Barbara Coloroso

Barbara Coloroso, internationally recognized speaker and author in the areas of parenting, teaching, school discipline, nonviolent conflict resolution, reconciliatory justice and grieving, recently visited Woodstock School during its "Building Healthy Communities" week in early September. Coloroso gave two keynote addresses, one to staff and one to the entire student body. In a charismatic and energetic presentation, she won over students with real-world advice and deep compassion for the marginalized. Throughout the week, she conducted several break-out sessions with various groups of students, including high school, middle school and also residence staff. Woodstock, in an effort to work in collaboration with colleagues from other schools, invited officials from neighboring institutions including Doon School, Mussoorie International School and St. George's to participate in a question-and-answer session with the speaker.

Coloroso is from Littleton, Colorado, mere miles from Columbine High School, the location of the United States' most horrific and deadly high school shootings. Though not her main inspiration for her expertise, she counts this event as motivation for doing what she does.