PHYL R. BRINKLEY

Selected as one of “20 to Watch in 2011” by the Arkansas Democrat/Gazette, Phyl Brinkley has over 30 years experience working with families and educators as a youth minister, private and public school teacher, school counselor and father. He earned a B.A. and an M.S.E. from Ouachita Baptist University and a M.Ed. in Counseling from the University of Arkansas. A popular speaker and master trainer, Phyl has conducted numerous workshops, seminars and trainings for parents, educators, and adolescents.

Phyl is the author of Deliberate Parenting: Empowering Children with the Essential 1/2 Dozen.  The book presents six battle-tested strategies that give children the solid foundation necessary to face obstacles, make responsible decisions, and communicate effectively.

Phyl retired as the Director of Counseling for Cabot Public Schools, and previously served the Fayetteville School District as the Coordinator of Guidance and Counseling. In 1995, while working in Fayetteville, he was named the Secondary School Counselor of the Year by the Arkansas School Counselor Association.  He was a charter member of the Arkansas Youth Suicide Prevention Commission. 

As a Certified Trainer of Leaders for H. Stephen Glenn’s “Developing Capable People,” Phyl helped with the revision of the Developing Capable People course and contributed a series of poems, which were included in all the revised materials.

     "Phyl Brinkley is an experienced resource and exemplary trainer. His enthusiasm and dedication reflect his professional and personal beliefs." - H. Stephen Glenn, Author - Mentor

Using the television production facilities at the Jones Center for Families in Springdale, Arkansas, Phyl and Debbie, his wife, developed and produced a television series called “Building Stronger Families,” consisting of twelve programs. Built around a talk and discussion format, several programs featured H. Stephen Glenn, the author of the Developing Capable People materials, while others were panel discussions, discussions with participants of the DCP workshops and a live call-in show. The series aired weekly on the Jones Television Network. 

Phyl and Debbie also co-authored “The Family Meeting Notebook” which is offered as a free download on this website. 

During the 2008-2009 school year, at the request of the Arkansas Department of Education, Counseling Division, Phyl presented 12 half-day trainings for counselors around the state sharing “The Essential Half-Dozen” perceptions, people skills and priorities that empower our children and youth to be capable, resilient and successful. 

Phyl is married and the father of two capable and successful children.

What others say about Phyl Brinkley:

     "Mr. Brinkley offered numerous training sessions on various topics in our district and was always very professional and communicated the information clearly.  Though challenged with a variety of topics and group sizes, his ability to use humor and personal stories during his presentations made him very popular as a provider of professional development in our school system.  Mr. Brinkley doesn’t come across as a ‘know it all’ but rather a person that is genuine and can relate to the many challenges of home and work.  He is certainly a gifted communicator and has a unique ability to inspire others."

                   – Dr. Tony Thurman, Superintendent, Cabot School District

     “Thank you so very much for a wonderful evening of training for our mentors.  I have had many positive comments from the attendees.  One of the group suggested to me yesterday that it should be a requirement for all parents of children entering kindergarten to attend one of your sessions.  I will recommend your training to everyone I come in contact with.   Thank you once again.”                      

– Marsha Edwards, Dir. of Mentoring, Paris, AR School District 

     "Your contributions and insights were simply outstanding.  Your care and concern shines through your words and ideas.  Because of your insights and comment, I am going to suggest to my colleagues that we re-examine the program in order to ascertain how we can incorporate a much stronger affective component into the extant curriculum." 

     – Middle School Chair, College of Education, University of Arkansas

     "Many, many thanks for working with our teachers.  The participants were so excited about the material provided and very appreciative of the great job you did in facilitating.  Many stated that it was a most valuable and rewarding activity, not only professionally but also personally.  I highly commend and recommend you." 

        – Assistant Director, NW Arkansas Education Service Cooperative

     "Phyl has a great facilitator style – relaxed, on-task, accountable for time, accepting of different styles, gives valuable feedback." 

                                                – Leadership training participant

     "Phyl is very enthusiastic and shows that his heart is in it.  Very inspiring and an effective leader himself." 

                                                 – Leadership training participant

     "Thank you for presenting to our Leadership Institute. Not only was the workshop engaging, the content was relevant and meaningful. The workshop received rave reviews from everyone." 

                                                           – District Administrator

     "Phyl’s ability to bring humor and acceptance through stories, data and emotion was right on target." – Teacher participant

     "I just wanted you to know what an impact you had on the faculty.  We are very grateful for the service you provided and spark you lit within us." – Middle School Principal

     "Thank you again for your outstanding sessions at the ArCA conference. We appreciate your efforts in making the conference a positive experience." – Linda Storm, Counselor

Comments from conference attendees:

     "The two presentations by Phyl were the BEST and most useful I have ever experienced at the ArCA Convention! (10 years)  Please encourage him to present again in the future!" 

     "Great!  The best presentation I have experienced at ArCA." 

     "Very good session!  Entertaining, informative, and very thought-provoking." 

     "Could have listened for another hour without a break! – Wonderful!!!" 

     "I was motivated by the presenter.  Phyl Brinkley was both informative and energetic.  I will certainly use the information with my students and clients in my work.."   

     "Wonderful workshop!  Most valuable information!" 

     "Great ideas to help students be successful – Thanks." 

     "I really enjoyed (Phyl) and most of all how he presented his information.  I appreciated his realness.  I definitely could relate.  This information will definitely be used both in my personal and professional life.  Thank you." 

     "(Phyl) did a good job of giving applicable information – not just theories." 

     "This session really spoke to me – thanks Phyl." 

     "Really enjoyed session – Our teachers need to hear this." 

     "Wonderful!  FABULOUS! THANKS!"  (gave a rating of “6” in 17 areas – on a 5-point scale!)

     "Wonderful! Bring him again."