New Mind Solutions LLC

10/04/2026

I am still reflecting on the opportunity to present at the 2026 Building Hope for Children Conference and what an experience it was!

I was especially honored to learn that my presentation, “Culture as Prevention: How Adult Behavior Systems Protect Children and Strengthen Organizations,” was recognized as a highly attended session.

The strong turnout affirmed that leaders understand an important truth: protecting children requires more than policies and procedures. It requires healthy workplace cultures where adults communicate responsibly, honor boundaries, address concerns, and hold themselves and one another accountable.

Thank you to Children's Trust of South Carolina for the invitation and to everyone who attended, participated, and added their voice to this important conversation. I left encouraged, energized, and even more committed to helping organizations build cultures that protect children and strengthen the people who serve them.

08/22/2026

Thank you to Children's Trust of South Carolina for the invitation and opportunity to present at the 2026 Building Hope for Children Conference! It was an honor to share “Culture as Prevention: How Adult Behavior Systems Protect Children and Strengthen Organizations” with a full room of professionals committed to protecting children and strengthening communities. I am truly grateful for the experience! 💙

08/19/2026

Today, I had the honor of presenting at the Building Hope for Children Conference in Columbia, SC — and I am still processing what happened in that room.

The session was titled Culture as Prevention: How Adult Behavior Systems Protect Children and Strengthen Organizations. Before we even started, the sign outside read SESSION FULL. People were standing along the walls. That alone humbled me.

But what moved me most was what happened inside the room. People leaned in. They asked hard questions. They sat with uncomfortable scenarios and named things out loud that organizations too often leave unspoken. They came ready to do real work — and they did.

We talked about what culture actually means inside a child-serving organization. We examined the gap between the policies organizations have on paper and the everyday behaviors that either protect children or leave them more vulnerable. We walked through the A.C.T. Framework — Awareness, Clarity, Timely Response — and applied it to real scenarios from real organizations.

And at the end of the hour, people left with tools they can use next week. Not just inspiration. Tools.

To everyone who chose to spend that hour with me — thank you. You showed up for children by showing up for this conversation. That matters more than I can say.

Hope for children is not passive. It is built.

If you want to bring this session to your organization or team, I would love to connect.

📧 [email protected]
🌐 newmindconsulting.com

08/17/2026

Culture lives in the hallways.

On the first day of school, I had the opportunity to visit several schools and experience the excitement of a new beginning. The floors were shining, classrooms were ready, and the walls reflected pride, tradition, encouragement, and hope.

But culture is about more than what we see. It is also what we feel… in the way students are welcomed, colleagues support one another, leaders remain visible, and employees work together to create spaces where children can thrive.

One message especially stayed with me: “Through These Halls Enter Our Future Leaders.”

What a powerful reminder that every interaction matters. Every greeting, encouraging word, lesson taught, meal served, and clean and welcoming space helps shape a child’s experience.

Through New Mind Solutions, LLC, I have the honor of partnering with school districts to strengthen human resources practices, leadership, and workplace culture. Visiting schools keeps that work in perspective. HR may help put people in place, but it is what those people do each day that brings the mission to life.

Culture is not simply announced. It is built—one person, one interaction, and one day at a time.

08/17/2026

Three days to go—and I’m excited! 🎤

On Wednesday, August 19, I’ll have the honor of presenting at the Building Hope for Children Conference.

My session, “Culture as Prevention: How Adult Behavior Systems Protect Children and Strengthen Organizations,” will explore an important truth: protecting children is not only about having the right policies in place. It is also about building a healthy organizational culture where adults communicate clearly, uphold expectations, address concerns responsibly, and remain focused on the well-being of every child.

I’m looking forward to sharing practical strategies, engaging in meaningful conversation, and learning alongside professionals who are committed to building hope—and safer, stronger environments—for children.

08/14/2026

The work behind the work matters.

I had the opportunity to spend time with Williamsburg County School District administrators talking about one of the most important—and sometimes most challenging—parts of leadership: leading and supporting people well.

Our HR conversation covered practical topics administrators encounter every day, including documentation, employee coaching, addressing conduct and performance concerns, policies and procedures, and knowing when to partner with Human Resources.

One message I continue to emphasize is that good documentation is not about “building a case.” It is about creating clarity, communicating expectations, supporting improvement, and ensuring employees are treated fairly and consistently.

And HR shouldn’t only show up when something has gone wrong. The strongest outcomes happen when HR and administrators work together early and often.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to share, listen, problem-solve, and learn alongside the WCSD leadership team. This is one of the things I love most about the work I get to do—partnering with school districts to strengthen leaders, systems, and workplace culture.

Moving Forward Together.

08/09/2026

Excited to share that I will be presenting at the Building Hope for Children Conference on Wednesday, August 19, 2026!

My session is called Culture as Prevention: How Adult Behavior Systems Protect Children and Strengthen Organizations, and it is one I have been looking forward to facilitating for a while now.

We talk a lot about policies and reporting protocols when it comes to child protection. What we talk about much less is the everyday culture inside our schools, nonprofits, childcare centers, and community organizations and how that culture either keeps children safe or puts them at greater risk.

This workshop brings those two conversations together. We will dig into real scenarios, work through practical tools, and leave with strategies you can actually use.

If you are registered for BHCC 2026, join me Wednesday at 3:00 PM. I would love to see you there.

Hope for children is not passive. It is built.

07/28/2026

Honored to Join the Williamsburg County School District Family

One of the greatest gifts of this season of my career is the opportunity to partner with school districts across South Carolina during pivotal moments of growth, transition, and transformation.

Through New Mind Solutions, I have the privilege of collaborating with educational leaders to strengthen organizational culture, develop leaders, and build human resources systems that support the people who make our schools successful. I never take for granted the trust districts place in me to serve alongside them.

I am grateful to Superintendent Dr. Lamont Moore and the Williamsburg County School District for welcoming me as Interim Director of Human Resources. It is an honor to join a district whose commitment to Moving Forward Together reflects a shared belief that lasting success is built through collaboration, relationships, and a people-first mindset.

Every district has its own story, strengths, and opportunities. I believe healthy organizations don’t happen by accident, they are cultivated intentionally through trust, service, and a shared commitment to excellence. My goal is always to leave organizations stronger than I found them by helping leaders create environments where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work.

I’m excited about the journey ahead and thankful for another opportunity to serve.

Here’s to Moving Forward Together.

— Matrell Eaddy-Sturkey, Ed.D., SHRM-CP
Founder & Senior Consultant, New Mind Solutions, LLC

Dr. Matrell Eaddy Sturkey brings 36 years of experience in K–12 education and has served as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, interim superintendent, and chief human resources officer. She is joining Williamsburg County School District from New Mind Solutions, LLC, where she serves as CEO and Senior Consultant.

07/28/2026

Something I heard today that stopped me in my tracks…

Thank you, Hayward Jean for sharing this powerful African proverb:

“A child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.”

It reminds me that behavior often tells a story. Whether in schools, workplaces, families, or communities, people are looking for connection, purpose, and belonging.

Sometimes the most powerful intervention isn’t another policy or consequence, it’s creating a culture where people know they matter.

That one will stay with me.

https://www.haywardjean.com/