Hope in Action: Learning, Parenting, Healing

As we reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I keep coming back to his reminder:

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”

That idea sits at the heart of my work.

Hope is not wishful thinking.
It is a protective, teachable skill.

Every one of us experiences moments of hopelessness. What changes lives is learning how to recognize those moments and move forward with purpose, agency, and connection.

I’m grateful to be part of several powerful opportunities right now that invite us to practice Hope together across education, parenting, mental health, and community well-being. Here are a few I’d love to share with you.

UCLA Open Mind Conversation: The Biggest Little Book About Hope

Last week, I joined UCLA psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Elizabeth Bromley for a virtual conversation hosted by Friends of the Semel Institute.

We explored Hope through both science and lived experience, drawing from The Biggest Little Book About Hope and UCLA’s research leadership.

With hopelessness at historic levels and a key predictor of suicide, violence, self-harm, and addiction, teaching the how of Hope has never mattered more.

Watch the Replay Here

2026 Winter Wellness Summit | Maine

Finding Strength Through Hope
January 29–30, 2026 | Rockport, Maine

I’m honored to join the Maine Department of Education and the Maine Schoolsite Health Promotion Program for this in-person summit focused on renewal, resilience, and well-being.

This is more than a conference. It’s a chance to reconnect with purpose and leave feeling grounded, supported, and hopeful.

Learn More and Register

Virtual Conference: Parenting Matters

Attachment, Lullabies, and the Power of Hope

Moments of hopelessness are a normal part of parenting and growing up. The good news is that Hope can be taught, practiced, and strengthened.

In this session, we’ll explore:

What hopelessness really is
The science of Hope
The Hope Matrix and SHINE Framework
Simple, practical tools parents can use right away

Hosted by the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute (Canada).

Learn More and Register

Measure Your Hope

Hope is a powerful protective factor against anxiety, depression, suicide, addiction, and violence — and it can be measured.

Take a few minutes to check in with yourself, reflect, and invite three others to do the same.

Measure Your Hope Now

Two New Courses: One Missing Skill

Every human experiences hopelessness. Most of us were never taught how to recognize it or move through it.

We’ve launched two new, evidence-informed courses:

Mastering Moments of Hopelessness: Learning the Five Keys to Shine Hope
Practical strategies grounded in Hope science to restore agency during moments of despair. Learn more

From Hopelessness to Hope: A Lived-Experience Perspective on Suicidal Ideation
A compassionate, science-based exploration of suicidal ideation with tools for prevention and support.
Learn more