Author
Charles A. Smith has a Ph.D. in child development and family studies from Purdue University. He is a former caseworker with the elderly in a general hospital and a play therapist in a children's hospital. He taught courses in personal development at Texas Tech University. During his twenty-five years as a state specialist in human development at Kansas State University, he created a wide range of programs, including Friends InDeed and ParentShare, a parent mentoring program.

He is the author of five books, including the recent Raising Courageous Kids: Eight Steps to Practical Heroism. One of his books, The Peaceful Classroom: 162 Easy Activities to Teach Preschoolers Compassion and Cooperation, has been translated into five languages. In addition to his work as a Professor and Extension Specialist at Kansas State, he is a volunteer supervisor of Red Cross Family Services Caseworkers in the Flint Hills office.

Reviewers
The author would like to thank the following colleagues from throughout the United States for their review of both the Course and Workbook: Ann Keim, Ann Smith, Barb Herl, Deanna Sweat, Denise Brandon, Diane Sasser, Jana McKinney, Karen DeBord, Karen Shirer, Mary Britnall-Peterson, Pamela Muntz, Princetta Jones, Rebecca White, Terri Bookless, and Virginia Hopp.

Who is the audience for the course?
What will I learn in the course?
What is the author's background?
How much time is it going to take?
Is there a cost of any kind to take the course?
Is the Workbook required?
Can I take the course with friends or colleagues?
How can I prove I have completed the course?
What is the DearNeighbors program?