Testimonials

• “[My son’s] original goal for the summer was to play video games and ‘veg out.’ Instead, he planned his own going away party and socialized (even with strangers!) for 5 hours, planned a 14 day cross country trip for the whole family, wired the family’s new business for internet and electronics, did handy man work for the family and grandmother, stuck to a very regimented work out schedule to get in shape and lost 30 lbs since December, wrote a decent essay for the Navy all by himself AND “weaned himself off electronics!!” This is huge…What a difference a year can make. You made a huge impact on this boy’s life!”
  ~ The mother of a Confident Student Lifelong Learner


• “Thank you for being such a great [coach] and advocate on [our son's] behalf. You continue to impress me with your attentiveness and concern for [our son]. All of us are fortunate to have you on our team.”
  ~ The father of a Confident Student Lifelong Learner


• “Thanks! Definitely include me on the newsletter! I love to read about the brain and helping students.”
  ~ A BCPS resource teacher


• “To get teachers to stay after school on a beautiful Friday afternoon isn’t easy, but you really engaged everybody and made us all want more!”
  ~ A Towson professional development participant


• “Mary, you’re one of us – you’ve been in the classroom. Thanks for your practical classroom tips and strategies!”
  ~ A Baltimore area educator


• “Thanks for the wonderful work you're doing with Mary.  You're helping so many people with your Brain Awareness Week efforts, and with raising awareness of Mary's terrific approach to working with kids in need.”
  ~ A Member of Confident Student's Facebook Group Brain Awareness Week 2009: Baltimore, MD


• “Thanks for all the great information about the brain, I am making all my students drink water, I even bought a case to keep in my office to get those little middle school brains hydrated!!”
  ~ A Member of Confident Student's Facebook Group Brain Awareness Week 2009: Baltimore, MD


• “I really like the time that you spend with [my daughter] each week. She has made enormous progress with your help (ask me about her report card tonight--I left it out for you and please ask [my daughter] what her teacher said to her during dibels--about her reading of nonsense words)
  PLUS...your cheerleading has been wonderful for her self-esteem”
  ~ a mom of a BCPS 1st grader


• “Do you guys remember me? …     I was thinking of you recently...and thought you all deserve to know… I graduated highschool!!! Not only did I graduate, I graduated a semester early!! I finished in December, and now have this semester off, until I go to college in August. I am doing great, and have gotten into 9 out of 15 colleges so far, wait listed at three, and waiting to hear on three more colleges. My top choices are George Washington and Elon and I am waiting to hear on those!! I just wanted to give you all an update, because it is because of you all that I am where I am today.
  I hope you all are doing well. I miss you!!”
  ~ A Confident Student Lifelong Learner


• “I thought this was going to be boring. But it's so much fun!”
  ~ a local 5th grader at her first ISEE preparation session


• “I just wanted to tell you how very much I enjoyed your presentation! It's rare that I get something out of a conference, but I loved your session. I was wondering if you have any more "brain break" ideas that you'd be willing to share. I'm going to start using [them] immediately.”
  ~ A Baltimore area Middle School counselor


• “[My daughter’s] self confidence has grown over the past few months to the point where she wants to try moving ahead on her academics on her own again… your work with her has been really beneficial and she has enjoyed finding different ways to approach studying. In fact, last night I saw her writing out Spanish flash cards and working with them on the table. I would like to keep the door open to working with you especially if an area emerges where there's some difficulty or is raised during conferences at the end of next week. It may also be that as exams, in particular, approach in January that she may find she needs support. I appreciate all of your work and positive reinforcement with her.”
  ~ Parent of a successful Confident Student learner


• “Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with me yesterday…. Your insights really benefit all learners in the classroom, but especially those who have deficits in executive function areas.”
  ~ An Independent Maryland School science teacher


• “After our consultation last night, my husband and I are very excited [our son] will be working with Confident Student.”
  ~ A prospective client


• “As I was grading papers today, I was thinking how far [he] has come. I taught him in pre-first and in third grade. He struggled with reading and writing. He had no confidence and could sometimes act in a negative way. I am thrilled with the progress [he] has made. He has improved in all areas - decoding, fluency, comprehension, and written work. He has a positive attitude and is extremely well behaved. …You must be doing a lot of things right!”
  ~ The teacher of a Confident Student learner


• “Thank you for your help with [our son]. Last April & May was a terrible time for us, but the end result is very satisfying! [Our son] has mentioned using [notetaking] and other time management techniques [his coach] taught him. [He] enjoyed working with [his coach] immensely. I hope we are on the right track and he will flourish and grow at [college]. Thanks again for everything!”
  ~ Parent of a Confident Student lifelong learner


• “I am also thankful for what you are doing for our kids. I continue to hear about the suffering public education. I think that some of our culture is “missing the boat” on our purpose for learning. That only adds to the difficulty for some of our children. Let us first remember why we are here, and what are we going to do with what we've been given. You should be proud of yourselves for sharing your gifts and knowledge of learning with others. Every morning when you get up for work, remember your agenda … it is so worth while!”
  ~ Lois


• “[My daughter] just received her first college acceptance, and it was so nice to see her face when she realized she was going to definitely go to college next year. Thanks for all your help!”
  ~ Bobbie


• “Hello All, I think that it's time for a celebration. Here are [his] grades for 3rd quarter: Algebra 86, Chemistry 82, English 75 (with a 93 on his latest paper), History 70, Spanish 85. Three Bs and two Cs... If you ever wonder if you make a difference, look no further. Each of you make a difference. Congratulations.”
  ~ Trish E.


• “Thanks to each of you for believing in [him] so much, and for helping him get to this point! Wow!”
  ~ Anne K.


• “[My daughter] received her diploma in the mail!!! We are extremely happy and I want to THANK YOU for all of your help!”
  ~ Nancy M.


• “I would definitely refer Confident Student to my friends.”
  ~ Stephanie E.


• “I improved my math and verbal. I never could have done it without you. I'll be sure to recommend you to all of my friends.”
  ~ Jenny


• “He wasn't excited about another class, but he seems to be enjoying himself, thanks to your treatment of the subject.”
  ~ Jon


• “I am in the 99th percentile! A perfect score in writing on the PSAT! Thank you so much for your help!”
  ~ Emily


• “Thanks for everything that you have taught me. You have given me a lot of learning skills and techniques.”
  ~ Deanna


• “Thank you for all the time and effort you put into our class. I really appreciate all the hard work you put into teaching us.”
  ~ Sara


• “I want to express my gratitude and thankfulness for your response to the needs of my son in the short amount of time in the school year. He did become a senior, without the need for summer school. I would not hesitate to recommend your services.”
  ~ Richard