Testimonials and Endorsements
Restorative Communication Workshop
Christy Gallese – Director, Expanded Learning Opportunities, Burlington School District
I wanted to thank you so much for the training last night. It was by far the most well received training we have had in my 5 years! I know you had a packed house. I've already heard from multiple staff from every site there last night raving about how much they enjoyed you as a facilitator, how much they learned from you and how excited they are to hopefully meet with you again soon.
We as a district are beyond lucky to have you working with us. I've found it incredibly rare to have someone as a coach and trainer who consistently is able to connect with staff, relate to them, while challenging them and building their skills. It is something that you gracefully balance and for that, I'm go grateful.
Everyone left feeling energized and excited to put into practice the new skills they learned (that almost never happens for us after a training!)."
Transforming Teaching and Learning Through Mindfulness Informed Restorative Practices
3-credit graduate course, Spring 2017
"Annie's knowledge and enthusiasm was incredible, stimulating, inspiring,"
"I liked how relevant the readings/activities were to my role/job. This class was such a pleasure to take. I can personally feel how these practices shifted my approach to life and work. Often, after a class, there is little opportunity to use what you've learned. Not the case here! These practices are embedded in me! Thank you!"
"Annie is a wonderful, passionate, supportive teacher."
"This course is essential for managing teacher burn-out."
Katie White
Health Teacher, Essex High School
I called my best friend after our first class, and in all seriousness said, “I think this class is going to change my life.” I was so moved, inspired, and almost awoken to this new understanding of myself...in ONE CLASS! Sorry for the caps, and it may sound hokey, but it is true and it is exciting! Throughout the class I would begin this journey of mindfulness, being more aware of myself, moment to moment and learn more about bringing restorative practices to my classroom to help make me a better teacher, and my classroom a better environment for learning and just being.
Betsy Synott
Teacher, Essex Town Schools
I tell all my colleagues that this has been the most valuable class I’ve ever taken. This course addressed the TEACHER as an actual human on this planet. It’s truly crazy that we’ve never addressed that before. I am so grateful for having had this opportunity. Before I took a Mindfulness and Restorative Practices course through the CVEDC I had begun to learn about mindfulness in my personal life but did understand it enough to know how it would connect to my professional life. I thought mindfulness just meant to remember to stop and smell the roses. I thought it might help me change my attitude but I had no idea that it would shift my whole perspective and help me find patience, curiosity and joy.
Arlene O'Rourke
Health and Physical Ed Teacher, Bakersfield School
I have spent forty years in the field of education, working with students in kindergarten through high school. I have a BA in Education, a MA in middle level education, and have taken well over 60 graduate credits beyond my degrees. I can honestly say nothing has touched me or made me as enthused about the future of education as learning about mindfulness and restorative practices at the Tier 1 level. If teachers do nothing more than start their own mindfulness practice it will have a profound impact on their well-being and their effectiveness as teachers.
Angela King
I appreciate all of the guidance and feedback you have provided me this past semester. It has truly been an amazing experience for me and I know that the work (at least for me) is really just beginning. I look forward to incorporating my new knowledge into my initiatives for next school year. Thank you so very much!
Mindfulness and Restorative Practices: A Powerful Partnership, a 1-day seminar, 2016
Feedback from participants' end-of-day evaluations.
"The next day after this workshop I found myself practicing more—and experiencing immediate results—a more mindful, calm, connecting, curious, relational tone with kids as I directed them for whatever reasons (classroom directions, behavior issues, etc.). I *think* I've been mindful of this for many many years, and I felt... different Thursday and Friday. I attribute this to the workshop and Annie's facilitation."
"I was inspired to think about ways to incorporate mindfulness without necessarily telling students that's what we're doing. I've tried to do some mindfulness in the past with students and have found that my students are very reluctant. The day after the seminar, I tried doing a very simple circle using some of the language that Annie demonstrated and the group share was more successful than any other version I've tried so far."
"I was amazed at the power of Circles. I am excited to try them out with students."
"I am a circle keeper for RJ, and learned more things to help my circles. Annie also provided me with ideas to use with my instructional groups to assist with the energy that they come to me with and helping them to focus."
"The day went quickly. I like the fact that Annie was flexible and did not seem to feel the need to stick to a strict agenda but rather listened to what would be most beneficial to the group. I like her style—not preachy or strict lecture but a comfortable manner as if chatting with friends. Good mix of video/ partner / group exercises- readings and discussion."
"Fantastic!"