"I should never have to convince anyone that the safety of children is more important than the comfort of adults."

Before I became an advocate for change, I was a proud New Berlin Pretzel! My high school mascot was a unique part of my identity, and I cherished the spirit and camaraderie it symbolized.  Sadly, my high school experience took a disturbing turn. In 1985, as a freshman at New Berlin High School, I yearned for the typical teenage milestones – being a cheerleader, having a date for the prom, and wearing a letter jacket. Little did I know that a dark reality would overshadow my aspirations.

At 14, I was groomed into a love relationship by a popular teacher 25 years my senior. Blinded by trust and admiration for authority, I became entangled in a web of manipulation and abuse. What I thought was love and acceptance turned out to be a predator's calculated exploitation of my innocence and vulnerability. I believed I had been in a mutual, consensual, and loving relationship for decades. At the age of 44, my perspective shifted, and I began to realize that I had been preyed upon and abused. Since then, I have been on a mission to speak my truth, advocate for change, and seek justice for myself and others who have suffered similar fates.

Grooming is a despicable act that preys on a child's natural need for love and distorts their innocence for the abuser's gain. Predators seemingly use a playbook to manipulate their victims into consenting to their own violations.

In my quest for change, I developed "Grooming 101 - A Predator's Playbook," a presentation that illuminates the subtle signs of grooming and educates on recognizing potential red flags. This presentation has reached numerous educators, counselors, social workers, medical personnel, and law enforcement and has empowered thousands of students. "Grooming 101 - A Predator's Playbook" is not just my story; it's the story of millions of children who trusted authority figures have abused.

My mission is to educate and empower both adults and children. I have a deep passion for reaching as many people as possible to help prevent others' suffering.

Peace,

Michelle Stolleis Denault