Before I met Laurel I had a fear of public speaking. I spent most of my life trying to avoid speaking in front of large crowds, it gave me anxiety and I didn’t feel confident. In 2017 I founded Claremont Canopy and in early 2019 I took on the Director role of New Arrival Supper Club, public speaking was no longer something I could avoid, I had to face my fears head on in order to effectively spread the mission of our organizations. I struggled and would have days filled with anxiety leading up to a scheduled talk. I would over prepare, stumble over my words and then would spend weeks beating myself up after my speaking performance. Critiquing every word and misstep. This fall, Laurel came into my world. It was truly life changing. In a matter of two months I have been completely transformed. She helped give me techniques and tactics to conquer my speaking anxiety. She helped me compile the message and mission of my organization in a way that leaves the audience inspired and motivated to help. I now look forward to speaking and appreciate being able to spread the word about the work we are doing for new arrival refugee families. I recently spoke at a medical school, in a huge auditorium in front of 100+ students. I got a standing ovation when I finished and later a faculty member came up to me and said, “You are a fantastic public speaker.” Words I had never heard, a fantastic public speaker, what? I am forever grateful to HeartFelt Speaking. My only wish is that I would have met Laurel years ago!