Kansans Reading for Empathy is a professional development workshop series designed for educators, mental health professionals, clergy, librarians, and other helping professionals seeking practical strategies to cultivate empathy, resilience, and personal well-being.
Through guided reading experiences, interactive discussions, and reflective activities, participants will explore how literature can:
- Strengthen empathy and compassion
- Reduce burnout and support well-being
- Provide safe, accessible opportunities for emotional processing
- Foster meaningful connections within communities
As an accredited university, Baker University offers Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for educators and mental health professionals who participate in the program, with plans to expand CEU offerings to additional disciplines in the future.
The July workshop serves as the first session in a three-part series, providing participants with practical tools, curated reading recommendations, and opportunities to connect with fellow professionals passionate about serving others.
Workshop Schedule
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. | Registration Opens |
| 9:00 a.m. | Welcome & Overview |
| 9:15 a.m. | Gathering Exercise |
| 9:30 a.m. | And We Preach to the Choir… Why Empathy? |
| 10:00 a.m. | Break & Refreshments |
| 10:15 a.m. | Book Chats & Demonstrations |
| 11:00 a.m. | Cozy Reading Time |
| 11:45 a.m. | Lunch |
| 12:45 p.m. | Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Reading Session |
| 2:00 p.m. | Small Group Book Presentations |
| 2:45 p.m. | Break & Refreshments |
| 3:00 p.m. | Book Chats & Demonstrations |
| 3:30 p.m. | Build Your Own Reading List & Book Fair |
| 4:00 p.m. | Closing Exercise & Program Evaluation |
| 4:30 p.m. | Optional Sensory Walk |
| 5:00 p.m. | Optional Restorative Yoga & Refreshments |
Facilitators
The workshop is facilitated by a multidisciplinary team of educators and practitioners:
Tara Burnham, Stephanie Hill, Robyn Long, Melanie Massey, Charlsie Prosser, Whitney Schmale, and Candi Stewart.
Additional facilitators joining the February and May 2027 sessions include Lindsey Carlson and Joanne Janssen.
Register
Venue information
Baker Wetlands Discovery Center
Address:
1365 N. 1250 Road
Lawrence, KS 66046
United States
