REAL TeenTalk & InnerStarGirl Testimonials
Today was a pretty special day. Today I attended a workshop and it was all about girls being comfortable in their own skins. This class had three main points and they were: My Self-Esteem and Body Image Perception, Toxic or Healthy Friendships, and how to Navigate/Survive Middle School and High School! I got together with about 28 girls, all ranging from 10-14 and we talked with these other girls that were sort of like our "mentors" and they were all in high school. We split into 3 different groups, alternating for each subject. We then talked about our struggles in each topic and our strengths. We got to tell stories about our past and what we are feeling now and it felt GOOD to get it all off my chest! The exercise reassured me that I can be confident no matter what obstacle gets in my way and helped me increase a TON of self-esteem. Note: I am not wearing any makeup, didn't straighten my hair, didn't tamper with the photo, nothing. It's taken so much courage not to edit this photo but I'm doing it! I love myself and I hope it stays that way! I highly recommend this workshop for young girls going through hard times or just needs some advice because I know that I feel better and more confident about myself after that class!
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- Sarah J., 13 yr old student
from our "GIRLS, WE LEAD" conference
I took a group of Girl Scout juniors (10 yr olds) to the Beyond Enough Girl Empowerment Conference. One activity that stood out to them was building their girl tribe. They understood the idea of surrounding yourself with people who make you feel good about yourself, not bad - it's the skill of recognizing a true friend. And while they were thinking about being good friends, they did another exercise. They covered questions and answers that made the girls see how much they had in common with each other and made them realize that they weren't alone, that lots of girls had the same cares and concerns that they did, so why not be friends and why not support each other. That's the message the girls in our troop got. I was a little worried at first that they were too young, but these are their concerns now. And they're thinking about middle school and what that new experience is going to be like. I wanted them to have the perspective to understand some of the things that will undoubtedly come up and some tools for when it does. My girls are looking forward to their next experience with InnerStarGirl!
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-Lorrane, mom of 10 yr old twins who attended our "Beyond Enough" conference
"I thought that the speaker was very engaging...I can use all the knowledge that she gave me in class outside school and for the rest of my life." 8th grade girl
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"The speaker was very kind and I loved that she got us involved in her lectures." 8th grade boy
"I liked being able to engage with others." 8th grade boy
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“I appreciate the passion that Lisa Tiano has for educating today’s youth on a variety of topics that often go overlooked in school curriculum.”- Ms. Damien
Chaminade Middle School - students and faculty
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Lisa has come to Hale Middle School several times in the last couple of years to be our featured speaker at our "Help Me Help Myself" lunch sessions for girls. Lisa Tiano has come to our school to give perspective, guidance and personal stories of experience on bullying, body image and peer pressure. Watching and listening to Lisa and her leadership team of girls speak about trying experiences that they are now facing has been a tremendous help. They give our students hope and courage. How wonderful that these beautiful, young women take the time out of their busy schedule to share with and lead other girls. It is pretty special to watch! We are grateful to Lisa and her team for sharing their strength with us here at Hale.
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- Tanya Ball, Founder/Director/Teacher "Help Me Help Myself", Hale Middle School
REAL TeenTalk & InnerStarGirl founder Lisa Tiano met with our Girl Scout troop made up of 12 and 13 year-old girls. She addressed topics such as how to deal with peer pressure, social media issues, and body image. This was an interactive workshop in which all the girls participated and had an opportunity to discuss real-life scenarios with their peers and how they were affected by them. Lisa gave them specific feedback on a variety of social situations, such as not being included in groups, not being invited to parties, not being in the “in-crowd” – all themes that are very relevant to middle-school age girls. Lisa was able to engage the girls and get them to open up about their feelings and thoughts on these issues. She also offered helpful suggestions on how to deal with sticky situations in positive ways, and gave the girls good strategies on getting through these tough years. They enjoyed the time spent with Lisa and the handouts she gave them were very useful to all. We really liked Lisa’s emphasis on kindness, inclusivity, and building healthy relationships. All the topics she covered in her presentation were very relevant to the girls in our troop.
-Claire Bloom & Mandy Harnoy
Co-Leaders, Girl Scout Cadette Troop #2876
My 11 year old daughter has attended a number of Lisa's seminar's and group sessions for the past year. My husband and I thought it was important for her to be in a positive environment with other young ladies discussing adolescent development and the unique issues and challenges facing girls today. While our daughter was shy at first Lisa provided a very open and comfortable environment and all of the girls are very friendly and welcoming. As a parent, the knowledge and insight Lisa shares is invaluable and I especially like that there are older girls mentoring younger girls, because our daughter has found peers she can look up to while learning skills in leadership, planning and kindness. Lisa has become an important guide helping my daughter become a competent decision maker and realizing her full potential. I would absolutely recommend her classes to anyone with a daughter.
-Maya, mother of 11 year old attendee