About Us

Behavior specialists Jeff Fink and Jon Halpern founded ChildSense in 1985. 

Their seminars have educated and entertained educators and parents nationwide. Through humorous dramatizations of common dilemmas, they expose participants to familiar scenarios. When followed by discussions and re-dramatized solutions, participants find they are able to retain the information for easy access when conflicts arise.

Their videos for parents and educators have received positive reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, Video Librarian and School Library Journal.

Jeff and Jon are recognized as experts in helping teachers and parents effectively respond to children's behavior. They are known for their practical, engaging, and entertaining presentations.

Jeff Fink, M.A.

Jeff Fink was an elementary and special education teacher for over 30 years. After retiring from the St. Paul, MN school district, Jeff served as a full time faculty member at Hamline University’s Graduate School of Education. 

Jeff received his B.A. in education from the University of Minnesota and his M.A. in special education for emotional/behavioral disorders and learning disabilities from the University of St. Thomas. Fink is also the author of "Breaking the Cycle of Disruptive Behavior," published in 2021.

Jon Halpern, M.A.

Jon Halpern has spent his career serving as a school counselor and classroom teacher in both public and independent school settings. In addition, he has been an adjunct faculty member for Hamline University and has worked as a psychometrist and chemical health instructor.

Jon holds degrees in psychology and education from Macalester College and an M.A. in counseling psychology from the University of St. Thomas. He is also the co-author of BODYSENSE, a manual for teachers supporting healthy body image development.