Erin Walsh
Erin is a parent, speaker, educator, and writer. She has worked with communities across the country who want to better understand child and adolescent development and cut through conflicting information about kids and technology. She is fiercely committed to bringing an equity lens and asset-based approach to our understanding of, and response to, youth and media. Her signature down-to-earth approach and sense of humor helps families and educators engage in complicated topics and leave feeling capable and motivated.
Erin has enjoyed bringing science and tips to families and educators alongside her father Dr. David Walsh for nearly 20 years. They started together at the National Institute on Media and the Family and then more recently founded Mind Positive Parenting before creating Spark & Stitch Institute™ in 2019. In addition to writing articles for several other organizations including Bolster Collaborative and Psychology Today, she co-authored the 10th Anniversary Edition of the national bestseller Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen.
Erin is also Lead Program Facilitator for Youth Frontiers. She leads interactive Mind Retreats for educators exploring the science of stress and why connection unleashes learning. Before creating Spark & Stitch Institute in 2019, Erin taught undergraduate students for 9 years with the Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs. She created and co-taught an 8-credit program called Making Media, Making Change. Erin has served on a number of community boards, most recently as board chair of YMCA Camp Widjiwagan, a wilderness-based youth development program. She has consulted with schools, school districts, parent groups and other youth serving organizations throughout North America on issues related to digital media, children, youth. She lives in Minneapolis, MN with her wife and two kids.
You deserve parent nights and professional development days that are warm, accessible, and actionable.
“Erin Walsh is a fantastic speaker and I recommend her without reservation. She knows her content and delivers it convincingly and tactfully. Her style is dynamic and methodical. The audience found her to be highly engaging. If you are considering Erin for your events I have full confidence that you will be as pleased as I am.”
– Adam Seaman, Director, Youth Philanthropy Initiative
Listen to Erin’s EDTalk: