Testimonials
“A+!!! Entertaining, creative, and packed with educational teaching points, links, and connections. It was great to have the children meet a published author who also knew how to teach. I admire your work and your presentation was by far the best of any author who has visited; and we’ve had many.”
Michele Tuminelli, Lynwood Elementary, NY
“Many of the teachers got back to us to let us know that they thought your presentation was outstanding.” (Presentations & Workshops for K-8th grades)
Andrea Lynch, St. Edward’s School, NY
“This workshop is highly recommended for students in intermediate through high school grades. As a result of the suggestions made in her workshops, the students were able to hone their writing skills and to create well-crafted, original stories. Through her use of engaging group activities and examples from her experiences as an author, Ms. Garriel was able to introduce the students to: what is needed to be better writers; where writers get their ideas; what the basic elements of a good story are; how to “choose words, not use them”; and to understand the importance of revision to writers.”
Camille Taranto, Library Media Specialist, JFK Middle School, NY
“It is difficult to find a presenter that can relate to K-5th grades, but Barbara did a great job keeping the interest and maintaining excitement for all students.”
K. Walker – Hiawatha Elementary School, NY
“Many of the teachers came to me to express what a great job you had done. Your energetic personality and your ability to work with such a diverse population of students made the day at Captree Elementary an outstanding learning experience for all.”
Christine Boris, School Media Specialist, Captree Elementary
“Our students from K-5 (all 700) of them, were entranced by your presentation and vivid performance… Your past experience as a teacher really helped lay the groundwork for important creative writing lessons. They are very motivated to do their best and yet do not fear the revision process that you discussed!”
Jory Westberry, Principal, Tommie Barfield, Fl.
“We recently had Mrs. Barbara Garriel in for a two-day author visit and I cannot begin to describe what an incredibly enthusiastic and inviting program it was. It was evident from the first minute or two of her presentation that Mrs. Garriel was able to connect with and engage the children…. I also received many unsolicited compliments from teachers,… One of the most positive remarks came from an established teacher (20 years+) who said that Mrs. Garriel’s author presentation was the best she’s ever seen. Keep in mind our school brings in at least one to two authors a year. Our Parents’ Council would highly recommend Mrs. Garriel. She is a true professional and very pleasant to work with. She is enthusiastic and engaging.”
Maureen Pederson, PTO Co-President, Locust Valley Elem. School, NY
“Barbara Garriel came to visit Mill Neck Manor for the Deaf…(She) brought an understanding of our population to her presentations. Her materials were highly visual and her communication style matched the needs of our students. I would highly recommend Barbara to any school/library program. Her flexibility, energy, and spirit will not be forgotten!”
Donna Argeropolos, School Librarian
“As Director of Arts Education for Friends of the Arts, I am always looking for artists of high caliber who are able to make their art form accessible to young people and inspire them to read, write and learn. It was therefore my great pleasure to work this year with Barbara Garriel…. Ms. Garriel is not only a talented writer and dynamic presenter, but her background as a classroom teacher enables her to connect with audiences of every age and level of interest.”
Lois Kipnis, Director of Arts Education
“We have had many author visits in the past and it was so wonderful to have someone who was not only a wonderful author, but a great presenter. She was adept at tailoring her performances and workshops to the students she was working with and she had a deep understanding of what is necessary to successfully work with young children. Ms. Garriel had all of our students actively engaged in the process and inspired even our most reluctant writers.
On a personal note, I have been coordinating author visits for several years and Ms. Garriel was an absolute pleasure to work with. She was organized…upbeat and positive and she took the time to treat everybody that she encountered with respect: students, teachers, the principal, custodians, secretaries, etc. I have absolutely no apprehension about recommending Ms. Garriel for any type of author visit. Having worked with several authors through the years, she is truly one of the best of these fine people.”
Kerry Berger, Wenonah Elementary School
“She had the students mesmerized. She brought with her many examples of her work, in all of its stages. She explained in a thoroughly exciting and interesting manner what the process of inspiration and writing was for her. The students were fully attentive, involved, and asked many appropriate questions. Ms. Garriel is very engaging. She knows students, is a good teacher, and inspires and excites her audience. I would recommend her highly.”
Dr. Robert Fredericks, former Principal, Saint Peter of Alcantara School