Category: In Action

This category features recaps of 3Cs workshops and community events, along with thoughtful reviews of products, books, and services from brands that share our mission of improving communication, emotional intelligence, and connection across generations.

In Action

When Art Becomes a Bridge Between Generations and Cultures

In the middle of a bustling gallery, filled with conversation and the quiet rhythm of footsteps, I watched a moment unfold that perfectly captured the heart of this year’s exhibition. An artist—also a grandmother—stood beside her painting, gently explaining it to her young granddaughter. She spoke about the meaning behind each brushstroke, about the traditions rooted in Chinese culture, and about the intention behind her … Continue reading When Art Becomes a Bridge Between Generations and Cultures

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In Action

3rd Annual Mental Health Symposium Recap

Held February 27, 2026 in Lakeway, Texas, Stephanie Threinen, founder of Cool, Comms, Collected was invited as an attendee and presenter of “Active Listening is a Superpower” at the third annual Mental Health Symposium hosted by the Engage and Heal Foundation, a local mental health advocacy non-profit. Both energizing and deeply meaningful from the moment participants arrived for a light breakfast and conversation, there was … Continue reading 3rd Annual Mental Health Symposium Recap

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In Action

Workshop Recap: Staying Cool, Calm, and Collected—In the Saddle and in Communication

At a recent Pony Club rally preparation workshop, riders and parents gathered for a one-hour communications session led by Stephanie Threinen, founder of Cool, Comms, Collected. Designed for participants ages 8 to 18 and their families, the workshop focused on helping riders communicate with professionalism, courtesy, and confidence—skills that are essential when interacting with judges during both riding classes and Horse Management inspections. In Pony … Continue reading Workshop Recap: Staying Cool, Calm, and Collected—In the Saddle and in Communication

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In Action

Workshop Recap: Communication Takes Center Stage

As theater students at a private high school in downtown Austin, Texas prepared for their upcoming competition season in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) One Act Play Division, they recently took time to strengthen a skill that is just as important as memorizing lines or hitting stage marks: communication. Stephanie Threinen, founder of Cool, Comms, Collected, led an interactive workshop with … Continue reading Workshop Recap: Communication Takes Center Stage

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In Action

Choosing Your Path: Lessons from Alice and the Cheshire Cat

Curiosity is a powerful spark—but knowing how to act on it makes all the difference. In our Cool, Comms, Collected workshops, we use a famous scene from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to explore how intentional choices shape our habits and our lives. This timeless story reminds participants of all ages that curiosity is only the beginning—real growth comes when we take action. Continue reading Choosing Your Path: Lessons from Alice and the Cheshire Cat

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In Action

Why It’s More Important Than Ever for Texas Students to Practice In-Person Communication

Background: House Bill 1481 is now in effect (effective as of August–September 2025), banning students in Texas public (and open-enrollment charter) schools from using personal communication devices—like cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and the like—during the school day, from the first bell to the last. Districts must enforce this with written policies, confiscation procedures, and disciplinary measures, while allowing limited exceptions for individuals with medical or … Continue reading Why It’s More Important Than Ever for Texas Students to Practice In-Person Communication

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