At Sweethearts & Heroes, the inspiring message “H.O.P.E.” (Hold On, Possibilities Exist) isn’t just a tagline—it’s a call to action. Founded by Tom Murphy and retired Sergeant Rick Yarosh, this national social-emotional wellness organization brings empathy, resilience, and leadership to children, teens, educators, and even military personnel.
Who They Are
- Tom Murphy: An All-American wrestler turned motivational speaker and corporate leader, Tom infuses his energy and insight into every interaction.
- Rick Yarosh: A Purple Heart recipient who turned life-altering injuries from Iraq into a mission of purpose.
- Together, through Sweethearts & Heroes, they channel their personal journeys into lifelong impact—transforming awareness into real-world change.
What They Do
- K–12 Assemblies
- Pre-K–2: Play-centered anti-bullying drills—fun and foundational.
- Grades 3–5: “Stop, Drop, and Roll” scenarios to prepare students to respond to bullying.
- Grades 6–12: Empower teens to “Jump into Action” when it matters most.
- Circle Culture
- Ancient circle practices foster weekly gatherings that cultivate empathy, emotional safety, and relationship skills—building core human competencies.
- Training & Sustainability
- From two-day facilitator workshops to three-day Master Weaver programs, educators and student leaders are equipped to carry the mission forward. The Community Ambassador initiative provides ongoing mentorship throughout the year.
- Custom Keynotes
- Whether in schools, businesses, conferences, or military contexts, these interactive keynotes adapt H.O.P.E. and leadership into every setting.
Impact & Reach
- Over 2.5 million students and educators across the nation have been touched by their work.
- Programs span schools, businesses, nonprofits, military units, and civic groups.
- Alumni become facilitators themselves—extending the culture they’ve experienced.
In the Field
- In New York, a district-wide assembly instilled anti-bullying tools, followed by educator training that integrated Circle practices into every classroom.
- Military-focused Circles addressed resilience, trust, and mental well-being, reducing isolation for service members.
Written Works & Thought Leadership
- 13 Pillows for Affective Teachers: A novel weaving real stories with empathetic classroom practices.
- Blog Series: From “Wonder-Based Questioning” to “Break the Cycle of Generational Hypocrisy,” each post offers transformative insights for educators and parents
Why It Matters
With anxiety and disconnection on the rise, Sweethearts & Heroes bridges the gap between empathy and action. Their blend of stories, strategies, and community-building transforms environments into spaces of belonging, leadership, and courage.
Want to Get Involved?
- Request an assembly or keynote for your audience.
- Enroll staff or students in Circle leadership training.
- Follow the blog—because each post delivers H.O.P.E. in action.
- Dive into 13 Pillows for Affective Teachers to enrich your teaching practice.
Final Thoughts
Sweethearts & Heroes is more than an organization—it’s a movement empowering young people, educators, and communities to be real-life heroes of compassion, empathy, and action. In a world that needs both heart and courage, they show us how to bring both.
Contact us
Sweethearts & Heros
38 N Main St, Suite 233 Saint Albans, VT 05478
(802) 309–9539
