Cathleen Beachboard
Author, Educator, Psychological Hope Researcher at The School of Hope
Education Management
Education: West Liberty University- Secondary English Education - Liberty University- Psychology
Warrenton, VA, USA
Biography
Cathleen Beachboard is an award-winning educator, best-selling author, TED talker, and leading innovative expert on raising psychological hope in schools. Her Building H.O.P.E.© framework has improved resilience, well-being, and achievement in thousands of schools across the country. As a sought-after speaker on well-being and retention, she provides practical tools and strategies for parents, educators, and leaders to increase hope so every person can thrive.
Passion
I’m passionate about helping people see hope not as a vague concept but as a practical, science-backed tool—one that can unlock resilience, fuel success, and enhance well-being. Hope isn’t just something you feel; it’s something you do. Every person has the capacity to harness the science of hope to transform their lives, especially those who’ve faced trauma. By strengthening psychological hope, we can rebuild connections, reignite purpose, and create a pathway to a brighter future.
Best Story
Dr. C.R. Snyder, often called the "Father of Hope Theory," made a groundbreaking appearance on Good Morning America in the 1990s, where he conducted a live science experiment that would forever change how the world viewed hope. Snyder's work was already respected in the field of positive psychology, but this daring public demonstration showcased the real-life, transformative power of hope in a way that resonated far beyond academic circles.
Origin Story
Cathleen Beachboard’s journey into the science of hope didn’t start in a classroom—it began at home with one life-changing decision: adopting five children at once. These were children who had faced unimaginable challenges—trauma, loss, and uncertainty—and they needed more than a loving home. They needed hope for a future filled with stability, possibility, and healing.
Becoming a parent to five children overnight was no small task. Cathleen quickly realized that love alone wouldn’t be enough to help them navigate the deep emotional wounds they carried. They needed tools to process their pain, believe in their potential, and work toward brighter futures. It was in this moment—both as a mother and as an educator—that Cathleen’s journey into the science of hope began.
As she saw her children heal and thrive, Cathleen became captivated by what was happening. She witnessed how hope transformed their lives. When they believed in themselves and their potential, they began to dream. When they set goals and worked toward them, their confidence blossomed. These moments of growth were proof that hope was not just an abstract concept; it was a measurable and teachable force that could change lives.
This personal revelation inspired Cathleen to return to school and pursue a graduate degree in applied psychology, specializing in human development. She delved into the research behind hope theory and resilience, determined to better understand how hope could be cultivated in others. What she learned reshaped her life’s work.
Cathleen began applying these principles in her classroom, helping students—many of whom carried their own traumas—learn to set goals, create pathways, and build the motivation to overcome obstacles. Her classroom became a haven of growth, where students discovered the power of their own agency and potential.
Her success didn’t stop there. At Fauquier High School, Cathleen implemented hope-based strategies that led to extraordinary outcomes: attendance rates soared, students with disabilities achieved unprecedented success, and the school emerged from state review status. Her work proved that hope could transform not just individuals, but entire communities.
Cathleen’s experiences as a mother and educator became the foundation of her book, The School of Hope: The Journey From Trauma and Anxiety to Achievement, Happiness, and Resilience. Through her Building H.O.P.E.© framework, she equips educators, parents, and leaders with practical tools to cultivate resilience and foster achievement.
Today, Cathleen is a leading expert in the science of hope, a sought-after speaker, and a passionate advocate for change. Her message is simple yet profound: hope isn’t just a feeling—it’s a science-backed strategy that empowers people to overcome challenges and thrive.
For Cathleen, this mission is deeply personal. Her five children are her greatest inspiration, living proof of hope’s transformative power. Their journeys remind her every day that hope can heal, empower, and pave the way for a brighter future. Through her work, she is dedicated to spreading this message to classrooms, schools, and communities worldwide.
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I am willing to travel
More than 100 miles
When it comes to payments
I generally get paid for speaking but make exceptions
Topics
Best Story
Dr. C.R. Snyder, often called the "Father of Hope Theory," made a groundbreaking appearance on Good Morning America in the 1990s, where he conducted a live science experiment that would forever change how the world viewed hope. Snyder's work was already respected in the field of positive psychology, but this daring public demonstration showcased the real-life, transformative power of hope in a way that resonated far beyond academic circles.
Origin Story
Cathleen Beachboard’s journey into the science of hope didn’t start in a classroom—it began at home with one life-changing decision: adopting five children at once. These were children who had faced unimaginable challenges—trauma, loss, and uncertainty—and they needed more than a loving home. They needed hope for a future filled with stability, possibility, and healing.
Becoming a parent to five children overnight was no small task. Cathleen quickly realized that love alone wouldn’t be enough to help them navigate the deep emotional wounds they carried. They needed tools to process their pain, believe in their potential, and work toward brighter futures. It was in this moment—both as a mother and as an educator—that Cathleen’s journey into the science of hope began.
As she saw her children heal and thrive, Cathleen became captivated by what was happening. She witnessed how hope transformed their lives. When they believed in themselves and their potential, they began to dream. When they set goals and worked toward them, their confidence blossomed. These moments of growth were proof that hope was not just an abstract concept; it was a measurable and teachable force that could change lives.
This personal revelation inspired Cathleen to return to school and pursue a graduate degree in applied psychology, specializing in human development. She delved into the research behind hope theory and resilience, determined to better understand how hope could be cultivated in others. What she learned reshaped her life’s work.
Cathleen began applying these principles in her classroom, helping students—many of whom carried their own traumas—learn to set goals, create pathways, and build the motivation to overcome obstacles. Her classroom became a haven of growth, where students discovered the power of their own agency and potential.
Her success didn’t stop there. At Fauquier High School, Cathleen implemented hope-based strategies that led to extraordinary outcomes: attendance rates soared, students with disabilities achieved unprecedented success, and the school emerged from state review status. Her work proved that hope could transform not just individuals, but entire communities.
Cathleen’s experiences as a mother and educator became the foundation of her book, The School of Hope: The Journey From Trauma and Anxiety to Achievement, Happiness, and Resilience. Through her Building H.O.P.E.© framework, she equips educators, parents, and leaders with practical tools to cultivate resilience and foster achievement.
Today, Cathleen is a leading expert in the science of hope, a sought-after speaker, and a passionate advocate for change. Her message is simple yet profound: hope isn’t just a feeling—it’s a science-backed strategy that empowers people to overcome challenges and thrive.
For Cathleen, this mission is deeply personal. Her five children are her greatest inspiration, living proof of hope’s transformative power. Their journeys remind her every day that hope can heal, empower, and pave the way for a brighter future. Through her work, she is dedicated to spreading this message to classrooms, schools, and communities worldwide.