Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there follow-up materials included?
A: Yes. I always include follow-up materials and two strategy calls to plan how you’ll reinforce the message. One-and-done isn’t effective.
Q: Do you offer in-service or district-wide training for staff on bullying?
Yes. I offer a half day (3 hour) and full day (6 hour) staff training packed with real-life scenarios, hands-on practice, and plenty of comedy. Your team will leave with practical strategies for reducing aggression, building resilience, and peacefully resolving conflicts. If you want your staff to rethink bullying, have a common language, and reduce incident reports – this is the best option!
Q: You’ve spoken to our school in the past. Would you give the same speech again?
A: No. My Multi-Year Programming allows us to strategically rollout the messaging and dive deeper each year. A pre/post assessment is used to pinpoint where students are struggling in aggression and resilience, so that the message is catered to your school’s specific challenges.
Q: We have a small budget. Do you offer discounts for schools like ours?
A: Yes. We never turn schools away due to budget. It only impacts how much we can help. Save up to 75% by joining a tour or choosing a virtual presentation. These funding options can help. If you’re willing to get creative and seek funding sources…we can make it work.
Q: Do you charge for travel expenses?
A: No. That’s included in the all-inclusive price. We always quote one flat rate. You don’t have to worry about getting invoiced with travel, lodging, and food bills, and we don’t have to keep track of a million receipts. :o)
Q: We already have initiatives that address bullying. How would your program work with what we already have?
A: We serve many schools that already have existing programs. Why? The “Peace Sign Approach”. is the recipient of two international awards and recognized by the United Nations for effectiveness in conflict resolution and excellence in bullying prevention. Over 3 million people have been trained live and over 3,000 schools use these techniques. Schools use this because it’s easy to implement and reduces aggression, while raising resilience.
It’s as simple as equipping your students with social skills, emotional coping techniques, and conflict resolution skills that they can use in response to mean behavior.
Q: In the past, there’s been a line out of the counselor office after we’ve hosted a speaker. Will hosting you cause reporting to increase?
A: No. We usually see the opposite. Anti-bullying speakers and programs often label any mean behavior as bullying and encourage students to “report all incidents”. This creates a victim mentality in students and chaos for staff.
I teach students to report criminal behavior (when someone tries to harm their body or property) and how to resolve social SQUABBLES on their own. These are minute acts of aggression (someone trying to hurt their feelings). I often hear that reporting decreases after my presentation because it teaches the kids how to respond, without the need for adult intervention. This makes the job of educators easier. You don’t need a mountain of paperwork every time someone is rude. Students are always encouraged to seek help from a trusted adult if they are in danger or need support.
Q: Is your speech overly emotional or intense? In the past some students have struggled to process what was shared.
A: No. Laughter, tears and conversation is how we process our feelings, so it’s normal to see some of this. Still, my goal is not to motivate and play on people’s emotions. My job is to equip students and grow ups with practical skill through the medium of storytelling, real-life scenarios, and humor.
Some speakers think that it’s important to make the kids cry. The message tends to be more emotional versus practical. I believe this is manipulative and unnecessary. Instead, I do my best to share my message with empathy, while still challenging students as I would want a caring adult to challenge me.
Q: What kind of equipment is required for us to host your programs?
A: When I speak to students, I only need a quality sound system, microphone, and mic stand. For parents and educators, I also ask for a projector and screen. Nervous that your equipment won’t cut it? No worries, simply let us know at the time of booking. We have equipment on hand for rental, just in case you need it.
Q: Is your assembly entertaining?
A: Yes! I deliver quality content that will inspire and equip your students. Kids often ask if I do stand-up comedy! In addition to psychologically-sound content, you’ll notice clean side-splitting jokes, real-life stories, a pinch of music, illusions, and audience interaction. Sing with me… “A spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down… in a most delightful way!” (aw… that was precious)
Q: Does your program talk about suicide/self-injurious behaviors?
A: Yes and no. I typically discuss feeling like you want to give up and discuss how to cope with those feelings. Suicide is a difficult topic to discuss in a large group format, such as a school assembly.
As a mental health professional and youth treatment specialist, I believe that conversations regarding the delicate issue of suicide are best handled one-on-one or in a small group with a school-approved and licensed mental health professional. Suicide stories are not inspiring. Stories of resilience, however, and skills needed to navigate challenges are. I focus on those.
Q: What type of events do you normally present at?
A: I present at a wide range of student events: elementary, middle, and high school assemblies, student leadership conferences/summits, camps, churches/non-profit organizations, and colleges/universities. I also speak to adults at parenting seminars, staff in-service trainings, and conferences for educators and mental health professionals.
Sorry, but I don’t do birthday parties or funerals. Yes, I HAVE been asked for both… Awkward. 🙁