Creative Lives shares a transformative Framework for Wise Education.

“If I could wave a magic wand, I would put this Framework in the hands of every parent and teacher around the globe. It’s that important.”
— Liz Wiley, Director, The Marion Institute

Helping young people thrive — by supporting the adults who teach and guide them.

Creative Lives helps young people unlock their unique potential to learn, relate, and thrive in all aspects of their lives. Our approach, A Framework for Wise Education by Ellen Tadd, offers a pioneering, holistic model for teaching, parenting, and counseling that truly transforms lives.

Applying the Framework empowers individuals of all ages with:

A deeper understanding of themselves and others
Greater agency in their learning, well-being, and relationships

🌱 Milestones & Impact from 2025

🏨This year, Creative Lives completed its first Cohort Training Program, bringing teams of educators from the same school or organization to train together in the Framework and apply it in their own settings.

The outcomes were remarkable. For example:

81% of trainees report being consistently joyful in their work life
(up from 30% before training)
93% say they are significantly better able to help young people develop focus, clarity, and wise decision-making

As one trainee shared:
"This program doesn’t just change educators — it transforms teams.”

🏨We also launched our first self-paced course — The Inspiration Factor — making Tadd’s vital work more accessible for adults in these busy times. This course has led to enrollment in our certification program. We will be expanding our self-paced training with more offerings in 2026.

💬 Cohort Program Testimonials

“…By week four, the approach made so much sense to me. Before this training, I was considering leaving the field of education. Now I am more committed than ever.”
— Ben L., Grade 5–6 Teacher

“Applying my knowledge of the Framework to raising my children and working with students has changed how I approach almost everything. I pause, find my focus, and support children as whole, intrinsically beautiful beings. I’m finding a renewed love of teaching.”
— Jess C., Early Educator

“This program doesn’t just change educators — it transforms teams.”
— Nikki D., Center Director

“I wish every teacher in our school could take this training. It helped us understand each other more deeply and work together more wisely. This has improved our impact on students.”
— Lauren L., 5th–6th Grade Teacher

“When I find my alignment through the Framework, I can talk with parents from a place of clarity. We work together as a team.”
— Danielle P., Early Educator

“Coming into my 20th year of teaching, I wonder, was this what was missing the whole time? Before, we were trying to regulate children while we were dysregulated ourselves. Now, everything is different. It’s a whole new way of life, and it feels really great.”
— Moriah C., Early Educator

❤️ Support Our Work This Giving Tuesday

Your tax-deductible gift directly expands access to our Cohort Training Program in 2026:

$2,500 — Covers tuition for one educator in our full certification program
$1,500 — Supports a day of on-site training and demonstrations in schools
$300 — Supports an on-site workshop for educators
$150 — Provides on-site mentoring
$75 — Supports coaching calls

Any amount you contribute furthers our work — and your employer may match your gift.

🔎 About Our Approach

A Framework for Wise Education® is based on educator Ellen Tadd’s discoveries about the human energy (chakra) system and its essential role in human development. Each of the seven main centers reflects a core aspect of our nature. When these centers function well, individuals can actualize their best.

In our online and in-person training programs, educators and parents learn concrete, practical tools they can use immediately to support every child’s potential and purpose.

“I’ve significantly improved how my students focus, relate, and develop their unique gifts. I still work hard — but now I work smart.”
— K.G., Middle School Educator

🌟 Thank You

Together, we can help children develop the wisdom, confidence, and resilience they need to face the future.

With gratitude,
Maureen Burford
Executive Director, Creative Lives

Giving Tuesday 2025: Creative Lives

A Pioneering Approach to Teaching & Parenting