A passionate speaker whose contagious enthusiasm has motivated students for 27 years, Dr. Paul has delivered thousands of captivating programs that describe the positive perspectives and realities of growing up with cerebral palsy. He has captivated students at peer leadership conferences, motivated thousands of athletes and coaches at the Special Olympics, and inspired government representatives at the United Nations. Dr. Paul shares personal experiences with humor to instill a sense of hope and inspiration that motivates his students 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 demonstrate ways that students can develop positive qualities that are a reflection of their positive attitudes, academic achievements, and interpersonal skills. Speakers will examine the different ways we define ourselves and are defined by others, encouraging students to enhance their own self-image and identity.
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.
TESTIMONIALS
"Your keynote brought a powerful message to our peer leaders regarding the ability we all possess to accomplish goals we set for ourselves." -- Diane Litterer, MPA, CPS, Executive Director, Prevention Links
"I really think that you had to have had a lot of courage to speak to us. I really liked the presentation that you gave and it even brought tears to my eyes because I don't know what I would do if that happened to me. I hope that you do accomplish more of your dreams in the long run, you deserve all the world and then some for what you have done." -- Casey, 8th Grader, Upper Freehold Middle School, Allentown, New Jersey
"Your delivery was innovative, informative, artistically pleasing and hilarious! You clearly presented a few of the difficulties and challenges you have faced in your lifetime. Your conscious choice to focus on the positives helped the audience to witness personally your spoken presentation, on behalf of A Vision in Motion." -- Marilyn D. Kinelski, Coordinator of Special Projects, Prevention First, Oakhurst, New Jersey
"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
"The most impressive and motivational person in my life. I will make sure that my children know and meet your speaker. I strongly believe that he is going to become their role model. Today, I finally found mine!" -- D. Capnik, Parent
The presentations were outstanding. Your speaker targeted our students' unique character issues, inspiring them to focus on their strengths, desires, and goals to achieve their dreams." -- Debbie Boyce-Ortiz, Mt. Olive PTA President, Budd Lake, New Jersey
"Very inspiring - definitely made me think as well as feel. Your speaker is extremely positive and uplifting - a great lesson on life and how amazing it can be!" -- Karin Jacobus, Teacher
School Programs: Peer Leadership & Communication
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