Biography

Scott Chesney has spoken to over one million peolpe in 38 countries, motivating and inspiring them to live their lives to the fullest. He has combined his personal experiences of being paralyzed since the age of 15 with amazing adventures of courage and fortitude during his two world tours. His S.E.E.K. (Self-Esteem Enhancement for Kids) program is a series of empowerment presentations that are customized to meet each and every school’s personal needs.

Believing that every issue affecting today’s youth can be traced back to one’s self-esteem, Scott challenges students to examine their lives on the deepest of levels and helps them to access their greatness. His blueprint for helping students journey from where they currently are in their lives to where they want to be, creates a strong foundation of self-esteem and reinforces the his overall message that “anything is possible when one dream, believes, and works to achieve.” He compliments his school presentations by delivering dynamic and transformational staff development and parent workshops. An inspiring video that chronicles the trials and tribulations of his life with photos from around the world and his skydiving adventure is one of the many highlights that his programs deliver.

In addition to being a two-time world traveler and a person with a disability, Scott is the owner of his own business, a firewalker on his hands, skydiver, mentor, husband, and the father of two amazing children.

Program titles:

• S.E.E.K. (Self-Esteem Enhancement for Kids) and Find Yourself!
• Disabilities & Unlimited Possibilities … A Lesson of Acceptance
• Locating the Leader Within You
• Dream, Believe, & Work to Achieve
• How Do I Go On? Navigating Life When Adversity Strikes
• Getting HIGH on Life!
• The Power To Choose: Taking Responsibility for Your Own Actions
• Healing the Roots of Violence
• Filling Your Own Cup: Reconnection with Yourself and Your Child

DREAM, BELIEVE, & WORK TO ACHIEVE
Let’s bring back the power of a child’s imagination: his or her ability to create on the inside, because that is where dreams really do begin. Numerous tests have shown that imagery, visualization, or conscious dreaming can enhance one’s ability to create. Athletes, musicians, scholars, and people from various other walks of life have benefited from this easy practice. Imagine a child visualizing the perfect friend or a teen-ager imagining scoring a perfect score on a test or hitting a home run in a baseball game. The possibilities are unlimited and when combined with the power of belief, in oneself first, and a good work ethic that combines passion and enthusiasm, anything is within one’s reach. Scott shares examples of dreams coming true in his own life and the dreams of others who are well-known to kids. They will learn how dreams can even come true for people with disabilities. As a finale, Scott will show an 8-minute video of his trip around the world.

In this presentation, the following topics will be addressed:

Creative visualization, dreams, and imagery
Defining belief and identifying examples of belief that the children and teens already have.
Reinterpreting the meaning of work so that it becomes enjoyable and helps you reach your goals.
The importance of being one’s own best friend and building a solid foundation within oneself.
This presentation runs for approximately 45 minutes and is followed by a 15 minute discussion/question and answer period with the students.

GETTING HIGH ON LIFE

More than ever before in the history of our world, children and teens are being pressured
into experimenting with drugs and alcohol. In this direct, emotional, and empowering
presentation, Scott engages his audience with a series of questions from which they need
to choose related to drugs and alcohol. A major emphasis is placed on our power to choose
in any situation and what is needed to examine the costs and payoffs of our choices. While
discussing the details of some of the more popular drugs and alcohol, Scott shares real-life
stories of people who made poor decisions and are now suffering the consequences.

The following topics are covered in this presentation that has been embraced by hundreds of schools,
especially during drug and alcohol awareness weeks that are commonly held in the schools:

1. What are drugs and alcohol and why can they be harmful and dangerous
2. Peer-pressure in relation to drugs and alcohol
3. Evaluating costs/payoffs, pros and cons, and our power to choose
4. Alternatives to drugs and alcohol…the natural highs
5. Handling/dealing with friends or peers who take drugs and drink alcohol
6. Profound examples of the lives of real drug and alcohol users

DISABILITIES & UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES: A LESSON OF ACCEPTANCE
It was once said that “a true disability could only reside in one�s attitude.” Even a person with a disability can develop an attitude of gratitude by acknowledging everything that the world stills has to offer. When anyone, whether it is a child or an adult, is accepting and comfortable with oneself, life is a breeze. Building this inner-strength and peace within a child can be compared to building the foundation of a house. Without this infrastructure the house will inevitably come tumbling down — it�s just a matter of time. In this presentation, kids learn the importance of being one�s own best friend and recognizing and accepting one�s limitations. Once a child is comfortable in his or her own skin, the foundation has been built and the process of cultivating friendships with others can really be explored and appreciated. They will learn how they can see themselves in other people and the importance of being non-judgmental, accepting, and having the ability to tolerate others. By the end of the presentation, the kids have a newfound appreciation for who they are and a better understanding of the uniqueness of others and how we can all co-exist. As a finale, Scott will show an 8-minute video of his trip around the world.

In this presentation, the following topics are covered:

The importance of learning to accept oneself, inside and out.
How to accept others no matter what situation presents itself.
Identifying various types of disabilities and the limitations and contained within each.
Discussing how one can accept someone with a disability and make a lasting friend.
This presentation runs for approximately 45 minutes and is followed by a 15- minute discussion/question and answer period with the students.

“I have been using keynote speakers/presentations at athletic assemblies for the past ten years, for each athletic season.  Scott is easily one of the best presenters that I have had… So much so that I have used him as a presenter 3 times… Really great message and a tremendous public speaker.”–Nic Nese, Athletic Director, Passaic County High School of Technology

“The students are still talking about him and the life lessons he addressed during his visit. One fourth grade student said, ““Scott is an amazing person…If he can accomplish the challenging tasks he has, imagine what we can do if we just try our best!” I think this sums what all of the students took away from Scott’s program. They were reminded of the value of diversity and the importance of self-empowerment.” —Carolyn Mungo, Director, Unity Charter School

It is with deep pleasure that I recommend Scott as a dynamic speaker for children and teens. He has spoken to the entire Cedar Grove school district many times and the students enjoy his motivating words each time he speaks. Scott has shared his stories with us, but more importantly he has shared himself with us — his trials and triumphs. He has this positive energy that encourages everyone to become a part of his program and he allows our students to become his friend. He teaches the students to set goals and reach for the stars!” — Stephanie Schwartz, SAC, Cedar Grove

“Our students, faculty and parents were so pleased with the phenomenal presentation by Scott Chesney. The students were genuinely excited and impressed. Motivating 500 middle school students is not a small accomplishment by any means.” –Robert N. Franks, Principal, Dover Middle School

“ASAH….serving the private special education community since 1974 held its 30th annual conference with Scott Chesney as the keynote speaker on Friday, November 3rd in Atlantic City. What a beautiful presentation Scott had given us! To quote one of our 1500 attendees, Scott was super and very motivating! Our organization was truly very grateful to have Scott address our audience. We have received nothing but positive feedback since. He emotionally touched the audience as well as given them something to think about and hold onto. Many thanks to you and Scott for a magical day!” –Susan Recce, ASAH Assistant Director

“I was most impressed with your presentation. Your words to the young men and their mothers were most special. Self-confidence and working through challenges and setbacks is a most appropriate message for our boys.” — Rev. Michael E. Kelly, Headmaster, Seton Hall Preparatory School

“Scott entered my life at never a more crucial moment. At a time where I had lost all hope, he returned me to the possibilities. At a time where this world of wheels looked grim, he reinstated a faith in me that I had never found anywhere else. His devotion to helping others above himself is nothing short of miraculous in this world of “me first.” He is a man with a mission and my life has been all the richer since knowing him.” –Matt, age 22, Student