Kenneth Ginsburg

Dr. Ginsburg is a Professor of Pediatrics at CHOP and The University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine, an adolescent medicine physician at CHOP, and the medical director for Covenant House, a care system that serves homeless, street and marginalized youth in Philadelphia. The theme that ties together his clinical practice, teaching, research and advocacy efforts is that of building on the strengths of teenagers by fostering their internal resilience. He strives to translate the best of what is known from research and practice into practical approaches parents, professionals and communities can use to build resilience. Core to this model is understanding that youth choose behaviors that manage stress in their lives, and that if we are to reduce worrisome youth behaviors, we need to address those stressors. Dr. Ginsburg developed the teen-centered method, which is a mixed qualitative/quantitative methodology that helps youth to generate, prioritize and explain their own proposed solutions to social problems and to teach clinicians how to better serve them. Dr. Ginsburg lectures widely to national and international parent and professional audiences. His most recent books include, "Raising Kids to Thrive: Balancing Love with Expectations and Protection with Trust: The Lighthouse Parenting Strategy" and "Building Resilience in Children and Teens: Giving Kids Roots and Wings," both published by The American Academy of Pediatrics. In addition, he is the editor of the American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook and Video Production "Reaching Teens: Strength Based Communication Strategies to Build Resilience and Support Healthy Adolescent Development." He also has over 100 other publications, including 5 books and 32 scientific articles. He currently serves as the External National Resilience Content Expert for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). In this capacity, he has been privileged to work with The BGCA in Indian Country and The National Congress of American Indians to adapt the resilience model into a culturally appropriate strategy to serve Native American Youth. He has also been honored to work on behalf of those who serve America, preparing military parents, health professionals, counselors, and teachers to incorporate stress reduction and resilience building strategies as they care for the Nation's nearly 2 million military affiliated children. In this capacity, he works closely with The BGCA Military Services and The Military Child Education Coalition to promote resilience building strategies for military affiliated families and children. He is also working with Covenant House International to develop and disseminate a practice model that reinforces their mission statement to "…serve young people with absolute respect and unconditional love…." His greatest pleasure is to be the parent of two young adult daughters.