Our Story
The roots of our mission.
From our founder,
Kristin Woodward-Vaassen
From our founder,
Kristin Woodward-Vaassen
1999...The year I will never forget...the Columbine School Shooting.
Throughout my 20 years as a teacher, I saw the moral compass change in children and in society… the demise of core values, a sharp decrease in kindness and empathy, an increase in bullying, and the disappearance of manners and respect. The tragedy of the Columbine School shooting made me think about serving in a different capacity. With a love of children and animals at my core, and an unending desire to make the world a kinder place, the creation of something bigger than my classroom began happening. the nonprofit, Two by Two Character Development.
What started in my basement in 2005 has led to a 19-year long journey of providing heartfelt, hands-on, social emotional and character development programming for children throughout our nation and internationally. Our mission continues to make an impact daily…
Developing responsible citizens of strong character who care for, respect and appreciate people, animals, the environment and themselves.
Two by Two® Evidence-Based programming was designed to capture a child’s imagination by connecting the teaching of core values with the love of animals.
Having animals as an integral part of each program sets children up to immediately experience empathy and becomes the direct pathway to a child’s heart. A quote from the National PTA in 1933 captures this in a simple, yet profound way…
Children taught to extend justice, kindness and mercy to animals, become more just, kind, and considerate in their relationships with each other.
Helping to make the world a kinder place has been both rewarding and heartrending, as the work never ends.
Escalating social-emotional problems have caused our youth to struggle with: Peer Pressure, Self-control, Social Media, Problem Solving, Bullying, and Decision Making. As a consequence, we live in a world that has become less kind. The Two by Two approach assumes an optimistic view of life with the goal to inspire change, build core values, and generate positive environments.
We are proud to “change lives and build character” in our community and beyond. I invite you to read specific information about Two by Two® programming to begin your social-emotional and character development journey.
With kindness,
Kristin Woodward-Vaassen
Founder & Director of Business and Curriculum Development
Kristin's passion and love for teaching started over 30 years ago in a 3rd grade classroom. In 2005, Kristin's dream of helping people, animals, and the environment came true with the creation of the nonprofit, Two by Two. With the support of an incredibly talented team, Two by Two is fostering positive character traits in thousands of youth and families across the nation. Kristin and her husband, Steve, have 5 amazing boys and many furry, four-legged friends. "I am so proud to lead the Two by Two Team! As a teacher, I taught my students to be kindhearted and now, through Two by Two's social-emotional programming, the message of kindness is being taught to thousands of students! A special shout-out to all of our current and past board members, and donors: It is because of YOU that Two by Two's mission is reaching so many students and making such a needed impact. Thank you for your leadership and support!"
Building Character. Changing Lives.
At Two by Two® Character Development, our team of passionate individuals is dedicated to developing responsible citizens of strong character who care for, respect and appreciate people, animals, the environment and themselves. Our staff embraces this mission with lots of experience and passion. Find out more below about these dedicated individuals.
Meet our Team