Talking the talk because she's walked the walk! Years ago, Susan Bartelstone had a bad break-up with a guy, complete with physical and emotional bruises, and determined to learn how to protect herself. Today, she's a certified Crime Prevention Specialist and personal safety expert, with 17 years combined training in WWII Combatives, self defense and martial arts. Along the way, she deterred five extremely dangerous criminal encounters, fought her way out of a surprise attack and, for more than 18 years, from such organizations as American Express, the U.S. Post Office and the Livery Cab Owners Coalition of New York.. Author of Think Fast and Prevent a Violent Crime: How to Respond to Danger in 20 Seconds (or Less!), which is based on her own experiences, she’s been featured in a long and varied list of media, including the “Today Show,” “America’s Most Wanted” and Self Magazine.

Over the years, she’s helped thousands of people solve their personal safety dilemmas with her personal safety programs and her practical advice—which stresses the many opportunities you have to avoid or defuse a criminal encounter and how to use your brains instead of your muscles in a fight.