Empowering Young Adults to Become Workforce-Ready
Explore Our ProgramsThe more connected we are online, the more we risk losing real, human connection.
Talk Shop exists to empower high school and college students, and young adults navigating drug and alcohol recovery, as well as incarceration, with essential communication skills to become workforce-ready.
Talk Shop is a nonprofit serving high school and college students, and young adults in drug and alcohol recovery, as well as those who are incarcerated, to develop the much-needed life skills of how to communicate effectively, in person. Talk Shop serves young adults ages 15-35 throughout Washington and nationwide. We offer programs in person for maximum impact to empower today's young adults to be ready for both career and life.
We envision a world where every young person, regardless of background, has the communication skills, confidence, and support they need to thrive in school, work, and life.
Over the last few years, communicating online has become the preferred method for many teens and young adults. The constant and dizzying pace of the online world we all live in has created a gap in effective face-to-face conversation skills. Guided by the input of trusted advisors from the education and corporate markets, our programs are grounded in education, mentoring, and leadership training.
We have continuously sought the input of hiring managers and teachers who see the impact that the gap in communication skills has created and are evolving our program offerings to address it. We seek to elevate youth voices to make our communities more equitable, just, and civilized.
At Talk Shop, we believe that every step towards a brighter future for teens and young adults begins with developing effective communication skills. Thanks to our dedicated partners, donors, and supporters, we will make significant strides in our mission to empower high school and college students and young adults with essential communication skills to become workforce-ready. Our future impact reports will be a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together.
Talk Shop directly addresses a critical ability gap by equipping students and young adults with real-world communication and career readiness skills. Through interactive group workshops and 1:1 coaching sessions, we foster the competence and confidence needed to support long-term educational, personal, and professional success.
As we continue to grow, we look forward to deepening our impact with your support and partnership.
Choose from our range of programs designed to meet different learning styles and goals.
Interactive sessions that encourage participation and skill-building in a collaborative environment.
Discover More →Personalized guidance to address individual communication challenges and goals.
Discover More →Partnering with recovery centers, juvenile justice programs, and reentry organizations to deliver specialized versions of our workshops.
Discover More →Meet the dedicated team behind Talk Shop's mission to empower young adults with essential communication skills.
Founder & CEO
Founder and CEO, Matt Crevin, is most importantly a dad to his two boys. Matt brings real-world business experience to the forefront. Having worked for two Fortune 500 companies in addition to his 30+ years of sports announcing, over 10 years of coaching youth sports, volunteering at his local high school as a social emotional learning mentor, Matt’s background allows him to bring a relevant and unique perspective to today’s young adults.
In more than ten years as a volunteer baseball and football coach in my community, I began to notice a troubling trend. At every team event, players were staring at their phones instead of talking to each other. The same pattern was spreading among adults—at airports, coffee shops, and even family gatherings—people were scrolling instead of connecting. It became clear to me that the communication skills gap in today's youth and young adults is widening by the day.
That realization deepened when I spent several years volunteering as a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) mentor at a local high school. I witnessed firsthand how many students struggled to express themselves, collaborate, or even hold eye contact in conversation. These weren't just missing "soft skills"—they were missing human connection.
Drawing from my career in business development, years of coaching, and my own parenting journey, I set out to create something meaningful—a program that helps young people build confidence, strengthen communication, and prepare for life beyond the classroom. That's how Talk Shop was born.
One powerful moment that cemented this mission came when I worked with a young man who had been in and out of treatment and was facing possible jail time. Over several months, we worked together on communication and self-awareness. Eventually, he stood before a judge and confidently explained the steps he'd taken to turn his life around. Watching him use his voice—and change his trajectory—reminded me that communication isn't just a skill; it's a lifeline.
Talk Shop empowers students and young adults to handle tough conversations, resolve conflict, and express thoughts and ideas with clarity and confidence. It's about helping them connect, communicate, and grow.
Now, I'm inviting you to join us. Together, we can close the communication gap—one conversation, one student, and one community at a time.
Get involved. Donate. Partner. Volunteer. Let's help the next generation find their voice!
Board Member
Jeff Aiello is a 13-time Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker, television series host/producer and co-owner of 18THIRTY Entertainment. Jeff is also the former CEO of ValleyPBS and the Director of Production & Marketing at ABC30.
Jeff produces and hosts the popular travel series Outside Beyond the Lens that airs on PBS stations nationwide and produces the Emmy Award Winning agricultural series American Grown: My Job Depends On Ag for ValleyPBS in Fresno, Ca.
Jeff and his wife, Jill, started the popular Facebook page Talk of the Hill in 2020 to help the mountain communities track the Creek Fire. Jeff produced the Emmy Award-winning documentary Afterburn: The Creek Fire Documentary for ValleyPBS in 2021.
Board Member
As founder of Davis Gonthier, Lisa Davis brings a visionary approach to the world of architecture, interior design, and luxury residential environments. With a refined understanding of spatial aesthetics and an innate ability to cultivate influential networks, Lisa is a seasoned strategist in public relations and business development.
Lisa’s approach extends far beyond conventional publicity. She is a trusted collaborator and relationship builder, renowned for assembling dynamic, multidisciplinary teams. By fostering high-caliber partnerships, she ensures that each project is not only meticulously executed but also strategically positioned for industry acclaim and editorial visibility.
At Davis Gonthier, Lisa brings together creativity, credibility, and deep industry insight—championing the work of architects and designers who shape the built environment with elegance and purpose.
Board Member
Zach’s passion as a financial advisor with UBS since 2007 stems from a lifelong interest of teaching, financial markets and his desire to help protect what matters most to his clients. His goal is simple yet complex: to positively impact clients’ lives for the better by helping reduce the stress of financial management. This allows clients to have comfort, clarity and focus on their families, their legacies, and their life goals.
In his free time, Zach is a professional photographer documenting landscapes, northern lights, people, and sports. He is currently wrapping up a 6-year term as a board member for Unexpected Productions, where he served as Treasurer, President and Board Member at large helping this historic improv theater navigate COVID, changes in executive staffing and enhance reserve investment strategies. He is married with two boys and two French bulldogs.
Board Member
Keyon Johnson is entering his 21st year as Principal Consultant at On Key Public Relations. He is responsible for all aspects of business operations, including research, recruiting, and marketing. Johnson recently teamed with Kirk Reynolds PR to expand their reach for the clientele.
Keyon also currently serves as the media relations assistant for day of game activities with the Golden State Warriors, Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, formerly with the Houston Rockets and Houston Texans.
Keyon has also worked with Southwest Airlines for the past 10 years as a flight attendant and spent a year with the Clark County Juvenile Justice Department as a juvenile probation assistant analyst in Las Vegas.
A California native, he then went on to earn his Master of Science in Sport Administration and Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications/ Public Relations from Grambling State University in Louisiana. He enjoys watching his favorite sports, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends.
Hear from participants who have transformed their communication skills through our programs.
Matt brings enthusiasm, professionalism, and an ability to get students talking with one another. We're grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him!
Assistant Athletic Director
University of Washington Athletics
"Matt has been an amazing resource for my son and I continue to use his personal 1:1 coaching sessions. He has had a positive impact on my son, who now communicates in a variety of settings with confidence and has developed key communication skills that are needed now more than ever!
Parent
"Matt's coaching sessions helped me prepare to communicate effectively for a court appearance, which, thanks to his preparation and guidance, kept me out of jail. I haven't been this encouraged in a long time, and I highly recommend Matt and his personal 1:1 coaching.""
One-on-one Mentoring
Join our programs and take the first step towards confident, clear, and effective communication.
Ready to start your communication journey? Contact us to learn more about our programs and schedule a consultation.