Leaders: Kristy

Kristy Brodeur Dermody Life Experience:

Kristy lives in Oakland, California with Scott, her husband of 8 years, their 6 year old son, Sean, and 4 year old daughter, Hannah. They also have an animal family consisting of their 12 year old black lab Kelsey, a 1 year old bunny named Dexter, and a 1 year old gecko lizard named DJ. Kristy grew up in the California Bay Area, and graduated from from Cal Poly State University with a BS degree in Psychology and Human Development. She later completed her MS degree in Consulting Psychology from John F Kennedy University in Orinda, California.

Kristy has been a Challenge Day Leader since 1999. She also has a long history of working with children and families who have suffered from traumatic, violent experiences - from working at rape crisis centers to interviewing young children suspected of being victims of abuse. Because of her experience, Kristy has been invited several times to conduct trainings for the Justice Department all around the country to train agents and professionals on how to talk to kids when they have been traumatized and how to deal with special concerns in this area. Her true passion and love is working with young people, encouraging and helping them to see, be and create possibilities in their lives.

If you really knew me:

I am a mother of two wonderful children, wife, a daughter and a sister.
I have created a wonderful, fun, full life.
The Challenge Day family is like a second family to me.
I am very conscious about being authentic and real in every part of my life.
When I felt alone when I was little, which was a lot, I pretended I was characters I created. I would play these roles for days.
Playing is very important to me, and it is important that Challenge Days are not only life-changing, but also fun!!
I have talked to and held the most wounded and hurt children in our communities and I am determined to create a world where every child is listened to, supported and celebrated.