"As a Transitions teacher working in a prison, I was often concerned that my students did not feel that I could relate to their circumstances. They knew that I cared, but many times after I taught a lesson about parole or a related issue, students would say, “That’s not how it works.” The main obstacle that faced them was overcoming the stigma of incarceration once they were released. Many of them could not fathom how they could possibly be seen as anything but an ex-felon. Your presentation was so phenomenal because you took your audience through your journey from childhood to young adulthood to incarceration to successful reentry in such a vivid, powerful way. As you spoke, I watched some of my most withdrawn, resistant students come to life. The transformations you inspired were a joy to observe. I would recommend you to any group that is searching for an uplifting, motivational, authentic speaker. You have a gift of speaking with passion, power and humor and making your audience feel the genuine hope you have for them. Even more importantly, you instill in them hope for themselves, something that most of them have abandoned."