"Kristen was absolutely phenomenal! Our students and staff were engaged from start to finish and she really knows how to relate with students. We would welcome her back anytime!"  Kristen Hopkins is on a mission to positively impact families around the world who are not embedding social and emotional learning skills in the home. Less Talk, More SEL is an empowerment forum powered by Dangers of the Mind designed to teach and empower parents, community leaders and educators.

"Kristen- You are a Rockstar, THEY LOVED YOU!  Thank you for putting together such an engaging and powerful session. I love how passionate you are and how you introduced the kids you work with as High Promising Youth! What a positive message. Thank you!"

The experience I have had using the Dangers of the Mind (DOM) curriculum is that it works well with youth regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion and socio-economic status because: 1) a good leader can incorporate culture and/or tradition into the sessions; 2) it builds on the strengths of each youth involved and provides ways for the youth to become a part of something positive; and 3) the support not only comes from the leader but from each member of the group because they learn to use the skills they are being taught by practicing with each other and then with people outside of the group. DOM has been a great addition to the services we provide here at Boys & Girls Clubs of Durham and Orange County, especially because it is the youth’s choice whether they want to be a part of the group and it is not forced on them. DOM is an awesome journey for youth to experience. It’s relational, practical and empowering – it shows them how they are ready and able to lead, serve and make a difference now. DOM encouraged a real sense of community and support in our youth group; a real sense of openness and trust was present. I love journeying with the youth and seeing them be challenged and grow into a deeper relationship with self, others and the community. DOM works for our kids!"

It was a powerful experience for my students to hear Kristen's message about each person's ability to achieve their fullest potential. We all need to reminded that ultimately we control our own success. Having a Windsor alum deliver the message made the experience exceptional.

Thank you so much for helping make our Student Leadership Conference a HUGE success. You were beyond fantastic and set the perfect tone for the conference. It was magical how you connected with our students... you really inspired them! In one hour you propelled this group years ahead in our quest to instill the notions which you expound. I think you felt the energy from this group and can see that TRIO is built upon your 'Dangers of the Mind' concepts. Selfishly, it was also great to work with you - you understood our needs and were a pleasure to work with - easygoing, professional and open.

We can all benefit from this book and we can all apply it in a larger prospective to different dialog.

The young men and women who participate in our programs are taking their first - sometimes difficult steps as working professionals. As they explore their strengths, weaknesses and passions, they'll encounter many of the Dangers of the Mind, Kristen spoke about as our Fall 2014 Career Boot Camp keynote speaker. The strategies Kristen shared about combating those headwinds beautifully complements the personal and professional development training our students receive at the Washington Center.