​

“We had the pleasure of having Traci return to her hometown of Tulare to present her uplifting message to our 7th and 8th grade girls last spring.  I was impressed with the positive manner in which Traci approached even the most sensitive issues with young ladies, focusing on simple yet tangible strategies that girls can utilize to improve their self-image.  Mrs. Haynes’ message was well received by our students, as they did not feel like they were being lectured, but more guided by a trusted friend.  It is clear that Traci’s vast experience working with adolescent girls has given her a clear insight on both the challenges that young ladies face as well as effective ways to communicate her important message to her audience through her RISE program.  I am looking forward to Traci’s visit next to our campus, as her message is vital to the positive development of our young ladies.” – Michelle McPhetridge, Principal Live Oak Middle School, Tulare

​

“I was fortunate to be a part of the first R.I.S.E. Presentation at Bidwell Jr. High last year.  Traci shared her message of positive self -talk, healthy body image, listening to your body when it needs to be fed and positive support for others.  Her information on nutrition is basic and to the point.  I especially enjoyed her message about each girl’s ability to be strong and not afraid to love yourself.  It was empowering and fun!  I look forward to seeing her program blossom in the CUSD system.” – Monique Claverie, Bidwell Jr. High P.E.

​

“Thank you for presenting to my 6th, 7th, and 8th grade P.E. girls.  Your presentation was not only informative but invigorating and energized my students – to this day they are just as excited about your visit!  I can see the sense of empowerment they feel based on their interactions with you.  Several times since your presentation, I have heard the girls “stepping on each other’s R.I.S.E. scales!”  This is especially important and amazing given they are middle school aged girls prone to gossip and negativity.  Many have asked if you will be returning.” – Lori Gaines, Teacher at Children’s Community Charter School

​

"I'd like to highly recommend Traci Haynes as a guest speaker at your school.  I should disclose that Traci is a personal friend of mine, but I can say without bias that the work she does and is willing to do on the elementary and middle school level is absolutely critical.  

​

"I teach in the Nutrition and Food Sciences Department at Chico State, and have for 17 years.  Traci has been  a generous and important guest speaker in my classes. Because this semester the disordered eating stood out as particularly prevalent, I called Traci and asked her to come speak about disordered eating and recovery.  After she came,  almost every single student journaled about the true impact she'd had on them.

Students found Traci to be a wonderful speaker who changed their perspective on disordered eating and the journey to a healthy relationship with food and body."

 

"Traci's work is important.  The fact that this gem in our community is willing to take the time to share her story with our young people is an opportunity that is not to be missed. " 

- Deb McCafferty, MS, RD

Instructor, Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences

California State University, Chico

 

“I have had the pleasure of viewing Traci Haynes’ presentation more than once.  Don’t miss the chance to see her!  You will leave feeling inspired and strong.  I’m so grateful my adolescent daughter has heard her speak.  Traci talks to young girls in a friendly, funny and most importantly, honest manner.  She breaks down lessons that can take years to master in bite size pieces for girls to begin to practice.  The result will help yield confident, empowered and healthy women.”  - Chrissie Weston, mom of R.I.S.E participant

​

"As a mother of an 11 year old daughter, I can't express enough how thankful I am to have a dedicated professional like Traci Haynes to come into our schools.  To reach out and speak openly to our young girls, encouraging and helping them understand the positive and healthy ways of taking good care of themselves and loving themselves. Unfortunately these various discussions aren't always taught in a household, which emphasizes how important it is to have educated, experienced professionals join our districts to talk about such topics that will provide our girls with the proper tools for positive self growth."

- Mom of R.I.S.E. participant

​

"As a mother of four daughters, I work very hard to instill in each of my children the importance of self-worth and being healthy on the inside and out.  However, not every girl gets those lessons at home and/or at school.  I greatly appreciate and look forward to the R.I.S.E. Strong Project and am hopeful to see it spread through Chico.  Girls in our town need practical lessons on Respect, Image, Self-Love, Education/Empowerment.  My hope is that this program will be implemented and promoted in schools so that my younger daughters will also get the opportunity to learn the same tools to assist them as they mature."

- Mom of R.I.S.E. participants

​

“I like the idea of waking up in the morning and instead of pointing out all the bad things you see, look for the good.  Tell yourself you’re beautiful every day and you will have a good day.” – 7th grade student

​

“I loved how positive she was when she was presenting.  It made me feel like I can do anything if I put my mind to it.”

– 6th grade student

​

“The part I liked about her presentation was that she was open to anything we said and she was helpful and answered our questions.” – 7th grade student

​

“I thought your presentation really inspired girls to not feel bad about your body and that every girl is beautiful on the inside and out.  You were able to help girls realize that shape, size, and height doesn’t matter and that you are the one to define who you are.” – 6th grade student

​

“I enjoyed Traci’s presentation because she told us lots of stuff about loving our body.  I think other 6th grade girls should have the opportunity to listen to Traci present because it is very important to love your body.  You only have one body and Traci helps teach us tools on how to take care of ourselves better.” – 6th grade student

​

“Traci is a wonderful motivator.  I enjoyed her presentation.  I haven’t known her very long but I can tell she is dedicated to her passion and she makes kids feel good.” – 8th grade student.

​

"I learned that if I would encourage myself more, I could accomplish more. I also learned that I am beautiful and strong." - 5th grade workshop attendee

​

"My R.I.S.E. scale would say that I am creative, smart and beautiful." - 5th grade workshop attendee

​

"No one can bring you down if you believe you are strong and beautiful because you are." - 6th grade workshop attendee

​

"A few things I learned from Traci is it doesn't matter what the scale says, or the tags on your pants say.  It matters who you are as a person.  My favorite part was when she let us step on each other's R.I.S.E. scale so we could compliment each other for who they are ." - 7th grade student

​

"I really liked the R.I.S.E scale.  When you're feeling down about yourself, you can "jump" on it and say something positive to yourself or a friend.  After Traci's presentation, I plan on eating healthier for my body, giving myself more compliments and not being so hard on myself." - 7th grade student

​

"Traci's presentation helped me realize that my friends really care about me.  Also that I am beautiful and wanted in this world.  Traci cares about us even though she doesn't really know us, she cares!" - 8th grade student