In the past few decades we’ve made tremendous progress in science and technology—but when it comes to knowing who we really are as individuals and what motivates us, we’re still mostly in the dark. We’re also virtually clueless about what’s going on with others, including the people we’re closest to. Since this is true even for highly educated adults, how can we expect middle and high school kids to know themselves well enough to make ethical choices?

“Just like any good parent, I support our kids in becoming thoughtful, compassionate, and socially responsible adults.”

Annie’s humorous and highly interactive style makes her an adult who students instantly trust. Using real-world examples, she helps middle and high school kids see that while they can’t control other people’s behavior, they can control their own choices. Annie teaches tweens and teens that when they take time to calm down and think things through, they’re more likely to make healthy choices and less likely to do something they’ll later regret. Conscious choice-making gives young people the power to make positive changes in their lives.

Annie offers customized student assemblies. Her age-appropriate topics include:

• Real Friends vs The Other Kind — Understanding what it takes to be a good friend
• Cybersafety — Enjoying digital technology in responsible ways
• Going Your Own Way in Middle School and Beyond — Trusting yourself and ending peer approval addiction
• Being the Change — Realizing your power to change the world and your corner of it
• The Boyfriend/Girlfriend Zone — Learning the elements of a healthy relationship (the only kind worth having)
• Too Stressed to Think? — Learning to use the mind-body connection to make smart choices when the pressure’s on

See Annie at the Phoenix Public Library—streaming video of presentation
(RealPlayer needed)