This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Michelle shares her personal journey towards Unconditional Positive Regard and self acceptance through the lens of parenting. This is a story about relationships and ultimately the relationship you have with yourself.

Michelle Charfen has had a lifelong passion for learning. She was fascinated by the human body and from an early age dreamt of becoming a physician. In high school, she began tutoring students, discovering a love of facilitating learning for others as well. She would eventually study Human Biology as an undergraduate at Stanford, teach preschool during the summer vacations, and spend the year after graduation teaching at an elementary school in East Palo Alto.

Michelle’s childhood dream was finally realized upon attending Harvard Medical School. She then completed a residency in Emergency Medicine at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, followed by a research fellowship during which she obtained a Masters of Epidemiology from the School of Public Health at UCLA. Teaching medical students and residents in an academic environment was perfectly suited to her enthusiasm for constant learning. In 2008, she stepped down from her faculty position as an Assistant Professor at the UCLA School of Medicine to devote this period of life to her growing family while continuing to work part time in Emergency Medicine.

Her personal journey, struggles, and successes as a parent organically led to an interest in supporting other families. Michelle completed the Parent Educator Certification Program through Echo Parenting and Education, and now combines this training with her previous experience and knowledge to help others learn effective tools for compassionate communication.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)