Teen Dating Violence

What are we doing in our schools and communities to bring awareness to the problem of teen dating violence?  Susie Kroll brings a very important message.

If you would like to know how to bring Susie to your school contact me at carmela@theelitespeakersbureau.com  and you can find Susie's bio here http://www.theelitespeakersbureau.com/susie_kroll.html

Not your average woman!

There are very few moments that can happen in one’s life that can change everything forever. In a split second your relationships change, your job, your finances, your home, your clothes, your independence. One moment gone terribly wrong and it's all different. On May 23, 2010, Rachelle Friedman was playfully pushed into a pool by her best friend at her bachelorette party just weeks before her wedding.  She hit the bottom of the pool head first, breaking her neck and causing a severe spinal cord injury.  Rachelle had to face a difficult fact.  She was now paralyzed from the chest down and would be a quadriplegic for the rest of her life. 

Rachelle could have easily given up on life, constantly asked why her and wondered what if?  But she made the decision to move forward in her life with positivity and determination.  13 weeks after her injury she began playing adapted sports such as wheelchair rugby, hand cycling and even surfing. Within a year she had appeared on The Today Show, Headline News, MSNBC, Inside Edition and numerous news outlets both nationally and internationally to share her story of love, commitment, loyalty, and perseverance. She has been featured in Cosmopolitan magazine, In Touch magazine and as a guest on Vh1's Couples Therapy. 

Rachelle has made it her mission to spread her story in hope of inspiring others to make the most of each day they are given.  “Why waste your time harping on insignificant things?” Rachelle asks.  “Believe in defining your life by the positive moments and not the negative.”

Rachelle has turned her tragedy into triumph and is determined to teach people how to take control of their own lives. 

Speaking engagements

                                    
Adapted sports day ECU keynote                                                     
East Carolina University Recreation and leisure studies Classes                                                                                     
Run Walk Roll keynote for PITT memorial hospital rehab            
Speaking at Women’s Health Conference speaker                                    
Southern Nash Middle School                                                                                                         
1800-Registry company speaker                                                      
Night by the Ocean Fundraiser for Life Rolls On guest speaker                                                               
Baptist church women's group speaker                                           
NC State University speaker                                                            
HART (health affairs round table) keynote                                    
ECU staff development                                                         
ECU student development                                                                                                                                       
Speaker for continuing Education Courses for caregivers.                                                                       
ECU leadership odyssey group keynote                                          
Town of Greenville, NC guest speaker                                           

Susie Kroll, and her important message

In the realm of teen dating violence, Susie promotes the concept that healthy teen dating relationships will translate into strong and healthy adult relationships. Susie strives to educate both teens and adults about the seriousness of teen dating violence.  She specializes in speaking about Teen Dating Violence and Healthy & Safe Dating.  She conducts workshops, keynotes, trainings, and seminars on issues specifically related to teens and their relationships.  Related topics to Teen Dating Violence include setting boundaries, safe dates, the Dating Bill of Rights, Cycle of Violence, early warning signs of teen dating violence, teen empowerment, and the differences between healthy and potentially destructive dating relationships.  Because most domestic violence relationships that end in fatalities started in high school, she feels it a vital necessity to reach out to teens and work toward prevention and safety.   

In the context of domestic violence, Susie aims to educate listeners on what Domestic Violence is, how the abuser uses power and control, and what tools the abuser uses to maintain their power and control.  She also discusses the myths surrounding Domestic Violence and answers the question, “Why don’t you just leave?”  Susie can combine these elements into one presentation or highlight a single topic for an in-depth presentation, keynote, or workshop.   

In both Domestic Violence and Teen Dating Violence, Susie speaks with compassion, approachability, knowledge, and energy.  Her presentations are layered with a truly touching, amazing, and powerful story about “Jessica,” a friend that came into her life and ultimately survived a harrowing escape from the abuser bent on killing her. 

Public Speaking:

Susie earned a BA in Speech Communication from the University of Washington.  She has spoken to a myriad of audiences on varying topics related and unrelated to Domestic Violence and Teen Dating Violence.  These topics include business communication, teaching public speaking workshops, giving scientific presentations to area junior high and high school science classes and in an academic capacity.  Most recently Susie has spent her time speaking to local high school and junior high school students and community groups about Teen Dating Violence and prevention.  She has also been a participant of Toastmaster’s International. 

Consulting: 

Over the last 6 years Susie has consulted with business owners about organization and taught seminars on effective communication and public speaking.   

Affiliations:

Susie regularly spends time helping with domestic violence related activities at Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County and at Providence Intervention Center for Assault and Abuse.  She has had affiliations with LeTip International in the capacity of Vice President and President of her local business networking chapter.   

Outreach:

Susie frequently volunteers with organizations that serve domestic violence victims and their families.  Currently she lends a hand with youth support groups and at her local shelter.  Susie also works with victims of sexual assault and abuse by serving as an Advocate with Providence Intervention Center for Assault and Abuse where she responds to local ER’s and provides advocacy for sexual assault victims and advocacy via a 24-hour emergency hotline. 

Education: 

BA Speech Communication – University of Washington
BS Zoology with Marine Emphasis - University of Washington

If you would like to consider having Susie Kroll speak at your next event, or have an event already planned that you would like her to speak at, please contact me at carmela@theelitespeakersbureau.com 

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I admit it, I'm a lame pumpkin carver. I have another family member do it usually. But this year I might try it. I did find a  "5 tips for pumpkin carving" that looks good. I might even try the stencil. Here are the 5 tips if you're interested 5 tips for pumpkin carving

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Moms, I think this no sew witch costume is great witch costume for people like me who can't sew. I'm a mom yeah, but I'm not great at all those amazing things that those super amazing moms can do. I can't sew, well, I could if I really tried maybe but I don't want to. So I look for this sort of thing. Also if any of you teens are out there trying to decide what costumes to choose for Halloween, here's 5 tips that might help from The Popular Teen

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