Making a difference, one interaction at a time
Mission statement: I believe in the power of small moments — a calm voice, a gentle presence, a connection that helps a child feel seen. These moments change lives, and build futures.
The starfish effect is about supporting the key adults in a child’s life to build the skills to develop a connection and change their life. Every child deserves to feel safe, understood, and supported. Every adult deserves to feel confident, calm, and equipped. At The Starfish Effect, I help schools, parents and professionals create environments where both can thrive through warm, relational, trauma-informed practice.
The Story Behind Our Name
An old man walks along the beach after a powerful storm and sees thousands of starfish washed up on the sand. As he walks, he notices a young boy gently picking them up one by one and throwing each starfish back into the ocean.
Curious, the man asks, “Why are you bothering? There are miles of beach and thousands of starfish. You can’t possibly make a difference.”
The boy listens politely, bends down to pick up another starfish, and tosses it into the waves. Then he looks up and says, “I made a difference for that one.”
This is the heart of our work. In every conversation, every strategy, and every small change in a classroom or home, we focus on making a real difference for one child, one family, and one school at a time.
I can't change the world for everyone, but I'll work hard to make it different for some.
If you’d like support for your school or family, please get in touch.