Finding technology’s place by promoting mindful living, and kind and careful online communication.
Since its founding in 2013, the Don’t Press Send Campaign has grown significantly. What began as a community-based project, has grown into an international program.
Katie continues to impart her message in numerous schools, from early learners through college level and beyond. Her two mantras encompass fostering digital wellness from the start, and kind and careful online communication. The backbone of our campaign is the Don’t Press Send Pledge. This pledge has been transformed into an app that has reached over 50 countries and is in the process of a re-launch.
The Don’t Press Send campaign has been featured in countless media outlets which highlight its important message. In 2016, Katie published her first book Don’t Press Send: A Mindful Approach to Social Media, an Education In Cyber Civics. This book offers a clear perspective of the reality of how social media impacts today’s youth and how we can best move forward. n 2023, Katie published her first children’s book, Bye-Bye, Wi-Fi!, which explores the joys an unplugged afternoon can bring. This read-aloud tale reminds readers of the importance of living in the moment and the fulfillment of connecting with one another.
In addition, Katie presented a TEDx Talk in March 2017 at Adelphi University which addressed the importance of finding technology’s place in our lives.
Through the development of the Don’t Press Send app, and nationwide workshops for schools, community organizations and civic leaders, Katie has been at the helm of Don’t Press Send’s growth from a grassroots mission to an international campaign. She is also the author of the book, Don’t Press Send: A Mindful Approach to Social Media, an Education in Cyber Civics. Katie has showcased her campaign on various media platforms, including a Ted Talk, television interviews and magazine articles.
Katie is an advisor to the Rockville Centre Youth Council and a board member of the Rockville Centre Drug and Alcohol Task Force. She has also been certified in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindful Schools K-12 Curriculum Training. Katie earned her Master of Science degree in early childhood education from Hunter College, NY and her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Long Island University C.W. Post, NY.
In her free time, Katie enjoys kayaking, meditation and outdoor activities. A mom of three, her spare time is sparse, but she thought it was a great idea to add a second dog to be part of the Schumacher clan!
Kira is the co-author (with Scott Cawthon) of the bestselling young adult trilogy Five Nights at Freddy’s, including the #1 NY Times bestseller, Five Nights at Freddy’s: The Silver Eyes. As a ghostwriter, she has written five additional novels, three nonfiction books, and two screenplays. She began her career as a playwright for a youth theater and video production company in Central New York, which focused on creating discussions around issues impacting young people.
Kira works with Don’t Press Send through Kevin Anderson & Associates, and collaborates with Katie to create the content in her books. With the help of Kira’s expertise, Katie’s book was successful in capturing the attention of thousands through its relatable writing style. Kira continues to work with Katie on her second book, which will be launching later this year. She is a graduate of Cornell University, and lives in Brooklyn, NY.
Mary has a master’s degree in Elementary Education and a BA in English. Her career has taken her from USA Today, to public education, as well as copy editing for Syneos Health in the biopharma marketing space. She also is the founder of Write On, a college essay prep service.
Now that her three children are grown, Mary loves playing pickleball, practicing yoga, and enjoying the beach.
With a decade of experience under her belt, Jasmine honed her skills as a marketing professional, specializing in the dynamic and ever-evolving realms of social media management and web design. Her journey has been marked by a deep understanding of online platforms and the creation of engaging, user-friendly websites, allowing her to effectively connect with audiences and deliver impactful marketing strategies.
Don’t Press Send has presented to tens of thousands of students, parents, and educators since 2013. Our “Mindful Approach to Social Media” provides participants with guidelines and strategies to safely and kindly navigate the online world. We strive to enlighten today’s student starting the conversation about digital wellness and the importance of maintaining their emotional well-being through mindful practices.
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