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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A health educator who has spoken to thousands of audiences throughout the country, Mike's inspirational programs help students overcome obstacles, creatively solve problems, and perform successfully - at school, at work and at home. He does not let his spinal cord paralysis sideline his life, and helps his young audiences identify solutions to obstacles that loom before them. Issues that - with the right attitude and desire - can be dealt with successfully.
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.
After moving thirteen times, Christina fought through depression, an eating disorder, and failing health. Her high school teacher changed her life. Now she enjoys sharing her story to help inspire others. An actress, singer, dancer, writer, educator, and director, she has won state, local, and national awards for her talents and excellent academic record. She also is Miss Manhattan 2003 and competes in the Miss America Organization.
David was born with a rare eye disorder called Retinitus Pigmentosa (RP). Even though doctors insisted David's life was hopeless, his family knew better. They provided him with the inspiration to overcome the challenge of blindness. David became a world champion athlete, a radio host, and a nationally known speaker. His captivating programs will inspire children to accept any challenge that enters their lives.
Program Objectives:
To help each student build a newfound confidence within him or herself so that the student can be prepared mentally and emotionally for any event that unfolds in their environment.
The presentations are also designed to help students heighten their awareness to the needs of other students and how their belief and confidence in themselves could be transferred to others to help them with their issues and challenges. The program aims to create a respect and acceptance of one's mind, body, and spirit while honoring the same attributes in others.
Program Highlights:
Through positive affirmations, creating empowering daily routines, and building a strong work ethic, students will begin to empower and motivate themselves into believing that anything is possible as long as there is a confidence and a trust in oneself.
TESTIMONIALS
"Thank you for providing such an inspirational message to the young people in the Career Awareness Program at our Fall Harvest Weekend: Celebrating Cultural Diversity. Campers wrote comments like, "The way you made us feel like we could anything was amazing!" -- Miriam Seidenfeld, Director, Career Awareness Day, The Fresh Air Fund, New York, New York
"You had engaged all the children as they sat and listened to your life experience and advice. It was great how you established the children's respect. A mother telephoned me saying how her boys came home and discussed nothing but you." -- Emilia Sadonis, Cultural Arts Chairperson, Our Lady of the Lake School, Verona, New Jersey
"Sometimes when you get down on things in your life, your speaker seems to be just what you need to ground yourself and appreciate everything taken for granted." -- Kristen L. Farrell, Teacher"You gave me so much hope and shed a big beam of light in my path of darkness. Don't ever stop motivating others. You have changed my life and I bet millons of others. So I thank you! When I finish school I will sent you a copy of my diploma and its going to read: "Thank you, this ones for you!" Love Always." -- Amanda, student
"You gave me so much hope and shed a big beam of light in my path of darkness. Don't ever stop motivating others. You have changed my life and I bet millons of others. So I thank you! When I finish school I will sent you a copy of my diploma and its going to read: "Thank you, this ones for you!" Love Always." -- Amanda, student
School Programs: Self-esteem Enhancement
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