Pathways Certification

Learn to develop and lead effective TCK care programs!
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Pathways is perfect for you if... 

...you desire to work in TCK care
...you are beginning a TCK care program
...you have just started in a TCK care role 
...you want to increase the credibility of your TCK staff
...you work in TCK/Expat family consulting/coaching
...you want all of your organization/company's TCK team to have the same foundational knowledge

Trying to decide if Pathways or Groundwork is the right fit? Find more information below.

Upcoming Cohorts

Choose a cohort that's best for you, and maintain your training by renewing certification every 3 years.

Sept 2024 Cohort

Tuesdays,

Sept 10 - Dec 10, 2024
7-10pm EST (NY)

Early Bird Sale Ends: July 10
Registration Closes: Aug 10

Jan 2025 Cohort

Tuesdays,
Jan 14- April 15, 2025
9am-Noon EST (NY)


Early Bird Sale Ends: Nov 20
Registration Closes: Dec 20

Recertification Every 3 Years

The first recertification course will be offered in 2025 for 2022 Pathways graduates.

To maintain, this certification must be renewed every three years.

Pricing

STANDARD PRICE

$3500

12-month payment plans available at registration.

Group discounts available for 2 or more attendees from the same organization/company
Discounts
  • Early Bird Sale ($250 off - ends 1 month before registration closes)
  • Teams of 2+ (10% off)
  • Pathways & Groundwork Bundle ($1500 off) 
  • Fulfill recertification requirement for Debrief Certification ($600 off)

scholarships

Offered each semester

*Scholarship applications are currently closed.

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*What Does it Mean to be Pathways Certified?

A Pathways Certification means that the participant…

  • Has completed 11 units of training, including 48 live instructional hours
  • Understands the needs of TCKs and is capable of organizing programs to meet those needs as demonstrated through assessments and case studies
  • Has received access to TCK Training materials
  • Maintains their knowledge by completing a recertification course every 3 years
  • Has the opportunity for reference and recommendation from TCK Training

"Pathways is worth every penny to be able to provide quality care to TCKs and their families."

- Alumni Class of April 2023

"The instructors did well at engagement, asking the hard questions and explaining the heart and the reasoning behind their information during their presentation. It was great!"

- Alumni Class of Dec 2023

"100% do it. If you are considering or are already in a TCK care role, you will come away with tons of encouragement, practical tools, assignments that you can tailor to your role, ideas, inspiration, next steps, and maybe the most valuable connections to resources and even better- amazing people who care deeply for TCKs and who are working in various roles all over the world."

- Alumni Class of Dec 2023

"The WHOLE class was amazing. There was a great balance of information and discussion. I can't think of a single thing I would have changed. It was excellent and so practical and applicational."

- Alumni Class of Dec 2023

"Do it! Just know that it's a big time commitment. But it will equip you in powerful ways to work with TCK's! It will be worth it!"

- Alumni Class of April 2023

"My favorite piece of this course was getting to know my course mates and instructors. There was a definite sense of solidarity and working toward a common goal of healthy for global families."

- Alumni Class of April 2024

"I was most excited to learn there is hope and how much can be done to prevent and/ or mitigate negative outcomes."

- Alumni Class of April 2024

A THRIVING COMMUNITY

43 certifications 
& counting!

See what our alumni have to say about Pathways.

Deciding which Certification is Best for You?

Here's the difference between Pathways & Groundwork:

Meet the instructors

Lauren Wells 

TCK Training - Chief Executive Officer

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. 

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.

Jessi Bullis

TCK Training - Director of Adult TCK Services & Marketing

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.

Melissa Shipman

PACE

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.

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. 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.

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