration class, Southeastern Louisiana University.

Spring 1997 and Fall 1996: "Professional Skills and Personal Development" for undergraduate students in fashion merchandising classes, Southeastern Louisiana University.

Fall 1996: "Leading From the Inside Out" and "Stress and Time Management" for graduate students in public school administration class, Southeastern Louisiana University.

Presentations for Youth

January 1999 - October 2003: Numerous presentations on social skills for youth (ages 11-16) enrolled in Talent Search, Upward Bound, and Gear Up programs through Southeastern Louisiana University.

January 1999 - October 2003: Social skills and substance abuse prevention programs for youth ages pre-kindergarten through high school in private and public schools throughout Livingston and Tangipahoa Parishes, Louisiana.

September 2003: "Stressed Out Over the LEAP Test?" Stress management skills for students in remediation studies for the Louisiana Educational Assessment Program testing, Springfield High School, Springfield, Louisiana.

December 2002, March 2002: "True Colors Personality Types and Conflict Resolution Skills;" "How to Say No and Keep Your Friends" for youth (5^th and 6^th grade) enrolled in 21^st Century Learning Center Program, O.W. Dillon Elementary School, Kentwood, Louisiana.

October 2002, March 2001: "True Colors Personality Types and Conflict Resolution Skills" for youth (6^th through 8^th grade) in Peer Helpers Club, Springfield Middle School, Springfield, Louisiana.

July 2002: "How to Approach Adults When You Need to be Heard" (interactive exercises and panel discussion including teens and other adult leaders). Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Region IX, Office of Addictive Disorders "Teen Institute" summer camp, Southeastern Louisiana University.

March 2002: "True Colors Personality Types and Conflict Resolution Skills" for youth (6^th and 7^th grade) enrolled in 21^st Century Learning Center Program, Hammond Junior High School, Hammond, Louisiana.

July 2000: "What is Self-Esteem?" Department of Health and Hospitals, Region IX, Office of Addictive Disorders "Teen Institute" summer camp, Southeastern Louisiana University.

March 1994. "Good Grief for Teens." California Association of Peer Programs 10^th Annual Convention, Sacramento, California.

March 1993: "Exploring Positive Self-Esteem" (co-presented with Tony Armenta, Ed.D.). California Association of Peer Programs 9^th Annual Convention, Anaheim, California.

Feedback From Seminar Participants

"This session was worth the whole trip, including air fare!" (counselor; conference attendee)

"Elly is so energetic." (university student)

"You really live what you teach." (teacher)

"Good points! Mrs. Elly is an awesome speaker with a great sense of humor." (university student)

"The presenter was well prepared, used visual aids, provided handouts,
and educated our parents. Thanks!" (school counselor)

"Speaker related very well to students. She got [them] very involved with simple visual aids." (teacher)

"She made everyone feel comfortable. I enjoyed her presentation the most." (conference attendee)

"Mrs. Elly was fun, exciting, energetic, serious, to the point, and thorough." (parent)

"Miss Elly is very enthusiastic and always willing to help!" (adult in substance abuse treatment)

"Great job! I loved the [interactive teaching] example!" (teacher)

"Teacher shows concern and expertise in her field." (parent)

"I appreciate the wisdom you have." (laborer)

"This [workshop] was a profound and uplifting experience." (teacher)

"Very into the audience. Kept everyone’s attention. Please have her back next year." (conference attendee)

"Your program has a lot of constructive ideas and solutions. I enjoyed it." (construction worker)

"Couldn’t have had a better teacher. She’s very caring." (parent)

"You have a real blessing of insight. Please continue to share it." (teacher)

"The instructor was excellent. She made the topic very interesting. I’d love to take the class again. Thanks." (parent)

"Mrs. Darwin– dynamic, enjoyable speaker." (teacher)

"I want to know more about absolutely anything Elly presents." (social worker)

Published Writings

Note: To view the actual articles, click on Articles at left.

April 2007: "How to Manage Subs-- Without Getting Sunk!" (Tony Armenta and Elly V. Darwin). Principal Leadership. National Association of Secondary School Principals.

October 2001: "Administrators, Too, Must Cope with the Aftermath of School Violence" (Tony Armenta and Elly V. Darwin). The School Administrator. American Association of School Administrators.

Spring 2001: "Caring for the Caregivers: The Forgotten Victims of School Violence" (Tony Armenta and Elly V. Darwin). Louisiana Journal of Counseling. Louisiana Counseling Association.

February 1999: "Are You Your Winning Speech?" The Toastmaster. Toastmasters International.

December 1998: "But It’s Not My Fault– Taking Responsibility in Toastmasters and in Life." The Toastmaster. Toastmasters International.

November 1998: "Dealing with Difficult People." The Toastmaster. Toastmasters International.

September 1998: "Coping with Time-Robbers" (Tony Armenta and Elly V. Darwin). Principal. National Association of Elementary School Principals.

September 1998: "This Joke Is On You!" The Toastmaster. Toastmasters International.

June 1996: "The Importance of Your ‘Personal Vote’." The Communicator (Vol. 7, No. 2). California Association of Peer Programs.

June 1996: "The Problem with ‘Them’." The Communicator (Vol. 7, No. 2). California Association of Peer Programs.

May 1995: "From Pain to Power." The Communicator (Vol. 6, No. 2). California Association of Peer Programs.

February 1995: "Stopping the Chain of Abuse." The Communicator (Vol. 6, No. 1). California Association of Peer Programs.

September 1994: "Does It All Add Up?" The Communicator (Vol. 5, No. 2). California Association of Peer Programs.

May 1994: "Am I a Good Listener?" The Communicator (Vol. 5, No. 1). California Association of Peer Programs.

December 1993: "Coping with Depression." The Communicator (Vol. 4, No. 3). California Association of Peer Programs.

December 1993: "Difference and Tolerance." The Communicator (Vol. 4, No. 2). California Association of Peer Programs.

December 1993: "Power Words: How Word Choice Affects Personal Power." The Communicator (Vol. 4, No. 2). California Association of Peer Programs.

Spring 1993: "Dealing with Grief." The Communicator (Vol. 4, No. 1). California Association of Peer Programs.

Winter 1993: "Spread a Good Rumor." The Communicator (Vol. 4, No. 1). California Association of Peer Programs.

Fall 1992: "For Those Involved in an Addictive Relationship. The Communicator (Vol. 3, No. 3). California Association of Peer Programs.

Elly's Personal Picks

Just for fun, here are some of my favorites (and a few not-so):

Songs: What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong); The Dance (Garth Brooks); Dream a Little Dream of Me ("Mama" Cass Elliott); Don’t Worry, Be Happy (Bobby McFarrin).

Musical Performers/Styles: Ella Fitzgerald; Pete Fountain; The Mamas and the Papas; The Meters; 8½ Souvenirs; Swing; Dixieland.

Movies: The World's Fastest Indian, Little Manhattan, The Lion King (the Broadway play, too!), Tucker; Whale Rider; Pay It Forward; When Harry Met Sally; Big.

Books: Power vs. Force; How to Know God (probably the best book ever written on spirituality); Conversations With God series; Tuesdays With Morrie; self-help books; anything by Wayne Dyer.

Places: Humboldt County, California; San Diego (Coronado Island, Point Loma tide pools); Sedona, Arizona.

Bridges/Buildings: Golden Gate Bridge; Empire State Building.

Foods: Chocolate (dark); pizza (black olive & green pepper, no meat); crawfish fettuccini; crawfish pie; shrimp dishes; carrot cake; good-quality Mexican food. (Don’t care for: fried, greasy, or heavily processed foods; red meats.)

Restaurants: Michabelle (Hammond, LA); Peohe’s (Coronado, CA); Court of Two Sisters (New Orleans, LA); Cafe Figaro (Greenwich Village, NY).

Animals: German shepherds; Labrador retrievers; golden retrievers; dolphins and whales; wolves; cardinals.

Plants: Giant redwood trees; dogwood trees; azaleas and rhododendrons; gardenias; wisteria; giant oaks with Spanish moss; lily of the Nile; jasmine; coleus.

Hobbies and Pastimes: Gardening; watching baseball; reading personal growth books; weekend mornings at Barnes & Noble.

Things That Make Me Happy: Seeing someone break through difficulty; working in my yard; petting a dog or cat; playing with my grand-nieces and granddaughters; driving my Miata with the top down; hanging out with Tony; spiritual time.