About Parental Action Institute

The Parental Action Institute is created for individuals who are committed to confronting the stigma of mental illness and the mythology surrounding new parenthood. In a user-friendly and non-lecture style, PAI provides unique learning experiences for all professionals and community leaders working with expectant and new parents. This Institute is dedicated to the power of professionals and advocates who are willing to improve care during the transition to parenthood. Attendees will practice skills in an interactive and intimate setting – not in a typical classroom. Through innovative training methods over one and a half days, attendees will gain insights not taught in schools or professional conferences. Learn more about our workshops.

“I cannot thank you enough for creating the PAI! I recommend this course to anyone who is interested in being an advocate for maternal mental health. I signed up knowing I am passionate about this subject and left with a game plan for ways to change my community. I no longer just hope to increase awareness of PPD in my city – I know I can and will improve my local support network.”

Courtney Novak
Parent Advocate

Mission Statement

The mission of Parental Action Institute (PAI) is to energize and revitalize professionals and parent advocates in order to support new families.

Upcoming Workshops

Parental Action Institute is now a ONE DAY Workshop from 9 AM to 4 PM

Gather a group and set a custom date for your workshop. Fully customizable and hybrid options are available. Please contact Jane for more details.

March 9, 2024

Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Learn more and sign up!


All workshops are held in a private home located between the mountains and the ocean in Goleta (near the University of California and airport) west of downtown Santa Barbara. Nursing babies are welcome. Please note that lodging is not included. If you prefer, you can attend the workshop through Zoom.

For questions, contact Jane at jane@janehonikman.com or Shoshana at drshoshbennett@gmail.com.

What our graduates say

  • "The Institute was wonderful and I had a great time meeting other maternal mental health advocates. It was comfortable and welcoming and I was glad I got a chance to participate!"

    -Lisa A., Executive Coach

  • "Thank you Jane and Dr. Shoshana, the PAI training is incredibly informative in an relaxed, safe and intimate setting. I believe this training is truly unique."

    -S. Jensen, Marriage and Family Therapist

  • "I left the PAI workshop feeling empowered to make positive change in my community. Having continued access to Jane and Dr. Shosh – true thought leaders and pioneers in this field – is extremely valuable."

    -Laura K., Parent Advocate

  • "This is by far the best training that I’ve attended in my professional career because of the intimate setting, and the closeness that Jane and Shoshana create. It’s wonderful to learn from two women who are so open about their experiences, and who have been supporting moms for so many years. I left feeling confident in my ability to provide support to moms in my community, and with specific ideas and support around how to do so. I highly recommend this training to anyone considering working in Maternal Mental Health."

    -A. Taverner, Marriage and Family Therapist

  • "Jane and Dr. Shosh came to our fledgling Connecticut chapter of Postpartum Support International to help us with "next steps" in our development and to mentor us in our care of perinatal families. One word: AMAZING! Another: WARM! Finally: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!"

    -Sharon T.

  • "This workshop definitely increased my confidence in operating a successful support group in my area. I was reminded of all the community connections I can draw upon and have been encouraged to really evaluate the personal needs of my community. Jane and Shoshana make for a fun, relaxed and intimate learning environment. I left feeling inspired and confident. Thank you both!"

    -R. Ivison

  • "Such an amazing opportunity to train with two pioneers in this field! After this two day training I am READY to begin my own support group and do this good work!"

    -C. Ospina

  • "This weekend was a deeply moving personal experience. I feel that I developed a stronger mission for my goals and also was able to connect my shared experience with like-minded souls. I strongly recommend PAI to anyone considering working in this field."

    -R. Irish

  • "Jane and Shoshana brought different strengths that complimented each other, and they were fun to be around! Throughout the weekend I grew as a person and developed a plan that will merge my personal passions and professional goals. I recommend this experience wholeheartedly!"

    -Ann L.

  • "It was a powerful experience to learn from two such inspiring leaders in the field. Each brought tremendous passion, knowledge, and understanding to the group."

    -J. Masse

  • "This was a tremendous opportunity to learn from two movers-and-shakers in the field of postpartum support—women whose work stems from their own experiences. I left feeling more empowered and able to reach out to moms who are struggling."

    M. Gordon

  • "Having the one-on-one time on Sunday to address participants’ individual goals and questions was key to making sure each one left with ideas and solutions."

    Alina H.

  • "It was awesome! I felt empowered and inspired, and came away with new plans and the confidence to pursue them. The content and pace were perfect- individualized and results - focused but not exhausting. I felt my passions had crystallized into a workable plan. I felt very encouraged/ inspired by my fellow participants."

    -A. Litwinski

  • "Interacting with such strong women was inspirational. It was great to meet people from different backgrounds with one common goal. The environment was so welcoming and supportive and the educational component was even more helpful than I had expected."

    -Jenni M.

  • “Great to be a participant!”

    -J. Moyer

  • "PAI was an incredible weekend, filled with authentic support, witnessing, brain-storming and relating. The weekend flowed beautifully with a balance of learning, sharing and self care. The group was small, intimate and provided space to explore each individual’s goals and means to attain them. There was beautiful chemistry and space to share experiences and differences. PAI was an incredible weekend, filled with authentic support, witnessing, brain-storming and relating. It is a rare opportunity to connect and evolve."

    -Lisa H.

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CONTACT INFO:
Please feel free to reach us by email:
jane@janehonikman.com
drshosh@drshosh.com