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Here's What Others Have to Say...
"I just want to let you know both my girls love your class. you really have made a difference with them, both of them are very happy after class. They both really enjoy your class."
-Paula (parent speaking about teen yoga class)
"Cindy is a warm, kind and outgoing young woman with energy and self confidence that is refreshing. Cindy is responsible, punctual, well spoken and conscientious. She truly loves her work and she is perfectly suited for it. She provides the children with a warm, inviting and safe environment that is quite welcome in our current times. Cindy's programs are unique and what she brings to it makes it that much more special."
Louise A. Spadaro, M.D., FACC (St. Francis Hospital)
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"I wanted to let you know how much my students and I appreciated your visit to our school on Friday." " I was amazed at how quickly the children took to all of your ideas and techniques and how positive the atmosphere in the gymnasium was. Actually seeing how the YOGA skills are incorporated, makes me realize that I can integrate many of the skills into my curriculum." "Thank you again for spending your time with us on Friday. As I explain to many people, your enthusiasm is contagious. It made me feel so good that you helped me to give my students new experience that they feel lucky to have had."
Fondly, LISA DAUBE (Uniondale Elementary, NY)
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"I have to be honest, Kelsi is a different child. This has really and truly enriched her life. I have to thank Cindy for bringing this into her life." -Merideth Berkowitz
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"Cindy has been soo incredibly motivating and enthusiastic (& resourceful). I am really enjoying it!" (Course Evaluation - Anonymous)
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"Letters from students at Old Mill Road Elementary School, Merrick"
"Dear Mrs. Valentine, thank you for teaching me yoga. I am so relaxed from that I almost forgot about my problems. I wish I was a yoga teacher just like you. You are the best yoga teacher. "
Uniondale Elementary School Lisa Daube, Physical Education Teacher
"Commack Teacher & Administration Conference, 2004"
Feedback from Participants of Character Education & Yoga Program
She is an awesome teacher. Great ideas to teach to students about treating each other nicely.
An awesome, refreshing experience. I learned the importance of relaxation.
A great lesson to promote character education and writing. Well prepared presentation and a delightful presenter.
I learned about things to do and questions to ask students about friendship, relaxation techniques, and good points for starting a discussion of peer pressure, bullying, and self-esteem.
A hands-on approach to character education. I loved the “Island of Friendship” lesson and enjoyed the relaxing visualization activity.
I Learned what makes a good friend and learning empathy and relaxation techniques.
This is a great lesson and visualization technique to use in the classroom.
I loved the relaxing visualization strategies with my students.
I learned how to use words from the brainstorming sessions to help vocalize and discuss character education topics with students and my children.
Great idea to use writing activities with music.
I loved the quotes and approach to teaching character education
Fantastic! The ideas were great and easy to adapt to the classroom.
Liked the audience participation. Fun, relaxing.
I enjoyed her very much. I loved the yoga and how we self-reflected.
LETTERS FROM WILLITS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, SYOSSET
"The light felt like a powerful object flying right in my stomach glowing one minute and made me feel powerful." -Eric (2nd Grader)
"I felt happy and relaxed and safe."
-Kaveh
(2nd Grade)
(A letter from a student I had 7 years ago, now graduating)
Dear Ms. Mussman (or Valentine, now I'm told
I came home from school today a bit dejected from the hassles and pressures of an ambitious high school senior, only to find quite a surprise in my mailbox. In today's high-tech society, mail is done electronically, and hand-written mail is considered outmoded and ancient. But lo, in my mailbox is a hand-written letter addressed to me, Emani Jerome, and with your name on the front. Immediately, memories of my exquisite 6th grade experience came flooding back, and I knew at once what the letter was about.
The letter I wrote to myself all those years ago has never left my mind. Pompano Beach Middle School has steadily floated out of my mind as the years drudged on, soon enough my entire middle school experience took on an ethereal consistency, wispy and out of reach. But the letter I received today elicited a smile on my unshaven face, a genuine one, a pleasure I have not indulged in since my senior year began. And for that, Ms. Mussman, I thank you.
But enough about me, how have you been? Brittany is in my class, of course, and she informs me time and again of your professional and personal endeavors, from your move to New York to your marriage (which I hope was absolutely incredible, because Lord knows you deserve it) and she finally decided to give me your screen name so I can get in touch with you. By now I do hope you remember me, as I'm sure you get plenty of e-mails from old students who wish to express their gratitude for your uncanny teaching prowess and how it has affected their lives, and I guess I am no different. Teaching is hard; I can only relate to the times I've volunteered as a teacher's assistant at my old elementary school, but you managed to do more than just teach us, you helped us learn, a distinction I fear is steadily blurring in the minds of teachers year after year. I still have many of the writing assignments I had from your class (a hopeless pack-rat I suppose) and I still remember many of the activities we enjoyed year round. In these years past I have encountered many a teacher, many a counselor, many a friend - but rarely have I found an intricate blend of all three. You're the only one who fits that bill Ms. Mussman, and I do hope you haven't lost that mentality.
In any event, I will close this brief letter of gratitude with an old Chinese Proverb that I like to keep around: