Upcoming Program Inspires Children, Families to “Think Pawsitive”

Children and their families are invited to the special “Think Pawsitive: Posha’s Superpower Toolbox” workshop at East Brunswick Public Library (2 Jean Walling Civic Center Drive) on Sunday, March 30 at 2:00 pm.

Lead by psychology instructor and counselor Kathy DiMario, this program is for families with children (grade 1 and up).

This workshop is designed to equip children and their parents/caregivers with essential tools to support mental health by fostering self-esteem, resilience and a positive mindset. Participants will learn effective strategies to address challenges such as bullying and peer pressure. The workshop combines the book What Kind of Dog Am I? with cognitive psychology techniques and Virginia Satir's Self-Esteem Toolkit to teach children to love themselves for who they are.

DiMario co-authored the award-winning children’s book What Kind of Dog Am I?, which was inspired by her daughter’s rescue dog Posha. With its message of acceptance and kindness for everyone, it has gone on to be very popular in school libraries and author visits.

What Kind of Dog Am I? has a fan in Hamilton creator and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda. “The work [she does] is commendable and admirable. Thank you for being the hero to hundreds of children who read it.”

Each participant will receive a handout featuring exercises that help children develop a healthy and accurate self-perception and promote children’s mental health in an engaging and accessible manner.

DiMario transitioned from a career as a Social Security manager after earning a Master of Arts in Psychological Counseling from Monmouth University, where she was awarded Outstanding Academic Achievement and Outstanding Counselor.

She has also instructed psychology and child psychology at Ocean County College for the past fourteen years. DiMario has presented at workshops and forums nationwide to equip parents, educators and children with strategies to enhance emotional well-being.

This program is offered through the library’s Just For The Health Of It! consumer health and wellness information initiative. Additional resources and programming can be found online at www.justforthehealthofit.org.