Working with kids, teens, and adults, we aim to teach safety, respect, confidence, and kindness skills for the betterment of all.

Meet the Director

Laura Slesar, Director of Kidpower Vermont, is on a mission to give essential life skills to children and teens across Vermont. As an advocate for personal safety and empowerment, Laura engages young people in dynamic workshops that build skills and confidence. She brings two decades of experience working with teens in school settings to her work. Using Kidpower’s innovative approach, including the Positive Practice Method, she empowers young people to set boundaries, navigate relationships, and get help from adults.

A dedicated parent herself, Laura is a champion of parents and other caring adults, empowering them to take leadership in matters of safety. Laura has taught over 1300 people Kidpower’s life-changing skills. With Kidpower Vermont, Laura Slesar is not just teaching safety; she is nurturing a community where everyone has the tools to thrive.

The Kidpower Vermont Mission

To provide effective and empowering skills in child protection, positive communication, advocacy, personal safety, and self-defense for all ages, abilities, cultures, beliefs, genders, and identities.

Kidpower Vermont is

Honest

Kidpower champions clear communication and ethical practices in addressing community issues.

Evolving

We are always looking for ways to improve and are open to new ideas.

Fair

We develop clear win-win agreements and uphold high standards.

Supportive

We encourage people to take good care of their well-being and to make their health and their loved ones their top priorities.

Productive

We are effective and efficient in how we use our own time and the time of others.

Safe

We are committed to ensuring the physical and emotional safety of everyone involved with Kidpower.

Collaborative

We work as a team with each other, with our supporters, and with our students to bring the best services possible to the most people possible.

Proactive

We anticipate problems and take action sooner rather than later. We get help to solve problems if we are stuck.

Courageous

Kidpower stands up for its beliefs. We don’t let fear, embarrassment, inconvenience, or discomfort prevent us from working towards our goals and upholding our values.

Joyful

We are enthusiastic, hopeful, and positive in all our communications with others, even when we need to set boundaries or refuse someone’s request.

Appreciative

We honor everyone’s contributions and acknowledge people for what they do.

Inclusive

We welcome people of any age, culture, religion, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, political belief, nationality, marital status, or level of income, who share our commitment to integrity and safety for everyone and who can join us in upholding our values.

What Parents Are Saying

“Kidpower’s training gave my children confidence and transformed how we approach safety as a family. It's a fun, empowering experience I recommend to everyone.”

Parent

“Kidpower transformed how I approach my child's desire for independence, providing us with practical safety tools and the confidence to navigate the world more securely.”