We recently delved into the world of Vanessa Kahlon, a seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in supporting families. As the Founder and Executive Director of Kahlon Family Services (KFS), Vanessa has been a trailblazer in providing behavioral consultations, social skills groups, and support for families dealing with children with Learning and Behavioral challenges. She is also the visionary behind KFS School, a K-8 program serving the San Francisco and Bay Area community.

Vanessa's dedication extends beyond traditional education, as she has developed her own yoga curriculum, YEAS YOGA, addressing the self-regulation needs of high-spirited children. Additionally, she introduced the 3R Method, focusing on social-emotional learning through relationship building. Currently, San Bernadino Unified School District has picked up Vanessa’s book “How To Do Parenting With Confidence” district wide with Tier 3 families by offering weekly classes with Vanessa.

Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Vanessa has received accolades such as Woman of the Year by the National Association of Professional Women and featured amongst the Top 30 Influential Entrepreneurs. Along with Forbes New York, Bloomberg, New York Journal and has been featured on TV and podcast interviews. In addition to her media features, Vanessa hosts 'Parenting With Vanessa Kahlon' every Saturday morning at 7:30 AM on 95.7 The Game. This show provides valuable insights and advice on parenting. Her engaging discussions and expert tips are also available through her recorded podcast, which can be found on the website.

In this interview, Vanessa shares her journey, her aims with her company and the transformative impact of KFS School and YEAS YOGA.

1. Can you share the inspiration behind founding Kahlon Family Services and KFS School?

Absolutely! The idea stemmed from a deep desire to support children struggling in traditional education. Witnessing three kids getting asked to leave from their currenty school in one week, who were also my clients, led me to open KFS School in 2008. It started on my couch and has now evolved into a Nonprofit Organization, serving the unique needs of bright but struggling children. We slowly grew from being in one room in a synagogue to multiple rooms.

At KFS SCHOOL, we strongly believe in tailoring education to each child's unique needs rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. Our devoted staff is dedicated to helping students unlock their academic potential while fostering positive attitudes and behaviors. We've personally witnessed the incredible impact of our programs, observing students transform into confident and proactive members of their communities. The parents are seeing happier kids and taking more risks than before they started with us. sThe classrooms are equipped with flexible seating, including movement desks such as bikes, steppers, and spinners, providing a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Notably, the SF Examiner recognized us as one of the "Four Schools In S.F. that think outside the box." Additionally, our students enjoy bi-monthly visits to the Brady Therapeutic Riding Center, where they not only learn to communicate with horses but also observe and understand nonverbal cues, enriching their overall educational experience. The social emotional learning curriculum, which Vanessa developed is used throughout the day with real life scenarios.

2. Tell us about the unique features of KFS School, such as movement desks and flexible seating. How do these contribute to the learning environment?

Our commitment at KFS SCHOOL is to provide a personalized education. The movement desks and flexible seating, like bikes and spinners, help children focus and stay on task longer. Some students just need to move and this gives them the opportunity. Plus some children do not like to sit so the stepper desk gives them input as they are working standing up. As mentioned in the SF Examiner, we are one of the "Four Schools In S.F. that think outside the box." Additionally, our students engage in therapeutic riding at the Brady Therapeutic Riding Center, enhancing their communication skills with horses.

3. YEAS YOGA seems like a distinctive approach. How did the idea come about, and what impact has it had on the children you work with?

YEAS YOGA was born in 2011 to address the self-regulation needs of children, particularly those with Autism Spectrum and other learning challenges. Blending yoga principles with sensory integration strategies, it fosters emotional, social, and intellectual growth. The impact has been profound, providing children with valuable tools for self-awareness and regulation. This approach is also used in my social skills groups that I run when it comes to working with partner yoga poses.

4. The 3R Method is intriguing. Could you delve deeper into what it entails and how it supports social-emotional learning?

Certainly! The 3R Method—Redo, Rewind, & Repair—focuses on social-emotional learning through relationship building. It provides specific tools and language for conflict resolution, empathy, and social skills. We bring this program to school districts and conduct training for teachers, creating a collaborative effort between educators and parents to boost a child's self-esteem. This approach is used with teachers and parents as well and can be done through out the day in a natural setting.

5. In your experience, what are some common challenges faced by parents of behaviorally/emotionally challenged children, and how does KFS address these challenges?

Parents often feel overwhelmed and concerned about their child's well-being. KFS offers uniquely individualized, flexible, and results-oriented help. We encourage parents to trust their instincts, embrace tough conversations, and allow their children to stumble and learn, setting a positive example. We give tools such as the 3R Method: Redo, Rewind, & Repair so the school and home are doing the same approach. For example we don’t use the word “Sorry”. We look at sorry being an action not just a word such as “How can I make this better after what I did”. s

6. Your journey involves significant personal and professional growth. What advice do you have for emerging leaders, especially those in the field of education and family services?

Always be open to new opportunities, ready to take on challenges, and stay focused on your goals. Continuous learning and maintaining a positive attitude are key. Share your journey, and don't be afraid to ask for help when needed. Personal growth will reflect in your professional endeavors.

My biggest challenge was asking for help and realizing I couldn't do it all alone. I learned through trial and error, from budgeting to hiring. Starting the school out of necessity, I had no idea about cash flow or the monthly needs for the children. It's been a journey of growth, and after so many years, we are now stable and part of the WASC candidacy accreditation. I’ve met so many amazing individuals and families who have helped me and the school when I have needed it to grow.

7. Looking into the future, where do you see yourself and KFS in the coming years? Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you're particularly excited about?

I'm passionate about seeing KFS grow and become a leading organization in parenting and guidance along with training teachers with classroom management and social emotional learning. We're expanding the reach our SEL program, the 3R Method, into different school districts, aiming for a meaningful impact on a global scale. I'm also thrilled about the growth of the "How To Do Parenting" Book Series, hoping it reaches more people seeking insights on handling natural behaviors of children. Plus