Testimonials

Community Leadership Institute

"Having an opportunity to learn more about my style of leadership and my level of risk-taking was a tremendous asset. Recognizing many of the same traits in others whom I came to respect and admire recharged my commitment to stand facing the wind upon what is often a lonely balcony, but the view is awesome!"

Rever Kennedy, Field Director
Vermont Agency of Human Services

Dear Gary:

"Just wanted to drop you a few lines, informing you that I was truly re-energized by the interactions, information and knowledge gained from attending the Leadership Institute. I brought that energy back to my staff, my community and pray that it transcends to families.

I held a retreat for my supervisees, creating a shared vision as a "team" and looked at our personal values and its impact on our work. I cannot begin to verbalize what a success it was in promoting cohesion within our team (which was my leadership challenge).

Thanks again!"

Denise Dixon, Clinical Coordinator
St. Louis, MO

"Invest in yourself. Invest in your community. This program will challenge and enrich every area of your decision-making skills. You will leave refreshed, motivated and energized for the opportunities ahead!"

Meri Sue Pepper, Administrative Coordinator
Families First & Foremost
System of Care, Nebraska

"Attending the Community Leadership Institute was an incredibly valuable experience for me. I came away with new tools and strategies from both faculty and participants to support me with my continuing development as a leader."

Don Mandelkorn, Field Director
Vermont Agency of Human Services

"After I attended the Community Leadership Institute I was so much better prepared to undertake the difficult and necessary work of system change for my community."

Cassandra Logan, Family Peer Support Specialist
Arching Over, Missouri

"I have not only received the books but already took a copy home and read it through - excellent work on lessons learned, and several stories that bear an uncanny resemblance to our experiences here! A View from the Balcony will definitely be a "must-read" for our expanding partnership."

Jeanette Rowsey
Technical Assistance Coordinator
Mountain State Family Alliance

"I have read your book over and over, each time I find it such valuable information... A View from the Balcony has been such a valuable resource for me as I continue my current work with children with special health care needs and their families.

Thank you for your valuable insight, and for writing such a wonderful, useful resource for those of us continuing to work in the field we love so much - making life better for children."

With great respect and thanks,

Jenny Rogers
Navajo Nation

"Gary, I LOVE the book and have read the family chapter to 3 people over the phone. I am speaking at the SOC conference and my topic is Family Involvement in Systems of Care and School- Based Mental Health. I would like your permission to reference your book and I will certainly bring it with me. Do you have any order forms that I can pass out?"

Patti Derr
Texas Federation of Families