“I just returned from the Capturing Kids’ Hearts retreat with our middle school teachers. It was all I hoped for and more. Our teachers have never been more motivated than what I observed during the retreat. Your mission of touching the lives of young people across the country has arrived in southeastern Illinois!"
John Hill, Superintendent

“This has been a powerful week, and I shall never forget what you have taught me. I hope that I can take what you have taught me and use it in all areas of my life.”
Ella Thompson, High School Teacher

“I have been teaching for 29 years and have never been more impacted or filled with the desire to teach. It has shown us that we must teach the students and not just the curriculum. When we started teaching and using the concepts we were given, our groups came together in ways we have never seen before."
Linda Mattox, Vocational Counselor

“When we had the earthquake here in Washington many of my students were upset and crying. I noticed one of my boys reaching over and patting the shoulder of the girl next to him who was crying, comforting her and telling her it would be all right. This is not a normal 5th grade trait from a boy--it was a Hallmark moment! I truly believe with all my heart that Capturing Kids’ Hearts is what has made the difference.” Sue Neil, Elementary Teacher

“I am a first year principal at Green Elementary and I cannot tell you how successful Capturing Kids’ Hearts has been at my campus. I wish that you could come and visit my school to feel the warmth and the love and peace that the staff share with the students daily. At the beginning of the school year we had an open house and I must tell you what happened. The open house was to start at 6:00PM and I invited (not required) the entire staff to join me at the front foyer of the school to greet the parents at 5:45. Well, I was in my office translating my speech into Spanish and I rushed to the front of the school at 5:44 only to find my ENTIRE staff (100%) at the front foyer ready to greet the parents. I had chills and could hardly compose myself at this awesome sight. The greeting turned into a pep rally and you could not believe the looks of shock and disbelief on these parents’ faces as they walked into the doors of the school amidst the cheers and "I am so glad you are here!" Several parents shared with me that they had never ever been greeted like this before and that it was a wonderful feeling. This is what Capturing Kids’ Hearts is all about!!!!!!”
David Espiritu, Elementary Principal

“This is something I will always remember and use with my students and my children daily. I feel you have changed my life for the better. You were just what I needed."
Kathy Kimberlin, High School Teacher

“This training exceeded all my expectations. It helped me to regain some of my lost passion for education and to refocus my energies on what matters most . . . making positive connections with kids.”
Bob Porter, Elementary School Principal

“I’ve attended many workshops over the years, but never have I been so ‘engaged’ by a presenter! The possible impact of this program is staggering! I can hardly wait to get started!”
Lois Vaughn, Elementary School Teacher

“I feel that the entire atmosphere has changed at the high school level. The teachers have always cared. The kids can just see it now.”
Dave Daughton, High School Principal

“To say that I have witnessed some dramatic effects of Capturing Kids’ Hearts in use would be an understatement. I was first surprised by the innate understanding the students (6th graders) have of taking ownership of their behavior. The first two days of the next week back we started by discussing the contract (written by me) which I had given them at the start of the year. They said it was OK, but it was mine, and they did not feel much connection to it, except it was sensible. I agreed, and told them they had the opportunity to write their own contract by answering the 4 questions. I agreed to sign whatever they came up with. Amazingly, all of the class periods, independently, arrived at results that look almost like carbon copies, with RESPECT being number one on each list. I think they were again surprised when I did sign it, the same as they did.

We, as teachers, talk about the improvements seen in the students, which are many, but we should not forget about the changes in ourselves. I have found that my stress level is WAY down. I now talk and teach with the students rather than at them. To have students competing with each other to help and to be involved in the classroom environment is a true joy and wonderful experience. To have students, not my own, come up to me and say they wish they were in my class is new also. Now, I don't feel exhausted from trying to manage the room and material, I am exhausted from trying to teach and to keep up with them.

I hope you can tell that I am sold on the program, if that is what we are calling it. Maybe we should call it CAPTURING ALL OUR HEARTS!”
Bruce Hoelscher, Middle School Teacher

“Our staff has come back saying that the training has been life changing. These statements haven’t come from people that make these types of comments lightly. They have come from professional educators that have spent years in the field and have experienced something so profound that it has affected every facet of their lives, both personally and professionally. As I have said before, it has changed the culture of our school so that it is a better place for our kids and our staff…If you have any doubts about what a difference you are making in the lives of children and teachers, come to our schools and witness first hand. You are making a difference and it is all in a positive manner. Thanks for all you and your staff members do for the kids of our country.”
Bill Tuma, Superintendent