Joseph Savage

(he/him)

Co-Founder

Co-Founder of Soul Shoppe, Joseph has created and presented award-winning curricula for hundreds of thousands of students, teachers and parents. As a presenter, Joseph is known for his mastery in facilitating safe and fun learning environments where students gain self-esteem, accelerate their learning processes and where a culture of empathy becomes the norm. He co-authored “Cool Tools For Schools,” an interactive character-education curriculum for teachers and is currently writing and illustrating a series of children’s books on building character.

Prior to founding Soul Shoppe, Joseph was an elementary school teacher in San Francisco where he perceived the need to teach elementary school students empathy and peace-making skills. Joseph has received numerous accolades including awards from the ACLU, the San Francisco Board of supervisors and the City of Dublin for his innovative work. In addition to his educational experience, he has written, performed and directed acclaimed theater productions throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

vicki abadesco!

(she/her)

Co-Founder & Director of Infinite Possibilities

vicki abadesco! is an internationally-recognized leader in the field of social-emotional learning, anti-bullying and creating a more empathy-based world. She brings over 30 years of experience teaching life skills and conflict resolution tools to young people and adults. As an educator, speaker and facilitator, vicki! is known for creating fun, safe and transformative environments.

She’s the author of Free to Be: Untold Stories of Going Beyond Bullying, co-author of Cool Tools for Schools and The Empty Balloon as well as two activity card decks: Mentor Magic and Leadership: Truth or Dare.

vicki! is a fellow for the Dalai Lama Center for Ethics and Transformative Values at MIT. She co-founded Soul Shoppe in 2000.

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During this 1-hour event, you will:

• Learn powerful lessons from student Peacemakers
• Listen to how student Peacemakers are creating safety on campus
• Be inspired by the power of empathy, compassion and resilience
• Celebrate the good work done on a daily basis on school campuses
• Have the opportunity to support, contribute financially and be a part of creating more peace and understanding in our world!