Meet Chris
Chris Trout, is an international speaker, teacher, writer and coach who has touched the lives of thousands around the world. He is also a lover of transformative ideas, fascinating people and great jazz. He lives in South Portland, Maine (US) with artist and life partner, Suzanne; 14-year-old dancer/actress/writer/dreamer daughter, Zoe; and computer geek (and proud of it) son, Alex.
For 27 years, Chris explored strengths-focused ideas in his innovative work with children, youth and adults in a variety of roles including educator, music therapist, family mediator, substance abuse prevention specialist, and Executive Director. In 2004, Chris founded Strengths in Focus. While his thinking is grounded in the research of pioneers like Martin Seligman and Marcus Buckingham, Chris' insights grow directly from his in-the-trenches experience with resilient youth and adults who have faced adversity and not only survived, but thrived.
Today, Chris shares this transformative perspective, and the practical tools that bring it to life, with a broad spectrum of audiences, from those in helping professions to individuals who want to lead more intentional and joyful lives.
To meet Chris is to experience the humor, authenticity and joy that infuse his work. To learn what other people say about him, check out The Buzz About Chris.
Quick Profile
- Author of Reflecting Strengths, Reflecting Strengths: The Workbook and Strengths Ezine, a weekly online newsletter with subscribers in over a dozen countries worldwide
- Founder & President of Strengths in Focus
- Co-creator of nationally recognized prevention model based on the power of storytelling
- 27 years of direct work with children, youth and families in diverse settings
- Highly respected professional speaker, teacher and trainer throughout the United States and Canada
Professional History
While some folks know the direction of their lives from the start, Chris discovered his by looking through the rearview mirror.
Chris’ career began at the age of 19 as an assistant teacher working with multiply handicapped pre-schoolers. The following year, he created the school's first music program, drawing on the work of internationally known therapists, Paul Nordoff and Clive Robbins. After training as a Music Therapist at the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh, and completing his clinical training as Wassaic Developmental Center, Chris joined the Creative Arts Therapy team at Laconia State School in Laconia, NH.
Chris went on to work as Senior Music Therapist in the adult day treatment program at the largest United Cerebral Palsy Center in the nation. He was then recruited by Molloy College as Director of its undergraduate program in Music Therapy, where he redesigned the curriculum, expanded the clinical internship program and doubled its size.
A move to Maine in 1988 also brought a shift in focus. As a Prevention Specialist for a youth drug and alcohol treatment and prevention agency, Chris coordinated a peer listening program with more than 400 participants in over 20 schools. Annually, he facilitated three-day youth training retreats, conducted large school assemblies and facilitated innovative parenting workshops. It was here that Chris co-created an innovative and nationally recognized prevention model built on the power of storytelling.
After a year of family mediation work, Chris became the founding Executive Director of the Mission Possible Teen Center. Rather, he became ED of a dream. With little money and no facility, Chris was charged with making this dream reality. He recruited a diverse 21-member youth board to guide the creation of this new center in one of the most socio-economically challenged neighborhoods in southern Maine. Less than a year later, a 7000 square foot facility, staffed by 35 volunteers, opened to 150 youth/day. The strengths-focused design of the center and the incredible level of community support resulted in consultations with eighteen other communities seeking to create their own teen programs.
Soon, Chris was recruited by the People's Regional Community Center, a large social service agency focused on poverty. He created and was Director of the Youth Resiliency Project, with initiatives ranging from after school programs for largely immigrant youth living in subsidized housing projects, to a model statewide network of peer programs that grew ten-fold in two years.
Throughout, Chris was a tireless teacher/speaker, the creator and presenter of more than 1000 workshop.
In 2004, Chris realized a lifelong dream when he founded Strengths in Focus and authored his first book Reflecting Strengths. Today, he continues the dream with a focus on the subtle shifts in perception that change the way we see ourselves and the world around us.