We facilitate inclusive, trauma-informed safety and self-defense programs that inspire confidence, empowerment, and resilience in individuals at higher risk of violence, in order to cultivate stronger and more supportive communities.
We envision a safe world where everyone (no matter their age, ability level, gender, sexuality, race, religion, or other identifiers) can show up authentically, live expansively, and pursue their wildest dreams.
We Are Safer Together is more than an organization; it's a mission to empower individuals and communities with effective strategies that foster safety, connection, and authenticity. We are focused in the realm of self-defense and personal safety, but we realize that safety should, and does, extend beyond the individual.
We specialize in individual and group safety and self-defense trainings that create a sense of safety and confidence, and we help individuals and businesses develop stronger, more staff-centered safety protocols. We work with businesses, corporations, non-profits, clubs, schools, event planners, parents, families, and others to create a safer culture for all.
We believe in the possibility of a safer world, not one devoid of risk, but a world where individuals trust in themselves and are supported by their communities. Our history is a story of evolution, driven by the unwavering belief that, together, we can create a safer, more empowered world.
Accessibility: We ensure that all of our teaching, knowledge, and resources are accessible to all, breaking down barriers to empowerment.
Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity, embracing inclusivity as the foundation for a safer and more connected world.
Transparency: We are dedicated to fostering openness and honesty in all our endeavors, ensuring trust and understanding.
Leadership: We believe in the power of strong, compassionate leaders who guide the way to positive change.
Transformation: We are committed to facilitating transformative experiences that empower individuals and communities.
These values are not just words on a page; they are the driving force behind our mission to empower, educate, and create a safer, more inclusive future for all
Our expertise is in trauma-informed, adaptive (for ALL bodies), inclusive, and empowering self-defense and safety training. Our clients include trauma survivors, people with disabilities, older adults, Queer and LGBTQIA individuals, people in recovery, youth of all genders, and women who want to reclaim their power.
Our founders, Krista Hanley and Kayla Berry, bring over 15 years of combined training and expertise in empowerment self-defense, emergency preparedness, program development, and facilitation. We have collaborated with trauma survivors, mental health professionals, martial artists, personal trainers, social justice activists, corporate trainers, conflict resolution experts, disability rights activists, and emergency preparedness experts to create inclusive, comprehensive, and widely accessible safety and self-defense trainings.
We have dedicated years of training in facilitation and non-violent communication to ensure that our classes are not only informative but also engaging and transformative.
We offer a comprehensive approach to personal and community safety consultations and self-defense training. You can trust us to provide the knowledge, skills, and support needed to empower your journey towards a safer, more fulfilled life.
Kayla Berry is a certified empowerment self-defense instructor with over 6 years of experience in teaching kids, teens, and adults of all abilities in safety, self-defense, and violence prevention. She studied at CU Boulder where she received specialized training in public speaking, classroom facilitation, and curriculum development through the INVST Community Leadership Studies. She has also undergone specialized training in various areas, including first aid, Colorado Mandatory Reporter certification, Advanced Behavioral Threat Assessment Training, Community Emergency Response (CERT), Abuse Prevention (accredited by Safe Sport), and non-violent communication. On top of providing empowerment safety and self-defense trainings, Kayla works teaching emergency preparedness classes with the Denver Office of Emergency Management.
Krista Hanley is a writer, speaker, and violence prevention educator with over ten years of expertise facilitating programs in the areas of self-defense, trauma recovery, and embodiment. As a Columbine survivor, she brings her experience as a trauma survivor to the development of safety programs at We Are Safer Together. Some of her specialized certifications and trainings include: Empowerment Self-Defense Professional credential through the Association of ESD Professionals, Impact self-defense instructor and instructor-trainer certification, mental health first aid, Colorado mandatory reporter training, Community Emergency Response Team training (CERT), Trauma Informed Instructor certification, ALERRT Active Shooter Civilian Response, Advanced Behavioral Threat Assessment Training, Adaptive Sport Abuse Prevention Trainer (accredited by Safe Sport), and non-violent communication training. She has a Master’s degree from Western Colorado University.
Colorado Matters on Colorado Public Radio
Interview with co-founder Krista Hanley
April 8, 2024
Interview with co-founder Krista Hanley
April 5, 2024
All Things Considered, NPR (edit of Colorado Public Radio Feature)
Interview with co-founder Krista Hanley
April 15, 2024
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