Hello! I’m Chris and
I transformed the way I parented—and if you’re ready for change, so can you.
When my youngest was 13, I stumbled upon Nonviolent Communication (NVC). At first, I brushed it off—I wasn’t "violent," so it didn’t seem to apply to me. But everything changed when I reached out for help and realized something powerful: violence can hide in our words—in labels, demands, and silent judgments that push us away from the people we love most.
NVC opened my eyes to a completely new way of connecting—with my daughter, my partner, and even with myself. I learned that behind every emotion, there’s a need—and when we pause and listen for those needs, true connection happens. This simple shift didn’t just heal my relationships; it completely changed how I see and understand others.
Together with Leland, I co-authored a book that shares this core truth:
👉 We feel because we need.
It’s a message for everyone—young and old—with visuals that make it easy for kids (and adults!) to understand what’s happening inside.
If you're craving deeper connection, more peace in your relationships, or just a different way to communicate with your kids—you’re not alone. I lead an empathy practice group weekly with Capital NVC, and I’d love for you to join us.
💛 Find the digital book for free along with reflection pages, feelings and needs lists, and fun tools for home or classroom on my Instagram page @an.inside.story
"When I first used nonviolent consciousness during a stressful situation, I realized the potential it has to transform relationships and create peace. It worked for me and my child and I want to share it with every parent! I wanted to write An Inside Story because the simple concepts of NVC - which brought immediate relief to my relationship with my 13 year old daughter - were not widely known or taught. I spent four years as a volunteer practicing this way of communicating in a middle school for girls. Showing compassion for what was happening in their hearts allowed the students to feel heard and seen and they shifted back to their roles in the classroom more quickly. I am confident that children learn and embrace these teachings more easily than adults who have been educated away from the simplicity of needs and are confused into believing that blaming others for our feelings and fighting are just human nature." - Chris
Chris & Gina Simm with Buddies and Empathy Cards for Little Hands
"An Inside Story uses simple, accessible language and adorable art to call attention to the importance of what goes on inside us that we often hide. In an age of polarization it serves as a reminder of our human commonality despite our many differences."
Miki Kashtan,
Co-founder, Bay Area Nonviolent Communication
What People are Saying!
EMPATHY DOLLS
The Inside Story Empathy Doll is more than a toy — it’s a playful doorway into emotional awareness.
By holding the doll and exploring the heart pocket, we practice noticing sensations in the body, naming feelings, and discovering the needs beneath them. What once felt overwhelming begins to make sense.
Whether you’re a child learning new words or a grown-up rediscovering tenderness, the doll supports honest self-expression and compassionate connection.
A fun video demonstration
