Pathways - Spring 2024

Lauren is the Founder and CEO of TCK Training and author of Raising Up a Generation of Healthy Third Culture Kids, The Grief Tower, and Unstacking Your Grief Tower. An Adult Third Culture Kid (ATCK) who spent her teenage years living in Tanzania, East Africa, Lauren has worked with over 1,000 parents and TCK caregivers and has trained staff from over 80 organizations. 

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 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 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.

Jacquie has a background in Clinical Mental Health counseling with a specialization in Trauma Studies. She has partnered with families in their overall health and wellness for over fifteen years. A mother to five, Jacquie’s youngest two are international adoptees and are growing up as CCKs. She and her family live north of Nashville, TN. Jacquie has a background in Clinical Mental Health counseling with a specialization in Trauma Studies. She has partnered with families in their overall health and wellness for over fifteen years. A mother to five, Jacquie’s youngest two are international adoptees and are growing up as CCKs. She and her family live north of Nashville, TN. 

Jessi is an Adult TCK who grew up in Singapore, England, Turkey, and Germany. She has a heart and passion for TCKs and the unique struggles they face. She received her undergraduate in psychology and a seminary degree in counseling for the purpose of caring for TCKs well.

Dr. Melissa Shipman serves as the Executive Director of PACE, a professional association that trains and equips TCK education personnel. Melissa is also the co-founder and Principal of Learnwell Collective, which offers homeschool support and community to families all over the world. She served overseas first as a teacher, and later as a TCK education consultant with SHARE Education Services. Melissa lives with her husband and two daughters north of Atlanta, Georgia.

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. Tales from these experiences form part of the fabric of Chris’ work and have helped shape Chris’ passion for helping the world benefit from the experience of expats, global nomads, and cross-cultural communities.

Tanya Crossman grew up in Australia and the USA, and as an adult lived there as well as China and Cambodia; she lived in 14 houses, made nine international moves, (including three repatriations), and is about to embark on her 10th. Tanya is now an intercultural trainer and consultant providing support to families, international schools, and organisations serving cross-cultural populations. She is a leading expert in the field of modern Third Culture Kids, Cross Cultural Kids, and issues facing cross-cultural families, with 16 years' experience in the field - most of that spent working with TCKs and families living in China. She is the author of Misunderstood: The Impact of Growing Up Overseas in the 21st Century and is currently working on her second book, a guidebook for adults who wish to unpack the legacy of a cross-cultural childhood. Tanya has a bachelor's degree in Asian Studies from the Australian National University, a diploma of Mandarin Chinese from the Beijing Language and Culture University, and Master of Divinity degree from Sydney Missionary and Bible College. Learn more about Tanya's work at tanyacrossman.com.