Speakers and Classes
March 5, 2011
Prairie Moon Waldorf School
Lawrence KS
Registration starts at 8:30am
To secure your spot now, please visit the Conference Registration page
Monika Eichler
It was in 2001 that Monika was introduced to Waldorf education through an informational session at the Lawrence Public Library. She always knew that she wanted an education for her children that was holistic in nature; integrating the arts, academics, the environment, stimulating creativity and imagination, but above all, a school community that worked together in striving towards ideals - to develop human beings who are able to impart purpose and direction to their lives. Waldorf education matched her own ideals of what she wanted for her children's educational life. During her involvement with Prairie Moon, she served on the board from 2001 until 2006 when she became the lead early childhood teacher. Since then she has received her Masters in Early Childhood Education from Sunbridge College, a Waldorf teacher training institute. Over the years, Monika has served as a faculty member at Prairie Moon by teaching the parent-child classes, and has mentored early childhood teachers. She is the acting chair of the outreach committee and is acting enrollment coordinator. Most of this she does in her spare time, because during her day-job, she is a social work researcher at KU's School of Social Welfare, Office of Mental Health Research and Training. Monika lives with her husband and two daughters on the outskirts of town on 30 acres living her dream of country living, with two dogs, two cats, and two ducks.
Joann Farb
Prior to becoming a mother, JoAnn Farb was a microbiologist working for Merck and Co Inc. Her on-the-job experience caused her to rethink her lifestyle as she contemplated starting a family. In the nearly two decades since leaving the employ of Merck, her interest in conscious parenting led her to study Bowen Family Systems Theory, attachment parenting, homeopathy, and nutrition. She has written two books, chronicalling her research and experience, including the radical parenting primer: Compassionate Souls -- Raising the Next Generation to Change the World. Get Off Gluten, a recipe book and website is her newest publication. Currently she home schools her children, teaches cooking/nutrition classes through the Community Mercantile, and offers private wellness consultations. In addition she also offers state of the art neurofeedback training, for helping to optimize brain function.
Lilly Mason
I am a Lawrence, KS native, mother of a sparkling 5 year-old Arlo and snuggley 1 year-old Oscar, life partner to Aaron Paden. I received my doula training from DONA International and began attending births in Lawrence in 2002. I have been teaching childbirth classes since 2005. I have also apprenticed with three local homebirth midwives on my journey to become a traditional midwife. In 2010 I completed training as a Placenta Encapsulation Specialist through Placenta Benefits Inc. and I also work as a birth consultant and seamstress for Blessed Nest, a local company that makes organic nursing pillows.
Dr. Deena Beneda, ND
Dr. Deena Beneda earned her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University, a nationally accredited naturopathic medical school in Seattle Washington. Dr. Beneda was born and raised in North central Kansas. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Kansas in organismal biology. Dr. Beneda completed her two year residency at the Hagglund Clinic in Norman and Tulsa Oklahoma. Upon completion of her residency she worked at the University of Kansas Medical Center in the Program of Integrative Medicine for six years. Dr. Beneda is nationally known speaker on Integrative Medicine. She has published many peer-reviewed articles and serves on the senior editorial board for Natural Standard. Dr. Beneda is currently the vice-president of the Kansas Association of Naturopathic Physicians and a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Dr. Beneda practices integrative medicine with a special emphasis on pediatrics and woman health. Utilizing a holistic approach Dr. Beneda develops a comprehensive plan tailored to the individual needs of the patients. Dr. Beneda currently works at the Sastun Center of Integrative Health Care in Overland Park and limited hours at Natural Medical Care in Lawrence.
Chala Roberts-Fife
Chala Roberts-Fife is a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist with additional training in energywork and CranioSacral Therapy. She maintained a practice for several years at Natural Medical Care with Drs. Khosh but is currently on sabbatical after the birth of her son 3 years ago. Chala plans to re-establish a practice when her son starts attending school but in the meantime she takes on occasional massage opportunities such as today.
Stephanie Olson
Stefanie Olson has been a birth doula, certified through DONA, for six years. She has helped with 130+ births in all settings: home, hospital, and birth center. She really enjoys getting to help families through this amazing journey. She lives in Lawrence with her husband Mark and her daughters Annie, 10 and Olive, 8.
Denise Parker-Timms
Denise Parker-Timms was initially drawn to attachment theory during her graduate training in clinical social work. She was, therefore, thrilled to discover Attachment Parenting when she became a mother almost 6 years ago. After responding to 782 knock-knock jokes and washing over 3000 Fuzzi Bunz, she continues to make every effort to be an AP mom to her two young boys. Working part-time, she is especially interested in using attachment theory with couples in her private psychotherapy practice.
K.I.T.E.S. for HOMESCHOOLERS
K.I.T.E.S. for HOMESCHOOLERS is a homeschooling cooperative that offers educational, recreational, social and support activities from members to members using an on-line scheduling system. K.I.T.E.S. is an organized forum for communication and collaboration between homeschoolers in and around Lawrence who are looking for a variety of options to meet their homeschooling needs.
Fran Beier
Fran Beier is a lay midwife who has been practicing midwifery since 1978. She is a BSN pediatric nurse specialist. She is a mother. She is also a wonderful community resource to Lawrence.
Darlene Koger
Darlene Koger is a Lawrence resident, wife and mother of two sons ages 6 and 10. She has been a member of LLL for 10 years and an accredited LLL leader for six years. She works along side co-leader Jane Tuttle to provide support and information to help women achieve and sustain the breastfeeding relationship they desire.
Dr. Alissa-Rae Zonarich
Dr. Alyssa-Rae Zonarich is a chiropractor, birth doula, and childbirth educator. In her chiropractic practice, she specializes in prenatal, postpartum and pediatric care. She speaks around the Kansas City area on various topics, though her most popular talk is her vaccination talk. She practices with her husband and another pregnancy chiropractor and acupuncturist. She is also mom to three-year-old Emily, and a natural birth and baby care advocate.
Estrella Brighid
Estrella Brighid is grateful for the opportunity to share her experience and understanding of Nonviolent Communication after attending study series' and workshops for 9 months through BayNVC in Oakland, California. She is currently attending the 2011 NVC Leadership Program through BayNVC to deepen her skills in presence, empathy, expression, leadership and building community. She has a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from KU and is passionate about permaculture, holistic healing and Waldorf education. When she thinks of peace, she thinks of harmonious relationships and interdependent dynamics, evolving systems with parts and wholes and infinite emergent properties.
Rachel Brashear-Anderson
Rachel Brashear-Anderson is a DONA certified doula living in Lawrence. She has a special interest in helping women seeking vaginal birth after cesarean section.
Rena Figures
Rena Figures is a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) who recently moved to Kansas to start an independent homebirth practice. She practices out of Topeka, Kansas serving surrounding areas as well.
Maggie VI Beedles
Maggie VI Beedles, an overjoyed mother of three, has spent her winter learning about the causalities involved in the complicated vaccination issue. Under normal circumstances, she is a midwifery student at the Ancient Arts Midwifery Institute, a placenta encapsulation specialist, and a member of the Lawrence Community Nursery School parent cooperative. A community enthusiast and lifelong Lawrence resident, Maggie looks forward to homeschooling all the members of her family; Amadeus, 4, Gaea, 3, Nice, 5 months, and Chris, 37.
Amy Hope and Karen Luecke
Amy Hope and Karen Luecke are life partners who have been together for over six years. They are enthusiastic parents of a 3 year old daughter, named Ella. The family resides in Lawrence, KS. Amy is a full-time student, studying Elementary Education and Karen is a manager at Footprints comfort shoe store in Lawrence.
Christina Ihloff
Christina is the mama to 4 year old Iris, who was born at the Topeka Birth Center and 18 month old Orris, who was born at home. She is a certified clinical herbalist and Whole Birth Yoga Instructor. She is a graduate from the University of Kansas with a degree in Women’s Studies and a minor in African and African American Studies and is currently enrolled in Ancient Arts Midwifery Institute. She looks forward to assisting local families with their homebirth adventures in the coming years.
Mark Wills
As a father of two boys it was a decision we were pressured to make before leaving the hospital. Falling for the myths and misinformation that circulate we had our first son circumcised. However before the second son was born we educated ourselves on the subject and decided to leave him intact. Since then I have read countless books, thousands of articles, hosted booths on genital integrity and have openly spoke with parents and health care professionals on the subject.
Speakers and Classes
We regret to announce that KC Compton of The Herb Companion will be unable to speak at the conference this year. We apologize for any disappointment this may cause. The Herbs For Kids class will still be offered by certified clinical herbalist Christina Ihloff. We appreciate your patience as we make last minute adjustments to the schedule
Class Schedule
Room A
| Time | Class | Speaker |
| 9:15-10:00 | Waldorf Education | Monika Eichler, Prairie Moon Waldorf School |
| 10:00-10:45 | Homeschooling | Tara Sawyer, LAHN |
| 12:30-1:15 | Politics and Parenting | Jennifer Ananda, JD, MSW |
| 1:15-2:00 | Diapering Options | Beate Wynn, Metro Cloth Diapering |
| 2:15-3:00 | Homeopathy for Families | Dr. Deena Beneda-Khosh, Natural Medical Care |
| 3:00-3:45 | Unschooling | Sheila Murphy |
| 4:00-4:45 | The First Hour After Birth | Maggie Beedles |
Room B
| Time | Class | Speaker |
| 9:15-10:00 | The Truth About Vaccinations | Dr. Alyssa Rae Zonarich, Chiropractor |
| 10:00-10:45 | Living Simply With Children | JoAnn Farb, Author |
| 12:30-1:15 | Gay Parenting | Amy Hope & Karen Luecke |
| 1:15-2:00 | Breastfeeding | Darlene Koger, La Leche League |
| 2:15-3:00 | Natural Childbirth Panel | Chala Roberts-Fife, Christina Ihloff, Carrie Wallace |
| 3:00-3:45 | Elimination Communication | |
| 4:00-4:45 | The Postpartum Time | Lilly Mason |
Room C
| Time | Class | Speaker |
| 9:15-10:45 | Ask A Midwife | Rena Figures, midwife |
| 12:30-2:00 | Newborn Needs | Fran Beier, midwife |
| 2:15-3:45 | Herbs for Kids | Christina Ihloff |
| 4:00-4:45 | Non-Violent Communication | Estrella Brighid |
Room D
| Time | Class | Speaker |
| 9:15-10:45 | Attachment Parenting | Denise Parker-Timms |
| 12:30-2:00 | The Circumcision Debate | Mark Wills, NOCIRC |
| 2:15-3:45 | Doula Panel | Lilly Mason, doula, Rachel Brashear Anderson, doula |
| 4:00-4:45 | Working Moms | Jennifer Ananda, JD, MSW |
All Attendees
| Time | ||
| 11:00-11:45 | Family Lunch | |
| 11:45-12:30 | Roundtable Discussions | Father/Identify as Father: Rich Minder Mother/Identify as Mother: Christina Ihloff, Jennifer Ananda |