Our Team

The badass crew behind Heroic Kids

We are a fierce, creative, and unapologetically bold team united by one mission: giving every child the skills to protect and defend themselves — and helping families end the generational cycle of abuse.

Portrait of CJ Scarlet, Founder & CEO

CJ Scarlet

Founder & CEO

The founder, CEO, and "OG" Badass Grandma. CJ is a kid safety crusader, award-winning author of five books, and the creator of the Heroic Parenting 101 course that helps parents empower their kids to protect and defend themselves from bullies and predators. A survivor of childhood abuse, teen sexual assault, and a narrow escape from a trafficking ring, she has used her story as rocket fuel to protect children across the globe. Former roller-skating carhop, forest firefighter, and U.S. Marine photojournalist with a master's degree in human violence — and named one of the "Happy 100" people on the planet.

Portrait of Ann Jagger, Chief Experience Officer

Ann Jagger

Chief Experience Officer

A lifelong entrepreneur, award-winning author, and the Badass Grandma's Chief Experience Officer. Ann is always on the lookout for creative, meaningful ways to make the world safer, kinder, and a lot more fun. As a storyteller and strategist, she brings the mission to life — empowering families, sparking conversations, and turning tough topics into teachable moments filled with humor and heart.

Portrait of Deb O’Neill, Chief Innovation Officer

Deb O’Neill

Chief Innovation Officer

Fueled by equal parts creativity and strategy, Deb Degnan O'Neill is here to shake things up and spark what's next. A proud Gen X'er born and raised in Queens, NY — with grit, independence, and just enough edge to keep things interesting. After an unforgettable career in film and television in NYC, life brought her full circle to North Carolina to raise a family, run two businesses, volunteer in schools, coach youth volleyball, and champion CJ Scarlet's mission to protect children.

Portrait of Dani Paulo, Chief Marketing Officer

Dani Paulo

Chief Marketing Officer

Danielle "Dani" Paulo brings the bold energy behind the brand to life. She handles all things content, creative direction, and strategy — basically making sure everything the team says, posts, or launches feels unapologetically us. From witty captions to wild campaigns, Dani keeps Heroic Kids loud, proud, and impossible to ignore.

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