Hi, I'm John Halligan. I'm a transformational coach who specializes in assisting others who are struggling with the loss of a child. In addition, I provide internet safety guidance to parents.
Founder
executive coach
Motivational Speaker
Author
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John lost his thirteen-year-old son, Ryan, to suicide on October 7, 2003. At the time of his death, Ryan was a student at a middle school in Essex Junction, Vermont. It was revealed in much greater detail after Ryan’s death that he was ridiculed and humiliated by peers at school and on-line.
In memory of his son, John spearheaded the Vermont Bully Prevention bill which was signed into law (ACT117) in May 2004 and only a few months after Ryan’s death. He also successfully led the passage of the law pertaining to mandatory suicide prevention education in public schools (ACT 114) in April 2006.
Mr. Halligan has been outspoken about the need for more education and prevention of bullying, cyberbullying and teen suicide throughout the United States, Canada, and Latin America. He has appeared on several national TV programs including Primetime with Diane Sawyer, PBS Frontline, and Oprah. John also spoke at the United Nations Cyberhate Seminar in 2009.
Mr. Halligan is also the recipient of several awards including;
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IBM Community Service Award 2005
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Kids Safe Collaborative Community Service Award 2008
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United Way's Home Town Hero Award 2008
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In 2019, he published two books:
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Ryan’s Story: A Father’s Hard-Earned Lessons on Cyberbullying and Suicide, for parents.
Ryan’s Story: Loved Beyond Belief, for middle and high school students, telling the heartbreaking story of Ryan Halligan’s short life.
Both books include tips on safe technology use, strategies for targets of bullying and bystanders, and suicide prevention.
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You can learn more at RyansStory.org.
My Services.
One on one.
Losing a child is by far, the greatest pain life can inflict on a parent. It paralyzes you. You can't see how life can go on without them. They continue to slip into the past as the days move forward. The thought is crippling your ability to focus. You are still struggling to get back to work. I know, I was there too. But I made it through and accomplished so much in my son's memory. I can help you too.
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You can share your loss with me.
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We can focus on your recovery plan.
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Together, we will set goals.
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You will find your new normal and flourish.
How to establish parental controls
One of my deepest regrets was not having adequate controls in place for my son's use of the internet. I have learned so much since his passing and I want to share this knowledge with you. I'm in a new household with tweens and teens and so I know first hand what you are facing. With my partner, we have established the controls, limits, and screening necessary in today's very challenging world of technology
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I will assess your current situation.
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I will provide concrete suggestions.
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We will develop a plan of action.
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We will succeed in protecting your child.
"If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves."
Thomas Edison