Chelsea McGonigle

Chelsea McGonigle is the Director of Prevention and Education at Change the Conversation, where she leads the development, implementation, and expansion of Turn the Talk, a comprehensive school-based prevention program designed to equip students, educators, and caregivers with the knowledge and tools to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse. Under her leadership, Turn the Talk has grown into a multi-district initiative currently implemented across seven public school systems in Maryland, reaching roughly 40,000 students in just four years. This rapid growth reflects both the urgency of the issue and the effectiveness of a model designed to align with school systems and scale with fidelity.

Through a coordinated approach that includes student education, professional development, and caregiver engagement, Chelsea’s work ensures that prevention is not treated as a one-time lesson but as an ongoing, community-wide effort grounded in education, empowerment, and shared responsibility. Her work centers on the lived experiences of young people, helping school communities better understand how students navigate relationships, risk, and safety in today’s digital and social landscape.

With nearly 15 years of experience supporting youth and families impacted by trauma, Chelsea brings a strong background in family studies, curriculum development, and community-based prevention strategies. Her experience includes case management, crisis intervention, psychoeducational group facilitation, and professional training, all aimed at fostering long-term resilience.

Chelsea holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and is a certified Darkness to Light facilitator and Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor. Known for her values-driven leadership, she is passionate about building strong school and community partnerships, advancing prevention through data-informed practice, and creating systems that ensure all children have access to the knowledge and support they need to recognize safety and advocate for themselves.