Creating human connection that improves well-being and performance
About Us
We started our company, ConnectHuman, because we understand the power of social connectedness, at school, at work, in life. Creating meaningful connections that empower people to improve their well-being and performance is something that is very important to us.
Connection Zoo™ is our first product. We believe that when we empower a child with greater confidence and skills to develop meaningful relationships and remove obstacles that keep them from performing to their full potential, we help them clear their path to a happier, successful adult life. We also believe that we must prioritize human connection to ensure our success and our well-being don’t suffer as we rely more and more on technology as a means of working, playing and connecting.
Hi, I’m Kjirsten!
Throughout my career I have had the opportunity to help people discover, explore and realize their full potential through authentic connections with themselves and others. It took me years to develop an awareness of who I am and the courage to engage with others authentically to develop strong social and professional connections. I have a passion for helping others discover the power of authentic connection and live the life they want.
What we’re doing with Connection Zoo™ is very personal for me. Growing up I didn’t know how to talk about my anxiety or ask for help. When my anxiety made it difficult for me to breathe, the only tool I had was a paper bag to breathe into. The paper bag was effective in the moment, but it didn’t teach me how to talk about what I was experiencing or ask for help. So I’ve had a tougher journey than I needed to have. The good news is, I’m healthy and happy and using the gifts I’ve gained – like courage, in particular, to do great things for myself and others. I also had the experience as a parent with kids who experienced anxiety; each of them with different triggers and behaviors.
After many years of corporate business experience, I decided I needed to make a change. My experiences inspired me to partner with my son, Taylor, to further develop Connection Zoo™, the product he designed to address the needs of children with social worry and anxiety. I continue to provide coaching and consulting services to individuals and organizations to build connections that raise performance and create greater success.
Hi, I’m Taylor!
Throughout my life I have been very comfortable making authentic connections with people and have found a great sense of happiness and well-being as a result of the meaningful relationships I have developed. I would love for everyone to be able to thrive, or at least be more comfortable, in social situations and have people in their lives they can lean on when they need support.
I graduated from college with a degree in Industrial (Product) Design from Iowa State. The idea for Connection ZooTM came as a result of research that revealed the growing prevalence of social anxiety and the strong link between our social connections and our health and happiness. I discovered that many of my classmates were affected by social anxiety. It was important to me to create a solution for younger kids so they can develop and practice confidence and skills during their critical development years and be more equipped to manage anxiety they may experience when they enter the pre-teen years, which is the time many kids struggle in social situations.
Together, we are on a journey to make ConnectHuman the go-to for creating human connection that improves well-being and performance.
Our Products
Connection Zoo™ empowers kids, in partnership with their parents and other supportive adults, to more courageously and confidently manage their social discomfort or anxiety by increasing their awareness and skills through connection, conversation and play.
Connection Zoo™ for Parents and Caregivers
Connection Zoo™ for Educators – Available early 2020!
Keeper Talk Videos for Kids – Coming in 2020!
Parent Coaching and Workshops – Coming in 2020!
Our Services
We provide speaking, workshops, coaching and consulting to discover, explore and unleash the potential of individuals and organizations to optimize performance and well-being through the power of authentic connections.
Speaking & Workshops
Networking, Career Advancement, Career Transition, Authentic Leadership, Global Team Effectiveness, Mindfulness
Coaching
Leadership, Career Advancement and Transition, Networking
Consultation
Team Effectiveness (including Global and Virtual), Enterprise Leadership, Diversity & Inclusion, Culture Transformation and Integration, Strategic, Integrated Talent Management