General Keynote
It’s NOT Just Joking Around!™ – Understanding School Bullying Through the Eyes of a Former Victim
I bring the audience inside the heart and mind of the bullied child, and let them see the world through their compelling point of view. I share some of my most unforgettable experiences working deep inside the trenches of America’s schools. This keynote is powerful, inspirational and cuts to the core of what it means to be a bullied child through the perspective of only someone like me, who was bullied herself and who holds hundreds of bullied students in her arms every day as they pour their hearts out to her, can understand.
Professional Development Workshops for Educators, Mental Health Practitioners, and Others Who Work with Youth
Triage for the Bullied Through a Survivor’s Eyes
I share with the audience what you should never say to a bullied child and why; what you should say and do; how the bully and the victim are flipsides of the same coin and how to identify and assist both; the two types of bullying; the two types of popular students; the typical profile of the bullied child; how to intervene with a bullied child one-on-one; how to intervene with a group; why traditional punishment doesn’t always work and how to discipline with compassion; how to deal with the parents of bullies and/or victims; how to spot the warning signs a victim may be suicidal or contemplating revenge; the single biggest oversight of adults when trying to help a bullied child that can often lead to tragedy and how to avoid it; where to turn for support; and other vital information.
I also reveal the worst mistakes the adults in my life made, what I wish they would have done differently; the most common complaints I hear from bullied students today, and what they want their teachers and parents to know but don’t have the courage to tell them. My entire focus from start to finish will be to touch hearts, open minds, and most importantly, give hope.
When Parents Bully The School
If you’ve ever had to deal with an over-bearing or difficult parent, this workshop will help you work effectively and efficiently together. I offer proven strategies on how to handle the irate, unreasonable parent who storms into the office, frustrated and unwilling to listen, and begins bullying the school. If you’re a teacher, counselor or principal, you know firsthand how difficult it can be to calm that parent down and get them to listen and behave like an adult. I’ll provide a fresh, new approach on how to communicate with the irrational parent and successfully motivate him/her to work with the school in everyone’s best interests. I’ll walk you through what you shouldn’t you say to an angry, bullying parent and why, and what you should say and do. I’ll teach you the three basic tenants of credibility in communication and how to apply those tenants to win over even the most stubborn, challenging parent, inspire understanding, and most importantly, collaborate on viable solutions that you implement together. By the end of this workshop, you’ll have the tools to transform a tense situation with a parent into an opportunity to forge a productive, rewarding partnership that enriches the school, the student, and the student’s family.
Custom Keynotes and Institute Days
I tailor design keynotes and institute days on a broad spectrum of issues related to bullying. I also offer specialized training for principals on communications, parent management, crises navigation and fostering a more inclusive school culture. I encourage you to reach out to me via phone or email so we can discuss your particular needs and create a presentation specifically for your audience.