Pathways Certification

Why should you take Pathways?
- A solid foundation in the unique challenges and strengths of TCKs
- Practical tools for emotional support, grief processing, and identity development
- Step-by-step instruction on what preventive care actually looks like
- Certification so you can confidently lead and support others
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.
Pricing
$3675
Group discounts available for 2 or more attendees from the same organization/company
- 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 ($800 off)
"It may seem a little pricey, but it is a plethora of information, and the connections you can make will help you throughout your career with TCKs. Think of it as an investment of time and money that will help you, as well as the TCKs and families you work with for years to come!"
- Alumni, Sept 2024 Cohort
"If you are in a caregiving role with TCKs and want to know how to program wholistic care for families and TCKs of all ages better, this is the training for you. It will give you practical tools for working with children, teens, parents, and your own organization to build awareness and advocate for TCK care."
- Alumni, Jan 2025 Cohort
"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, Sept 2023 Cohort
"The course is invaluable, especially if they are a parent, educator, anyone who works with TCKs; that it would change how they view TCKs, how they approach supporting TCKs, and even how to support parents of TCKs better as well."
- Alumni, Jan 2025 cohort
"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, Jan 2023 cohort
"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, Jan 2024 Cohort
"I was most excited to learn there is hope and how much can be done to prevent and/ or mitigate negative outcomes."
- Alumni, Jan 2024 Cohort
A THRIVING COMMUNITY
68 certifications
& counting!
Deciding which Certification is Best for You?

Meet the instructors
—
Christy Carmean
TCK Training - Director of Operations
Christy spent 11 years living in west central Africa. First as a student of Pathways, and now overseeing the certification courses at TCK Training, Christy is passionate about providing education and resources to families, TCKs and caregivers. 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 has written Raising a Family Overseas as a resource for global families and Sam's Roommate Disaster for TCKs. The place she calls home is a fruit tree and macadamia farm in KwaZulu Natal where she lives with her husband, dogs, cats, horse, and best friends.
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.





