A former gang member who became a school administrator, Cornelius' world was one of constant trials and tribulations. Serving for more than 25 years as a classroom teacher and administrator, he delivers motivational lectures that help students re-evaluate themselves and their interaction with peers. He lectures to school and community groups on the topic of cognitive & behavioral trends exhibited by today's youth, and in the process, he develops respectful disciplines over oppressed young minds.
A passionate speaker whose contagious enthusiasm has motivated students for 25 years, Paul has delivered hundreds of awareness programs that discuss the perspectives and realities of growing up with his cerebral palsy. By sharing his experiences, and encouraging students to ask questions that help shape their understanding of people with disabilities, Paul tries to instill a sense of hope and inspiration that motivates them to realize their own goals and dreams.
Derrick grew up in a rough neighborhood, but managed to find his way through the maze of distractions as a scholar athlete. He is devoted to giving back to help children find positive outlets. Derrick motivates kids to find greatness within themselves and teaches them to share these qualities with others. He inspires teens to harness their full potential without bowing to peer pressure. Earning a Masters degree in social work, Derrick has the solid professional background to help children.
Cornell is a cancer survivor who has devoted 25 years of his life to implementing mental health and treatment programs within prison systems. Internationally certified as a drug and alcohol counselor, he has himself battled addiction and his recovery has allowed him to help many people with their own substance abuse problems, both in his own community and around the country. Cornell also specializes in gang prevention programs, serving as a role model for today's youth.
Darlene draws upon many years of experience helping others in positions ranging from special education teacher, manager of a family shelter, a drug and alcohol counselor on Riker’s Island, and the unit supervisor in a private correctional organization. She currently works with both juveniles and adults involved in the judicial system as a Substance Abuse Evaluator. Her presentations on leadership and conflict resolution are highly sought after.
Tom is a perfect example of someone who enjoys life. Using his own experiences, he relates to kids and adults with a logical approach to enjoying your life and success in realizing your dreams. As a professional stand-up comedian, dancer, producer, writer, and director, Tom is also a principal actor in films starring household names as Denzel Washington and Jack Nicholson. He believes that life should not be a dress rehearsal.
Homeless and broke in 1990, Richard lived in constant fear, turmoil and hopelessness. By 1998, Richard had completely turned his life around and was hired by a New York-based international financial firm to create a technology education department and was soon earning a six-figure income. Richard uses professional stage magic and gives your people his best hard-won secrets, strategies and techniques to overcome any obstacle, gain freedom from fear, and destroy discouragement. He provides a captivating and magical presentation that changes lives forever.
Scott has suffered a rare stroke in his spinal cord which left him paralyzed from the waist down. He has spent his life helping make a positive difference in the lives of students. Scott has made two world tours, visiting over 30 countries and speaking to over a million children around the globe. He uses his own life-changing experiences as an example to help others accept and conquer their own challenges through self-esteem enhancement.
Dr. Gilbert is one of the world's leading experts on Sport Psychology. As a college professor, Dr. Gilbert has spent the last 20 years researching the mental skills of dedicated athletes, successful business executives, and highest earning sales people. As a professional speaker, he has also addressed audiences as diverse as cadets at the United States Military Academy to Fortune 500 companies.
Denny shows how to "lose the excuses" in life to reconnect with the dreamer in each of us. He shares how he survived a serious car accident that severed his legs. After being told he would never walk again, Denny ran his first 5K race with the use of a prosthetic leg and continues to challenge himself by running marathons. He founded a non-profit organization, Generation Hope, that instills confidence and compassion in students.
Jim has overcome numerous obstacles, including two major clinical depressions. A former footbal star in the Division III Level of the NJ Athletic Conference, he has earned degrees in Psychology and Theology. Jim enjoys sharing his dynamic and inspiring stories to encourage children and teens to never allow themselves to become victims of negative stereotypes and to always accentuate the positive.
Victor has taken his lifelong passion for singing to a new and exciting level by helping students realize the importance of respecting themselves and others. A survivor of sexual abuse, his inspirational programs incorporate the adversities he has overcome into a multi- dimensional format that presents a variety of thought-provoking concepts and lessons through original songs, words of wisdom, and captivating graphics and images.
Program Objectives:
To provide students with the perspective of speakers who have overcome major adversity in their lives. Students will gain insights on facing and confronting challenges in their lives.
The examples they see in front of them will inspire them to learn from their mistakes and failures and realize that success is readily available with hard work and determination.
Program Highlights:
Speakers will share their own triumphant success stories having overcome adversity whether it be a physical disability or an environmental challenge. Students will learn strategies that were used to reach their goals.
The level of determination of each speaker will leave a lasting impression on students long after their presentations.
"Your talk was an amazing success! The Scouts and adults hung on to your every word, and they were words of incredible beauty and value. The scouts, ages 8-11, seemed very much to relate to you and your experience of being different than other kids as you grew up." -- Lisa Lorelli, Cub Scouts
"Many thanks for taking the time to pass on your positive and inspiring philosophy to the members of the wrestling team. You, through the life you have led, are a shining example of all that is good about the human spirit and its unlimited potential. Our athletes were moved by your words." -- Steve Griggs, Director of Athletics, Newark Academy, Newark, New Jersey
"I am delighted to recommend to you the services of your speaker, communicator extraordinaire! Your speaker communicates honestly, telling, without seeking sympathy, about his handicap and sharing with his audience how he uses his challenge as an asset in his career, rather than as a liability." -- Claudia Radeke, Assistant Principal, Knowlton Township School District, Delaware, New Jersey
School Programs: Overcoming Adversity
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