Our History

In 2017, Russell and Myra Strand embarked on a journey together and created the first version of Strand².   Those first few years were spent teaching, learning, and weaving a tapestry of community. In the beginning, they only offered in-person training and education.

As the world shifted in late 2019 and 2020, their path took an unexpected turn. A business model rooted in travel did not fare well during the pandemic. They needed to pivot and transform.  In a bold move, Russ answered the call of duty, leaving Strand²  for the United States Military Academy, West Point’s hallowed halls.  From the snowy high desert of Arizona, they ventured to the rolling hills of the Hudson Valley, New York. Life there blossomed, and the next four years unfolded like an adventure story—perhaps some of the finest chapters of their lives. While Russ explored his new roles,  Myra maintained and grew Strand² from home.  Like everyone else,  she took the training online and on demand.  She also began to offer technical assistance.  Myra kept the home fires burning and built a solid training-and-technical-assistance company.

Settled into their new community, the winds of change beckoned once again. In 2025, the gang reunited! Russell Strand returned to Strand², and together they embarked on recreating their dream of working together.

In 2025, Myra and Russell co-created the Human Centric Interview. We now have a team of trainers who are kind and compassionate- dedicated to making the world a better place for victims and survivors.

By 2026, the HCI 45-hour course—available in person and on-demand—was pre-approved by the National Children’s Alliance (NCA) and the National Advocates Credentialing Program (NACP). In the same year, they also hosted their first “train the trainer” event, training 12 new amazing HCI instructors.

Today, HCI offers in-person, virtual, and on-demand training, plus ongoing technical assistance projects.

The adventure continues!