Discover a holistic approach to education and parenting:
seven core capacities that foster lifelong learning and fulfillment.
Inspiration • Focus • Confidence • Good Intentions • Emotional Well-Being • Healthy Relating • Self-Discipline
We help educators, parents and school leaders foster these capacities in children—and within themselves.
93% of adults trained in our approach report significant gains in helping children learn, grow, and develop greater agency.
“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 of the Marion Institute
Whole-Child Learning. School-Wide Impact.
Creative Lives helps educators, parents, and school leaders understand and strengthen the core developmental capacities that help children thrive — through professional development, parent education, and whole-child learning programs.
Based on A Framework for Wise Education® by educator Ellen Tadd, our programs are informed by 16 years of implementation with thousands of children, educators, and families.
Stories from the Field
Discouragement to Engagement
Nine students on the verge of expulsion helped reveal a surprising insight about human development and learning.
We All Belong
When a third-grade student experienced racial bias at school, a Framework strategy helped transform hurt into understanding, leadership, and connection.
Shifting Perspective
In this video, a fourth-grade student describes how he used a Framework strategy to navigate a conflict with friends during a soccer scrimmage.
This student uses the phrase "third eye," a term used within the Framework. The same practice can be taught using language such as "Wise View," "the Zone," or focused awareness.
What Educators are Saying
"I have never encountered a more powerful or meaningful framework for approaching education."
— Sharon Webster, Educator
"If every teacher and teacher-to-be took this course, there would be a positive worldwide revolution in the field of education. This course is a MUST for anyone who will be in contact with young learners."
—Tracy Greenfield, University Mental Health Director
"We are noticing ripple effects throughout the school day. Children are expressing creatively where they were too shy before. They're talking with each other about new ways of handling their feelings. There are children for whom this approach has truly shifted their direction forward."
— Marcia McNally, educator
The Challenges We Help Address
Discouragement➞
Inspiration & Connection
Poor Focus & Decision-Making➞
Focus & Wisdom
Low Self-Esteem➞
Curiosity & Confidence
Unkindness➞
Caring & Courage
Emotional Anxiety & Overwhelm➞
Emotional Well-Being & Empathy
Poor Relationship Skills➞
Balanced Relating & Creative Identity
Irresponsibility➞ Discipline & Accountability
Siloed Learning➞
Integrated Learning
The Approach That Guides Our Work
A Framework for Wise Education emerged from educator and author Ellen Tadd's discoveries about the practical role of the human energy system, often called the chakra system, in human development.
Through decades of observation with thousands of children and adults, Tadd found that the chakra system describes seven developmental capacities that influence learning, behavior, relationships, and well-being.
In Creative Lives' work, chakras are not presented as a belief system or spiritual practice. Rather, they provide a practical framework for understanding and supporting human growth.
“I wish every educator in our school could take this training!”
—Alex Mathis, elementary educator
The Framework Approach Includes:
Seven core developmental capacities that shape learning and well-being
Practical tools and strategies that support children and adults
New insights that strengthen PBIS, SEL, and other approaches already in place
A developmental lens that helps educators, parents, and school leaders better understand both challenges and strengths
Thousands of educators, counselors, and parents have experienced the benefits of this approach.
Ready to Learn More?
Explore our workshops and trainings.
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Free online Webinar: The Epidemic of Disconnection (click to enroll)
Join director Maureen Burford for a deep look at root causes of discouragement, disengagement, and depression — and what you can do today to support the young people in your life.
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Click to enroll in our bite-size training, The Inspiration Factor
The Inspiration Factor is where we always begin in our longer courses in the Framework approach. Why? Because the first step in working with any child or group is inspiring them to trust and be with you!
The Inspiration Factor helps you build the inner foundation that fuels motivation, openness, and connection — a key to lasting well-being and fulfillment. -
Click the links below to explore options and schedule:
Our signature courses empower you with expertise in each of seven essential areas of development.
Graduate credit and PD hours available. Click the links below to explore your options: and enroll.
Cohort Training for Teams
(Includes both Foundations 1 and 2, plus additional support)
Tangible Outcomes
73% of our trainees can consistently help children make wise decisions and assess next steps with clarity, compared to 27% before training.
81% of our trainees report experiencing regular joy in their work and/or parenting, compared to 30% before training.
93% of our trainees report significant improvements in their ability to help children learn and develop their unique potential.
“This program doesn’t just change educators.
It transforms teams.”
— Nikki Darwish, Early Education Director
New to Creative Lives?
Join our Director for a Free Webinar
In this short video, Creative Lives Director Maureen Burford invites you to join her for a free introductory webinar exploring the developmental capacities that shape learning, behavior, relationships, and well-being.
In the Webinar (link below) you will discover practical strategies that help children—and the adults who support them—develop greater engagement and resilience.
Looking for help with attention, focus, or ADHD?
One of the most visited resources on our website is Maureen Burford's article, Alternative Solutions to ADHD. If you are navigating these challenges yourself—or supporting a child who is—this article offers practical insights and a developmental perspective that can help you get started.
If you'd like personalized guidance, you're also welcome to schedule a complimentary discovery call with Maureen to discuss your questions and explore possible next steps.