Testimonials
“Sharon’s care for, and commitment to, the wellbeing of others is extraordinary. Her dedication shines through with every presentation she delivers, every book she pens and as founder of the Resilient Kids Conference and the Wellbeing Box Co. It’s a privilege to have worked with Sharon and to call her both a colleague and a friend.”
Dr Jodi Richardson, Speaker, best-selling author and award-winning podcast host
“Thank you, Sharon, for presenting to our parents on ‘Raising Resilience in Teens’ and then presenting to our Year 7 girls on ‘Resilience.’
The parents thoroughly enjoyed the session, finding it very informative and with many specific tools to take away and your wonderful books to purchase as well. Many parents commented on your warm, personal approach and appreciated the stories you told from your own family experience. You prompted great discussion both during and after the event.
The Year 7 girls were a captivated audience from the moment their incursion began. You had them smiling, laughing, playing games and complimenting each other. They were fully engaged while learning valuable life skills.
I would highly recommend you for a parent or student session and we look forward to having you back at Williamstown High School.”
Anne Gaylor - Girls’ Program Coordinator Bayview Campus, Williamstown High Sch., Williamstown, VIC
“Sharon Witt was a keynote and workshop presenter at our recent women’s event. She was a delight to work with through the whole planning process; her professionalism matched by her willingness to adapt to suit our context. And on the day Sharon engaged and encouraged the ladies with her insights and honesty, on and off the platform.”
Deb Sorensen - Associate PastorOne2one Church of Christ Ballarat, Victoria
“Sharon Witt is a dynamic and passionate communicator who engages her audience throughout presentations. When working with girls in her workshops, she incorporates fun with vital facts that are presented in such a way, the girls don’t even know they are learning! She would be an asset to have at any professional development session or workshop for young people.”
Shauna Ryan - FounderProject Strong Woman, NSW
“We were very fortunate to have Sharon Witt present on ‘Transition to High School’ at our parenting forum. Sharon is immediately engaging, confident and most knowledgeable on the topic. She is very easy to listen to; using real life stories that highlight her warm and approachable nature and puts her audience at ease. Parents spoke very highly of her presentation and were keen to purchase from her broad range of useful books for their young people. We look forward to working with Sharon again.”
Therese Willems - Youth Worker Family, Youth and Children Services Australia Hobson Bay City Council
“Sharon’s approachable style and rapport with the group ensured our parents felt comfortable to share their thoughts and concerns in her workshop presentation.
Her examples are real and relevant and she selects topics that address the needs of the group. Her workshop attracted a very encouraging level of parent attendance. They must have heard about her presentation from the year before and she will be invited back again next year too!”
Janine Waite-Cole - Deputy P. Student Wellbeing Korowa Anglican Girls’ School, Glen Iris, Melbourne
“I wanted to say how grateful I am for the outstanding program you delivered for our grade 5/6 girls and their mums.
The day session was spot on in terms of what we are endeavoring on sharing with the girls. It will provide further layering on reinforcing these important concepts for the girls to understand and make their own.
Your ability to genuinely engage with the girls and make the sessions fun and interesting is a real gift. You have truly created a program that will remembered fondly by all the students. Thanks so much.”
Veronica Tierchet Chaplain - Woori Yallock Primary School, Victoria
“Sharon recently presented at our school. She is highly passionate about the content she presents and the students felt very comfortable with her. As this can be a difficult area for some children to discuss, it was great to see Sharon present in such a supportive and welcoming manner. The students were engaged and she allowed for students to have their voice heard and answered all their questions. Sharon was professional to liaise with and we will continue to have her present puberty sessions to our students in the future.”
Brydie Gray - Year 6 Teacher Launching Place Primary School, Victoria
“Sharon is a fantastic speaker, and she has a wonderful ability to connect with young girls she works with. She has been a guest speaker at our girls programs for over 7 years, and every time we have such positive feedback about Sharon’s sessions. Her books are a great resource for teenagers, her stories are inspiring and the girls relate so well to her engaging personality. I would personally recommend her to anyone wanting to empower young women. She is brilliant!”
Beck Mitchell - Executive Officer Bridge Builders Youth Organisation, Lilydale, Victoria
“Thank you for coming and speaking with our leaders. They felt your presentations were really informative and relevant giving them a greater understanding of where teens are at. They went away feeling far better equipped and resourced to lead and engage with their Pathfinders and youth groups.”
Philip Hyland Director of Victoria Youth Seventh-day Adventist Church Ltd (Victorian Conference)
“Engaging every one of us with humor and insight in the right measure, we had an uplifting, inspiring, fun and captivating experience. That’s exactly what our team needed. Her presentation Building Resilient Children has helped us find our “spark” and is already impacting our Sunday School program in amazing ways. A massive thank you Sharon for sharing your experiences and inspiring us to think out of the box while engaging with children especially the teens.”
The Melbourne MarThoma Church Sunday School Teachers, Victoria
“Our school found Sharon’s presentations to the students both inspirational and informative. She has a real knack for relating to teens and was able to share the life changing material in a way that really spoke to many of the students where they were at. I cannot recommend her highly enough.”
Derek McCutcheon Chaplain Carmel Adventist College, Western Australia
“We recently invited Sharon Witt to come to our school to run her Inspiring Girls program with our year 7 girls. Not only was the day a huge success, with 100% of the girls loving the program, but we, as teachers, were relaxed and happy as Sharon had everything organised down to the final detail. The day focused on areas where adolescent girls are challenged the most. With her ‘No Body’s Perfect’ seminar, our students learnt about positive body image and self-esteem. They loved letting their creative juices flow while making their own journals. Comments made by some the girls ranged from, “I don’t think I’m fat anymore, I’m me.” and, “She’s changed my life!” I would highly recommend having Sharon come and run this program in any school. We will definitely be having Sharon back to do it all again next year!”
Kathy Scott - Chaplain/Welfare Co-ordinatorBayside Christian College, Frankston, Victoria
“Sharon recently ran a parent night for us on the topic of raising teenagers, with a particular emphasis on cyber safety. Feedback from the parents was universally popular. Sharon has a warm and relational teaching style, manages to cover a wide range of critical issues and gives parents vital tips on how to handle difficult situations. Sharon likes to engage the audience and leaves them feeling positive that they are not alone and there is light at the end of the tunnel. I have no hesitation in recommending her to other schools or organisations.”
David Burt - School Chaplain Oxley College, Chirnside Park, Melbourne
“Sharon is a gifted communicator. She is delightfully engaging, enthusiastic, warm and side-splitting hilarious! She is passionate about children and teenagers, enlightening them with her genuine honesty, inspiring wisdom and encouragement. Sharon’s sessions are powerful and engaging, and her ability to expand our students thinking was exceptional. She’s a one of a kind.”
Yolanda Charalambous - Primary Teacher Maranatha Christian School, Casey Campus Endeavour Hills
“Having read some of her books, we invited Sharon Witt to speak at our Year 7 Student and Parent Dinner. Sharon’s knowledge and understanding of the key issues facing our young adolescent boys and girls is outstanding; as is her ability to engage an audience, with sensitivity and humour. I wholeheartedly recommend Sharon as an author, speaker and educator. We look forward to working with her in the future.”
Doug Holtam - Principal
“Sharon is an amazing communicator with a big heart God. She truly identifies with young people, with a special touch for teen girls. I had the opportunity to invite Sharon as the main speaker for our annual teen girl’s conference SHINE in Perth 2014. The girls who attended were blessed spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Sharon’s ministry is truly appreciated and valued. I am blessed to have met her, I will definitely see her again here in the West.”
Jasmin Stankovic - Director forAdventist Women’s Ministries Western Australian Conference
“Sharon Witt has conducted Puberty sessions at our school over the past two years. We have found these sessions to be extremely informative for the students in our Grade 6 class. Sharon covers this often difficult topic in a very caring and sensitive way. It is wonderful to see the way in which the students respond to her and are so forthcoming with questions. She makes them feel very relaxed and comfortable during the sessions. She also invites anyone who may feel awkward to ask questions in front of their peers to do so after the session has finished or ask via an anonymous question box.
The content of the sessions is age appropriate and is covered from a biblical perspective for Christian schools which we find extremely positive. Previously we have had other organisations come and give family life talks, however these have left the children feeling extremely uncomfortable and unable to ask the questions they would have liked to. We have only had positive feedback from both the students and the parents when Sharon has conducted the talks.
I have used Sharon’s teen talk books within my classroom over the past three years and have integrated these into my devotional times. They are relevant to the children and very inspirational. They made an excellent introduction to her talk and the children were able to relate to themes discussed within her book. They were also very keen to purchase the girl or guy talk books as well. We will continue to get Sharon to conduct her talks at our school and would highly recommend her to others.”
Mrs Francine Davy - Grade 5/6 teacher Maranatha Christian School, Cardinia Campus, Victoria
“Sharon’s presentation to our girls and their parents was pitched perfectly to the audience. She engaged them with real life stories that were relevant to what the girls are experiencing as they move through adolescence. Sharon brought an energy that was infectious – she was funny but honest, encouraging our girls to be themselves and to be the very best version of themselves they could be. I would have no reservations recommending Sharon to any organisation wanting a speaker who gets the message across in a down to earth but caring manner and who provides realistic strategies for young girls and their families alike.”
Michelle McNamara - Director of Student WellbeingMercy College, Coburg
“I attended your parent session on Tuesday night at Canterbury Girls Secondary College as a mother and as a teacher and I thought you were fantastic. Your passion and energy is infectious.”
K Sewell - Ivanhoe Grammar, Melbourne
“Sharon was a the special guest speaker at a women’s breakfast presented by Compassion Australia called ‘Let’s Talk About the Girls’. The breakfast focused on challenges that girls and young women face all over the developing world, as well as here in our own backyard. Sharon spoke on the challenges that girls face in our communities through their tween and teen years, and particularly shared about ‘raising resilient girls’. Sharon shared with passion, expertise, and vulnerability. She came across as very approachable and sincere, as well as obviously being very knowledgeable about the challenges that girls face. Within 48 hours of the event, I had received a number of emails, phone calls, and text messages from guests who had attended, outlining how impressed they were by what Sharon had shared and how helpful they found it to be on a practical level.
Sharon was brilliant to work with both before and during the event, and plans are underway for future events that include her as our special guest speaker, such was the success of our initial events. I would highly recommend her.”
Vanessa Jacometti - Relationship ManagerCompassion Australia – Victoria Regional Office
“My wife and I have not come across a book that, in easy language, addresses the important issues that girls in the 10-12 year demographic (the age of our two girls) are facing. Your book is the first we have seen that addresses social skills, personal values and linking it to building character. Thank you.”
Peter and Amanda - Hawthorn, Melbourne
“Sharon is an inspiring and motivational speaker with great insights into how to foster happiness and resilience in children. Highly recommended.”
Paul Hatcher Nunawading Library Branch Manager, Melbourne
“As a family, we have been able to use it as a discussion point/tool around the dinner table. We will be buying your other texts. I have even forwarded a note to our girls school (Waverley Christian College) curriculum coordinator suggesting that they should look at this book and consider adding it to the book list for the Year 4s. My thanks and congratulations on building such a GREAT resource.”
Gregory Coker, Parent
“I can remember when I first met Sharon in Sydney, Bonny Hills, at a leadership training program called ‘Chosen’. It was during one of our activities when we split and Sharon took us girls and did a workshop with us. What I found most interesting about Sharon’s workshop was when she talked about body shapes, sizes, etc. Like most teens, I was a person who was very self-conscious about my body as I’m not exactly a small, nor a skinny person. Perhaps a pear shape you could say.
My self-esteem wasn’t exactly the best either. I never really enjoyed subjects to do with body shapes and sizes, until Sharon talked about the “Barbie doll” and how her body is actually out of proportion and that society makes it out that “girls” should look like this; “A Barbie Doll”. Sharon even showed us a diagram/picture of what a Barbie doll would look like if her body was the body shape of a “normal” person. That made my day, and has now changed my life!
I cannot thank Sharon enough for sharing that! Although, I have heard other people say to me not to worry about my body much, etc. (e.g. my mom, and others), I still had a problem with accepting myself properly. I tell you what, it’s a lot easier said rather than done. But when I heard Sharon speak, it changed my life completely! I now feel happy about myself, accept myself, and love me for who I am! It doesn’t matter what everyone else in the world thinks of you, but rather what God does!
Thank you very much Sharon for revealing this to me. You are a great inspiration and I am very happy to let others know about you. And just like you taught me, I also like to encourage other girls too in my life, that they are a beautiful and gorgeous woman, no matter who they are and what they look like; especially in the eyes of God!”
Name withheld - reprinted with permission
“Sharon spent a couple of hours with our Year 10 students presenting her engaging ‘No Body’s Perfect’ session. The girls loved her honest, humorous and entirely non-threatening approach that allowed them the freedom to share their thoughts on the issues addressed. They especially enjoyed being let in on some of the secrets of how the ‘perfect’ models and personalities that we see every day are really just normal people like us who have had some extra help in presenting themselves publicly. In knowing that, they can recognise that God has made them perfectly and that they are of great value. Thanks, Sharon… come back anytime!”
Nicole Latham, Teacher Oxley Christian College, Melbourne
“Sharon spoke into the lives of the girls at Tyndale Christian School Strathalbyn. They were glowing with excitement after completing the day seminar with Sharon. Can’t wait to bring Sharon back next year.”
Dr. Johan Griesel Principal, Tyndale Christian School Strathalbyn SA
“Sharon, you nailed it again! Thank you for leading and facilitating a number of excellent workshops at GAP Camp.
It was so gratifying to listen to and hear of the really honest, open and mature conversations among both our teens and staff.”
Philip Hyland, Director of VicYouthSeventh Day Adventist Church
“My colleagues and I traveled three hours to hear Sharon speak and we were not disappointed. Sharon was personable, honest, engaging, humorous and insightful in her ‘Resilience’ presentation. Sharon spoke from the heart with relevant examples and gems of wisdom that have already embedded themselves in my approach to encouraging and building and resilience in our young people. As a teacher and a parent I came away from the presentation feeling empowered to make a difference in the lives of the adolescents within my sphere of influence, and to equip my colleagues to do the same. I could have listened to Sharon all night! I highly recommend attending one of Sharon’s presentations.”
Fiona Bell Director of Students Trinity College Colac, Victoria
We recently had the privilege of hosting Sharon Witt at the CSA SA State Conference as one of our seminar presenters. Sharon was professional, efficient and gracious. Her seminars sold out early and hundreds of delegates came away effervescing with great praise, encouragement and challenge from the material shared and from Sharon herself. We very much look forward to having her again in the future.”
Sum Lock, Project Officer, South Australia Christian Schools Australia – CSA
“Thank you Sharon for helping our young leaders step out of their comfort zone and build their confidence to make a difference in their school. We had young leaders from 5 local schools.
Everyone really enjoyed the day and it was a brilliant way to start with Sharon!”
Robyn Dew, Head of Yarra Hills Secondary, Victoria General Manager Chaplaincy and Wellbeing Service
“It was fantastic to have Sharon at our school to talk about building resilience in girls. Sharon was engaging, lively and very well informed. Sharon’s presentation highlighted her great passion for working with young people and her range of resources were well received. We’re already talking about how we can get her back… soon!”
Lisa Armstrong - Rowe Clonard College, Geelong
“As a teacher with a heart to see young people flourish, Sharon has developed ways of engaging with young people that enhances their wellbeing and encourages their potential. Sharon’s relevant and practical stories and strategies resonated strongly with our Chaplains and Student Wellbeing Workers who provide care and support to students and their communities. We were grateful for her input into our Conference this year and would recommend her to any group seeking to equip and empower young people for life.”
Karen Holmes General Manager Chaplaincy and Wellbeing Service
“Sharon Witt presented to our Year 7 students with insight, energy, and intelligence. She challenged them to be their best selves throughout their high school years. Using her own lived experience, she inspired the students to speak up and be brave about their own lives and then utilised engaging competition to get them out of their comfort zones and break down their own stuck thinking. I have no doubt that they will thrive in High School, thanks to the tools they have learnt from Sharon.”
Suzi Hyland, Leader of Student Wellbeing Programs, Padua College, Melbourne
“I just wanted to share how much fun I’m having facilitating the Girlwise Program with my students this term! The girls are LOVING IT and opening up to share some wonderful things.
One girl has not been coming to school, and the only day she comes in is when Girlwise is on!
I have 2 groups running with 6-8 girls each at one school and I’ll be commencing more groups at the other school I work in next term.
We are planning on having a Sunday afternoon ‘wrap up’ session and inviting parents and carers to come for dinner.
Thank you for creating such an incredible program for our girls!”
Anne Rogers, Chaplain, Devonport Primary School
“We had the pleasure of having Sharon share here at Launceston Christian School, and it was a truly wonderful opportunity for our students to hear a speaker of her calibre. Sharon’s ability to connect with her audience is remarkable - she was able to engage with students and staff alike in a way that was both relatable and impactful. Her message was inspiring, practical, and relevant to the challenges that young people face today. Sharon’s passion for helping young people navigate life’ s complexities was evident throughout her presentation, and her insights and advice were incredibly valuable. I would highly recommend Sharon as a speaker for any school or organisation looking to make a positive impact on the lives of young people.”
Scott Black - Year 8 Coordinator, Launceston Christian School
“Thank you for all you do and what an amazing gift it is to so many. Please keep going. We need more champions of young girls out there raising awareness of tween girls' needs and how we can love, support, and cheer them on. I am so thankful.”
Paula Hedges, Godly Girls Creator and Team Leader, Tasmania