David A. Cooperson

David A Cooperson received a masters in social work from Rutgers and a masters in psychology from the New School for Social Research in New York City. Cooperson worked for thirty two years as an administrator,trainer, and social worker for one of the largest child protection agencies in the United States. Cooperson also spent 20 years as a individual and family therapist. Since retiring his work had just begun. Samuel P Oliner, a Holocaust survivor who was rescued,did research that was a revelation and inspiration to Cooperson. Dr Oliner received a PhD in sociology. His studies demonstrated that a common denominator for those who rescued Jews during the Holocaust was a childhood without corporal punishment, and with thoughtful problem solving parenting.

Cooperson wrote published articles on the effect of child maltreatment on the developing brain, the ethics and values involved in compassionate parenting, and the need for activism on the part of professionals and the public in demanding laws protecting children including laws shielding them from corporal punishment. Over recent years he has presented workshops on the subject. Several years ago he appeared with the former President of the American Psychiatric Association Dr Paul Fink on Dr Dan Gottlieb's public radio show advocating for more education and skills for compassionate parenting. Out of these experiences he wrote "Holocaust Lessons on Compassionate Parenting and Child Corporal Punishment".