When my daughter joined The Youth Artistic Leadership Academy, I hoped she’d learn how to act—but what she gained was so much more. Not only has she blossomed into a confident storyteller on and off camera, but I’ve seen her become more mindful, kind, and present in our family life. She leads us in breathing exercises at dinner, talks to her little brother with more patience, and even helped us all start a Sunday family yoga tradition. The academy didn’t just teach her skills—it helped shape our family. I’m forever grateful.

As a mother of teenage twin boys, I had reached my breaking point. The house was filled with constant yelling, profanity, threats, and a level of disrespect I never imagined would exist in my family. I was afraid that their bond as brothers—and our connection as a family—was being torn apart. Then we found The Youth Artistic Leadership Academy. I don’t have the words to fully express how grateful I am for this program. From day one, I saw them shift—not just in how they spoke, but in how they listened, how they breathed, and how they began to show up for each other. They learned to pause, reflect, and choose peace over power struggles. They laughed together again. They apologized without being told. While we still have work to do—and healing takes time—the transformation has been profound. We now have hope, tools, and a foundation we can build on. I cannot wait for next year’s program. This academy gave us something priceless: a new beginning.