Switzer Learning Center proudly announces Connor Hartwell as the newly appointed Board Chair. He is a distinguished professional serving as one of the Principal Advisors at Hartwell Financial Services. Mr. Hartwell has served on the Switzer Board for 4 years and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Board Chair. His professional insight is reinforced by his Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation, Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation, and an inactive Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. Mr. Hartwell earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and accounting from UC Santa Barbara and has extensive experience in public accounting and private wealth management. In his spare time, Mr. Hartwell treasures moments with his wife, Alex, and their daughters, Gramercy and Harlowe.
Jeremy Deming, CEO of Switzer Learning Center, expressed confidence in the new leadership, highlighting the crucial role of exceptional leadership in the organization’s success. He stated, “As the CEO at Switzer Learning Center, I understand the critical importance of having exceptional leadership on our Board of Directors. The strength of a nonprofit organization hinges on the caliber of its staff and Board combined. With Connor at the helm of our Board of Directors, I am assured of our organization’s capacity to expand and effectively impact the children, teens, and young adults we serve.”
Looking ahead, Mr. Hartwell emphasized his commitment to advancing the mission and vision of the organization, particularly in terms of inclusivity and empowerment. “Stepping into the role of Board Chair fills me with excitement and determination. I am eager to continue advancing the vision we have set forth: to empower the students in our community to thrive. Collaborating with fellow Board members, staff, and community supporters, I envision leading us toward growth, prosperity, and enduring impact. Together, I am confident that we can unleash the potential within each student, nurturing resilience, curiosity, and a sense of purpose. As the new Board Chair, I am resolute in propelling our mission and vision for inclusivity and empowerment forward. I am enthusiastic about exploring new pathways for growth, forging collaborative partnerships, and introducing innovative programs to further the support we provide to our students, ensuring that we remain at the vanguard of educational and clinical best practices.”
For further information about Switzer Learning Center and its mission to support students with special needs, please visit www.switzercenter.org.
May 29, 2024 – We’re thrilled to announce that the Domestic Harmonizer Program (DHP), our Peace Education initiative in the United States, has recently entered into a new partnership with the Switzer Learning Center (SLC). This collaboration aims to introduce our restorative practices to the center’s educators and students. The Switzer Learning Center caters to students who have encountered trauma and adversity, including behavioral issues, learning challenges, and hail from the foster care system. Through this collaboration, we intend to bring the DHP’s expertise in conflict resolution and transformative social-emotional learning to enhance the well-being of the student population.
“Our partnership with the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative will be instrumental in fostering a culture of peace and understanding on our campus. The last training session was incredibly impactful, as it equipped our staff with valuable tools to promote conflict resolution and social harmony. In the next few years, we look forward to further strengthening this partnership and empowering our community to become active agents of positive change,” said Dr. Sylvia Landaverde, Ed.D., MPA, Director of People & Culture at the SLC.
On March 15, we launched the partnership with a training session for all staff and educators at Switzer Learning Center. The workshop focused on the foundations of conflict, understanding educator’s personal conflict styles, and concluded with an action-based dialogue that encouraged educators to share their own stories and solutions to a challenge that they experience at their school site.
“WPDI is pleased to launch this unique partnership with Switzer Learning Center, whose dedication to innovative learning solutions and commitment to student success aligns perfectly with our work,” said Monya Kian, WPDI’s DHP Program Director. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Switzer, and supporting them in implementing our peace education tools and having a meaningful impact in the school community.”
The profound understanding of conflict at an emotional level that the DHP program brings to the table has been very inspiring for coordinators at the SLC. This is underlined by Mr. Joshua Ortega, the center’s Professional Development Coordinator: “The Conflict Resolution Education program offered by the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative left a profound impact on me. Beyond acquiring practical skills, it fundamentally shifted my perspective on conflicts. Here’s what I took away from the training: firstly, I learned the immense value of empathy and active listening. Rather than approaching conflicts with judgment, I now strive to understand others’ viewpoints. This skill has proven invaluable in personal disagreements and community disputes alike. Secondly, the training equipped me with de-escalation techniques. When tensions rise, I can defuse situations effectively, finding common ground and preventing escalation.Thirdly, communication skills became a focal point. I discovered the power of clear, assertive communication — a vital tool for resolving conflicts constructively. Additionally, I embraced the principles of nonviolent communication. Lastly, the WPDI program emphasized the long-term impact of conflict resolution. It’s not merely about quick fixes; it’s about creating lasting peace. I now feel a sense of responsibility to pass on these skills to others, contributing to a global culture of peace. In summary, WPDI’s approach encourages us to actively choose peace, recognizing that conflicts can be opportunities for growth and positive change.”
The partnership between WPDI and the Switzer Learning Center promises to be highly beneficial to students. Given the diversity of the student body, the center’s staff faces unique challenges on a daily basis. They are educators and alsomentors, expected to navigate the complexity of individual situations adeptly. By integrating WPDI’s Conflict Resolution Education curriculum, the staff can enhance their support for students, fellow colleagues, and parents. “This collaboration not only strengthens the educators’ abilities but also fosters an environment where students can flourish academically and socially. Together, they are shaping a future where everyone can believe, achieve, and thrive,” said Janina Gricius, M.A., LMFT, ART-BC, School Therapist.
Torrance, California – August 8, 2022 – Switzer Learning Center has been honored to have remarkable Board Chairs who progress the organization while remaining true to our mission and core values. Barbara Graham completed her second year as Board Chair in July this year. Barbara has been a powerful voice on our Board of Trustees, connected Switzer to multiple resources throughout the South Bay community (including her employer Torrance Refining Co.), and expresses an abundance of passion for the Switzer mission wherever she goes. She was recently recognized for her public service by receiving the Torrance Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Impact Award and the 2019 Inspirational Leader Award. Barbara has handed over the reins of Board Chair to Anthony P. Bozanic. However, she will remain on the Board as Immediate Past Chair and continue to play active roles on various committees. With her attention to detail and community-focused mindset, we are grateful to have her continued support at Switzer Learning Center.
Switzer Learning Center is pleased to announce that Anthony P. Bozanic has stepped into the role of Board Chair for the next two years. Anthony Bozanic is an Audit and Accounting Partner for PDM, LLP, and has been working with Switzer Learning Center for over 28 years. With his sheer determination and heart for giving back, he is a role model for staff, students, and the community. We are thrilled to be guided by Anthony’s leadership.
About Switzer Learning Center
At Switzer Learning Center, we promote equity in education by providing individualized learning programs paired with clinical support tailored to each student so they can believe in themselves, succeed in school, and thrive as independent adults. Since 1966, Switzer Learning Center’s co-educational, nonpublic, special education school and clinical services have served thousands of children, teens, and young adults with mild to severe learning, social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. At our nonpublic school, students in grades 5-12 work with a highly trained team of credentialed special education teachers, licensed speech and language pathologists, art therapists, certified Crisis Prevention Intervention specialists, and other related service providers dedicated to helping students achieve academic, vocational and personal goals unattainable in conventional educational settings. Learn more about Switzer Learning Center at www.switzercenter.org.
PRESS CONTACT
Talia Sandoval
Director of Development & Marketing
310-328-3611 x332
Tsandoval@switzercenter.org