Building Thriving, Resilient Teens: How to Be the Guide They Need

Every young person is on a hero's journey - figuring out who they are, what they want, and what kind of adult they will become. But no hero makes it alone. They need guides: the trusted adults who help them navigate challenges and unlock their potential.

In this keynote, Joshua Wayne shares his Hero & Guide Framework - a practical system for becoming one of the voices young people listen to as they're navigating toward adulthood. 

Drawing on 25+ years working with teens in foster care, schools, juvenile justice, and private practice, Joshua shares three keys to help them be their own ally, take responsibility, and keep moving forward.

You'll learn proven strategies for connecting with resistant kids, breaking through when it matters, and staying in their inner circle of trusted advisors long-term.

But here's the twist: Joshua will also apply the same framework to YOU - helping you sustain resilience, avoid burnout, and stay grounded in demanding work.

Whether you're a school counselor, teacher, administrator, or caring adult, you'll leave with practical tools for guiding young heroes without losing yourself in the process.

Duration: 60-90 minutes (keynote or workshop format)

Audience: Educators, foster parents, child welfare professionals, school administrators, counselors, youth workers, paraprofessionals

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Apply the Hero & Guide Framework to become a trusted voice in students’ lives
• Use the three keys (ally, responsibility, forward movement) to help students build their power
• Implement proven connection strategies to break through with resistant or disengaged youth
• Build your own support network to sustain resilience and prevent burnout
• Use specific conversation starters and relationship-building techniques for immediate application
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