Change Starts in 5 Radical Minutes
Based entirely on new research about the brain, we’ve designed the 5 Radical Minutes program to connect people with others in a compassionate, mindful, and meaningful way.
5 Radical Minutes is a systematic way to build deeper connections with those around us, especially if we have differing viewpoints. This daily practice teaches new rules of engagement: to listen more openly, to reflect more quietly, and to respond more thoughtfully.
Based on the neuro-biology of kindness, 5 Radical Minutes helps rewire the brain to respond with compassion and kindness rather than react with fear or anger. This goal of restoration builds bridges across fractured relationships and brings communities together in new ways.
In the Home
In the home, parents and caregivers can actively engage their children in ways that are safe, encouraging, and positive. This new way of being together builds trust, and over time leads to a kinder, more loving and respectful home.
In the Classroom
In the classroom, 5 Radical Minutes surveys both teachers and students throughout the school year. This valuable feedback allows all to track progress, hone in on specific needs, and improve classroom connections. Student surveys are anonymous, so each child has the freedom to share true concerns.
The flexibility of the 5 Radical Minutes program allows individual teachers to engage their students in this new way, but also allows entire schools districts participate and achieve district-wide program fidelity. 5 Radical Minutes changes school climate in a tangible, trackable way.
Meet the Team
Cheri Lovre
Program Author
Cheri Lovre started as a Behavioral Specialist in the 1980s writing IEPs and working with behaviorally challenged students in schools. She noticed that many of the students on her caseload were struggling with grief or trauma. As a result, by the mid-80s she was training school crisis response teams (Flight Teams). She wrote the Crisis Resource Manual in 1985. Armed with her third book, the Catastrophic Events Resource Manual in the 90s, she began responding to school shootings. Her first response was Thurston High School, Springfield. Just one year later she responded to Columbine. Cheri spent 2 years in NYC following 9/11 and her work continues still. With every on-site response, she’s gained more and more insight on the root of all of this violence. Read more about her experience here.
Karin Holton
Business Administration
Karin has gained the experience that makes her the ideal project administrator through her 18 years as a consultant to a variety of non profit organizations throughout Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
Her keen eye, attention to detail and organizational skills allow her to keep projects focused and moving forward. Her belief in building community through shared service have allowed her to build a strong network of people and resources.
As bonus mother to two adult children and grandmother to two pre elementary boys she is well aware of issues that face blended families in times of heartache and celebration.
Amy Pearson
Content and Usability
Amy’s years working as content director at a branding agency make her aptly fit to hone and craft this brand’s vision and move it forward effectively. Deep inquiry, vigorous testing, and a heart to connect people to each other drive her to continually improve our program to meet our audience’s needs, and to develop strategies that reach our market with the true heart of 5 Radical Minutes.
Amy is on the ground managing the daily operations of the program. If you’re onboarding, emailing, or receiving teacher and student survey data, it’s Amy on the other end making it happen.
As a mother of two adult children and a high schooler, she understands first-hand the challenges our students face. In addressing screen addiction to anxiety, homework woes to extracurriculars, she’s found that listening ears, and open heart, and a model of compassion can make a big impact.
Brant Walsh
Technical Support
This Salem Mac Guy has a long history of happy clients, including Crisis Management Institute. None are happier than Cheri Lovre. As creator of the very first 5 Radical Minutes beta website, he helped Cheri iron out strategies for how people would interact with the program. Together, they built the foundation for how the site should work. Anytime a technical hurdle arises, Brant has the know-how to solve the problem. Email issues? He’s our 24/7 on-call guru.
As a husband and father of 2, he’s well aware of the issues facing our youth, especially in this digital age. With a heart for connection and the technical chops to use digital tools to make face-to-face interaction more effective, he continually offers strategic solutions that make our program even more effective.