Pathways Certification

January 2027 Cohort

The TCK Training pathway to providing excellent TCK care.

Pathways is the foundational training in our certification series for those who care for Third Culture Kids and want to provide research-based, preventive support. This course equips caregivers, educators, sending organizations, and others with the core knowledge, language, and practical tools to understand the TCK experience and promote lifelong wellbeing.

The course includes a 3-hour live virtual meeting each week, paired with around 7 hours of weekly coursework, including readings, videos, case studies, and practical application. Interactive sessions offer space for group discussion, expert guidance, and collaborative learning.

Throughout the course, you’ll explore:

  • The TCK profile: strengths, challenges, and what research shows they need

  • Strategies for fostering emotional safety, healthy processing, and identity formation

  • The long-term impact of mobility—and how to promote thriving, not just resilience

  • Real-world case studies and tools you can apply immediately

  • Guidance for developing or refining preventive care programs tailored to your organizational context

Whether you work with children, teens, or adults, Pathways lays the groundwork for informed, compassionate, and lasting care.


Early bird discount ends November 18, 2026.
Registration closes December 18, 2026.

Discount Information

Bring Your Team
10% discount for a TCK caregiving team of 2 or more, contact info@tcktraining.com for more information.

Debrief Certification Training
Included in this course is a Debrief Certification from TCK Training. If you have already completed debrief certification through TCK Training, please contact info@tcktraining.com for information about completing Pathways at a discounted rate.

Enrollment Policy

To hold live trainings, we require a minimum of 5 participants. If the minimum is not reached, you will have the option to choose one of the following:
  • Receive a Refund
  • Join a Future Cohort
  • Receive Website Credit
Format

Live Virtual
Course

Dates

Jan 12-April 13, 2027

Class Times

Tuesdays
9am-Noon EST

Debrief Certification Week

April 5-9, 2027
9am-Noon EST Everyday

Duration

11 units
13 Weeks

Price

$3675 USD

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Related Resources:

Week

Week 1
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Unit 4
Unit 5
Unit 6
Unit 7
Unit 8
Unit 9
Unit 10
Unit 11
Week 13

Topic

Orientation
TCK Care Foundations
Knowing Yourself as a Caregiver
Your Role Within an Organization
TCK Flow of Care
Supporting Parents of TCKs
Age-Based TCK Care
Educational Planning
Pre-Departure Training
TCKs Abroad
TCKs in Transition
Debrief Certification Training
Celebration Ceremony

Meet the instructors

—

Christy Carmean

TCK Training - Director of Operations

Christy has spent the last 10 years living in West Central Africa. During the day, she works as the Principal of an Elementary School for expat kids in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Christy was a Pathways student in 2022 and loved it so much that she starting working for TCK Training.  She now overseas all of the Certification Courses and many of the day to day details.  Christy is the mom of 3 Adult TCKs and has 2 granddaughters.

Elizabeth Smith

TCK Training - Chief Operations Officer

Author of The Practice of Processing, Elizabeth is a skilled communicator and trauma-informed educator who helps transform abstract concepts into practical steps, equipping, encouraging, and empowering people to reach their goals. Elizabeth is a mom of two worldschooling TCKs.

Bret Taylor

Interaction International

Bret Taylor has been working with Missionary Kids and other TCKs since 1999. His background includes youth ministry, classroom teaching, school administration and organizational operations. In each role his legacy is strategically developing and executing new initiatives. As the President/CEO of Interaction International, he continues his passion for training and advising individuals and organizations in ways to enhance their "Flow of Care."

Sheryl O'Bryan

Interaction International

Sheryl O'Bryan has been working with TCKs since 1988. She has served as a social studies, English, and French teacher, as well as a dorm parent relief at a TCK boarding school in Africa. She has also worked as the TCK Care and Education Specialist for her sending organization and in broader member care and training during her nearly 16 years there. Sheryl currently serves at Interaction International as the Director of TCK Services, Communications, and the Student Teaching And Global Experience (STAGE). Sheryl lives in Florida with her dad and her labradoodle, Mr. Bingley.

Anna Danforth

TCK Training Presenter

Anna Danforth grew up in Cameroon as a TCK where she developed a passion to help global families thrive overseas. She holds a degree in secondary French education and an MAED in Instruction and Curriculum. She married her high school sweetheart from DR Congo and they raised their two kids in Lesotho and South Africa. Anna and her husband work in education, job skills training, job creation, and agriculture.  Anna is the author of Raising a Family Overseas and Sam's Roommate Disaster.

Doreen Baker

Educational Consultant
Doreen lived and worked in Asia for 27 years. While homeschooling her two daughters, Doreen realized her passion for assisting others as they educate their children and guiding others who work with TCKs. This led to her becoming an Education Consultant 8 years ago and is currently the Director of TCK Education for her organization. She received her bachelor’s degree in special education and her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Doreen lives with her husband north of Richmond, VA.


Chris O'Shaughnessy

Christopher O’Shaughnessy is a passionate and versatile speaker, comedian, and author who uses a unique blend of story-telling, humor, and provocative insight to engage a wide array of people on topics ranging from Third Culture Kids and the effects of globalization to building community and increasing empathy. Chris’ book, Arrivals, Departures and the Adventures In-Between, has received high praise from students, teachers, and other experts in the TCK and international community as a resource that is both enjoyable to read at a student level, and able to instill truths, insights and skills essential to navigating life successfully as a TCK. Born in England as a military brat to American parents, Chris has lived and worked across the globe and to date has ventured to more than 100 countries. 

Tanya Crossman

TCK Training of Research & Educational Services

Tanya is an Adult TCK from a corporate background and a leading expert in the field of modern Third Culture Kids and issues facing cross-cultural families, with nearly 20 years of hands-on experience. She is the author of Misunderstood: The Impact of Growing Up Overseas in the 21st Century and co-author of Thongs or Flip Flops? Australian kids overseas and what comes next. Tanya's key roles at TCK Training are providing services to international schools and leading our research work, along with presenting virtually and in-person around the world. Learn more about Tanya's work at tanyacrossman.com.