The Peter Pan Center...

I am often asked why I named the Center after Peter Pan!  Here is the answer!

Most adults know Peter Pan as the little boy who never wanted to grow up but naming the Center had nothing to do with that particular image of Peter Pan.  In J.M. Barrie's charming tale of Peter Pan, I found a wonderful persona for challenging children.  The story of Peter Pan clearly portrays a little elfin imp who is impulsive, distractible, forgetful, aggressive and highly active. 

Mothering Peter Pan began as a thesis project, investigating the experience of mothers raising AD/HD sons. The reality of the Center is a response to the needs of families raising challenging children: strategies, social opportunties, resources, understanding and a welcoming environment.

For those interested, here is the initial proposal that started it all...

About....

Thesis Proposal

The Center's Director, Donna Shea, is a behaviorist and parent educator holding a B.A. in Behavioral Science from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. She works in collaboration with numerous resources and professionals to address the needs of families struggling with learning, behavioral and social challenges.

She also acts as a behavioral consultant to local pre-schools, schools, parent groups and human service agencies.  Donna brings over 21 years of life experience to her work as a parent of two ADHD sons.

Donna works as a consultant to families focusing on teaching and supporting effective parenting techniques as well as offering programs geared towards children's social and behavioral success .  The approach is directive and solution-based; utilizing collaborative problem solving, creative ideas, suggestions, strategies, and referrals to other resources (i.e., mental health providers) as necessary.