What our Clients are Saying
Betsy and the Virtues Training program are providing critical skills needed by our children and those who mentor our children, in dealing with the complexities of social interaction. Engage her or any of their facilitators to help with the transition from Covid related restrictions to a world community where grace, consideration and perspective (to name a few) are essential skills for us all." - Arlene Cash, College Consults, GA
I enthusiastically recommend Betsy Lydle Smith and The Virtues Project™ to any school or district looking for a strong character education program led by a dynamic facilitator.
-Chuck Wegner, Director of Curriculum, Pocotello/Chubbuck School District, Pocotello, ID
Virtues are a great tool, for parenting, professional and spousal relationships. It has really changed the way I think about relationships. -Teacher, Bellevue, WA
My wife and I started a medical practice several years ago. During our brainstorming efforts we chose five virtues which would help us and our employees navigate a world new to us. Whenever in doubt we chose a virtue to help us make a decision. This proved to be the most powerful tool for us to create a business that was founded on solid ground. 14 years later, we still make our decisions based on the virtues as a second nature. My wife and I have raised our three daughters to be aware of their gems/virtues and how they can always rely on them to make decisions for their lives.
-John Darvish, CFO, Holistique Medical Center, Bellevue, WA
My experience as a student in Betsy's Virtues Project workshop was one of the most powerful and transformative experiences of my life. The Virtues Project language and strategies are very powerful in and of themselves, but Betsy's workshops are the needed bridge to bring them to life in ways that make sense for our students and our environment. I recommend Betsy Lydle Smith without reservation as a truly excellent Master Facilitator of the Virtues Project.
-Linda Myrick, Teacher, Bellevue School District, WA
I can report that the Virtues Project is off to a tremendous start at Dickinson…. And I credit our daily focus with dramatically improving our school culture and helping us get through tough times. The staff has fully embraced the language, and our monthly celebrations are amazing. They are all student driven, and the entire school loves them.
-Karen Barker, Principal, Emily Dickinson Elem., Redmond, WA
It is not just the speaker or the words but the response to hearing these words, like beautiful music on a finely tuned instrument that reverberates through the air. Like when the violinist plays a note and comes to the end of his bow and the music must end here but it continues through the vibration of the wood in the violin and the acoustics of the theater’s well thought out design. These words, I believe do that. Learn them, the speaker will have an effect of the listener who, like the music, the words will have an effect. Of course, delivery in your methods in this program, like the conductor and the musical score as part of that delivery and effect.
-Ruth Beauchamp, CA
Along with special time with my family, the virtues training was a highlight of my summer. Thank you so much for creating such a safe, beautiful space to come together and your caring and warmth are so wonderful. I really felt your heartfelt generosity as you shared your knowledge.
-Nancy Nord Kanagy, Napa, CA
It was a wonderful experience to participate and become part of this extraordinary project. We, acknowledge you, for being so patient and resolved. By sharing your wisdom our spirit found a new dimension of hope.
-Drs. Jose Castrodad and Raquel Castrodad, Puerto Rico
The virtues changed our lives. We are implementing it at home, and the other day, before a very hard day, I picked a card to help me. it was kindness… I took it with me and it was like a miracle… changed the day and all the attitude. Last Friday all my family came for dinner and we did a reflection eveving. I don't know if you remember the stories about my mom … , but this evening was something we didn't have for years. amazing!!!" -Introduction to The Virtues Project Webinar participant
"This was the most useful in-service I have attended in my 15 years of teaching.
-Lisa Blackwell, Darby Public Schools, Darby, MT
The last 3 days have been an indescribably awakening, spiritual and inspirational experience for me. Thank you SO much.
-Mary Douglass, Edmonds, WA
I truly value the work you are doing with my staff. I believe in the power of the Virtues program to transform a building and community.
-Johnnie Gregory, Principal, Clyde Hill Elementary School, Bellevue, WA
After attending the Virtues Training I've noticed that I have more joyfulness in my day to day parenting.
-Natasha Nimmo, Bellevue, WA
At Nanoose Bay Elementary School the Virtues Program has been the bedrock of our school community for almost nine years. We believe that the Virtues Program helps us to continually focus on what is most important in our role as educators: to ignite children’s spirits and guide them to grow into compassionate, committed citizens.
-Steve Hamilton, Principal, BC, Canada
The Virtues presentation was the most valuable part of this year's conference. I'm using this in my troop immediately. I will implement it into my trainings.
-Trainer, Girl Scouts-Totem Council, Seattle, WA
The highlights of this training were the activities of sharing, virtues picks, storytelling, practice in speaking the language, our group presentation, modeling of the facilitators and Betsy's humility, clarity and respect. Excellent pacing! This training really touched my spirit deeply.
-D. Hastings, Vancouver, BC
I hear nothing but positive comments about your program. You really are making a super positive impact in the District, Bellevue and apparently the world at large!
-Karla Moreno, middle school teacher, Bellevue, WA
Incorporating The Virtues Project™ into our school is absolutely seamless. We have incorporated it into our regular curriculum, our class and school rules, and our student and teacher interactions. Our students and staff have become more considerate, tolerant, and in integrity in the four years we have used this program.
-Betsy Hill, former Principal, Medina Elem. School, Medina, WA
This is the first time in all of my teaching that I can see the impact of what I'm teaching right now!
-Pat Hannam, Health & Family Life teacher, Lakes H.S., Lakewood, WA
The value of The Virtues Project in the Domestic Violence population is the gift of language that immediately affects their life, their behavior, both interpersonal and intrapersonal, and their positive strengths and courage to guide the behavior and character development of their children. Virtues language empowers because it offers hope through personal ownership and recognition.
-Jacqueline Dalloul Wildhirt, Shasta County Domestic Violence Shelters and Transitional Housing, CA
This year, we have seen a decrease in office referrals, which is, we believe, a positive outcome of teaching the virtues to students. Now, even if children do need to come to the office to discuss inappropriate behavior, we are now able to use the language of virtues to help the students identify the virtue that was missing from their actions and what they can do differently do demonstrate the virtue in the future.
-Tracy Maury, Principal, Phantom Lake Elem., Bellevue, WA
I appreciated being able to share on a deeper level with my colleagues. This was an excellent presentation, well-paced, and very practical.
-Teacher, Tok School, Tok, AK
I feel empowered to deal with difficult situations gracefully. I really appreciated getting to know my co-workers in a deeper way.
-Teacher, Enatai Elem., Bellevue, WA
Betsy, you are a fabulous facilitator! I honor you for sharing your virtue of commitment to this program!
-participant, Introduction to The Virtues Project, Issaquah, WA
The most helpful part of this workshop was working as a team to reach a common goal.
-Sally Kieffer, Trapper Creek Job Corps staff, Darby, MT
Thank you, Betsy, for such a beautiful job presenting and representing The Virtues Project. Your helpful spirit is so encouraging.
-Jessica Powell, teacher, Nampa, ID
I have to admit that of the three years I taught at Medina, the thing I am most proud of from my teaching is how the Virtues were used in my classroom. It offered so many incredible teachable moments, that I feel had the most impact on my students of anything I taught them.
-Julie Doan, 2nd grade teacher
Betsy Lydle Smith engaged every adult in the discussion, helping them identify and "own" their virtues. This personal approach allowed for deep reflection and transfer of knowledge to help individuals focus on our students. Our teachers have remembered and applied the skills learned in the Virtues training.
-Jill McLeod, former Principal, Bellevue, WA
It made me really think about the way I see other students at my school. I got to really know the people in my group and see them in a different way.
-High school student, YMCA Conference for Teens and Police, Marysville, WA
I often think about how could I even begin to spread the kind of love and compassion to those around me that my principal did? I feel that The Virtues Project has given me confidence to do so and I will be forever grateful that I got to take the training from you. You have amazing grace and compassion. Thank you for a wonderful five days.
– participant, Canada
I will use friendliness now. I never talk to anyone at school; I usually sit by myself, but now I will make an effort to talk to others. I know I have this virtue of friendliness.
-High school student, YMCA Connections Conference, Everett, WA
Betsy Lydle Smith has been on my Virtues Project radar for two decades. Years ago she traveled to Vancouver, Washington, to give a basic Virtues workshop. This was my introduction and a beginning love for this work. Currently, we share beautiful Bainbridge Island, a ferry ride from Seattle. Being on the same patch of land, I get to have the bounty of witnessing first hand and often, her natural gifts of going deep into her personal well of insight and offering out the qualities of patience and listening and perceiving. These qualities build for me a place of trust and safety and honesty, the attributes of true friendship.
~ stefani galaday, bainbridge island, WA
I enthusiastically recommend Betsy Lydle Smith and The Virtues Project™ to any school or district looking for a strong character education program led by a dynamic facilitator.
-Chuck Wegner, Director of Curriculum, Pocotello/Chubbuck School District, Pocotello, ID
Virtues are a great tool, for parenting, professional and spousal relationships. It has really changed the way I think about relationships. -Teacher, Bellevue, WA
My wife and I started a medical practice several years ago. During our brainstorming efforts we chose five virtues which would help us and our employees navigate a world new to us. Whenever in doubt we chose a virtue to help us make a decision. This proved to be the most powerful tool for us to create a business that was founded on solid ground. 14 years later, we still make our decisions based on the virtues as a second nature. My wife and I have raised our three daughters to be aware of their gems/virtues and how they can always rely on them to make decisions for their lives.
-John Darvish, CFO, Holistique Medical Center, Bellevue, WA
My experience as a student in Betsy's Virtues Project workshop was one of the most powerful and transformative experiences of my life. The Virtues Project language and strategies are very powerful in and of themselves, but Betsy's workshops are the needed bridge to bring them to life in ways that make sense for our students and our environment. I recommend Betsy Lydle Smith without reservation as a truly excellent Master Facilitator of the Virtues Project.
-Linda Myrick, Teacher, Bellevue School District, WA
I can report that the Virtues Project is off to a tremendous start at Dickinson…. And I credit our daily focus with dramatically improving our school culture and helping us get through tough times. The staff has fully embraced the language, and our monthly celebrations are amazing. They are all student driven, and the entire school loves them.
-Karen Barker, Principal, Emily Dickinson Elem., Redmond, WA
It is not just the speaker or the words but the response to hearing these words, like beautiful music on a finely tuned instrument that reverberates through the air. Like when the violinist plays a note and comes to the end of his bow and the music must end here but it continues through the vibration of the wood in the violin and the acoustics of the theater’s well thought out design. These words, I believe do that. Learn them, the speaker will have an effect of the listener who, like the music, the words will have an effect. Of course, delivery in your methods in this program, like the conductor and the musical score as part of that delivery and effect.
-Ruth Beauchamp, CA
Along with special time with my family, the virtues training was a highlight of my summer. Thank you so much for creating such a safe, beautiful space to come together and your caring and warmth are so wonderful. I really felt your heartfelt generosity as you shared your knowledge.
-Nancy Nord Kanagy, Napa, CA
It was a wonderful experience to participate and become part of this extraordinary project. We, acknowledge you, for being so patient and resolved. By sharing your wisdom our spirit found a new dimension of hope.
-Drs. Jose Castrodad and Raquel Castrodad, Puerto Rico
The virtues changed our lives. We are implementing it at home, and the other day, before a very hard day, I picked a card to help me. it was kindness… I took it with me and it was like a miracle… changed the day and all the attitude. Last Friday all my family came for dinner and we did a reflection eveving. I don't know if you remember the stories about my mom … , but this evening was something we didn't have for years. amazing!!!" -Introduction to The Virtues Project Webinar participant
"This was the most useful in-service I have attended in my 15 years of teaching.
-Lisa Blackwell, Darby Public Schools, Darby, MT
The last 3 days have been an indescribably awakening, spiritual and inspirational experience for me. Thank you SO much.
-Mary Douglass, Edmonds, WA
I truly value the work you are doing with my staff. I believe in the power of the Virtues program to transform a building and community.
-Johnnie Gregory, Principal, Clyde Hill Elementary School, Bellevue, WA
After attending the Virtues Training I've noticed that I have more joyfulness in my day to day parenting.
-Natasha Nimmo, Bellevue, WA
At Nanoose Bay Elementary School the Virtues Program has been the bedrock of our school community for almost nine years. We believe that the Virtues Program helps us to continually focus on what is most important in our role as educators: to ignite children’s spirits and guide them to grow into compassionate, committed citizens.
-Steve Hamilton, Principal, BC, Canada
The Virtues presentation was the most valuable part of this year's conference. I'm using this in my troop immediately. I will implement it into my trainings.
-Trainer, Girl Scouts-Totem Council, Seattle, WA
The highlights of this training were the activities of sharing, virtues picks, storytelling, practice in speaking the language, our group presentation, modeling of the facilitators and Betsy's humility, clarity and respect. Excellent pacing! This training really touched my spirit deeply.
-D. Hastings, Vancouver, BC
I hear nothing but positive comments about your program. You really are making a super positive impact in the District, Bellevue and apparently the world at large!
-Karla Moreno, middle school teacher, Bellevue, WA
Incorporating The Virtues Project™ into our school is absolutely seamless. We have incorporated it into our regular curriculum, our class and school rules, and our student and teacher interactions. Our students and staff have become more considerate, tolerant, and in integrity in the four years we have used this program.
-Betsy Hill, former Principal, Medina Elem. School, Medina, WA
This is the first time in all of my teaching that I can see the impact of what I'm teaching right now!
-Pat Hannam, Health & Family Life teacher, Lakes H.S., Lakewood, WA
The value of The Virtues Project in the Domestic Violence population is the gift of language that immediately affects their life, their behavior, both interpersonal and intrapersonal, and their positive strengths and courage to guide the behavior and character development of their children. Virtues language empowers because it offers hope through personal ownership and recognition.
-Jacqueline Dalloul Wildhirt, Shasta County Domestic Violence Shelters and Transitional Housing, CA
This year, we have seen a decrease in office referrals, which is, we believe, a positive outcome of teaching the virtues to students. Now, even if children do need to come to the office to discuss inappropriate behavior, we are now able to use the language of virtues to help the students identify the virtue that was missing from their actions and what they can do differently do demonstrate the virtue in the future.
-Tracy Maury, Principal, Phantom Lake Elem., Bellevue, WA
I appreciated being able to share on a deeper level with my colleagues. This was an excellent presentation, well-paced, and very practical.
-Teacher, Tok School, Tok, AK
I feel empowered to deal with difficult situations gracefully. I really appreciated getting to know my co-workers in a deeper way.
-Teacher, Enatai Elem., Bellevue, WA
Betsy, you are a fabulous facilitator! I honor you for sharing your virtue of commitment to this program!
-participant, Introduction to The Virtues Project, Issaquah, WA
The most helpful part of this workshop was working as a team to reach a common goal.
-Sally Kieffer, Trapper Creek Job Corps staff, Darby, MT
Thank you, Betsy, for such a beautiful job presenting and representing The Virtues Project. Your helpful spirit is so encouraging.
-Jessica Powell, teacher, Nampa, ID
I have to admit that of the three years I taught at Medina, the thing I am most proud of from my teaching is how the Virtues were used in my classroom. It offered so many incredible teachable moments, that I feel had the most impact on my students of anything I taught them.
-Julie Doan, 2nd grade teacher
Betsy Lydle Smith engaged every adult in the discussion, helping them identify and "own" their virtues. This personal approach allowed for deep reflection and transfer of knowledge to help individuals focus on our students. Our teachers have remembered and applied the skills learned in the Virtues training.
-Jill McLeod, former Principal, Bellevue, WA
It made me really think about the way I see other students at my school. I got to really know the people in my group and see them in a different way.
-High school student, YMCA Conference for Teens and Police, Marysville, WA
I often think about how could I even begin to spread the kind of love and compassion to those around me that my principal did? I feel that The Virtues Project has given me confidence to do so and I will be forever grateful that I got to take the training from you. You have amazing grace and compassion. Thank you for a wonderful five days.
– participant, Canada
I will use friendliness now. I never talk to anyone at school; I usually sit by myself, but now I will make an effort to talk to others. I know I have this virtue of friendliness.
-High school student, YMCA Connections Conference, Everett, WA
Betsy Lydle Smith has been on my Virtues Project radar for two decades. Years ago she traveled to Vancouver, Washington, to give a basic Virtues workshop. This was my introduction and a beginning love for this work. Currently, we share beautiful Bainbridge Island, a ferry ride from Seattle. Being on the same patch of land, I get to have the bounty of witnessing first hand and often, her natural gifts of going deep into her personal well of insight and offering out the qualities of patience and listening and perceiving. These qualities build for me a place of trust and safety and honesty, the attributes of true friendship.
~ stefani galaday, bainbridge island, WA