Ute Strub
Ute Strub, Master Pikler® Trainer and physiotherapist, worked for 12 years at University Hospital in Freiburg, Germany with very sick patients. Since 1950, Ms. Strub worked closely with Elfriede Hengstenberg, who named her as successor of her work and commissioned her in writing Hengstenberg’s published biography. In the 70’s, she worked closely with Dr. Emmi Pikler, including on various publications. As Master Teacher of their pedagogies, Ms. Strub became co-initiator of the Pikler-Playroom movement in Austria, Germany and Switzerland in 1996. In 2007 she founded the Emmi Pikler House for abandoned children and in 2010 a unique playroom in Berlin for both adults and children. At 86, she is still a dynamic and active presenter worldwide.
Elsa Chahin
Elsa Chahin, a student of Ute Strub, is an in-demand speaker, writer, and infant-toddler consultant, with more than twenty years’ experience. As one of only two certified Pikler® trainers in North America, Ms. Chahin, also a RIE® Associate, has served as a keynote speaker and presenter at over 100 national and international conferences and seminars around the world. She is currently President and CEO of the internationally renowned nonprofit corporation, Pikler/Loczy USA (www.pikler.org). A group leader for World Forum Foundation™, Ms. Chahin is also a State of California’s Program for Infant and Toddler Care (PITC) trainer, and coauthor of the book, “In Loving Hands” with Anna Tardos, Dr. Pikler’s daughter.
Sary Montero, B.A
English-Spanish, Spanish-English Translator
With over seven years of experience working with children ages birth to three, in different settings and environments, her interest in the Pikler®️ Pedagogy arose while she was finishing her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education —with emphasis in Child Development. Thus, Montero began her process of becoming a Pikler®️ Pedagogue Candidate. Certified in Wonder Based Learning, and the Positive Discipline Association as a Parent and Classroom Educator, she is a Lead Caregiver, Early Years Consultant, and serves as Translator for Pikler/Lóczy USA.
Testimonials
“The week with Ute and Elsa maybe saved my life, at least my joy in life.” –R. A. H.
“She is such an important person in my life having changed me for the better and especially touched me with her work last week. This was the best course I have taken.” –Course participant 2019
“Beautiful time with this wonderful group of people! Each experience was enriching. Thank you for organizing this meeting with Ute Strub! Thanks Elsa Chahin for the opportunity and your open arms to always receive us! Now we have a deeper purpose to continue sharing the life experience that a child can have when treated with love and respect!” –J. C.
“I feel so grateful that I was able to attend the course and get a peek into this approach and the lives of the beautiful humans who are practicing it. I am finding moments each day when I spontaneously recall something from the retreat and give myself a little extra time and space to live gently and playfully into my body and my movement. Thank you infinitely!” A. L.
“Life offered me another opportunity and I couldn't miss it. This time, the 5-day course is with the spectacular Ute Strub, a strong 86-Year-old teacher, student of Hengstenberg and friend of Dr. Emmi Pikler and Elsa Chahin. They brought together educators from all over the world to teach us about sensory consciousness, about being with ourselves, and about knowing each other, to be ready for the meeting with children. This course is all about feeling. And the impact is profound. What an incredible experience!” – V. A.
“Thank you, Elsa for such a rich experience last week! I am so grateful for every single moment spent with you and Ute. “ –K. A.