Humbled is an UNDERSTATEMENT!

Dear World, 

As a little girl, I thought my voice was obsolete or secondary to all around me. Not because my parents ignored me or I wasn't called on in class, but because I CONSTANTLY compared myself to others. I truly believed everyone had gifts and talents well beyond mine to the point I felt suffocated and never believed I was smart enough or worth listening to.

SHOCKER! Part of the reason I chose to go into education was to ensure no one ever felt the way I did during my formative years. Thus, banners with USE YOUR POSITIVELY POWERFUL VOICE! and YOUR VOICE MATTERS! hung all over my classroom. My commitment for all youth to embody their wholeness and empower them to confidently and courageously share with the world drives my purpose and passion daily. 

Liz Svatek, founder and owner of the Warrior Women Podcast, invited me on as a guest in early January 2022. We had a candid, critical, and at times uncomfortable conversation regarding today’s youth. The podcast, The Kids are NOT OK aired the first week in January and upon completing the recording, Liz looked me in the eyes and shared, "I know we'll be doing a Part 2!"

Advocating for accessibility and inclusivity for all to feel rich belonging is my passion and purpose in the world! When I received a text that my podcast was picking up speed and quickly rising in the amount of times folks were listening and sharing the podcast blew my mind! *Liz not only saw and heard the impact of what I'm teaching and instilling in children, teens, and young adults, she also created space for others to feel like they weren't alone . . . BECAUSE WE ALL BELONG!

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of sitting down with four brilliant women as Liz lead us through a conversation, Part 2, The Kids are NOT OK. I'm no longer the little girl that questions her voice. In fact, I confidently share that as an out of the box learner myself, I know DISRUPTING our current educational paradigm is paramount. Today's AND tomorrow's youth deserve infinite opportunities to learn, create, and design their own lifelong learning journey and all starts with ensuring WE CHOOSE to create accessible and inclusive spaces for ALL to learn!

Let’s intentionally LISTEN to today’s youth. They are talking and we must pay attention! Part 1 and Part 2 are now at your finger tips! 

Love, 
Dana💛🚀

PS My latest 12 week program, Prepare to Launch for Kids & Teens, will give you AND your child(ren) actionable tools for conscious shifts at home, school, work, and all arenas! To learn more, let's talk!

Do a good DEED, and pass along my email!

WHAT LEARNERS ARE SAYING ABOUT DEED®!

Our time together was never wasted! You helped me so much, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I really do appreciate all of the time you gave me just to talk about my life and side track as well. Thank you for everything Dana! 

~ Liam (10th grade)

I can’t thank Ms. Dana enough for what she’s done for me the past few years. Starting at a young age, Ms. Dana started tutoring me when I was in Pre-k. The next year, I got accepted into PS 33, where I was in Ms. Dana’s class. In class, she pushed me out of my comfort zone, knowing that I would thrive there. I started learning and growing a lot more. Throughout my years at PS 33, Ms. Dana has helped me every step of the way, always pushing me to my full potential. Even when she left PS 33, she would help me with my writing skills. At the end of 5th grade, when I started looking and applying for middle schools, she helped me with my applications, showing me how I could grow as a writer, reader and thinker. She helped me prepare for the ISEE tests in the matter of a few months. I wrote essays for schools, with her analyzing every detail that I wrote and helping me see what I could improve on. With her help, I got accepted into Horace Mann, a private school in the Bronx. Without Ms. Dana, I wouldn’t know where I would be right now. I am so thankful for her help and have learned a lot from her.

~ Nara (8th grade)

Dear Ms.Dana

I can't express my eternal gratitude to you for supporting me with my school work and helping me believe in myself. Also because of you, I feel more confident in my thoughts and work and you have an amazing way of teaching. I am so grateful for meeting you.

~ Jacob (7th grade)

Ms. Dana is the best teacher ever! She wants all her kids to do well and reach their highest potential. She is the most encouraging person I know! Whenever I felt afraid, she made me feel brave. Whenever I felt like I couldn't do something, she made me feel like I could. Whenever I felt shy, she made me realize I could shine. Thanks to her, I have been successful in my later grades. She gave me confidence in my ideas and thoughts so that I do not feel scared to share them with others. I don't know where I would be without her. Because of her, I know I can do anything I put my mind to. She will always be very special to me. I'm very lucky I had her as a teacher, and I am so thankful for her! She is the best!!! 

-Ava (6th grade)

Dana is a good friend to have. I’m glad I have her to support me.💜

~ Matilda (2nd grade)