About us


About Us

Royal Keys is an innovative, fun, and rewarding opportunity that fills the great need to teach people kindness, manners, respect, and self- esteem. It is a system that has been developed and used for over 20 years. We provide unique supervised hands-on fun classes that enrich the lives of children and adults of all ages.

There is a great demand for putting an end to the lack of manners, respect, and self-worth, as well as ending bullying in our schools, workplaces, and communities.

Founder

Cynthia Smith, the founder of Royal Keys, has been dedicated to working with children (and adults) for over 20 years to encourage Self Worth, Social Development, Conflict Resolution, Character Building, Tolerance, Respect, and Etiquette.

With a very diverse background as a former Fashion Model, Actress, Advertising Executive, Pilot, Special Event Coordinator, Restaurateur, Health Club Founder, Sales Trainer, Image consultant, Musician and Couturier, she possesses great knowledge and experience and brings this expertise to all who take the Royal Keys seminars and classes. Cynthia Smith is highly motivated and dedicated to helping people achieve their unlocked potential.

Royal Keys' gift resides in the unique ability to enable and inspire the hearts and interests of all who receive the training.

Cynthia Smith

"My time with Mrs. Smith, from Royal Keys has been invaluable, and will always be within me. Mrs. Smith would have the class perform in exercises that not only instilled knowledge of Etiquette, but also self-confidence, how to handle ourselves in a public place, and how to have a conversation. I am forever grateful."

~ Allie Grant, Actress

Advisory Board

Richard Sands

Royal Keys is very delighted and proud to have the Right Honorable Richard Sands join the Advisory Board of Royal Keys International. Prince Phillip bestowed upon Richard the Grand Title of the Queen's Bodyguard of the Yeoman of the Guard Extraordinary, Her Majesty's Tower of London RVM ACRM, for his 23 years of service to the Queen at the Tower. Paladin Eastside

Richard was recently awarded the Royal Victorian Medal (RVM) by Elizabeth II, Queen of England. The Royal Victorian Order is a dynastic order of knighthood and a house order of chivalry recognizing distinguished personal service to the Order's Sovereign, the reigning monarch of the Commonwealth Realms, established in 1896.

Her Royal Highness Princess Ann (Grand Master of the Royal Victorian Order) also awarded Richard a Regimental Medal for enhancing the name of the Regiment of Music.

Yeoman Warder of the Guard Extraordinary Richard Sands spent 22 years in the service of the Queen's Army before his most recent service over the last 23 years at the Tower for a total of 45 years of continuous service to the Queen.
Richard Sands is an extraordinary asset as an Advisor to Royal Keys.

 

Elizabeth Sands

Elizabeth Sands, the wife of Richard Sands, has also joined the Royal Keys Advisory Board. She is a true and valued resource for Royal Keys International.

Elizabeth has also worked in the Queen's service at the White Tower as a Warden.

The White Tower has functioned variously as an armory, a treasury, a menagerie, the central keep of the Tower of London, which is its historical home. William the Conqueror built the castle, which later became known as the Tower of London in 1066.

The Tower has been the home of the Royal Mint, a public records office, and the home of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. Elizabeth has additionally organized and designed the flower arrangements for the Royal Chapel.

Elizabeth brings a wealth of knowledge regarding the Protocol and the historical background of Chivalry and Courtly Behavior.

 

Ingrid Summerfield

Ingrid Summerfield is a native of Germany who lived in France for many years and finished her education in Switzerland and California.

Ingrid is a highly Accomplished, Motivated, and Respected Executive with an experience of over twenty-five years in the Hospitality Industry and Public Relations. Ingrid has held various positions on the Boards of the Hotel Council, Union Square Association, the S.F. Local Homeless Coordinating Board, Goodwill Industries, and Quest for Dignity facilitating the achievement of their goals. Royal Keys is very fortunate to have Ingrid Summerfield on the Advisory Board.

 

Luisa S. Johnson, Ph.D.

Dr. Johnson has been a Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Westlake Village, CA since 1985. She works with individuals and families on improving emotional health through positive parenting and peer relationships.

Dr. Johnson believes that social arts are the integral part of building self-esteem, confidence and strong families within our communities.

Dr. Johnson is an accomplished Artist working with sculpture in Bronze and Resin as well as Photography.

We are proud to have Dr. Luisa Johnson as a member of our Advisory Board.

 

Octavio F. Delgado, Ph.D.

Dr. Delgado received his Ph.D. in Psychology from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He has been a licensed Clinical Psychologist since 1988. He worked in private practice in the Los Angeles area for several years and is the Founder/President and current Clinical Director of Paladin Eastside Psychological Services, a Community based clinic that provides mental health services to over 700 children and families per week. Dr. Delgado was the director of a program dealing with abuse in a large community mental health center in Los Angeles.

His expertise includes working with children and their families on various issues related to attention deficit disorders, conduct disorders, anxiety problems, depression, school-related difficulties, crisis intervention, child abuse/domestic violence issues, and various forms of aggressive behavior.

Since 1988, Dr. Delgado has been a member of the 730 panel of Expert Witnesses for the Superior Court of Los Angeles conducting psychological evaluations, a Consultant to the Public Health Service of the National Institute of Mental Health, and has served as a liaison with various community based organizations in providing mental health services. He currently is involved in training future therapists on providing community-based mental health services to a diverse population.

We are very pleased and honored to have Dr. Delgado as a member of our Board of Directors.

 

Helen Clifford

Born in New York, Helen Clifford majored in Medieval Spanish Literature at Oberlin College, where she began her Design and Costuming background in 1965.

For the last 18 years, Helen has Co-Managed one of the largest Renaissance historical re-enactment guilds in Northern America. She takes great care about the beauty, authenticity, and durability of her costumes, as well as all the things she creates to the very last detail.

Helen also trains actors about the behavior and history of the times, specializing in the Victorian and Renaissance Era. Helen Clifford creates magic in whatever she touches.

 

Steven Vann Smith

Steven Vann Smith is a Professor of Ethics, and International Lecturer in Ethics, and a Senior Manager in Pharmaceutical Research. He also holds degrees in Psychology, Theology, and Molecular Biology.

Professor Smith has been a Presidential Task Force Medal recipient, a Pharmaceutical Speakers Bureau member, a High School Teacher and Coach, an experienced Youth Mentor as well as a recipient of the "Outstanding Young Men of America" Award.

Professor Smith's education, research, teaching, lecturing, and ethics expertise, as well as his extensive experience with youth, makes him an asset for Royal Keys.

 

Theodore D'Este

With degrees in Psychology and Theology, Mr. D'Este has been with Social Services for 32 years in the areas of Child Protective Services, Rehabilitation, and Teenage Drug Rehabilitation.

Mr. D'Este has also been an Actor in Broadway shows on the West Coast.

He is an Acting Coach and has been the Creator, Director, Producer, Trainer, and Historian of one the largest Renaissance historical re-enactment guilds in Northern California.

His experience and insight, not only with children and adults at risk but also his acting and historian experience, provide a valuable resource for Royal Keys.

"We recommend this program to any Group of any age. It was a fun way to learn and to grow in the area of self confidence and manners."

Stay McEnnnan
Director, The Alexandria Academy

Testimonials

See what our clients have to say about us and their Royal Keys experience!

What Businesses and Schools are saying about Royal Keys International:

"The children taught their other friends, that did not take the class each day, what they learned in Royal Keys. Good behavior is catchy."

"Parents have come in saying they notice a difference and the children have been teaching everyone at home."

"Having all the students in formal settings at the end are a great 'test' and the students feel special being Crowned Princesses and Dubbed as Knights."

"Students who have taken the Royal Keys Classes are now more kind and have been more able to socialize. Thank you Royal Keys."

"Royal Keys Classes have given our children the skills to socialize and make more friends to play with."

"Thank you again, for the wonderful training of your special Life Skills. Hopefully it will stay in everyone's mind and be used when dealing with various situations."

Business Staff Training Recommendations:

"It was excellent. I would like more classes." ~ Ingrid
"Very informative." ~ Arnitra
"Filled me in on information I did not know. The class was informative, interesting and entertaining." ~ Danielle
"Very fun and informative." ~ Amy
"I really enjoyed your training. I very thankful for all the insight given. Everyone did try using their knives and forks to eat their pizza. Thank you again, for the wonderful training. Hopefully it will remain in the front of everyone's mind when dealing with various situations." ~ Don


What Young Students Say:

"I learned a lot and had fun remembering all my manners. I will remember and use everything Royal Keys taught me. I practiced at home. I will miss Royal Keys." ~ Pamela, age 8

"I like Royal Keys Class and would like more classes. I had fun!"
~ Miley, age 10

"I had fun learning Manners. I want my friends to come to the next class with me." ~ Alexandria, age 12

"I learned how to be a better friend. I love the Queen and the party."
~ Abigail, age 4

"I want to learn how to nicely treat others." ~ Lindsay, age 5
"I wanted to learn my manners. I Love Royal Keys classes and have fun!"
~ Gabriella, age 4

"I took Royal Keys because I wanted to learn how to be a better friend."
~ Benjamin, age 4

"I had fun learning the Golden Rule and about respecting others."
~ Nicole, age 5

"I played with my friends and learned how to set and act at the table."
~ Alex, age 5

Girl Scouts Summer Camp Comments:
"Thank you for sending us our teacher! We had a lovely week." ~ Girl Scout Camp Counselor

"The Royal Keys class is excellent. I learned many things that I did not know before. I had lots of fun in the Royal Keys Class. Thank you for the program. I like the Royal Keys class a lot." ~ Michaela

"I love Royal Keys and my teacher." ~ Emily

"Royal Keys is amazing!" ~ Skylar

"It was awesome, thank you." ~ Gillilan

"I had a lot of fun and learned a lot." ~ Hailey

"I liked folding napkins. I had so much fun!" ~ Maggie

"I love Royal Keys, it was so much fun!" ~ Bonnie

"I am excited to use my manners." ~ Julia

What Teenagers Say:
"Thank you very much for teaching me good etiquette and important life skills. I will always use instructions you told me. I always have fun and look forward to my Royal Keys class every Monday. I hope my parents let me come back for more classes."
~ Zora

"It helped me learn a lot about how to eat properly and how to set up my place setting. Now when I go out on dates I will know what to do. So thank you Royal Keys." ~ Alexia

"I learned so much about how important good manners are and how to put the skills into practice". ~ Caroline

"I had a lot of fun and learned a lot. People are already noticing." ~ Hailey
"I love Royal Keys it was so much fun!" ~ Julia

"It was so much fun! I looked forward to learning all the new things!"
~ Cindi

"I liked learning Royal Keys. I love the Royal Keys Class and Thank you for everything." ~ Natalie

"My time with Mrs. Smith, from Royal Keys has been invaluable, and will always be within me. Mrs. Smith would have the class perform in exercises that not only instilled knowledge of Etiquette, but also self-confidence, how to handle ourselves in a public place, and how to have a conversation. I am forever grateful." ~ Allie Grant

What Royal Keys Consultants say about teaching the classes:
"I was lucky enough to work with Royal Keys. In what can be a sometimes dark corporate world, Royal Keys is imaginative and can truly bring brightness to any situation, while maintaining the company's mission and purpose."

Casey Hotchkiss

"The Royal Keys classes are by far a joy to teach. It was easy to see how much the children looked forward to coming to class. They learned so much in the short amount of time that I spent with each group. Even the other instructors noticed an improvement in the children's behavior. The Administrator thanked me several times for teaching the children etiquette. It was such a pleasant experience for both the children and myself. I am very thankful for this opportunity to have taught Royal Keys classes. Becoming a Royal Key's Associate Behavioral Consultant has made a lasting impression on my heart and taught me lessons that will last a lifetime."

Yours truly,
Danielle Minkin</em

"As a Royal Keys Consultant, I have had many great experiences with the students. Each child enjoyed our time together as much as I enjoyed enriching its lives with the Royal Keys classes. It was wonderful to see how the students retained the information and applied it in their daily lives and used their newly acquired skills in social interactions with peers, as well as at home. These students would greet me each day with a compliment in the style that we had practiced and share experiences regarding how they used their skills at home.

All of the girls shared wonderful experiences and humorous stories about real-life situations pertaining to our lessons. Each day was a new and exciting experience with the students. They were eager to be there learning the new skills I had to offer them. Each day they would come in requesting to do that activity again, and if we had enough time we would."

Thank you Royal Keys,
Kimberly

"I hope you are doing well! I just wanted to let you know how much fun I have been having in this class I am teaching. I have a great class of girls, their ages are 5-7. They are always so excited to see me and each other. They really love this class! Just today, one little girl said, 'Ms. Allen, I really can't wait till next Monday, I love coming to class and seeing you. You are so nice and fun!' These girls are so wonderful!! Just thought you would like to know how much fun we are having here in Texas!"

Have a Royal Day,
Frances

"I truly enjoy working as an Associate Behavioral Consultant for Royal Keys. The Royal Keys classes are by far a joy to teach. It was easy to see how much the children looked forward to coming to class. They learned so much in the short amount of time that I spent with each group."

Karen Montgomery

What School Directors Say

"Our children, both boys and girls, enjoyed learning these very important and needed social skills. The Grand Tea Party that completed the class was also a great success. We are looking forward to our September session, 'Club Royal Keys'.

Elizabeth,
Director

"I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed having the Royal Keys Classes, and the much-anticipated visit from the "Queen of Royal Keys," at our school. The children's excitement heightened as the special visit neared. It was rewarding not only to see and hear them learn during the classes, but also to observe the children demonstrate what they learned, throughout their school days. The etiquette, they were taught, not only prepared them for the Queen's visit, but also for social situations that they will encounter in the future."
Thank you 'Queen of Royal Keys'.

Matty Diehl,
Director

"Thank you so much for implementing the 5-week class entitled "Meet the Queen of Royal Keys". Our children, both boys and girls, enjoyed learning these very important social skills needed in order to meet the "Queen". The Grand tea party that completed the class was also a great success. The children were so excited to visit with the Queen and the Duke. We are looking forward to our September session, "Club Royal Keys". Thank You Royal Keys International."

Betsy, Kim and Brian,
Directors

"The children learned so much about how important good manners are and they were able to put their skill into practice."

Caroline Herberger
"Transitions": A special Program at Amgen

"Your natural charm and eloquence endeared you to our students. At the end of the school year, our students voted it the best class of the year and out school board decided to make it a graduation requirement."

Frances S. Wise
Director, Cabrini Academy

"We recommend this program to any Group of any age. It was a fun way to learn and to grow in the area of self confidence and manners."

Stay McEnnnan
Director, The Alexandria Academy

"I think the students benefited from your effort. Reviewing the dress code is always a plus. I liked the manner in which you engaged the students and questions.

Jeannie Langinger
MSN Nursing Faculty, College of Marin

"We miss you! Thank you for all that you gave to our children! You would be happy to hear the frequent use of "excuse me", "thank you" "sorry", and "Please" that have become part of daily life here". "I thank you with all my heart."

Sister Janet Barrett
Our Lady of the Visitation School

"You have such a woulderful way with children and they loved your classes. The amazing transformation of our girls into young ladies was unbelievable in just 4 sessions."

Brownie Troop #2309: Corte Madera

"My time with Mrs. Smith has been invaluable, and will always be within me. She would have the class perform in exercises that not only instilled knowledge of Etiquette, but also self-confidence, how to handle ourselves in a public place and how to have a conversation. I am forever grateful."

Allie Grant
Student

"Your Etiquette classes provide a captivating presentation of basic tools we all need to function smoothly in our society. We feel that the values and habits you have instilled in our students will aid them throughout their lives. And it was so much fun."

Maureen Dougherty
Director, Ring Mountain Day School

"You have brought enthusiasm to schools of the Sacred Heart and have been a fine addition to our after School Program: Providing an Etiquette class that is popular, informative and fun"!

Colleen McGarry
School of the Sacred Heart

The Key to better Relationship Class Comments:
"People I've known for a long time started approaching me and saying things like, 'You seem really happy in your relationship lately' or 'The two of you really support each other and are just great together. What's your secret?' I just smile and say, 'Thank you. We learned a few simple but highly effective techniques from Royal Keys".

Stephen
Manager, IT & Operations Kestrel
Boeing Defense, Space & Security

“Mrs. Smith Classes have helped me tremendously with social skills and work skills. Autism is all about development! Royal Keys has gone the extra mile to make sure her clients are satisfied. My friends and highly recommend!!”

Jorge

"Royal Keys, thank you so much for your help. Because of our following the Royal Keys Relationship Classes and learning just a few effective techniques; I feel we now have the skills to make a successful and meaningful partnership."

Thank You very much,
John

"We have been in a committed relationship for ten years. We have been unable to move forward due to communication struggles, and issues with respect and interpersonal distance. After working with the Royal Keys techniques, our relationship has been transformed. Our recent improvements in communication, closeness and overall happiness have brought us closer together. Now all our energy is going into fulfilling our relationship and planning a wedding."

Thank you Royal Keys!
Lillian

"After just a few hours of working with you and doing the lessons to change my life I have now found the man of my dreams."

Signed,
Happy Catherine

"We recommend this program to any Group of any age. It is a fun way to learn and to grow in personal relationships and the area of self-confidence and manners. Royal Keys Rocks!"

Thank you very much,
Stacy and Dan

 

Media

Links will open in a new window

August 8 :

Let's Not Forget Manners - Star Community Newspapers (Dallas/Ft. Worth).

Royal Keys Classes video montage

Queen of Royal Keys

"Transitions": A special Program at Amgen

"The children learned so much about how important good manners are and they were able to put their skill into practice."

Caroline Herberger

Royal Keys is dedicated to:

“Changing behaviors, attitudes, and lives.” ®
“The difference between who you are today and who you will become is how you deal with everyday situations.” ®
“Good behavior should be everyone’s business.” ®