Author bio...................about Kathleen McAnear Smith
Education:
BA Politcal Science High School Social Studies Teacher Masters in Social Policy School of Urban Mission Speaking: Families in Global Transition Peace Corps Christian Ministry Events One of the most fun: love speaking in Florida, whether at Fisherman's Net Ladies Group, or First Baptist Church class or Northport women's event! First Job: Disney World 5 o'clock parade! Still a Disney fan! Favourite verses: John 10:10 Ezekiel 34- whole chapter! |
Recently, one of the iBloom team asked me, "Whom do you serve?" I love this question! I know whom I USED to serve! I was an HR consultant for the financial community in New York and London. I and my little team helped just about 1,000 families over the course of ten years, to move from New York to London and find schools for the kids. We did all we could to make sure the parents had a great relocation survey trip and successfully enrolled in cross culturally supportive schools. We shared our school teacher knowledge of both education systems, and assisted with cultural transition for the whole family. We loved our work!
One year, I still remember saying, "wouldn't it be 'lovely' (in an English accent as an American!) if we could offer this service to families that; while they did not have the corporate relocation package, they too were moving overseas?" Or, perhaps you have a relocation package, but would like someone to mentor you as you help your family transition from one culture to another. Born in Washington, DC and raised in the metropolitan area, I am inspired and intrigued by exploring cities as well as countryside. Most weeks I take the commuter train up to London to meet up with the next generation of family. Whenever I get a moment, my grandson and I explore the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square or have a run through the Transport Museum with our One Year Pass. Then there are the grown-up places which include the music of St Martins in the Fields which, compel me to quiet my soul. I love finding sacred spaces in the middle of the hustle and bustle of cities, especially if there is a café with great coffee, tea and cake! Favourite things? Coffee, especially independent Italian coffee cafes. Tea in the afternoon with a daughter or daughter in law or a friend. Films/Movies. Riding with my husband on our motorbike. The beach and Disney World, Florida. Do ask me about my very first job ever! My husband is English and I am American. In the wider family we have about five passports, several languages and we like to grandparent in London, in Italy and Yorkshire and Farnham, UK. I get to be an aunt in Atlanta, Georgia and a niece in San Antonio and El Paso, Texas. We are a family made up of missionaries, military service men and women, NGO's (I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Jamaica), government, educators and corporate industrialists. When we get around a dinner table we can have some heated and healthy discussions! I am a member of iBloom Business Inner Circle ( www.ibloom.org.us) and Families in Global Transition (www.figt.org). If you would like me to come and speak to your group or event, please do email me: Kathleen@relocationmentor.co.uk |