My “Why”

Many think that child victimization–whether it’s bullying, abuse, or trafficking–is an intractable problem.

It is NOT.

There’s a LOT that can be done to protect our kids, and I REFUSE to accept the status quo.

In my work, I teach parents how to empower their kids to avoid bullies and predators and escape dangerous encounters. I’m convinced that if every parent followed the ideas, methods, and tools I share, we could break the generational cycle of violence and keep millions more kids safe.

MILLIONS.

Just imagine the movement that would create!

People always say someone should DO something to end child abuse. Well, I’M someone and I’m doing something about it! 

And who can stand up more powerfully for children than someone who’s been there? I’m a survivor myself. I’ve lived with trauma and PTSD most of my life, and I can’t bear the idea of any child having to carry that. I say, ENOUGH!

Be Part of This Movement

If a 5’-nothing grandma like me can start a movement, just imagine how many kids we could protect if we worked together!

I need the help of people like YOU to:

  1. Step up and empower your own kids and grandkids.

  2. Be an advocate for the kids in your community—if you see or suspect something, say something.

  3. Help me get my message out to others so they can be badass parents too.

Let’s stop complaining about the problem and actually DO something to fix it! Working together, we’ll make an indelible difference in the lives of countless kids.

Join me and be the badass change in the world our kids deserve!

My life's work and passion revolve around empowering others to lead safe, savvy, confident lives. I’m particularly dedicated to supporting hard-working parents, children, and survivors of violence and abuse.

Explore my services page to discover how I can help you claim your power, enabling you to become the formidable and nurturing parent or caregiver your child truly deserves!

How Can I Serve You Today?



Now, just for kicks, here are 10 fun facts about me! 

My first “real” job was as a roller-skating carhop at a Sonic drive-in.

I was kicked out of Mrs. Witherspoon’s business class in 1978 for being “impudent” after declaring I would be President of the United States when asked what my plans were after graduation.

I once entered a Rodeo Queen contest on a dare, having ridden a horse only one time before that. I won third place (out of three contestants).

I fought fires for the U.S. Forest Service and planted tens of thousands of trees in the mountains of Arkansas and Oklahoma.

I stood on the skids of a Huey helicopter and shot a Gatling gun while screaming like a banshee when I served as a Marine Corps photojournalist.

On my first day on the job in the Marines, I stopped a war. Seriously! (Okay, it was just a joint Navy-Marine Corps military exercise, but I stopped it nonetheless by calling for a “cease-fire” when I was escorting a news crew that wanted to get a shot of the machine gunners. Hey! How was I supposed to know they were firing blanks?)

I dated one of the Iranian hostages (after he was released from captivity, of course).

I was named one of the “Happy 100” people on the planet!

Not surprisingly, I was selected as Miss Optimist by the Optimist Club in 1976.

My story of triumph over adversity is featured in two bestselling books, Happy for No Reason and Be Invincible.

Firefighter at 18

Honor Graduate

Mom at 31

Badass Grandma at ??