Denise Bard

It only takes 30 seconds to change the life of a child. A teachers impact is not found within the subject they teach. The greatest impact comes in the moments they never knew existed.

As a child, I spent years facing many forms of abuse. In addition to the physical and verbal abuse, I also endured sexual abused. After attempting to take my own life in 1989, when I was just 14 years old, I was brought to a nonprofit shelter for runaway and abused kids. It was there that I learned how to shift my focus and found support from my counselors and teachers, and a coach who helped change the trajectory of my life and the horror I was born into. Because of the small moments of hope that these educators gave me, I was able to create my own success story.

I share my story of overcoming childhood abuse and trauma and beating the statistics, despite what has happened to me. I speak to teachers, educators, and nonprofit organizations about the power of 30-second moments, which are fleeting opportunities to connect with and transform the lives of children who experience trauma. I know this first-hand, because I was one of those kids who benefited from the kindness and guidance of those caring adults and a nonprofit shelter for youth.

I am the author of 30-Second Moments: And The Women Who Raised Me, a memoir that celebrates the unsung heroes who shaped my future, one connection at a time. Through my book and my speeches, I want to inspire, empower, and thank those who are making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children like me. I am passionate about raising awareness and support for nonprofit organizations that provide shelter, safety, and skills to youth and young adults who are facing trauma and adversity. As a board member at Anchor House, a shelter for runaway, abused, and homeless youth, which I resided in briefly when I was 14, I bring the lived experience and the perspective of a survivor who was able to heal and thrive and become a success story.

I help educators see their positive impact:

• See their true impact
• Celebrate who they are
• Understanding that the impact these moments have on a child
• See that their impact isn't in the subject they teach, but rather the moments they never knew existed

I help nonprofit youth shelters and programs:

• See the importance these programs and shelters are needed based on my lived experience
• Help show donors that it isn't about a donation but rather an investment in a young adult
• Promote a community of caring adults

My story was also featured in the book “Listen: Stories We Carry With Us From House To House”, a collection of stories that highlight the resiliency of youth who’ve experienced foster care, written by the youth and adult survivors from around the world.

My speaking experience:

• Anchor House Shelter for Runaway, Abused and Homeless Youth events 
• Anchor House Foundation fundraising events
• Purposeful YOU Virtual Summit 
• Requested Podcast Guest, 
• Guest on numerous talk radio shows
• Real Talk with Tina and Ann Podcast - guest host

Reviews:

• "Students and educators will be inspired by Denise's moving story of resilience and strength. Her message of hope and her suggestions for fostering it are vital for young people and those who teach."

• "Your story is beautiful and I am going to focus on living in my 30 seconds and share more moments where I can tell my kids what they wanted to hear.”

• "Your discussion gives a message of hope, which is likely helping more people than you know."

I am also a Special Needs Advocate, Youth Advocate, Youth Mentor and an Anchor House Board Member. Anchor House is a nonprofit shelter for runaway, abused and homeless youth located in Trenton, NJ. the same shelter I was in when she was 14yr.