• Science and Strategies for Nurturing Connected & Courageous Kids

    Energizing, affirming, and informative keynotes and trainings

    BOOK ERIN

“I felt cradled in the warm arms of well translated, organized science I can implement immediately!”

Sarah Hernandez, Educator

Trusted by school districts and organizations across the country

Featured Talks

It’s Their World: Teens, Screens, and the Science of Adolescence

For middle and high school caregivers and professionals

Parents and professionals are swimming in headlines about AI, phones, social media, and mental health. It’s no wonder so many of us feel torn between panic and guilt, left wondering if we’re doing enough or if we’re doing it all wrong. Fear, though, isn’t a parenting strategy.

In this engaging and affirming talk, Erin Walsh takes you inside the teenage brain and connects the dots to the unique risks and opportunities of growing up digital. With warmth, science, and humor, Erin helps parents move from feeling overwhelmed and catastrophic to capable and connected – the steady presence young people need to build resilience in a complicated world.

It’s Complicated: Children, Screens, and Mental Health

For elementary, middle, and HS caregivers and professionals

In this interactive and energizing talk, Erin Walsh cuts through the noise with a refreshing blend of brain science, relatable storytelling, and humor. Discover what truly matters when it comes to technology and children, especially around top concerns like over-use, cyberbullying, body image, and attention. Transform your relationship with children around screens – not just to help them navigate online risks but to foster digital wellbeing. This workshop can be tailored to specific issues or age groups.

From Apps to Laps: Screen Time in Early Childhood

For early childhood caregivers and professionals

Families and educators receive conflicting advice—some companies promise that media can boost children’s intelligence, while experts urge parents to limit screen time. In this engaging talk, Erin Walsh uses science, stories, and humor to cut through the confusion about screen time in early childhood. Let go of screen time shame and discover practical strategies to support healthy development—both online and offline.

Why Do They Act That Way? A Compassionate Guide to the Teenage Brain

For middle and high school caregivers and professionals

Based on the best-selling book, Erin unpacks what happens in the adolescent brain as it transitions from childhood to adulthood. Delivering the latest science in easy-to-understand language, Erin Walsh reveals why moodiness, risk-taking, and miscommunication are so common—all are linked to physical changes and growth in the adolescent brain. Get practical advice, reassuring guidance, and discover what teens need to thrive.

 

Erin Walsh as a guest speaker a middle school with educators in a circle.

  • Erin Walsh’s signature style combines science, warmth and humor to help educators, parents, and professionals engage in pressing and complicated topics – from stress to screen time.

    Bring Erin to your community for a conference keynote, professional development workshop, or parent night. Participants will leave feeling affirmed, capable, and inspired.

“Amazing! Erin is so real and relatable. I could have listened to her for hours!”

Myra Samuels, Parent

Additional Popular Tech Topics

iBrain: Learning in an Age of Distractions

 All age groups

Attention is one of our most precious and valuable resources. In this workshop, Erin Walsh unpacks the brain science of attention, memory, and multitasking in today’s digitally connected world. Explore the distraction economy, understand the seeking brain, and gain practical strategies for helping young people build focus as they navigate homework, YouTube, texting, and social interactions.

Courage Wins: Conflict and Cruelty Online

Elementary, Middle, HS

 

While bullying has long been a painful part of growing up, today’s digital world lowers the barriers and raises the stakes. But cyberbullying doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and the solution isn’t as simple as taking away devices. Discover how to help kids navigate online drama, disrupt bullying behaviors, and practice emotional courage when it matters most.

From Control to Connection

Elementary, Middle, HS

Adults are worried about teens and screens and want to take action, but bans, rigid rules, and confiscating devices tend to backfire during adolescence. Get the latest evidence and discover the  relationship-based strategies that actually buffer teens from risk – and unleash digital possibilities.

Additional Popular Social Emotional Development Topics

The Many Faces of Stress: Raising Resilient Kids

All age groups

Children often express stress through challenging behaviors. Learn more about what stress looks like in kids and teens and ways to respond that build your family’s resilience instead of eroding it.

The Science of Motivation

All age groups

Understanding the science of motivation can help us keep our eyes on how to nurture it in our kids – not just for the sake of getting more done but for everyone’s mental health and wellbeing.

Boundaries Without Battles

All age groups

Learn more about why kids and teens need boundaries and how to be both flexible and firm when your kids need it most. Learn how to clarify your limits and follow through with consistency and care.

FULL LIST OF TOPICS for PARENTS

FULL LIST OF TOPICS FOR EDUCATORS & Professionals

We don’t believe in a one size fits all approach. From conference keynotes to online workshops, we will tailor the topic and format to fit your audience.

 

1. Fill out the Book a Speaker form

2. We will get in touch with you to talk through details

3. Engage, learn, & enjoy!

 

check availability

Trusted by school districts and organizations across the country

“Erin Walsh is a very skilled speaker, I felt entertained, was never bored, and learned a ton.”

– Sayrah, Participant in Full Day Training

“Erin Walsh is a fantastic guest 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

Spark & Stitch Speakers

  • Erin Walsh

    Erin Walsh

    Erin is a parent, speaker, and author. 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 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. Keep reading...
    Erin Walsh
  • Dr. David Walsh

    Dr. David Walsh

    Dr. Dave is currently doing very limited speaking. He has mostly passed the baton to Erin :)
    Dr. David Walsh

Book Erin

Request Dr. Dave