What PARENTS are saying about the impact Susie makes: 

"I attended (LEGACY OF HOPE) with my husband. We found your message powerful and inspirational. My husband was also impressed and he finally 'gets it!'  For many years I have had numerous conversations regarding parenting with him and he finally understands through your messages that parenting & awareness are key!!! Thank you!" 

"My daughter, a freshman, retold your stories to me ... in amazing detail. She was deeply moved by your presentation to the students. She said that it made these issues real to her, not just an adult saying "don't do this."

"The timing of your presentation was a God-send. She is learning at the speed of light as teens do, and every moment we can grab with them, to love them and communicate with them is precious.

"Thank you for your gift to our community ... and to my family ... how blessed I felt to sit next to her and listen to her as she shared your truths. That's pretty wonderful."

What School Administrators are saying about Susie:

"Susie was the best staff development speaker that we have ever had!"
"She kept us on the edge of our seats, she was great!"
"Your presentation put the spotlight on the heart of the (diversity) issue."

City of Santa Clarita 'Teen Scene Unplugged' Parent-Teen Community Program
"Susie's 8 different characters are on the cutting edge of (prevention) information!"

New York Counseling Association, Bonnie McCaig, Convention Coordinator
"Susie is a conference coordinator's dream come true! She made our convention a resounding success!!!"

Director of Nursing, Riverside Community College:

"You are amazing to be able to perform and keep that crowd under control! Though kids sure don't have the manners that they used to - you got through loud and clear! I was particularly impressed with your ability to elicit and discuss FEELINGS."

Adult Conference Attendee, Georgia 4H:

"The best and most realistic program I have ever seen at any state or national conference in over 30 years of professional work!"
Community-Parent Program, Plattsburgh, New York, parent:
"Thank you so much for your no-nonsense, straight to the point, psychologically sound, caring and thoroughly entertaining and moving performance! Your program has jump started many new people into action!"

Student Attendee, Wisconsin-UM Key Club Conference, Fifteen year old girl:

"Legacy Of Hope^® and your stress workshop literally transformed my life. You truly show other people the face of God, and probably have saved many lives."

LASTING IMPACT!

"I met you ten years ago. I saw your performance in high school. I remember sharing my fears with you.

"THANK YOU FOR INSPIRING ME!" I currently work for Orange County Probation. You influenced my life and I know there are many others that feel the same."
PROFESSIONAL OPINION: Psychotherapist and High School SAP (Student Assistance)

"YOU ARE AWESOME!!! I've been to many training's and seen several motivational speakers, but when I saw you...I kept thinking, 'Wow, I'd love to have the kids at my high school hear her,' then even more so I thought, 'I wish the teachers and parents could hear this.' Please KEEP DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING!"

St. Matthews United Methodist Church, Pastor:

"What a positive experience this was for our church. A win/win - Church/Community/School partnership - a difference in the lives of our kids and increase in visibility for our church. . . it had a tremendous impact on both youth and their parents."

Inspired Audiences said:

"If you can face audience after audience candidly revealing your life, it shows me that I no longer need to "hide" my secrets and my shame."
"Seeing you has inspired me to take better care of myself."

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American Counseling Association, Branch Leadership Workshop, comments from the audience: "Legacy Of Hope^® was absolutely outstanding!!" "one of the best presentations ACA has had...worth more than 1,000 business meetings! Associate Executive Director for Professional Affairs, Carol A. Neiman, workshop planner: "Can't do any better than these appreciative comments!"

American Counseling Association, Western Region, Chair, Dr. Neva C. Owens: one of the most relevant, most impactful and meaningful offerings I have yet to witness."

California Association of Hospitals and Health Systems, Chairman of the Director's Coordinating Council, Dir. of Volunteer Services, Mary Elizabeth Jones: "the audience (was left) spellbound! World-class speaker to youngsters and oldsters alike." Evaluations said: WOW! Incredible! BEST EVER! Susie was the highlight of the convention!" Conference Highlight

California Crime Prevention Officers Association, Jan Sener, State President : A perfect fit to our program. The standing ovation you received was well deserved and reflects the impact you had on our attendees. A sure winner for their conference." Conference Winner

Washington Counseling Association, President, Dr. Dan Windisch: "In the 11 years I have attended our state conference there has never been a keynoter who received better evaluations, moved the audience more, or who received a standing ovation. Susie really cared to support our profession and its challenges in the schools and agencies. I also had her present her 3-hour "HEAL THE HEALER program of interaction, spiritual uplift, and deep relaxation."

Florida Counseling Association, Shelly Hollingsworth, F.C.A. Convention Coordinator: "So easy to work with, so tolerant of last minute changes, so willing to spend time with our delegates assisting them in tackling their own personal challenges. You're the best!"
"The real winners were those who also attended your breakout session - only positive feedback from my peers.
"It was so very nice to be stopped in the lobby to be thanked for bringing you to our event!" THANKS from Conference Attendees

Teen Dating Violence Conference, Women's Transitional Living Center, Director, Judith Ann Bambis, M.S.: "All eyes in the room were riveted. The obvious choice to open a teen conference during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Her ability to reach an audience are awe-inspiring. Susie is genuine, approachable, warm, a bundle of energy, and extraordinarily committed to her mission of Hope." Effective Violence Prevention

National Association of Social Workers, Coordinator, 1999 Addiction Institute, Clarie Fleming, CSW, CASAC, CEAP, BCD, SAP: "A very powerful performance, audience found extremely inspiring."

Georgia 4-H Conference, Camping & Outdoor Programs, Univeristy o f Georgia, State Specialist, Jeff Sallee: "I can't begin to tell you how many positive comments I received. Our leaders tell me, 'That was just what our kids needed!' Most common statement: 'I have never seen that many 4-H'ers (900) so attentive for so long!' ...I appreciate you 'sticking around', available to those youth who wanted to share their feelings and personal situations.
It is an exceptional speaker who will follow up and follow through...you made a profound impact."

Ex-California State Governor Pete Wilson: "The time, talent and energy you have committed to helping at-risk children reach their full potential represents the most admirable kind of civic and humanitarian spirit. Legacy Of Hope^® recreates scenarios that young people are often faced with and offers approaches to better handle challenging situations."

LOS ANGELES TIMES, Jerry Hicks: "She is terrific. Try performing solo for an audience of young people in a continuation school who find skepticism easy.
Her overall message is upbeat, that they can overcome difficulties if they find positive
outlets for their emotions. She understood the upheaval in their lives."

Future Homemakers of America, Betty Ford, National & Regional Meetings Manager: "On behalf of over 10,600 students and adults. . . super job. overwhelming response and standing ovations! De-Stress for SuccessT was a huge success! Your sincerity, generosity and spirit are not limited to stage but a part of your life." "Thanks for motivating my students in such an inspirational way!" Georgia FCCLA Advisor

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Rhode Island), Gabrielle Abbate, Asst. Executive Director: "you "touched" everyone at TeamSpirit, adults and youth. I've been receiving e-mail, mail, cards, and phone calls from students and their parents who are in awe of what took place...Your sincere nature and ability to gain the trust of two diverse generations speaks highly of the effort you put into life..my highest praise." Trusted by Youth and Adults

MADD, Michigan, Youth Issues Coordinator, Shannon R. Garrison: "Susie gives a great show. She takes the time beforehand to talk with the coordinator and get to know her audience and setting. I recommend Susie to any high school or conference, with confidence that they too would be extremely satisfied" Conference Coordinator extremely satisfied

Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist, Church Senior Pastor, Dr. Julius Del Pino: "Because of your keen sensitivity and commitment to justice in the American family, I am convinced that every community of faith would benefit from you wisdom, experience, and knowledge."

Carolinas District KEY Club Conference, District Administrator, J.Scott Johnson: "The response was phenomenal! Your workshops were by far the best attended. A big part of our conventions success." BLUEPRINT (Key Club Newsletter): "A startlingly sincere performance that set the stage for a fantastic convention."

CITY OF LA PALMA, Council Member, Chair of Red Ribbon Week, Lauree Aragona: "Previous programs were not reaching kids at risk. A new approach (in) Legacy Of Hope^® gave a golden opportunity to make a difference. (You) captured the junior and senior high school students, helping them realize they have choices. Over 200 students sought your help after the assemblies. Goals were achieved!"

CNN News, San Bernardino, Executive Producer, Lacey A. Kendall: "Most rewarding to 'discover' such an inspirational hero as is Susie Vanderlip!"

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Colorado, Lake County School District R-1, , Special Programs Coordinator, Nancy T. Bell: "Our goal was to galvanize the students into action, to change the attitudes and statistics: 75% of students have access to drugs and alcohol; 50% were regularly using. We were hoping Susie would initiate participation in discussion and peer counseling groups. The results far exceeded our expectations. Susie made a big difference in our community... such a positive intensity, physically, emotionally and spiritually." Specific Results

Texas, Georgetown School District, Social Issues Coordinator, Tamara Marie Coomer: "An extremely high caliber performer and speaker. . . highly professional, passionate, and knowledgeable. Many high school parents informed me her assembly was first school event their child has told them about in years." Parent Reaction

Idaho, COSAC Chairperson, Sharon Frost: "Susie was eagerly accepted by 7th to 12th graders in farming, rodeo and rural communities. Our Hispanic junior high boys attended and participated [in jazz dance workshop, impressed by her and her presentation." Rural Community

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High Schools

Arkansas, Middle School - TEACHER - 2002
"Response has been awesome!!!! Kids have been flooding my office telling me "I felt like she was talking to me." or "I could relate to everyone of those characters." Another student woke up at 4:00 a.m. with a kid on his mind and asked me if he could talk to him because the kid had mentioned suicide. They talked for about an hour--peer helper already. It was definitely a success!" Reached suicidal teen

Colorado, Smoky Hill High School, Student Leadership Advisor, Ron Hogan: "Susie lights up the stage. Student's response was a real connection with Susie. She reaches us in ways no one else can. She is a warm and charismatic presenter, easy and delightful to work with." About Susie

Georgia, Lakeview - Fort Oglethorpe High School, Counselor, Ray Cox: "Without a doubt the best program we have had. This program should be required in the high school curriculum." Best Ever

Indiana, Merrillville Community Schools, Coordinator, Jerrold Kasarda: "One veteran teacher who does not often give compliments, stated: the best in all of his years of teaching. Over 250 students on the follow-up survey said that they would join a support group. ..impressed how many students talked with you about their unresolved feelings following the assembly. You gave them courage to confront their inadequacy, Hopelessness and anger. Our highest praise." Gave courage; inspired support group

Kansas, Liberal Senior High School, Guidance Counselor, Vivian Dirks: "Susie is one of the most influential ladies I've ever met. An impeccable performance that affects the lives of both adults and teens in a positive way. The highlight: she not only exposes problems, but offers solutions. Phenominal."

Tennessee, Northeast High School, FHA/Hero Advisor, Martha Kelsey: "Students truly could not stop talking about it. Never before seen such a unique and remarkable story acted out. Not only (held) attention of our whole student body, but moved them all to a standing ovation. Susie's sincere interest in young people is communicated through her very touching and warm approach. I believe that this program is one of the best." Standing ovation

Colorado, Moffat County High School, Counselor/Dean, Andrew Young/Jim Loughran: "Refreshingly unique and energetic, grabbing student attention. Powerful and personal. Feedback was surprisingly positive and open. From responses, we were able to organize support groups for youth in need. Susie Vanderlip can help you make positive changes in the students' attitudes and behaviors. . . one of the best choices for drug and alcohol prevention education." Best choice for prevention, make positive change

California, Valencia High School, Dean of Students, Lynn Parish: "Mesmerized our students for an entire hour. Never received as many positive comments from students and parents as I have following Legacy Of Hope^®." Most positive responses ever

Arkansas, Haines High School, Teacher, Joann Ross Cunningham: "An amazing assembly! The dancing was wonderful, the presenter so talented and touching, her message so right for the youth of our community."

California, Buena Park High School, Assistant Principal, Marv Abrams: "Masterfully portrayed and appreciated by even the "coolest" in the crowd. This is a spiffy, polished production, as practiced and perfected as a Broadway classic."

Massachusetts, Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School, Counselor and MA Association of Peer Helpers Conference Chairperson, Corinne Pridham: "No discipline problems during the assemblies...a rare occurrence! I commend (Susie's) ability to capture such audiences! Obvious to all, (Susie) truly cares about kids--all kids. Your assembly (is) a strong message that reaches a diverse population." Reaches diverse population

California, Redlands High School, Peer Leader Advisor, Thais Kanold: "Teachers and two assistant principals wrote "thank you" notes to me for such an appropriate, creative event and for the thorough Teachers' Guide Ms. Vanderlip provided. This kind of unsolicited, positive feedback is not the norm from teens and busy teachers...they sincerely (were) impressed." Unsolicited Teacher THANK YOU's!

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Middle Schools

California, Stacey Intermediate School, Principal, Carol Hansen: "Hits home and keeps their attention like no other assembly presented in schools today! Students opened up like never before!

Colorado, Berry Creek Middle School, Guidance Counselor, Laurie Mooney: "I have worked with middle school students for 13 years. This was the most riveting presentation I have seen"

Pennsylvania, Govenor Mifflin School District, Richard C. Hampton: "Perfomed for 7th through 12th grades: students at all grades levels emotionally touched. A Guidance Counselor in our middle school stated, 'Without a doubt, the best presentation I have seen of this type.' Her follow-up with students motivated them to address and seek assistance for their problems." She left them with a sense of Hope.

California, Tropico Middle School, Assistant Principal, Ina Scott: "Susie's skill and understanding of this age group was evident...ability to refocus attention and to do so in a gracious and good-humored manner. She is generous in the time she devotes to individual students after the assembly... puts her message of Hope into action. undoubtedly one of the finest assemblies." About Susie

California, De Anza Junior High School, Lead Counselor, Jim Shinn: "My students (all of them) appreciated very much the style and content of the program... visual and performing arts (are) a wonderful medium. . . students very much liked the cultural sensitivity in (her) program. Our student population is 99% Latino.
Culturally