Along with our normal tracks, and because of our long-standing work with M.A.N.C.A.V.E., a Nurturing Fathers Program, we are featuring a Fatherhood Track.  This is our first year with this track and we are excited to have you engage with these dynamic speakers!

To learn more about our Summer Training and to register, click https://gurianinstitute.com/events/gurian-summer-institute-2025/.  To register groups of 5 or more, please contact Dakota Hoyt, our Managing Director, at info@gurianinstitute.com.  Now here’s more about our Fatherhood Track.

Marion Hill and Colleagues, Second Morning Keynote, Sunday, June 22. Real Talk: Authentic Fatherhood and the Power of Partnership.

Marion Hill is Program Coordinator in the City of Phoenix Birth to Five Program, a Gurian Certified Trainer, and Founder of the M.A.N.C.A.V.E. (Men All Need to be Caring, Actively Engaged, Vested, and Encouraged) Fatherhood Project.  In this keynote, Marion Hill and his colleagues, Michael Huesca and Edward Casillas from Parental Opportunities, Programs & Services (POPS) will introduce working with fathers through the lens of Authentic Fatherhood Partnerships (AFP).  The speakers will focus on equipping the workforce—practitioners, agencies, and systems—with the tools and understanding needed to engage fathers effectively and equitably. This approach emphasizes collaboration, cultural competency, and mutual respect within professional practice, ensuring that father-focused support is holistic and inclusive.

To learn more about Marion and his colleagues please visit https://azmancave.org/.

Fatherhood Track.  Fatherhood Through the Eyes of the Child,  with Marion Hill, Program Coordinator for Head Start, Founder of M.A.N.C.A.V.E. and Gurian Master Trainer.  Looking through the lens of childhood innocence offers fathers invaluable insights into parenting and life. Here are a few key lessons that emerge. Embrace Wonder and Curiosity:  children view the world with awe and  curiosity. Fathers can learn to appreciate the little things in life and encourage exploration, fostering a sense of wonder in themselves and their children.  Practice Unconditional Love:  Childhood innocence teaches us about the purity of love. Understanding that children love unconditionally can remind fathers of the importance of being present and available emotionally for their kids, cultivating trust and a stronger bond.  Value Play: Children learn through play, an important aspect of development.  Fathers can learn to incorporate fun and creativity into their interactions, reinforcing the idea that learning doesn’t always have to be serious.  Acceptance of Differences: Kids often celebrate differences among their peers rather than judge them. Fathers can learn to promote inclusivity and acceptance, teaching children the value of empathy and compassion. Living in the Moment:  Children often live in the here and now, without the burdens of past regrets or future worries. Fathers can learn the importance of mindfulness, encouraging them to focus on the present and fully engage with their children.  Come and explore these and other perspectives with Marion Hill and M.A.N.C.A.V.E. as we build on the Authentic Fatherhood Partnership of POPS that was featured in the keynote. Embracing childhood innocence can lead to deeper connections, lasting memories, and a sense of fulfillment in the parenting journey.

Fatherhood Track. Silent Battles: Navigating Psychological Warfare in Family Dynamics, with Authentic Fatherhood and Gurian Certified Trainer, Thurston Smith
This is a transformative workshop designed to address the often-overlooked struggles fathers face within their families. This session dives deep into the silent battles fathers endure—societal pressures, internal conflicts, and relational challenges—that can lead to emotional detachment, communication breakdowns, and ultimately a fractured family dynamic. By understanding how these challenges affect both the father and the mother and child, this workshop empowers society to be aware, foster resilience, and rebuild stronger connections within their families. Fathers and those who support them will leave equipped with practical tools to heal themselves and lead their families toward harmony and unity.

To learn more about our Summer Training and to register, click https://gurianinstitute.com/events/gurian-summer-institute-2025/.  To register groups of 5 or more, please contact Dakota Hoyt, our Managing Director, at info@gurianinstitute.com.

To explore becoming a Gurian Certified Trainer, click the Trainer Certification tile on the Trainer page of www.gurianinstitute.com.  If that information looks good to you, email Dakota to start the process.

We hope to see everyone on Zoom this June!