About the Choose Love Movement

Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement™ is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to create safer and more loving communities through Character Social Emotional Development programs (CSED) that are suited for all stages of life. We offer programs tailored for any age from toddlers through adulthood.

Three million people across more than 120 countries have already decided to Choose Love.

The Story Behind the Movement

It Began With 3 Words

Scarlett Lewis founded the Choose Love Movement after her son, Jesse, was murdered during the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in December 2012 which remains as one of the worst mass shootings in U.S. history.

At six years old, Jesse, alongside 19 of his first-grade classmates and six educators, died. In the ultimate act of courage, law enforcement later learned that Jesse used his final moments to heroically save nine of his friends.

Upon returning home, Scarlett discovered a message Jesse had written on their kitchen chalkboard that became the catalyst of the movement. It read, “Norturting Helinn Love”. After hours of research and consultation with numerous experts, these words became our call to action and formula for uplifting lives. Scarlett came to realize that if the shooter had received more nurturing in his life, the tragedy might never have happened and the Movement was launched.

Core Values

"Nurturing, Healing, Love," are the foundational values for the movement. Their individual meaning form a profound and powerful formula for choosing love:

Nurturing means loving kindness and gratitude.

Healing means forgiveness.

Love is compassion in action.

Awards & Recognition

2023

AARP Purpose Prize Fellow

Scarlett Lewis was named winner of the AARP Purpose Prize Fellow award. This award recognizes those who are using their life experience to build a better future for us all. This one-of-a-kind national award honors people age 50-plus who have proven that they are using their knowledge and life experience to make a difference.

September

Karen Armstrong Humanitarian Award

Scarlett Lewis was presented with the Charter for Compassion’s Karen Armstrong Humanitarian Award at this year’s Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago, Illinois. The Charger for Compassion supports the emerging global movement of compassion to co-create transformation at all levels, by connecting, cultivating, and encouraging networks of compassionate action.

August

Anthem Award

 Choosing Love in our Brave New World, a special school program created to address needs of students and educators and provide support during and post-COVID19, was awarded a Silver Anthem Award for a Non Profit Campaign in Education, Art & Culture, Product, Innovation, or Service Categories (Nonprofit).

February

2022

2022 Bloomberg 50

December

Bloomberg Businessweek named Scarlett Lewis, founder of the Choose Love Movement, to the 2022 Bloomberg 50, its annual list of innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders who have changed the global business landscape over the past year. An unranked list, the Bloomberg 50 represents the most influential thought leaders in business, finance, politics, entertainment, science, and technology whose 2022 accomplishments were particularly noteworthy.

2022 New York Times Dealbook Summit

November

Scarlett Lewis was invited by the New York Times DealBook Summit team to share her message and her journey, and how it has influence the world. Scarlett spoke alongside world leaders, CEOs of businesses, and emerging leaders. Scarlett Lewis  share her story in confronting the dangers of misinformation as she fought (and won) to honor the legacy of her son, Jesse — and the lives of all the children from Sandy Hook.

2022 Stevie Awards for Women In Business

Female Innovator of the Year — Government or Non-Profit —10 or Less Employees

The Stevie® Awards for Women in Business are the world’s premier business awards for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organizations they run.

2022 CT Entrepreneur Awards

April

Runner up – Education
These awards celebrate Connecticut’s leading entrepreneurs, ventures, and the varied ecosystem elements throughout the state that support and encourage them. Mike Roer, coordinator of the CT Entrepreneur Awards program, stated he appreciates the innovative work being done by the impressive finalists, individually and collectively, in a variety of disciplines. “Together, they all have a strong impact on our state and its communities, and that’s good news for Connecticut this year, and years to come.”

Holistic Wealth Trailblazer

March

Issued by Keisha Blair, Founder of the Institute on Holistic Wealth, this award honors a select group of individuals as Holistic Wealth Trailblazers. This group is composed of women who are on a mission to live a happy, joyful life and who have persevered through times of difficulty. These individuals reflect the transformational power of living with purpose, collecting experiences, engaging in meaningful work, cultivating their health and well-being, and creating emotional and spiritual connections with others.

2022 Anthem Awards

February

The Silver Award, presented to Scarlett Lewis and the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement for Leader of the Year in the Awareness Category: Education, Art, & Culture (an individual person who is an outstanding pioneer and/or innovator leading a team or organization to raise awareness on behalf of an Education, Art, & Culture cause).

2021

2021 New Haven Biz: Women in Business Awards

November

New Haven Business Journal recognized Scarlett Lewis as an outstanding woman with significant achievement within the education industry, and as an advocate for peace, and esteemed by both the business community and the community beyond. The purpose of the annual “Women in Business” awards initiative is to put a spotlight on a few of the successful women in the region and their accomplishments.

2021 Gold Stevie Award

September

Presented to the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement for Organization of the Year – Government or Non-Profit– 10 or Less Employees. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are the world’s top honors for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organizations they run. ​

Forbes 50 Over 50 Impact Honoree

July

Scarlett Lewis is one of 50 women who are leading the way with impact and changing their communities and the world in ways big and small through social entrepreneurship, law, advocacy and education. It’s the second chapter of Forbes’ 50 Over 50 project, launched in June and produced in partnership with Mika Brzezinski’s Know Your Value initiative.

CT Entrepreneur Award – Education

April

Scarlett was honored for her dedication, resiliency, ingenuity, and her mission of continually finding innovative ways to help children and adults thrive in life and to make the world a safer more peaceful and loving place for all.

Remarkable Woman for Connecticut 2021

March

WTNH News 8 named Scarlett Remarkable Woman for Connecticut 2021 for being a woman who inspires, leads, and forges the way for other women, and the great contributions she has made to her local community and to our nation. Remarkable Women is part of a nationwide Nexstar Media initiative to honor the influence that women have had on public policy, social progress, and the quality of life.

2020

2020 Silver Stevie

September

Awarded to the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement for Organization of the Year — government or nonprofit — with 10 or less employees. The International Business Awards® are open to all organizations worldwide, and include categories to honor accomplishments in all aspects of work life.

2020 Unsung Hero

June

Presented to Scarlett by NonProfit PRO for being one of the nonprofit sector’s best and brightest — people who are doing incredible work to change the world. They honor those people who are passionate, hard-working, and selfless and thank them for their countless hours of dedication, resourcefulness, perseverance, and resilience to the causes they care so deeply about.

2020 Peace Heroine

January

Scarlett Lewis is the Peace Center’s first 2020 Peace Heroes Legacy Hall inductee. The Center strives to be the iconic symbol of peace in the community, envisioning a Connecticut where differences are respected, conflicts are resolved peacefully, and violence is not tolerated. Scarlett is a humanitarian who is on a mission to make the world a peaceful, more loving place for all. With this award, the Center celebrates how Scarlett inspires hope and recognizes her commitment to advancing a global movement of peace through the Choose Love Movement.

2019

2019 NEASC Charles Eliot Award

December

Presented by New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) to Scarlett Lewis, founder of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement, in recognition and appreciation of the quiet contributions, the achievements both acclaimed and unknown, and the personal sacrifices made for the benefit of all.

2019 Jason Award

November

Presented by Children’s Square U.S.A. to Scarlett Lewis, founder of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement, to honor her for her vision, courage, and will.

2019 Silver Stevie – Organization of the Year

November

Presented to The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement for Organization of the Year – Government or Non-Profit– 10 or Less Employees. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are the world’s top honors for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organizations they run. All individuals and organizations worldwide are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small.

2019 Silver Stevie – Woman of the Year

November

Presented to Scarlett Lewis as the founder of The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement for Woman of the Year – Government or Non-Profit. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are the world’s top honors for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organizations they run. All individuals and organizations worldwide are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small.

2019 Mindful Family Award

October

This award was presented by Mission Be to Scarlett, Jesse, and J.T. Lewis for their outstanding courage, love and compassion for others.

Global Presence 2019 Humanitarian Award

October

Scarlett was presented with the Parenting 2.0’s 2019 Global Presence Humanitarian Award, which recognizes an individual and/or organization that has nurtured Life Skills development in a magnanimous manner.

2019 Courage, Confidence, and Character Award

June

The Courage, Confidence, and Character Award is presented by the Girl Scouts of Connecticut to an individual who has overcome unique challenges in their life and has made outstanding contributions to their community or achieved extraordinary success.

Certificate of Accomplishment

June

Senator Murphy recognized Scarlett’s commitment to empowering educators and students by promoting social and emotional education in schools and being an inspiration to young women and girls everywhere. He noted that Scarlett’s leadership exemplifies all that it means to be a Girl Scout, not only for those she works with now, but for generations of change-makers in the years to come.

Certificate of Special Recognition

June

CT Senator Richard Blumenthal recognized Scarlett for receiving the Girl Scouts 2019 Courage, Confidence, and Character Award for her extraordinary work and advocacy for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).

Official Statement of Recognition

June

Lieutenant Governonr Bysiewicz recognized Scarlett for receiving the Courage, Confidence, and Character Award presented by the Girl Scouts of CT, thanking her for her many years of service and for her commitment to serving as a role model for women and girls across Connecticut.

Ford Theatre Gala

June

Scarlett was honored at the Ford Theater Gala with a standing ovation for almost a minute. This tribute showcases the extraordinary individuals for their service and work to help create a more unified and compassionate nation.

2018

2018 Character and Courage Award

October

Presented by Character.org – Over the years, we’ve been proud to honor individuals who have displayed character throughout their lives through their words and actions.

Promising Practices Award

October

Presented by Character.org – The award is given to organizations that “plan and implement unique initiatives that foster collaboration and good character building.” The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement received a Promising Practices Award for its work promoting Social and Emotional Learning to students.

Changing the World One Heart at a Time Award

August

Award presented by The Center for Nonviolence & Peace Studies to Scarlett Lewis and the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement for dedication and commitment to spreading Jesse’s message of Nurturing Healing Love as a global movement for peace.

2018 Woman of Distinction

May

The YWCA Darien/Norwalk selected Scarlett Lewis as a recipient for the 2018 Women of Distinction Awards. The award recognizes women who have made significant and unique contributions that have made a difference in the community. Scarlett is recognized for her work at Hindley School in Darien, CT and All Saints Catholic School in Norwalk, CT as well as the global impact she makes teaching students how to Choose Love through the Choose Love Enrichment Program.

Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters

May

Presented to Scarlett by Quinnipiac University’s College of Arts and Sciences

2017

2017 Gold Stevie – Organization of the Year

November

Presented to the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement for Organization of the Year – Government or Non-Profit– 10 or Less Employees. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are the world’s top honors for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organizations they run.

2017 Silver Stevie – Female Executive of the Year

November

Presented to Scarlett for Female Executive of the Year – Government or Non-Profit –10 or Less Employees. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are the world’s top honors for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organizations they run.

2017 Silver Stevie – Woman of the Year

November

Presented to Scarlett for Woman of the Year – Government or Non-Profit. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are the world’s top honors for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organizations they run.

2016

2016 Top-Rated Nonprofit

November

Presented to the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement by Great Nonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews of charities and nonprofits.

Family and Community Service Award

October

Presented to The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement by the Rotary Club of Meriden, CT in recognition of outstanding service to families and communities.

16th Serenity Award

September

Presented by the Center for Serenity to Scarlett Lewis for her faithfulness in spreading Jesse’s message and nurturing healing love around the world.

Keys To The City

Fayetteville, Arkansas

2014

Legacy Award Honoree

September

Presented to Scarlett Lewis by Aurea McGarry’s Live Your Legacy Summit for being the world’s strongest mother and carrying on Jesse’s legacy with his message of nurturing, healing love.

Hero of Forgiveness

August

Presented to Scarlett Lewis by the Worldwide Forgiveness Alliance in recognition of her courage and commitment to forgiveness, peace and reconciliation.

Plaque of Appreciation

August

Presented to Scarlett Lewis by the Tri-County Mental Health 24th Annual Banquet for her support.

2014 Common Ground Award

October

Presented to Scarlett Lewis and the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement by the Search for Common Ground. The Common Ground Awards are presented annually to honor outstanding accomplishments in conflict resolution, negotiation, community building, and peace building. Recipients have made significant contributions toward bridging divides and finding solutions to seemingly intractable problems. We honor those who deal with conflict in new ways; who meet crises with creativity, wisdom and courage; who inspire and bring hope to totters. Recipients of the Awards work in their local communities or internationally. They show us what can be achieved when we work with, and for, each other.

Plaque

February

Presented to Scarlett Lewis by the Mississippi Child Welfare Institute Conference in appreciation for serving as a Plenary Speaker

Plaque

City of Germantown

Positive Ogive Award

2013

Plaque of Appreciation

September

Presented to Scarlett Lewis by the LEVAS Organization in appreciation for her supportive speech at the 18th Annual LEVAS Memorial Tribute to 1st Responders of 911, U.S. Military, Mothers United Against Violence, Newtown and many others.

Meet The Team

Founder & Chief Movement Officer

Scarlett Lewis

Engagement Director

Patrick Kerrigan

Curriculum Writer, Certified Trainer

Kim Harrison

Curriculum Writer, Certified Trainer

Lisa Mackenzie

Choose Love Program Director, NH; Certified Trainer

Shannon Desilets

Director of Date & Support

Betsy Carlson

Director of Marketing & PR

Jan Pierret

Marketing Associate

Jean Rossi Wergeles

Founder & Chief Movement Officer

Scarlett Lewis

Scarlett Lewis founded the nonprofit Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement in honor of her son, Jesse, who was murdered during the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in December 2012. Shortly after his death, Scarlett decided to be part of the solution to the issues that we’re seeing in our society — that also caused the tragedy — and turned it into an opportunity to build a culture of love, resilience, forgiveness, and connection in our communities at a time when it is needed the most.

Scarlett became a Character Social-Emotional Development Advocate to help children manage their emotions, feel connected, and have healthy, meaningful relationships. She created the Choose Love For Schools program, a no cost, comprehensive, lifespan, next generation character and social emotional development (CSED) program that teaches children how to thoughtfully respond with love in any situation by using the Choose Love Formula (Courage + Gratitude + Forgiveness + Compassion-in-Action), and offer ways for children to handle adversity, have courageous conversations, and to respond with love. Choose Love extends beyond the classroom through additional no-cost programs, including programs for the home, communities, athletics, and the workplace, as well as multiple extension programs. The Choose Love programs have been accessed in all 50 states and in 120 countries, reaching 3 million children.

 

Email:scarlett at jesselewischooselove.org

Engagement Director

Patrick Kerrigan

Born and raised in Connecticut, Patrick taught in three different Massachusetts school systems before returning to his home state to work for the Choose Love Movement. He graduated from College of the Holy Cross with a B.A. in psychology and philosophy. While teaching at his first school, he completed his M.B.A. at Assumption College.

Patrick fell in love with teaching and wanted to leave an impact on as many students as possible before utilizing his business degree. He taught math, science, religion, and health at the Nativity School in Worcester, Massachusetts. On top of coaching basketball and soccer, he helped the fundraising team to cover the school budget and outreach needs. After his fellowship, he transitioned to KIPP Academy in Mattapan where he also worked at the program’s extended school day and summer classes.

Patrick’s final teaching stint was in Dedham, Massachusetts at the Rashi School. While teaching math and science, he helped create and develop the schools first makerspace, and coordinated the end-of-year capstone projects. He continued to coach basketball and soccer and ran the schools first a capella and chess clubs. He was able to draw on his experience from planning the eighth grade D.C. field trip at his first school during his three visits to Israel with the graduating class.

Inspired by the message and the incredible work already being done at Choose Love, Patrick knew this was the perfect opportunity. Regardless of what the future holds, emotional growth and well-being will always be essential skills we need to develop. This work will allow all of us to lead more happy, successful lives that are full of love.

Curriculum Writer, Certified Trainer

Kim Harrison

Kim Harrison is one of the curriculum writers for the Choose Love for Schools Program. Kim was a twenty year resident of Newtown, CT before moving to San Diego in 2015. Kim has a BA in Communication Studies, a MA in Elementary Education, and a MS in School Counseling, and has taught at the Elementary and Middle School levels.

Kim had regional and statewide responsibilities for exploring new educational approaches to advance curriculum and was the recipient of several awards and grants including “Outstanding Prospective Teacher” from a pool of over 200 applicants.

Kim is also a volunteer and Board Member of Words Alive, a local literacy based organization helping students to become lifelong learners through literature.

 

Email:kim at jesselewischooselove.org

Curriculum Writer, Certified Trainer

Lisa Mackenzie

Lisa MacKenzie is one of the curriculum writers for the Choose Love for School Program. While piloting the original Choose Love Enrichment Program several years ago, Lisa developed a Social Emotional Learning/Trauma Sensitive program to serve students with extreme social-emotional and behavioral needs, which earned the Distinguished Schools Award for her school.

Lisa has spent her entire career, of over 30 years, helping struggling students become successful in school and life. She is a special education teacher, author, speaker, and nationally recognized educator. Lisa has her Master’s Degree in Special Education. She holds her Mild/Moderate and Multiple Subject credentials, a supplementary autism credential and single-subject science credential. In addition, she is a certified behavior specialist & mindfulness instructor.

 

Email:lisa at jesselewischooselove.org

Choose Love Program Director, NH; Certified Trainer

Shannon Desilets

Shannon’s journey is an example of when one’s passion and purpose come together. At her core is the desire to help others. Shannon’s expertise in brain-based trauma therapy is what first introduced her to the Choose Love Movement, as she has provided therapy to the Newtown/Sandy Hook CT community for the last 10 years. She has been an instructor of this specialized therapy (MNRI), teaching and providing therapy worldwide. With a strong desire to work to bring the Choose Love Movement to her son’s school in NH, she became a Choose Love Ambassador, but things didn’t stop there.

Shannon was appointed by and has worked directly out of the office of Governor Chris Sununu since August of 2018  Since this time, she has led the nation through the efforts and example being set by the state of NH, utilizing this Character Social Emotional Development lifespan program. She is a pivotal member of the School Safety Preparedness Taskforce, working directly with Homeland Security. Further, under her direction, New Hampshire has become the first in the nation to launch Choose Love for Caregivers (designed for foster parents and workers in the field), as well as Choose Love for Corrections.  She provides workshops for every division within the Department of Safety and various other state departments.

Shannon is a published author for STRIVE magazine, sharing what NH has made happen with the Choose Love Movement. Shannon also leads the Choose Love Youth and College level Ambassadors.  In addition, she serves as the Choose Love liaison for governmental departments nationwide.

Her heart shines when bringing the Choose Love Movement forward, and she is fueled to bring this to all!

Email:shannon.m.desilets at nh.gov

Director of Date & Support

Betsy Carlson

Email:betsy at jesselewischooselove.org

Director of Marketing & PR

Jan Pierret

Email:jan at jesselewischooselove.org

Marketing Associate

Jean Rossi Wergeles

Jean received her B.A.. in journalism from the University of Rhode Island. She started her career in advertising and then worked for nonprofit organizations in corporate communications and cause-related marketing. She is able to combine all of that experience in our communications department at the Choose Love Movement spreading awareness of our programs and promoting events on social media as well as sharing inspiration in our Daily Dose newsletter. Jean also serves on the board of the National Charity League volunteering for philanthropies in Fairfield County, CT.

Email:jean at jesselewischooselove.org

Board of Directors

Board of Directors

Craig Della Penna

Board of Directors

Paul Barkan

Board of Directors

Ty Bongiovanni

Board of Directors

Dr. Chris Kuuk

Board of Directors

Maria Ortner

Board of Directors

Chin Rodger

Board of Directors

Craig Della Penna

Board of Directors

Paul Barkan

Board of Directors

Ty Bongiovanni

Ty is an owner and partner is his family’s insurance / financial firm in Meriden, CT. He holds a license in several states for health, accident and life insurance as well as securities licenses Series 7 and Series 65. He has also been certified as an Investment Advisor Representative and Chartered Tax Professional.

Ty is also very active in his community having been the President of the Meriden Rotary club as well as serving on the boards of the local United Way, Rotary club, chamber of commerce and several other organizations. He currently lives in Rocky Hill with his wife Andrea, daughter Mia and son Jack.

Board of Directors

Dr. Chris Kuuk

Dr. Kukk is the HarperCollins author of The Compassionate Achiever, co-host of The Compassionate Achiever Podcast, member of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement’s Board of Directors, founding Director of the Center for Compassion, Creativity and Innovation, and previous Professor of Political Science/Social Science at Western Connecticut State University. He currently serves as the Dean of the Cormier Honors College for Citizen Scholars at Longwood University. He received his Ph.D. in political science from Boston College and his B.A. in political science from Boston University. He was also an international security fellow at Harvard University’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. His research and publications combine neuroscience with the social sciences and focus on education issues, the political economy of natural resources, and the creation and sustainability of civil society.

Dr. Kukk was also a counter-intelligence agent for the United States Army, a research associate for Cambridge Energy Research Associates, and has provided the Associated Press, National Public Radio, The Economist magazine, NBC-TV, CBS-TV, and other media outlets with analysis on a wide range of topics and issues. His forthcoming books are based on the idea of weaving values such as compassion into our learning, civic, and business communities.

Board of Directors

Maria Ortner

Dr. Maria Ortner served as a school psychologist in Danbury, CT for 27 years prior to beginning her work with The Tapping Solution Foundation. Dr. Ortner is committed to promoting Tapping as an effective technique for teachers and students to deal with anxiety, stress and trauma in the school setting and beyond.

Dr. Ortner holds degrees in Clinical and School Psychology, as well as a Doctorate of Education. She has extensive experience in education in the United States and abroad. Dr. Ortner is the Director of the Tapping Solution Foundation and travels the world to bring EFT/Tapping to people of all ages.

Board of Directors

Chin Rodger

Chin has been working as a personal assistant to a Portland philanthropist and her family for the last 15 years. Chin and Scarlett connected after both experienced the most profound loss from opposite ends of their tragedies – both working to bring character and social emotional development to children and adults in schools, workplace, and communities – to choose love and kindness over fear, anger, and hate. Chin has also collaborated and supported organizations and individuals working on threat assessment and prevention. She is continuing to focus her effort on understanding the pathway to targeted violence and the path forward for assessment, prevention, and intervention.

Sponsors & Partners

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Address

Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement
PO Box 605
Newtown, Connecticut 06470

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