Wellness-Connect Faculty

Irene van der Zande
Founder and Executive Director, KidPower International

Irene van der Zande has spent three decades developing and presenting high-quality child protection, positive communication, advocacy, self-defense, and personal safety programs and curriculums both in-person and online.

She is a proven expert at adapting to meet the needs of those facing an increased risk of violence and abuse because of disabilities, poverty, and prejudice. Her child protection and personal safety expertise have been featured in numerous news outlets, conferences, and Kidpower publications including the Kidpower Book for Caring Adults and Kidpower Safety Comics.