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Overview
Testimonials
Benefits
Engaging Students
Learning Through Experience
Reset, Recharge, Reconnect
Our Team
FAQs
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Training & Skill Enhancement Program

An innovative take on professional development that focuses on the growth & wellness of the whole person.

Where staff growth meets student impact

We believe professional development should do more than inform—it should energize, equip, and create real change.

At Wesley Family Services, our Training & Skill Enhancement Team delivers a dynamic approach to learning that supports both personal wellness and professional growth. Through engaging, hands-on workshops and meaningful partnerships, we provide individuals and organizations with tools they can apply immediately and sustain over time.

Our work extends beyond single trainings. In one district partnership, our team provided 73 days of on-site support and delivered over 100 student sessions across K–12, while working alongside staff to strengthen their confidence and capacity to meet student needs.

This is the difference in our approach—we don’t just train staff, we support entire systems.

From interactive professional learning to direct student engagement and ongoing consultation, we create experiences that help people feel seen, heard, and prepared to navigate today’s challenges with clarity and confidence.

Because when individuals are supported as whole people, everyone benefits—staff, students, and the entire community.

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"Kayla and the WFS initiatives helped us to offer applicable topics to our staff that met their requested needs. The presentation was designed after conversations with us. It was applicable to the classroom, was interactive, relatable to events that teachers actually experience, and gave suggestions and ideas as takeaways. We appreciated Kayla's warm and caring demeanor."
— Principal, McCullough Elementary School
"The impact of her work was overwhelmingly positive, and our educators found her contributions to be extremely beneficial and timely. Kayla's professionalism, empathy, and expertise make her an exceptional resource in the field of mental wellness and staff development."
— Assistant Superintendent, Penn Trafford School District
“Participating in the WFS Wellness Training and Skill Enhancement Program has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The strategies I learned have not only supported my own well-being but have also been easy to implement in my classroom, helping my students manage stress, stay focused, and build positive habits.”
— Teacher, Southmoreland Middle School
"Educators are guilty of putting others first. This program gave us permission to make ourselves a priority. We work with students to help build skills but don't always practice what we preach. We needed to hear that it's OK to do it for ourselves and this program did that!"
— Counselor, Penn Trafford High School
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Skill-Building That Connects, Inspires, and Transforms

How Our Training and Skill Enhancement Team Can Support Your Teachers, Staff, and Students
Simple, quick interventions & strategies for staff & students
Focus on strengthening skills
Interactive and fun workshops
Increased team building
Active discussions and real-time problem solving
An opportunity to feel seen and heard
Real life disclosures and transparency
New ideas for wellness and self-care
In the moment application of skills
Ability to consult on difficult scenarios
New and innovative ideas to support staff and students
Opportunities to enhance personal and professional connections
Focusing on prioritizing self and managing emotions
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Our Program Manager of the Training and Skill Enhancement, Kayla Tandarich, discusses the benefits and how to use the program booklet.
Watch Video
Download Brochure

Engaging Students, Building Lifelong Skills

Our work with students is designed to be interactive, developmentally appropriate, and immediately meaningful—giving them tools they can use not just in school, but in everyday life.

We partner directly with districts to deliver hands-on learning experiences across K–12, focusing on essential skills such as:

  • Emotional awareness and regulation
  • Coping strategies and stress management
  • Mindfulness and self-reflection
  • Relationship-building and communication
  • Self-confidence, identity, and overall wellness

Through classroom lessons, movement-based activities, and school-wide initiatives, students actively engage in learning—not just hearing about it.

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The workshop was balanced…it emphasized reasoning and strategies for disregulated behaviors, but did not dismiss or excuse student accountability.
- Teacher, Derry Area School District

Student Wellness Fairs: Learning Through Experience

Our Student Wellness Fairs provide a dynamic, hands-on way to engage students in mental health, wellness, and healthy lifestyle practices.

Rather than traditional presentations, these events are designed as interactive experiences, where students rotate through stations focused on topics such as:

  • Stress management and coping strategies
  • Emotional wellness and self-awareness
  • Physical health and movement
  • Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
  • Building healthy habits and routines

Each station is intentionally designed to be engaging, practical, and age-appropriate, allowing students to actively participate, explore, and apply new skills in real time.

In a recent high school partnership, students participated in a wellness fair that emphasized mental health awareness, coping strategies, and overall well-being, giving them direct access to tools they could immediately use in their daily lives.

These experiences help students:

  • Build awareness of their mental and physical health
  • Practice real-world coping and self-regulation strategies
  • Feel more comfortable talking about wellness and seeking support
  • Develop habits that promote long-term well-being

Wellness fairs create a visible, school-wide commitment to student well-being, while making learning accessible, interactive, and relevant.

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Because your staff deserves more than a training.
Give them space to recharge, reconnect, and feel valued.

Teacher Wellness Experiences: Reset, Recharge, Reconnect

We believe supporting staff starts with creating space for them to pause, reset, and feel valued.

Our Teacher Wellness Experiences are designed as interactive, engaging alternatives to traditional professional development—giving educators time to recharge while still walking away with meaningful strategies they can carry into their daily lives.

Through a thoughtfully designed blend of facilitated experiences and self-paced wellness activities, staff are invited to engage in ways that feel comfortable, relevant, and restorative.

Educators participate in experiences such as:

  • Movement and energy-building activities to boost mood and focus
  • Creative and reflective spaces that encourage mindfulness and gratitude
  • Interactive connection opportunities that strengthen team relationships
  • Calming, low-pressure environments designed for relaxation and reset

In addition, self-guided wellness stations provide tangible takeaways, allowing staff to create tools and personalized strategies they can continue using throughout the school year.

These experiences help educators:

  • Return to their work with renewed energy and motivation
  • Strengthen connection and collaboration with colleagues
  • Build simple, sustainable wellness practices
  • Feel supported, appreciated, and invested in as professionals

Because when educators feel recharged and supported, it directly impacts the culture of the entire school community.

Our Team

Meet our dedicated team of professionals.
Kayla Tandarich, CMW, BS
Program Manager of the Training & Skill Enhancement
Read Bio
Rob Anderson, MSW
Clinical Counselor/Workshop Facilitator/Behavioral Health Consultant
Shayna Fisher, MSW
School Based Therapist/Workshop Facilitator
Read Bio
Chantelle Jennings, LPC
Clinical Supervisor/Workshop Facilitator
Read Bio
Annie Smith, M.Ed
Community Engagement Specialist/Workshop Facilitator
Read Bio
Christie Ross, BS
Placement Services Supervisor/Workshop Facilitator
Read Bio
Melodi Janosko, M.A.
Therapist/Parent & Community Educator/Workshop Facilitator
Read Bio
Frank Grazulis, BA
Staffing Supervisor Autism, IBHS and Specialty Services/Workshop Facilitator
Read Bio
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Kayla Tandarich, CMW, BS
Program Manager of the Training & Skill Enhancement
Bio:
Kayla is the Program Manager of the Training & Skill Enhancement Program at Wesley Family Services and a PA State Certified Family-Based Therapist. As a person in long-term recovery, Kayla brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work—grounding her approach in authenticity, empathy, and hope.
With nearly two decades of experience in the social services field, Kayla has supported individuals across the lifespan navigating mental health, behavioral health, and substance use challenges. Her work spans diverse settings, including residential treatment, group homes, educational environments, case management, and clinical services—shaping a holistic, compassionate approach to care. A graduate of Slippery Rock University, Kayla brings both expertise and heart to her work, grounded in a deep belief in people’s capacity for growth and change.
Kayla is passionate about creating spaces that foster healing, self-awareness, and resilience, with a mission to inspire others to recognize their strength and move toward meaningful, lasting change. Kayla is a life-long resident of Westmoreland County, where she resides with her two dogs, Winnie & Deena. Kayla enjoys learning, being creative, cooking, baking, shopping, spending time with friends, exploring cafes, coffee, and the beach.
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Shayna Fisher, MSW
School Based Therapist/Workshop Facilitator
Bio:

Shayna Fisher, MSW is Workshop Facilitator of the Training &Skill Enhancement Program and a Lead Therapist at Wesley Family Services. Shayna has been with Wesley Family Services for almost 3 years. Shayna graduated from University of Pittsburgh in 2022 with her master’s in social work and a certification in children, youth, and families. Shayna has over 5 years of experience with working children and families in the school, home, and community setting. The majority of her career has been focused on advocating for the needs of families in the community, with their mental health, and behavioral health. Shayna’s passion in life is to help others. Shayna is a life-long resident of Westmoreland County and in her free time enjoys spending time with her pets, family, and friends, reading, playing video games, and spending time in nature.

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Chantelle Jennings, LPC
Clinical Supervisor/Workshop Facilitator
Bio:

Chantelle Jennings, LPC is a Licensed Counselor and Clinical Supervisor for the School-Based Outpatient Programs at Wesley Family Services, serving both Pittsburgh Public Schools and the Woodland Hills School District. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from La Roche University in 2011, followed by a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
With nearly 20 years of experience in the mental health field, Chantelle is deeply committed to supporting and advocating for children and adolescents across diverse settings—including schools, athletic programs, homes, and communities. Her therapeutic approach is eclectic, allowing her to tailor treatment to meet each client’s unique needs and support their journey toward mental health and wellness.
Outside of her professional work, Chantelle enjoys spending quality time with her daughter, family, and friends. She also loves traveling, attending concerts, and staying active.

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Annie Smith, M.Ed
Community Engagement Specialist/Workshop Facilitator
Bio:

Annie Smith, M.Ed, is the Community Engagement Specialist and Workshop Facilitator for Wesley Family Services.  Annie has worked in the behavioral health and education fields for the past 25 years.  She has worked with children ages 2 years to middle school.  Annie has gained a vast amount of experience through the years and is always happy to share ideas and experiences with others.  Annie is a graduate of West Virginia University and Carlow University. She keeps busy sharing information with the community about Wesley Family Services and following her boys around to their activities.

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Christie Ross, BS
Placement Services Supervisor/Workshop Facilitator
Bio:

Christie Ross has a BS in Elementary Education. After working as a kindergarten and first grade teacher, Christie shifted her career path to work in the Foster Care Program with Wesley Family Services and is currently a supervisor overseeing staff in Placement Services. Christie has worked with children and families for over 20 years after graduation from Duquesne University with an emphasis on mental and behavioral health. Christie has a strong passion for health and wellness and also serves as a Wellness Ambassador for the agency and combines her love of wellness and teaching with this position as a Skills Enhancement and Workshop Facilitator. In her free time Christie loves to spend time with her husband and 2 teenage children, traveling and having new adventures. Christie loves to work out by spinning, running and yoga to help with stress relief and personal wellness. Christie also loves to read and spend time outside gardening, swimming, and spending time at the beach.

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Melodi Janosko, M.A.
Therapist/Parent & Community Educator/Workshop Facilitator
Bio:

Melodi has been a therapist in the Neighborhood Family Counseling Program for 31 years providing counseling services in several community family centers. Since 2019, Melodi has been a Parent and Community Educator with the ParentWISE program conducting various parent education classes and workshops. Melodi enjoys engaging with others to help them develop strategies for improving their emotional health and wellness. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 sons, as well as with extended family and friends.

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Frank Grazulis, BA
Staffing Supervisor Autism, IBHS and Specialty Services/Workshop Facilitator
Bio:

Frank Grazulis has a BA in Education from Washington and Jefferson College. Frank has worked with Wesley Family Services for over 20 years. Frank worked directly with children, families, and educators for 10 years as a Lead Therapeutic Specialist and earned employee of the year honors for his clinical work in 2011. Frank is currently the Staffing Supervisor for the Autism Center for Growth and Wonder Kids programs where he supervises teams of clinicians that serve children 18 months to 20 years of age with Autism and other mental health diagnosis. Frank trains staff in behavior and crisis management as a CPI trainer. Frank trains emerging leaders and supervisors in Before BEST and BEST supervisor training series. Frank brings a thoughtful, people-focused approach to helping others learn, grow, and succeed. He is known for creating engaging learning experiences and building positive connections with the people he works with. Away from work, Frank and his wife raise their four children. Frank has been a football and wrestling coach for 15 years for his three boys and enjoys cheering on his daughter at volleyball games. Frank enjoys spending time with family, gardening, fishing, and camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time does a workshop take?

That’s up to you! We will fit the workshop topic into the allotted time. Workshops are designed to be an hour long, but we can facilitate in as little as 30 minutes or expand to 3 hours.

Who can take a workshop or offering?

Anyone! We can adjust workshop topics and content for the audience as appropriate

Can we request a topic that is not in the booklet?

Absolutely! We encourage you to bring topics to us that you’re interested in learning more about or enhancing your skill set

Will we only see you once?

No way! This is an interactive program designed to provide maximum support for the professionals. We encourage reaching out to us with questions and will often check in

Do you offer student services?

Yes! We offer student workshops on a variety of topics and we have additional services that our agency can offer

What is the cost associated?

We help districts, schools, providers and agencies determine a package that would best meet their needs. We are cognizant of budgets and want to work together to bring this program to you and your staff.

Download the Training and Skill Enhancement Program Booklet.

Download Now
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