Empower Relationships
Transform Communities
My Approach
At The Advancement of Character and Learning, LLC, I believe that emotional wellness and character development are the foundation of thriving individuals, families, and communities. Guided by empathy, empowerment, and growth, I help people build stronger, healthier relationships—with themselves and with others.
As an Advanced Certified Trainer in the Nurtured Heart Approach®, Certified Family Support Partner, and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructor, I bring a trauma-informed, strengths-based perspective to every learning experience—helping others recognize their greatness and create lasting, positive change.
With over 15 years of cross-functional experience in healthcare support, mental health advocacy, training, and family services, I specialize in creating transformative learning experiences tailored to real-world challenges.
Lauren Salvodon
Founder & Executive Director
“Greatness is seeing the good that already exists and amplifying it.” – Howard Glasser, the creator of the Nurtured Heart Approach®
What People are Saying
“Lauren is upbeat, positive and very knowledgeable. She excels in the Nurtured Heart Approach® and applies it daily to all scenarios. She builds community amongst families, has a wealth of knowledge in community resources, and is experienced in supporting the overall well-being of people from culturally diverse backgrounds.” – Melissa Allende, Lead Family Support Partner, Family Support Organizaton of Bergen County
“Before this course I felt overwhelmed and unsure of how to handle my child's behavior. Now I have a secure foundation and plan that I use with all of my children. I feel prepared and empowered every day. Nurtured Heart Approach™ is a game changer, it helps us see the positives in all of us.” – Deb Bowen
“We used to react out of frustration. Now as a team, my husband and I respond with intention and it's made all the difference. Our relationship with our children has improved so much. We communicate better and actually enjoy our time together.” –Michelle & David
“Lauren’s Hearing Voices training during Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training is insightful, engaging, and deeply impactful. She creates a safe, trauma-informed space for learning while sharing real-world experience that strengthens participants’ understanding and empathy. Officers leave the training with greater clarity, practical tools, and confidence to respond effectively and compassionately to individuals who hear voices, making her training curriculum an invaluable part of CIT.” – Amie Del Sordo, LCSW, Bergen County CIT Mental Health Coordinator
“Lauren and the Nurtured Heart Approach™ course completely changed the way I approach parenting. I feel more confident and connected to my children than ever before! Yes, it's hard work. Lauren's dedication to empowering parents to believe ‘Yes You Can Do This’ has given me a new perspective and I am seeing the positive results.” – Jay Mathis
“Every parent should take this course, NHA is a foundation that you are able to use and raise self-aware children that are well-versed in their Inner Wealth™ and the strengths they offer the world. It's not just a course, it's a mindset shift and I feel I'm a better parent after taking this course.” – Ted Wallace
Get In Touch!
I’m here to answer your questions and explore how we can build stronger, healthier relationships through training, workshops, and speaking engagements.