Meet the Next Generation of Big Thinkers
With Big Ideas!
Here are some of their stories, and they’re just getting started…
LEYLA B., AGE 10
From Creative Artist to Confident Advocate
Animals, art, and helping others — Leyla loves all three, and she wanted to find a way to bring them together into one meaningful project. With Jackie’s guidance, she found her answer: a series of five original, animal-themed greeting cards with the proceeds going to an animal nonprofit organization. Leyla drew every design herself, and Jackie worked to get them professionally printed, ready to sell.
Jackie helped Leyla take her project beyond the page. She arranged a tour of the Montclair Animal Shelter so Leyla could see firsthand where her proceeds would go and meet the staff who cared for the animals. From there, Leyla learned how to pitch her own idea — approaching store owners, explaining her project, and helping them understand why it mattered. It was networking, at an age-appropriate level, and a skill most kids don’t get the chance to practice this early.
Today, Leyla’s cards are sold in four shops across Montclair, with all proceeds going directly to the Montclair Animal Shelter in NJ. She’s proud not just of the cards she made, but of knowing that her work is helping animals find the homes they deserve.
As a licensed professional counselor who works with children and teens, I pay close attention to the experiences that build a child’s confidence, agency and sense of purpose. Jackie’s mentorship does all three. She is warm, attuned and skilled at meeting kids where they are. I recommend her to any family looking for a mentor who helps children turn their ideas into meaningful action. –Angie T., Leyla’s mom
Sophie K., Age 17
Turning Talent Into Initiative
Sophie is a rising high-school junior and a talented artist who believes art can offer people a sense of calm and help manage anxiety and stress. She wanted to find out what that could actually mean for kids, not just believe it in theory.
With Jackie’s guidance, Sophie shaped her belief into a real project: leading an art class for a group of six young girls of varying ages, gathered with Jackie’s help. In a world where it’s increasingly hard to get kids off screens, Sophie found ways to keep them engaged, curious, and creating — no small task and a real test of her ability to lead, not just make art.
From there, Jackie taught her the steps of community outreach: researching local pre-schools, making cold calls, and following up patiently. Sophie put those skills into practice herself, and it paid off — several schools invited her to come teach throughout the school year.
Today, Sophie has had a real taste of what it means to teach, lead, and bring calm and creativity to kids who need it. It’s proof that a talent, paired with real-world skills like outreach and communication, can open doors that stay open.
This summer, Jackie helped me start teaching art classes to children in Montclair. Art is something that I have always enjoyed, and I am so grateful that I have been given the chance to share my passion with the local community. With Jackie’s mentorship and guidance, my leadership and social skills have improved, as well as my ability to network with people. Thanks, Jackie, for everything! –Sophie K.
STELLA B., AGE 10
Stitching Together a Cause
Stella is 10-years-old, loves to sew, help others, and has dyslexia. She already knew she wanted to create beautiful tote bags and pouches — she’d even sewn a prototype. She also wanted to do something for kids with learning challenges like her own.
Working with Jackie, Stella began to connect the dots between her craft and her own experience with dyslexia. Through open conversation, not direction, she landed on an idea that made her project feel bigger than just sewing: donating all proceeds to the nonprofit organization Learning Disabilities Association of America.
Jackie then guided Stella through the practical, often intimidating step of finding a retailer, helping her think through who to approach, how to present her products, and how to make her pitch.
Today, Stella’s totes and pouches are sold at The General Store at Cornerstone Montclair, with every sale supporting the cause she set out to help. It’s proof to Stella and every other kid who hears her story, that a passion, with the right support, can have a real impact.
Stella has an insatiable love of crafting and a huge empathetic heart. Jackie was able to use those qualities to boost Stella’s confidence and to show her she is not alone in her learning differences. Stella is proud to talk about her project and it will serve as a reminder throughout her life to focus on her strengths. Jackie was so patient and let Stella guide the project, but had the vision and foresight to make it happen! Thank you Jackie! -Leslie, Stella’s mom
