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.
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.
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.
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 passionate speaker whose contagious enthusiasm has motivated students for 23 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.
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.
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.
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.
Program Objectives:
Emphasizes the strategies and workable approaches that we can use to empower students so that they will disarm and disregard weapons, gangs, bullying and any other forms of violence, hazing and intimidation in our schools and communities. Areas of focus include: promoting respect and tolerance, managing anger, resolving conflicts peacefully, supporting safety, and uniting in action for positive change.
Our presenters have first-hand experience in working with those who have been victims and perpetrators. Custom-designed keynote and workshop presentations are also available.
Program Highlights:
Speakers will share their personal experiences in order to build self-confidence and self-esteem that students need to realize their full potential. The idea that respect and integrity are qualities that must be earned is emphasized.
"The speaker has always done a wonderful job of helping children understand that, with determination and hard work (and confidence in oneself), you can achieve success in your endeavors and fulfill dreams. Besides motivating children to "try," you also help them appreciate others -- all others. The speaker is also great in helping students to understand ways to overcome problems and handle teasing." -- E. Abbott, Teacher, Lafayette Mills School, Manalapan, New Jersey
"The children came back to my classroom waiting to share their thoughts and feelings. They were amazed by how their perceptions changed and heard the message loud and clear. We're (they're) trying out his strategy to smile when you are being teased. One student said it was the best program she'd seen at school." -- Susan Benanchietti, Teacher, Lincoln-Hubbard School, Summit, New Jersey
"I have realized that to get to your dreams, you have to be able to trip and fall once in a while to learn from your mistakes." -- Christen, Sixth-grader, Morris Plains Borough School, Morris Plains, New Jersey
School Programs: Conflict Resolution & Anti-Bullying
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