Kira Hickman, LMHC
Teaching Assistant
Kira Hickman is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and the owner of KCH Counseling, a private practice connected to IBOS Counseling Center. She works with individuals, couples, and families navigating a wide range of behavioral, emotional, and developmental challenges. Kira also brings meaningful experience collaborating with teachers, students, and families, giving her a deep understanding of the social-emotional dynamics that impact learning environments. Her approach emphasizes connection, communication, and resilience—key elements that align closely with the goals of world language educators striving to create supportive, student-centered classrooms.
Kira is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and integrates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), child-directed play therapy, and motivational interviewing. She is also trained in Theraplay®, a modality that strengthens the parent-child relationship while promoting self-esteem, trust, and a sense of belonging. Through her work with educators and families, Kira highlights the essential role of emotional well-being in language acquisition and student engagement, offering valuable insights for teachers seeking to foster inclusive, culturally responsive spaces where all learners feel safe to communicate and grow.
Join me in one of my courses!
NEW COURSE for Summer 2026: July 6 - August 14
Course Description
This course explores the principles of child development and their application within elementary classroom settings. Emphasis is placed on the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and language development of children from early childhood through late elementary school. Students will examine major developmental theories and analyze how developmental processes influence learning, behavior, motivation, and peer relationships in school contexts. The course also addresses diversity, family and community influences, inclusive practices, and strategies for creating supportive and developmentally appropriate learning environments. Through case studies, classroom applications, and reflective practice, students will connect developmental research to effective elementary teaching practices. Conducted in English.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will have the opportunity to:
Explain major theories and principles of child development relevant to elementary education.
Analyze the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and language development of children across the elementary years.
Apply developmental knowledge to create age-appropriate instructional strategies and classroom environments.
Identify factors that influence children’s learning and behavior, including family, culture, community, and socioeconomic contexts.
Demonstrate culturally responsive and inclusive practices that support diverse learners in elementary classrooms.
Evaluate common developmental and behavioral challenges and propose appropriate classroom interventions and supports.
Use observational and reflective practices to better understand child behavior, learning needs, and classroom interactions.
Collaborate with families, school personnel, and community resources to promote children’s academic and social-emotional development.
What Participants Are Saying About This Course
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Course Delivery
Instructor-Facilitated
Online asynchronous (no live sessions) coursework
Weekly learning modules to complete at your own pace
Collaborative discussion boards
Instructor feedback
Optional office hours with the instructor for additional support
Students in an instructor-facilitated course must adhere to the session start and end dates listed on the website. Final coursework must be submitted within one week after the course end date. Course extensions beyond one week are subject to a $50 fee.
Course Access Information
Your Idioma Schoology course invitation will be emailed one week prior to the start of an instructor-facilitated 6-week course. You may access the Idioma Schoology login from the Login > Idioma Schoology Login dropdown menu at www.idiomaconsulting.com.
Required Text
There is no required textbook for this course. All materials are digital and will be provided in the online course.
About the Instructor
Mellissia Walles, Instructor. Read more about Mellissia here.
Click here to request a syllabus.
NEW COURSE for Summer 2026: July 6 - August 14
Course Description
This course examines the psychological development of adolescents within educational settings, with an emphasis on applying developmental theory to classroom practice. Students will explore biological, cognitive, social, and emotional changes during adolescence and analyze how these changes influence learning, behavior, and identity formation. The course also addresses mental health, risk and resilience, and the impact of cultural, familial, and societal contexts on adolescent development. Through case studies and applied activities, students will develop strategies for creating supportive, inclusive, and developmentally responsive learning environments. By the end of the course, educators will be equipped to translate research into effective instructional practices and interventions that meet the diverse needs of adolescent learners. Conducted in English.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will have the opportunity to:
Analyze major theories of adolescent development and explain their relevance to educational practice.
Evaluate the impact of biological, cognitive, social, and emotional changes on adolescent learning and behavior.
Apply knowledge of adolescent development to design developmentally appropriate instructional strategies and classroom environments.
Identify common mental health concerns and risk factors in adolescence and determine appropriate educator responses and supports.
Examine the role of culture, identity, and context in shaping adolescent development and educational experiences.
Develop culturally responsive and inclusive practices that support diverse adolescent learners.
Interpret and respond to case-based scenarios using evidence-based interventions and professional decision-making.
Collaborate effectively with families, school personnel, and community resources to support adolescent well-being and academic success.
What Participants Are Saying About This Course
Be the first to share your thoughts!
Course Delivery
Instructor-Facilitated
Online asynchronous (no live sessions) coursework
Weekly learning modules to complete at your own pace
Collaborative discussion boards
Instructor feedback
Optional office hours with the instructor for additional support
Students in an instructor-facilitated course must adhere to the session start and end dates listed on the website. Final coursework must be submitted within one week after the course end date. Course extensions beyond one week are subject to a $50 fee.
Course Access Information
Your Idioma Schoology course invitation will be emailed one week prior to the start of an instructor-facilitated 6-week course. You may access the Idioma Schoology login from the Login > Idioma Schoology Login dropdown menu at www.idiomaconsulting.com.
Required Text
There is no required textbook for this course. All materials are digital and will be provided in the online course.
About the Instructor
Mellissia Walles, Instructor. Read more about Mellissia here.
Click here to request a syllabus.