ABOUT US
Dolphin Learning is purpose-driven with a training and education focus. We teach self-defense to women and teen girls - in a fun and dynamic learning environment. Women learn physical techniques to fight back as well as verbal self defense and the psychology of aggression. There are several discussions and success stories are shared. Once we know how, we really can defend ourselves.​
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In 2025, we launched our new course on how to Flourish in Uncertain Times. This is an practical exploration of brain power we all possess but didn't know about. Small changes in how we think can bring us improved health, better luck and increased abundance. All based on science. It turns out, we're more powerful than we knew!
My Story
Debra Handler
Instructor
I teach women how to thrive and survive! I’m on a mission to teach about power so you can create the life you dream of.
I create and teach interesting workshops on empowering topics, and I make the learning fun :)
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​This year, I'm delighted to share a new course called "Flourish in Uncertain Times." This is a practical discovery of the brain power we all possess. You'll learn how small changes in how you think can give you improved health, better luck and increased abundance. Based on brain science. It turns out that we are more powerful than we think.
There's incredible creative power in a positive yet realistic mindset. We explore acceptance, gratitude, luck, optimism, and wonder ("AGLOW"). In another chapter of the workshop, we apply this can-do mindset to our inner Fountain of Youth. This is about increasing health span, which is living healthy longer. That's the goal. Did you know that dance, playfulness and grip strength all help us live healthier for more years? Sounds crazy, but this is all science-based.
I've taught self-defense to women, children and teens in Ontario and Quebec for years. The workshop for women and teen girls, Take ACTION, increases confidence. Women learn how to fight back using a range of simple techniques, both physical and verbal, that address the reality of assault against women. Success stories - real stories that women have shared - show us that we really can defend ourselves. I'm so grateful to have useful knowledge and skills to share. This is a good time for women to know how to defend themselves. These are skills we all want to have in our back pocket.
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I worked for the Region of Waterloo, County of Dufferin, and the Province of Ontario, for 20 years; funding and managing community services. I have bachelor degrees in Adult Education and Commerce. I'm delighted to return to the work I'm most passionate about: empowerment. ​​​
​​​Dolphin Learning is my "passion project." I love sharing empowering information that enables people to achieve their dreams and be safer and more confident. In ACTION Self-Defense, I teach women to defend themselves. I've taught these simple and effective methods to thousands. Feedback from participants attest to the excellence of this dynamic workshop. Women are astonished to find that self-defense is within their reach! They report feeling safer and more confident right away. Once we know how, by focusing on what works and what we can do, we really can defend ourselves.
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Swimming with Dolphin ♥
Why Dolphins?
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Everyone likes dolphins and for good reason!
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They genuinely like us!
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They are curious, playful and love learning
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They are smart and funny :)
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They're great communicators
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They work together
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They defend themselves
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Dolphins don’t just survive... they support, protect, and love each other
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Dolphins are an inspiration for a fun learning experience
40 Dolphin
Animal Medicine Cards
by Jamie Sams and David Carson
"If Dolphin has appeared to you ... you are to be a link to some solution for the Children of Earth.
This can mean a time of communication with the rhythms of nature. You are put on notice to be mindful of your body rhythms and the pattern of energy being fed to you from the Creator.
Imitate Dolphin and ride the waves of laughter, spreading joy in the world. Breathe and experience the manna so freely given. Know that we are all whole in the eyes of the Everliving One."
Mission and Values
Our Mission
THRIVE AND SURVIVE!
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Our mission is to help people to flourish and thrive by providing dynamic training and education. We teach self-defense so women can live full lives in safety and freedom. We teach ways to flourish, even in these crazy times, for better health and more fulfillment.
