SCHOOLS & YOUTH
Helping students cut through the noise—and reconnect with who they are beneath the pressure to perform.
In a culture obsessed with attention, achievement, and comparison, today’s students are navigating more pressure than ever before—academically, socially, and emotionally.
Ryan brings a message that helps students slow down, get honest, and remember who they are—building clarity, courage, and connection both in and beyond the classroom.
From the TEDx stage to schools, districts, and youth conferences nationwide, Ryan’s storytelling and grounded delivery leave audiences inspired—not just for the moment, but in ways that last.
Authenticity is a quiet superpower.
Ryan’s work with students is grounded in one simple belief: When young people are given space to slow down and reconnect with themselves, everything else becomes clearer.
Through personal storytelling, reflection, and nature-inspired metaphors, Ryan helps students:
Tune out comparison and external pressure
Build self-awareness and emotional resilience
Trust their inner compass during moments of change
Understand that they don’t need to become someone new to belong
His programs aren’t about hype or motivation for motivation’s sake.
They’re about helping students feel grounded, seen, and capable of navigating life with authenticity.
Why Schools Invite Ryan
He meets students where they are. Every program is tailored to the developmental stage of the audience—from elementary curiosity to middle-school pressure to high-school identity.
He speaks to students, not at them. Ryan’s stories feel real because they are. Students recognize the honesty immediately.
He connects through presence, humor, and heart. No lectures. No gimmicks. Just presence, humor, and grounded storytelling.
He reinforces core SEL outcomes naturally. Self-awareness, resilience, empathy, and purpose are woven into the message—not bolted on.
He impacts the entire school community. Students, staff, and families walk away with a shared language around authenticity and courage.
He leaves students changed—not just entertained. Students leave more reflective, more grounded, and more connected to themselves.
Programs & Events
Adaptable for K–12, staff, and families.
Ryan’s talks and workshops can be customized for any school environment—all rooted in one essential message: Authenticity builds confidence, resilience, and connection.
School Assemblies (Signature Program)
Dynamic and story-driven programs that inspire students of all ages to live and lead with courage, gratitude, and kindness.
Freshman Orientation / Senior Send-Off
The perfect way to open or close a chapter — helping students step forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Middle-to-High School Transition Programs
Empowering younger students to embrace change, find belonging, and build self-awareness.
Family & Community Engagement Events
Evening sessions that bring students, parents, and caregivers together for a shared experience of reflection and hope.
Staff & Professional Development
Re-energizing educators with practical tools for presence, resilience, and modeling authenticity in their classrooms.
The Heart of Ryan’s Message
“In a world of performance and comparison, authenticity is the quiet rebellion that changes everything.”
Through powerful storytelling from his 2,000-mile Appalachian Trail journey, Ryan helps students (and the adults who guide them) rediscover what truly matters—and remember that walking your own path is the most meaningful journey of all.
Trusted by:
Dozens of school districts nationwide • Regional youth leadership conferences • Parent-teacher organizations and student services departments
Let’s Make Your Next Event Meaningful.
If your school is looking for a speaker who creates connection, reflection, and impact that lasts long after the assembly ends, Ryan would love to support your community.