About

Krista Hanley

Writer, Speaker, Violence Prevention Educator

Empowering individuals to embrace authenticity, creativity, and confidence on their journey to empowerment.

My story

I have dedicated my life to empowering others to find creativity, resilience, and authenticity. My journey has been marked by a deep commitment to advocacy and empowerment. Through my speaking engagements, coaching services, and writing, I aim to inspire individuals to reclaim their voices, embrace their creativity, and learn safety and resilience skills. With a blend of personal experience, expertise in trauma-informed approaches, and a passion for empowering others, I am committed to guiding individuals towards transformation, self-discovery, and a renewed sense of confidence and purpose.

Biography

Krista Hanley’s work lives at the intersection of trauma, creativity, and empowerment. A survivor of the tragedy at Columbine High School, she writes and speaks about transforming trauma into meaning. Her debut book, How to Survive a Mass Shooting: A Columbine Memoir (Motina Books 9/2026) explores her life before and after Columbine. Her award-winning creative nonfiction has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Huffington Post, Memoir Magazine, and she has been featured on BBC, NPR, ABC, and Colorado Public Radio.

Krista is the co-owner of We Are Safer Together, where she facilitates trauma-informed self-defense and empowerment programs for individuals, schools, and organizations. With more than a decade of experience in violence prevention training, she integrates somatic awareness, boundary-setting skills, and prevention education into practical, ethical, and trauma-informed safety programming.