FAQs

What is EmpowerMeant? 

  • Think of it like this: you’ll start by finding the pieces of yourself, but upside down. Once you fit all the pieces together, you’ll take a deep breath and flip the puzzle over to reveal the image on the other side. That image is going to blow you away—it’s going to help you understand and tell your story!

Interesting. But really: what can I expect to get out of this program?

  • You’ll explore things like friendship, challenging yourself, coping with stress, and having fun. You’ll be thinking about, talking through, and, more importantly, utilizing research-backed strategies and what I call “impactions”—actions that impact—over the course of our 6-12 weeks together You’ll do this with a trusted adult you choose and a group of other young adults hungry for the same knowledge and experience you are.

    Plan on being challenged. Plan on being changed. Plan on becoming known.

What problem is EmpowerMeant solving?

  • I’ve spent over 20 years working in the mental health field, and, in the last few years, I’ve witnessed young people presenting as more anxious, depressed, and frustrated than ever (rightfully so: our world is messy!). Many of the current mental health programs are failing them: they’re returning to hospitals and psychiatric facilities over and over again without any lasting relief because the treatments being used are ineffective and undifferentiated.  Outpatient mental health providers are amazing, but typically overbooked. Teachers are overworked. Parents are overwhelmed. And kids are over all of it! This is where EmpowerMeant bridges the gap, uniting young people with guided self-discovery and social (both peer and adult) support so they can learn to navigate challenges while identifying their passions, values, and genius.


Why is there an application?

  • EmpowerMeant has been designed very intentionally, and I pride myself on that. The application helps me get to know you, and it helps me assemble cohorts designed for exploration that is deep and meaningful.


Why include ages 12-18 in the honors cohort? Isn’t that kind of broad?

  • Most kids enter middle school around 12, college around 18, and high school in-between. I don’t have to convince you those are major transitions (and sources of stress)! The more you know about yourself and are grounded in who you are, the more successfully you will make those transitions. This age range was carefully considered because the younger group members tend to bring levity and ask thought-provoking questions of the older participants, and the older participants bring experience, perspective, and crucial advice to the younger participants. Meantorship works both ways! 

What if we can’t make it to all of our sessions?

  • I get it: things come up. In these situations, you have grace, and a synopsis of that week’s teaching will be sent to you so you won’t miss out. If you have a 2-week vacation scheduled in the middle of the program, however, please plan on participating at another time so you and your cohort (because they’ll want to hear from you and will miss you, too!) can have the experience you deserve. 

What topics are discussed in EmpowerMeant? 

  • Topics have been thoughtfully selected to build on one another week-to-week.

    • In the honors program, topics include: communication; friendship and social connection; emotions and emotion regulation; coping and the stress cycle; grit and resilience; gratitude; self-discovery and self-esteem; values and purpose; fear, vulnerability, and challenging yourself; altruism and volunteering; re-energize and restore; and fun and flow.

    • In the high honors program, topics include: self-advocacy and boundaries; goal setting and decision making; money; self-knowledge and interview prep; leadership and mentorship; and your story.

I’m a parent and have 2 kids within this age range. Can they both participate?

  • I’d love that, although I’d highly recommend they participate in different cohorts. The reason for this is that they should each feel free to participate, process, and tell their story autonomously, outside of (even well-intentioned) family dynamics.

I want to go through EmpowerMeant with a friend. Can I do that?

  • Absolutely! In fact, attending EmpowerMeant with a friend is incredibly powerful: it will bring you infinitely closer due to the deep nature of our discussions. That being said, make sure the friend you want to attend with is someone you truly trust and are willing to get vulnerable with.

What’s the difference between the online and the in-person versions of EmpowerMeant?

  • Not a thing! The curriculum and leadership are exactly the same. The benefit from the online version is for those who don’t live in Colorado or plan to relocate here just to participate in EmpowerMeant!

Why should we trust you to lead us?

  • What makes me uniquely qualified to lead this program is my 20+ years of experience working with a diverse range of kids in both the mental health and coaching worlds. I understand not only how to reach kids in crisis, but how to help them achieve their goals while having fun. Most importantly, I’m able to empower them to discover their light, and to create meaningful change in their lives through self-discovery and support. More importantly, I think kids (okay, and dogs!) are the best of us, and that you deserve to be championed!

This seems expensive; is it worth it?!

  • Heck yeah—but it’s easy for me to tell you that, because it’s my program! Think about it this way: would you pay for a tutor, coach, or test prep to help get to the next level? Well, this is preparing you for your life. EmpowerMeant helps you realize things about yourself during some of the most formative times of your life, when decisions you make about who, where, and how you move forward will be most impactful. Choosing EmpowerMeant is an investment in yourself because it builds a foundation of self-knowledge and support!

I really want to participate (or I know a young person who does), but my family doesn’t have the means.

  • Not a problem—you deserve to be seen! EmpowerMeant has a nonprofit arm, so I’m proud to offer scholarships. Please email me through my contact page so I can send you an application.

I don’t have a child, but I want to make a donation so someone can benefit from EmpowerMeant. How does that work?

  • You are an angel! Seriously. Thank you, and the young person or people who will benefit from your generosity will thank you, too! You can go here to donate. EmpowerMeant, Inc is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.