David Kenney

Psychologist Kid-Epics

  • Commerce MI

David J. Kenney is a noted speaker having presented to parent and professional groups at colleges, universities and educational in-services.

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Biography

David J. Kenney is a noted speaker having presented to parent and professional groups at colleges, universities and educational in-services on topics such as healing trauma, stress management, anxiety reduction, helping children with attention deficits, behavior as language, general parenting and achieving success in our schools.

In 1986, David graduated, magna cum laude, from the University of Detroit – Mercy with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and again as a Specialist in School Psychology in 1989. He served as President of the Michigan Association of School Psychologists in 1997-98 and was liaison to the Michigan State Board of Education from 1995 to 1997.

As an undergraduate student, David was invited to the 1985 National Fairweather conference to present a program he developed using creative writing with chronic, schizophrenic patients. This project was spotlighted in the Detroit Free Press on August 30, 1985.


David has been a school psychologist for over twenty three years in a diverse group of educational settings, from rich to poor, from one of the highest ranked school in the state to one with much less success. He has worked in urban, suburban and rural settings. In one of Michigan’s top ranking school districts, he developed and implemented programs to meet the psych-social needs of parents, teachers and children. He acted as a general, mental health specialist, working to solve problems with teachers and families before special education was needed to formally certify them.

But all achievements pale when compared to raising traumatized children to a healthy maturity. Children wounded by the world have been given little reason to trust it, so there were no guarantees of successful outcomes. Through his committed efforts, David learned strategies to heal harmed children. His expertise and insight has been noted by colleagues, who continue to seek him out for mentoring and training.

Industry Expertise

Education/Learning
Mental Health Care
Childcare

Areas of Expertise

Healing Childhood Trauma
Raising Successful Children
Understanding Behavior as Language
Raising Your Child's Emotional Intelligence
Stress Management

Accomplishments

Crossing In-finity

Some Way Home: A Memoir in a Myth

President Michigan Association of School Psychologists

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Education

University of Detroit-Mercy

M.A.

Psychology

1987

University of Detroit-Mercy

Specialist

School Psychology

1989

University of Detroit-Mercy

B.A.

English Literature and Psychology

Speaker at the 1985 National Fairweather Convention
Graduated Magna Cum Laude
Member Psi Chi National Honers Society in Psychology
1975 Tower Yearbook Copy Editor
Member of 1972 NCAA championship fencing team at the University of Detroit
Four year varsity letter holder

Affiliations

  • West Shore Community College
  • Kid-Epics.com
  • Manistee Intermediate School District

Testimonials

ACSW, LMSW School Social Worker

http://www.novi.k12.mi.us/

Novi Community Schools

David possesses unsurpassed ethical strengths and high moral character. He is the gentle and constant voice of reason for our team, and the source of comfort for many students and family members. His professional experiences afford him wisdom and knowledge that not only makes him highly sought after by colleagues throughout the district, but also has allowed him to write several moving and thought provoking books that bring additional authority to his counsel. David maintains a profound and reflective talent for language. He has been able to calm potentially disruptive situations with parents, teachers and students by means of this gift. He has utilized true stories, analogies, metaphors and mythology as tools for assisting personal growth

Director of Student Services

http://www.novi.k12.mi.us/

Novi Community Schools

It is in the area of behavioral intervention that David shines . . . This is where his energy and commitment know no bounds . . . Given an environment that appreciates and nurtures his brilliant mind and creativity, David will be one of the best school psychologists in the business. He is one of the most outstanding child advocates I’ve ever met. . . . He has the potential to make a huge difference in the lives of the children he serves . . .This man who is deeply passionate about meeting the needs of children who face - and present - significant challenges in the school setting.

Principal Novi Middle School

http://www.novi.k12.mi.us/

Novi Community Schools

David has given unselfishly of his time to conduct invaluable behavior intervention seminars and workshops for our staff and faculty. Faculty trust him and they seek him out for assistance and advise. David is a thoughtful and reflective individual with a quiet but commanding presence. He is a mature, courageous man who has immediate respect of others. He is honorable and deep. He is the kind of individual one would trust with an assignment, a confidence or child's welfare. He is a team player but an independent thinker and self-starter. David is able to communicate with parents and conveys understanding of their children's educational needs. David makes the parents and students at ease as he answers questions and explains thoroughly his fi

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Event Appearances

Title

Test Anxiety Prevention Group: Structure and Method.   Presented to the Michigan Association of School Psychologists regional meeting in conjunction with Livonia Public Schools

Title

Attention Development and Social Skills Training for In-School, Elementary Students  Presented to the Michigan Association of School Psychologists Fall conference

Title

Beyond Discipline, Maximizing Your Child's Potential.  Lincoln Park School's Parenting Day

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Style

Fees

$300 to $1000*Will consider certain engagements for no fee