Read what others have to say about the impact Debbie Elder had on their lives!

Sandra Flarity Richmond, TX
“We now have a happy, well-adjusted, and confident teen - no more angry outbursts or negativity. Each week we find ourselves saying ”Now wouldn’t Ms. Debbie be proud of us!”

Judy Tully Toronto, Ont
“Debbie’s holistic approach to the family was patient, very positive, and encouraging, yet still provided tools we could use daily to assist our teens in becoming more personally responsible, positive, and successful.”

Sharon Wiser, Houston, TX
“Set Them up for Success” did more for our daughter’s organizational skills and self confidence than all the other programs combined! Debbie was able to remove the mask of self doubt and the weight of under achievement.”
Thanks Debbie,

Shawn Vicknair Owner of Gateway America Private School Sugar Land TX
“Her motivation techniques, no nonsense approach, push for independence, and student ownership has changed the face of my school and most importantly, the success level of my students. No more tears, no more struggles - just productive, respectful, happy, motivated teens!”

Dr. Tim Cashion Sugar Land, TX
“Often, my natural reaction to a parenting situation would be ineffective. With Debbie’s help, I learned skills that seem counterintuitive, but they work. She lays out clear and concise techniques that anyone can follow. I even use her suggestions for my employees.
Thanks again, Debbie!”

Steven Kooper Richmond, TX
Have you ever watched “Super Nanny” or “The Dog Whisperer”? In essence they are the same program. If you haven’t seen either program, typical episodes develop something like this: two parents are having difficulty with a child. The chaos is to the point where the dog misbehaves in many circumstances, chasing and pushing other children around the playground, or snapping at other people while out on the daily w.a.l.k. (never say that out loud in the presence of dogs, unless you plan on going for a trip around the neighborhood) The parents, in futility, turn to Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer, to have him visit the family to observe the family dynamic before making any judgments or adjustments to the dog’s behavior. Following her observation period, Jo Frost, Super Nanny, renders her judgment, and works her magic to bring peace to the family. After the offending behavior has been corrected, both Stars will often revisit their respective families to ensure the behavior is has remained corrected.

If the above synopsis sounds confusing, the premise behind both television programs is that there is undesirable behavior that needs correcting and that there is a behavior specialist that is brought in to fix the “problem.” It doesn’t really matter that one specialist understands human behavior and the family dynamic while the other understands dog behavior and the family dynamic. What matters is that the specialists’ objective nature enables them to accurately assess the underlying behavioral problem so that modifications can be made for a positive, symbiotic outcome.

So, what does this have to do with your family? Well, a lot. If your family is typical, from time to time, it suffers from strained family dynamics. This is normal. Whew. I bet for a minute there you were worried your family wasn’t “normal.” But, what I mean by normal is that it is all too common and often so demanding that the family has difficulty existing. The good news is that your family doesn’t have to be normal. It is possible to have an uncommon family dynamic where the family can grow to be peaceful, cooperative, grateful, respectful, reciprocating, encouraged, confident, and successful.

How do I know this is possible? Simply put, I’ve observed it and participated in it for nearly ten years and I’ve never seen a more distinctly different approach to family and interpersonal relationships. I’ve never seen a more cooperative family that live to see each other succeed, help each other to succeed, is successful on a daily basis. That, I think was the key … on a daily basis: encouragement, respect, gratitude … every day. That’s what I observed.

So what do the Dog Whisperer and Super Nanny have to do with any of this? What I didn’t tell you earlier was that rarely are the behavioral adjustments strictly for the children, or the dog. Often, all family members (dogs included) must modify their behavior so that the proper environment can be created where the family unit can prosper. Mrs. Debbie Elder is such a behavioral specialist and the family I briefly discussed above, is hers. What sets her apart is that she has demonstrated that a successful family is a matter of positive, daily interaction and, that it’s a choice.

Like all things in life, it takes understanding, practice and perseverance to mold your life. So it is with the endeavor called family. If you believe that your family has greater potential, but need some objective guidance, I encourage you to take the time to visit with Deb.

Betsy DeVega Owner of KnILE Prep Academy
Debbie Elder provided upbeat, positive coaching and tools to my family for dealing with issues of personal responsibility, positive attitude and goal setting with a learning disabled teenager. Every child has to learn to deal with loosing a game or getting a bad grade, but kids like mine often have so many negative events in a day that they loose the ability to learn from them, which is so vital to success. They go into a “duck and cover” mode, building up anger while lowering their own aspirations. In my child’s case, this resulted in a negative attitude towards academic abilities, the rewards of goal setting, and learning from (rather than running from) mistakes. Debbie was able to encourage a better attitude and appreciation for small improvements which over time became larger ones.
She taught my child the advantages of goal setting and appreciation of goals met. As a parent, I also benefited from coaching on encouraging positive behaviors (rather than consequences for negative behaviors) and allowing more natural consequences for mistakes which were recoverable, the “teachable moments”. Debbie’s holistic approach to the family was patient, very positive and encouraging while providing tools we could use daily to assist our child in becoming more personally responsible, positive and successful.

Wendy H. Katy, TX
Debbie Elder provided upbeat, positive coaching and tools to my family for dealing with issues of personal responsibility, positive attitude and goal setting with a learning disabled teenager. Every child has to learn to deal with loosing a game or getting a bad grade, but kids like mine often have so many negative events in a day that they loose the ability to learn from them, which is so vital to success. They go into a “duck and cover” mode, building up anger while lowering their own aspirations. In my child’s case, this resulted in a negative attitude towards academic abilities, the rewards of goal setting, and learning from (rather than running from) mistakes. Debbie was able to encourage a better attitude and appreciation for small improvements which over time became larger ones.
She taught my child the advantages of goal setting and appreciation of goals met. As a parent, I also benefited from coaching on encouraging positive behaviors (rather than consequences for negative behaviors) and allowing more natural consequences for mistakes which were recoverable, the “teachable moments”. Debbie’s holistic approach to the family was patient, very positive and encouraging while providing tools we could use daily to assist our child in becoming more personally responsible, positive and successful.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Murski Richmond, TX
My family started working with Debbie Elder and ‘Set Them Up For Success’ in the fall of 2003. Debbie’s ability to connect with my children and help them to help themselves was so powerful. Both my husband and I started to notice changes right away. Our children were more confident, better organized, and quickly became far better students. I think every child deserves the opportunity to become a leader and to have the right coach to help them develop the necessary skills for a fulfilling and successful life. Thanks, Debbie!

Thinking of hiring Debbie to speak at your next event? Read the comments below from some of the professionals who have hired her in the past.

Joyce Trigger Owner of Shady Oak Christian School Richmond, TX
"I have used Debbie as a presenter a number of times and participants comment on how helpful her information is. Most of all, however, they like her style! I will continue to call on her to speak on groups of parents and educators."

Betsy DeVega Executive Director and Owner of LearningRx Sugar Land, TX
"Debbie Elder’s workshops are so effective and informative that we, at LearningRx, have invited her to host several workshops for us. I have sat in all of the seminars she has hosted here and can say without hesitation that I have learned something new or reviewed something important that I had forgotten to implement. She uses highly effective techniques and examples to demonstrate her presentations. Her presentations speak to you, not above or through you. She truly has the whole family’s best interest at heart and offers tools that rear success for all parties involved. Debbie is a fantastic speaker; I highly recommend her workshops for anyone in need of motivation and organizational tools whether in school or the corporate world. Her tools are very easy to adopt and extremely useful."

Tina Soucie Executive Director Maine Lobbyist Service Augusta, ME
"Debbie Elder knows how to align with her audience and keep them motivated at all times. A sure fine trigger to making sure they reap the full content of materials presented. I would highly recommend Debbie as a professional speaker to any company. She will absolutely make a huge difference and impact your organization in a positive way. Debbie is truly of mastermind quality!"

Bill Vining Hot Springs Christian School Hot Springs, AK
"Debbie Elder has a gift. I have heard many speakers in my lifetime but few communicators. Debbie not only has a powerful message, she delivers that message with a power that captivates her audience. My students listened to every word. We were not just motivated but we were inspired to change.
Thank you Debbie!"

Camille Rodriquez Associate Dean for Academics National Homeschool Academy
“Mrs. Elder has such a way with groups when she speaks. She is so encouraging, and motivating, and her tips and strategies are real and very practical. I wouldn’t have thought about some of the things that she helped me with, but when I heard her speak the first time, and followed through with what I heard her say, what a difference it made!”

Patrick Barrett Association for Collision-Free Driving USA
"If you are looking for a speaker who provides great, practical, ready to use content, engages the audience with stories, humor and enthusiasm, then I highly recommend Debbie Elder."

Marty Appelbaum President of ATi Training Institute
"Debbie was a valuable member of my speaking team for several years. The norm for her audience was typically several hundred people or more. Captivating an audience of this size for five hours is no easy task and can cause even the most professional of speakers to wilt from fear. Debbie could handle whatever was asked of her and more. I hire only the “best of the best.” Debbie fits that description. She demonstrated from early in her tenure that she was well organized and without exception, she put clients first. Her presentations combined the materials we provided to her with her own insights, experiences, and humor in a very engaging presentation style. I would hire Debbie back today if she wanted to return. She would be an excellent teacher/mentor for anyone wanting to gain presentation skills or to improve upon the skills already used."

Shirley Ellisor, Ed.D., Head of School Holy Trinity Episcopal School Houston, TX
"Dynamic is the word I would use to describe Debbie Elder. She speaks from experience and is able to motivate parents to see the value of moving their children academically into the future. Our families continue to ask for her return."

Ken Burgess Rotary Club of Sharpstown
"Debbie Elder was a delightful change of pace for the Rotary Club of Sharpstown. We had hoped to hear of some new educational techniques…but instead heard of a new set of realities…how to really properly educate today's youth and give them the tools to become the leaders we will need in tomorrow's world.

Debbie is highly personable and can fully relate her personal experiences in a manner that is easily understandable and can be fully related to by those in attendance.

I highly recommend Debbie as a program source for any organization! Wonderful concepts that should be considered by all parents!"

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Stacey Emmott Magnolia, TX
"Debbie Elder is such an inspiring speaker. I had the privilege of watching as she spoke and taught a group of relunctant teens in a course on public speaking. Most of the students were dropped off by their parents kicking and screaming but by the time they had completed Mrs. Elder’s course her contagious speaking style had been caught by the teens. She spoke with such an easy confidence that the students were volunteering to give an extra speech for their last meeting. If I had not witnessed it I would not have believed it. Mrs. Elder delivers her speeches with energy, confidence, and encouragement."

Malcolm Smith Headmaster Calvary Episcopal School and College Preparatory Richmond, TX
"Debbie Elder is an energetic, creative and goal driven presenter. Debbie has worked with our school, students, teachers and parents over the past several years in a number of capacities and settings. She has been an academic mentor and coach, workshop presenter, and consultant. Debbie’s approach, which is rational in a sometimes irrational world, comes from what has worked for her and others she has coached. You will enjoy her message, her enthusiasm and most of all, the results you will get after working with her."