Patty Wipfler

SPACE’s Building Emotional Understanding Through the Arts philosophy is centered on giving young people a sense of safety and respect, while maintaining necessary behavior standards without punishment, blame, shame or humiliation. It assumes the best in young people, expects the best from young people, while taking into account the emotional experience and burdens that young people may bring with them into their interactions at SPACE. Adults and allies learn how to handle behavioral difficulties without stigmatizing the young person who carries those difficulties.

— Patty Wipfler, Creator of Building Emotional Understanding, www.handinhandparenting.org