Kalena Babeshoff is Founder and Director of Education for A Foundation for Healthy Family Living® (HFL). In 1997, Ms. Babeshoff established HFL (www.healthyfamily.org) with the goal of educating our society in nurturing, compassionate touch and respectful listening. Her commitment is expressed through developing and disseminating programs that blend science, nature and mindful attention to enhance life quality for individuals, families and communities. Kalena’s passion and visionary presentations grow out of her extensive experience as a nurse, massage therapist, educator, spiritual minister (non-denominational) and mother.

In 2007, Dr Bruce Perry invited Kalena to become a Fellow with the Child Trauma Academy (www.ChildTraumaAcademy.org) as a result of the recognition by Dr. Perry and his colleagues that "there is a natural fit between the neurodevelopmental approach and the various relationally-based, healing touch programs and intervention you have developed."

Since 1986, thousands of individuals have studied with Ms. Babeshoff including those from Early Intervention, Medical and Health Care Services, Shelters, and School Districts through either staff or public trainings. As a result, these individuals have successfully utilized HFL methods and principles in their work with families to support the development of secure attachment and developmental outcomes.

HFL’s programs embody a simple, abiding philosophy, "Approach all relationships on the premise of respect". HFL teaches how to express respect through attunement in nurturing touch, massage and communication. HFL presentations and trainings provide practical and adaptive methods and principles that readily support integration in daily life – professional and personal.

Ms. Babeshoff is recognized nationally and internationally for her work and expertise in the field of Infant Massage and Communication. She has served as national president and international board member for the International Association of Infant Massage. During 10 years of Association leadership, from 1989 to 1999, Ms. Babeshoff served as a trainer and facilitated establishment of new Association chapters in other countries.

As Consultant and Educator, Ms. Babeshoff continues to develop and collaborate in order to bring the benefits of HFL’s knowledge and wisdom to people of all ages, from all walks of life. As a teacher, she is known for her personification of compassion, presence and respectful listening.

Danni Verona
Co-creator and Trainer, AFHFL's Deepening Interactions with Families and Their Children with Special Needs Program
Danni is an Occupational Therapist with over 16 years experience working with infants/young children with special needs. Danni has taught hundreds of families the art of Touch Communication since receiving her CIIM through HFL. Utilizing her expertise in therapeutic handling, atypical development, and sensory integration, Danni developed the adaptations taught in the Deepening Interactions with Families and Their Children with Special Needs training.

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