Cindy Cotto Grimes is a life-long child and family advocate. The native New Yorker has called Ocala, Florida her home since 1985. Her life mission is to empower people with understanding and practical skills to overcome life challenges, particularly those resulting from childhood trauma. After graduating from Hofstra University, Cindy worked as a victim advocate, child protective investigator and social worker, before motherhood inspired her to start her own business.  She spent the next phase of her professional career establishing and publishing a local parenting magazine with goals of providing information and resources to strengthen families, protect children and foster a greater sense of community.  After selling Family Times Magazine, Cindy honed her public speaking and presentation skills through facilitating workshops and programs teaching participants how to advocate safely and effectively on behalf of families and children. She has led workshops for thousands throughout Florida including: Department of Children and Families, Department of Health, Department of Juvenile Justice, Guardian Ad Litem, Community Based Care organizations, teachers, child care providers, church and community groups, incarcerated men, middle and high school students and many others. Cindy has a Master’s Degree in Consciousness Studies. She is also senior minister at the Center for Spiritual Living in Ocala. She and Grady, her husband of 31 years are the parents of three fabulous young adults and have four grandchildren. Kindness is the Cure is the title of her TEDx talk.

Cindy’s TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg3P1U37Avs