Testimonies
"This program helped me better understand myself and which areas I can improve. Most of the modules were interlinked to know in detail and allowed self-reflection. I personally think that there are many aspects to learn through these sessions that can be applied in personal and professional life. You have been an excellent mentor to help me understand how important it is to maintain the balance in personal and professional life to become a better leader and work with teams."
-Sowmyapriyanka Gungur
Kansas City, Missouri
“I have become even more motivated to commit myself to learn, working with, and helping to provide my skills and craft to the program of Fathers and Families Coalition of America ”
Eric G Glaude LCSW
New York City, New York
“The DiSC FFCA Faculty Program was so worthwhile. It was challenging but worth every single lesson! Dr. Rodriguez has an amazing way of breaking things down and keeping everyone engaged. This class was not only about bringing DiSC to others but, also about self-discovery. It was made clear that for us to be able to use DiSC as a tool to help others, we must first understand it for ourselves.”
Nancy Ocasio
Easton, Pennsylvania
"You should sign up if you are going to be present, engaging, and open-minded enough to embrace the opportunities to elevate and grow as an individual and team. This course will challenge your thought process and encourage you to become more intentional about life and leadership. I enjoyed the DiSC personality training. The Building Blocks of Leadership were important in understanding how to manage people but also in understanding our personal leadership styles. The Ikigai and Meet Me in Ten Years was great example of how to think on a deeper level which will enhance our experience in life as a whole."
-Keeyon Howard
Kansas City, Missouri
"People should sign up for OAR Leadership to have their eyes opened about themselves. If one knows more about one's self, then one can be more strategic in their planning. One will be inspired and transformed by the life of Dr. Rodriguez. His transparency allows others to be transparent. The OAR Leadership training will leave you wanting to do more, be more and achieve more. What I liked most is that I was able to explore myself, see myself, and accept myself. The "I AM" was in full effect and I never saw it the way I do now. Completely life-changing."
-Andrea Martinez
Madera, California
"The OAR Leadership training was very engaging. Most of the discussion topics made me have to dig deep. Topics like what is my purpose and what are my strengths. I can apply the topics discussed with my staff on a daily basis. In regards to being a motivator, leader of the team, focusing on my teams and my own strengths as well as bettering myself as a supervisor."
-Quinn Schlotter
Madera, California
"I hope everyone takes advantage of this OAR Leadership training. It brought me out of my comfort zone. I am an introvert, I strongly dislike speaking in public or being put on the spot. This class made me feel vulnerable but empowered me to embrace my voice. Dr. Rodriguez was extremely engaging. I could not enjoy this experience more! "
-Monica Martinez
Madera, California
"This OAR Leadership class is very helpful and enlightening to understand our selves and others. By understanding each other; we must be a better person and are able to be more productive. Thank you so much for your time and knowledge that you share with us. I definitely took a lot away from the training."
-Minerva Salas
Madera, California
"If a person wants to know more about themselves and take time searching about themselves to live a better life, this class is for them. By understanding myself better and the differences of others. I knew there is no one way to teach and no one way to learn. Finding more about myself and others helps to watch for triggers and communicate more effectively."
-Doreen Houx
Madera, California
This credential course is meaningful because it presents a variety of theories, practices, techniques, and assessment tools that can be applied regardless of career level - non-licensed to doctoral level. Dr. James, as the facilitator, was personable, open, and honest and he demonstrated a passion to provide us with tools and a deeper understanding of our roles for the purpose of making us more effective in our quest to help others.
-Mona Lisa Stallworth, Certified Life Coach
Moreno Valley, California
Es importante como profesionales autoevaluarnos para poder manejar nuestras propias emociones y poder ayudar a otros en sus procesos de vida. Este curso ha sido muy terapéutico para mí, me ha ayudado a encontrarme a mí misma. Me siento empoderada, de esta forma ayudaré a empoderar a otras personas, familias, grupos y comunidades.
- Ariana Rivera, Trabajadora Social Escolar
Departamento de Educación
Peñuelas, Puerto Rico
I would highly recommend this training
- Rogelio Tabarez, Learning and Development Coordinator
El Nido Family Centers
Panorama City, California
I enjoyed taking time each week to review the material on a personal level. Having the perspective on how I felt doing the work will really help as I implement it with staff and clients.
- Rachel Hanson, Project Director
Centerstone
Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
"EXCELLENT! Looking forward to the next. 1] exposure to different models & interventions that are a good fit for the fathers' program I envision; 2] the structure of the training transcends multiple human service disciplines and provides insights into how they intersect."
- Herb Pierrie, MSN, Ph.D. - Certified Life Coach
Saginaw, Michigan
- Dr. Jose Laboy
New York City, New York
"This training conference is well worth your time and the low cost is an added bonus. As a human services management professional, I gained new insights, understandings, and perspectives that have greatly informed program designs and service recommendations for creating pathways to wellness for men, fathers, and each member of the family. From Clinical to administration, seasoned and novice will benefit from the knowledge and the networking." #letsmakeithappen #networking #leadership #mentalhealth #healthyfamilies #africanamericans #strengtheningfamilies #wellness #professionaldevelopment,#AnnualFamiliesandFathersConference ,#practitioners , #enagingfathers
- Joanne Russell
1st Aide & Let's Make It Happen
Los Angeles, California
"This is meaningful because of the credibility of the presenters and the reference materials and book."
-Alisa Bell, Executive Director and Founder, James Inc.
Tulsa Oklahoma
"Este curso está enfocado en la diversidad, provee actividades de autoevaluación para trabajar con nuestros participantes. Es una experiencia profesional diferente y con muchos retos."
-Nahir Batista, Trabajadora Social Departamento de Educación
Guayama Puerto Rico
"The Practitioner Credential Course is very intense and enlightening training that I wish I had this training years ago. I want to offer this course to Jamaica."
- Lydia B. Grant-Brown, Kingston, Jamaica
"This course would be awesome for anyone willing to take an in-depth look at self as fuel to drive them toward leadership over others. This course has enhanced my perspective on working with fathers, youth, and entire families."
-Keeyon Howard, Moberly, Missouri
"I love the interaction and the communication of the students and the instructor. This program makes you grow. The course makes you put yourself in the family position. To see true their eyes in any situation. Then you question yourself how I can help them? What resources can I find for them?."
- Elizabeth Chico, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
"This course covers so many psychological basics to help connect with fathers and families. It was great; the participation and inclusiveness were wonderful."
-Melany Morrison, LMFT, LPC, Spring Texas
This course is a meaningful credential course because it can be impactful for anyone. This course could provide someone who has experienced trauma with a better understanding of who they are and provide self-growth. If you have been blessed and feel fortunate to have the life experiences you do, this course could give you tools and models of how to work with others in a way that allows you to connect with them. Ultimately this course will better an individual to then better what they contribute to society and those interact with.
-Kim Luedtke, Family Advocate Head Start
Sheboygan Wisconsin
"What makes this a meaningful credential course is the importance of mindfulness to myself and others."
-Angela Medina Child Support Specialist III Lassen County Child Support
Susanville, California
"What makes this a meaningful credential course is the instructor's experience. They allow practicing what we learn within the course with scenarios."
-Julio Lopez-Castillo, UCLA EHS
Arleta California
"Thank you so much. I learned a lot in this program for myself and to help the parents of my school."
-Nelsa Martinez, Parent Involvement Coordinator
The Leaguers, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start
Newark, New Jersey
"The training was very informative. I can't wait until I can use some of the new techniques I learned."
-Felisberto Maceia, Education Manager, Quality Care
Vineland, New Jersey
"This course is meaningful because it allows you to get to know yourself better, which will improve the way you work with fathers and parents."
-Dennis Marrero, Parent Family and Community Engagement Manager,
The Leaguers Inc.
Newark, New Jersey
"What makes this a meaningful credential course is how to support our families better, be trained, and learn new skills to service them as best as possible."
-Janette Soto Cruz, MSW, Social Worker Departamento de Educacion
Ponce, Puerto Rico
"I felt that this course pushed me not to give up. Fathers deserve to be apart of their families. They need guidance, so please take this course and bring the men and women who miss their children and demonstrate the results of that word, that it will tear you up inside and out because you will witness what "Family Reunification" really is."
- Michelle Sanudo, San Diego, California
"The Fathers and Families Coalition is filled with heart and passion. Their dedication to helping this world be a more welcoming, inclusive, and heart-centered place for fathers and families is inspiring. Thank you so much for existing and helping all of us be more effective in working with fathers and families!Thank you for doing what you do!."
- Claire Weber, Founder, HerDad, Austin, Texas
"I think the Fathers & Families Coalition of America Advance Practitioner Credential Seminar is a seminar for any practitioner at any level. Dr. James Rodriguez and his team do a phenomenal presentation going from the theoretical to a pragmatic approach in a uniquely engaging way. Practitioners that take the seminar will not be disappointed. I would recommend this seminar to any practitioner at any level. The practitioner will learn many approaches to feel the confidence and critical thinking needed when working with fathers and families."
- Michael Cupeles, Atlantic City, New Jersey
I did not know what to expect from signing up for this course. I'm very optimistic, and I had high hopes going in. My expectations were pleasantly surpassed. The level of engagement was so real that it did not have the "feel" of an online platform. I have to credit Dr. James and his team for that. The course is built on engagement and participation, and that was the star. "This course is not about an individual, company, or organization, but it's about the families the practitioner serves. The curriculum is centered on servicing the family structure. Anyone will be a better person and professional after taking the Advanced Practitioner Credential Course. How so? You'll learn about yourself while also learning when's the appropriate time to approach very delicate, personal, and hidden topics. Dare I say it's beyond being Trauma-Informed; I'll call it Trauma Advanced Care. With the tools and assessments given during the course, any practitioner can decide if a general or more skilled learning tool would be needed. Thank you, Dr. Rodriguez and Fathers & Families, for sharing such awesome information for the world to use to improve lives." Thank You" Fathers & Families, for making your gift and knowledge of serving families access to all. The classes were the best virtual classes that I've attended. This course will only improve your knowledge, insight, empathy, and capabilities towards serving families."
- Zachariah Green, Sikeston, Missouri
"I was reminded to remain client-centered, putting them in the lead position to drive to their success. Overall a great program!"
- Randon Caruthers, Blytheville, Arkansas
"Dr. James Rodriguez, I want to thank you for the opportunity to take part in the FFCA Advanced Practitioner Credential Course. The course method and delivery, as a practicum, far out ways a curriculum approach. Through guided personal exercises, the material became soberly personal. As an MSW and Pastor, personal areas I believed had been reconciled were shown to me with a new perspective. Deep reflection caused new challenges and an appreciation of self. Thank you for always being aware of where the group was emotionally within the inner reflections and leading us back to a safe place, acknowledging fears, insecurities, and egos. The integrated approaches are implemented to diminish the clinician's gestalt and make the person the base of strength. The whole course, especially the personal exercise, allowed Clinics, Coaches, and Family Service Workers to be vulnerable and open with the intention of the solutions, strategies, and strengths to build on. Appreciate You and All the Work you Do!!!"
- Preston Brown, Patchogue, New York
"I entered this course because the families we help in any small way deserve us to be at the highest professional level we can be. What I received was a grounded approach to being present for the families whose life I get to peek at, just for a moment."
- Bruce Trammell, Waterbury, Connecticut
"The participation part of this course got many different views expressed among the participants and the presenters. The ability to express your ideas with your peers and to hear and see the other participants made the workshop valuable."
- Joe Francemore, Bigler, Pennsylvania
"I liked the format. It presented a variety of information in an abridged form. And, if one wanted to go deeper into the subject matter, one had the opportunity to do so in the afternoon sessions."
- Dr. George Taylor, Pasadena, California
"Ideal place to learn, get feedback, and meet people who believe that the system can be changed."
-Alvaro Llanos, Washington, District of Columbia
"I have so many takeaways, but it mainly furthered my passion for the cause of improving fatherhood in America."
- Anthony Perdue, Odenton, Maryland
"Many different ideas, curriculum, and tactics that can be used to reach fathers in the program."
-Arkayla Ancrum, Miami, Florida
"My take away from the Fatherhood Practitioner Credential training was that implementing a program with fidelity is key, and also in this field, we must get comfortable with the uncomfortable."
- Tatanisia Lumley, Bronx, New York
"It was very inspiring, and it gave me ideas of how to engage parents in our program."
- Yazmin Bu, Miami, Florida
"I took away many things from this training; however, the idea of doing more has stuck with me. I didn't know what to expect before coming, but it opened my eyes to what I could do to impact my community and families."
- Tommy Watson, Hammond, Louisiana
"The case scenario work gave me a deeper sense of all that it takes to work with their father and making sure you handle each father case by case and not as a collective group."
- Sharmain Harris, Kenosha, Wisconsin
"I went through a lot in the last few months. My son and I disagreed, and I hurt him. I always took care of my son and never let anyone hurt him. I found myself hurting him because I did not look at his perspective on what he was going through by attending the class; I realize I can be wrong. My son heard one of the sessions and felt he had received some help by listening to the discussion. The training helped me to listen more."
- Lonnie Waller, Conway, Arkansas
"You are a massive inspiration to myself and others working on fatherhood in Africa! We have seen the conference reports – one day we will do a Fathers and Families Conference in Zimbabwe! Many thanks"
Trevor Davies, CEO
Africa Fatherhood Initiative
Johannesburg, South Africa
"We were amazed by this professional conference with diversity that we learned a lot to bring to Australia. We support Fathers & Families Coalition of America and we are proud to be an Australia FFCA Affiliate"
Hon. Barry Williams, President
Lone Fathers of Australia
Canberra, Australia
FFCA Affiliate
"Fathers are the fabric of our future"
Nicholas Bravo,
Rancho Cucamonga, California
A Father Honoree
“Es sentir que eres parte de una organizacion comprometida con una mejor calidad de vida”
Aida Diaz, President
Asociación de Maestro de Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico
FFCA Affiliate
"FFCA conferences keeps maturing my manhood, year after year…"
Stephen Browning, M. Ed.
Tempe, Arizona
FFCA Member
"Fathers & Families Coalition of America Conference is an experience with far reaching personal and organizational impact…"
Walt Simpkins,
National Conference Attendee
Schenectady, New York
"These workshops innovate critical thinking, while mobilizing teamwork through individual experiences"
Cesar Rodríguez,
Puerto Rico Conference Attendee
Las Cruces, New Mexico
"We Awyken Great Possibilities when we work together for the common good of Fathers and Families….. Every one of us has a vital role to play!"
Pastor Edward Smith,
Whittier, California
"What we learn and share at these conferences in working collaboratively with each other goes on and on in this world."
Jeffery Leving, Ltd.,
Chicago, Illinois
FFCA Member
"Creating strong healthy family foundations to build better futures for all communities"
Josefa Salinas,
Los Angeles
FFCA Affiliate