"Our teenagers need to know how to be self reliant and resilient. The enlighten programs are fostering these skills and having a profoundly positive effect on young women. They are meeting a real need in schools by creating unique, transformative experiences for students. The programs are based on transformational psychology and highlight the value of uniqueness, relatedness and transcendence. Students are introduced to a variety of self-regulation procedures such as visualization and short relaxation techniques, factors enhancing mental and emotional characteristics are described, and strategies for enhancing personal wellbeing are employed. Programs like this one, that focus not only on transformation of the individual but also provide an affirming collective experience, have the capacity to really change culture. There is good evidence that we need to be warmer, more nurturing but firmer with our teenagers. I like the fact that enlighten manages to connect in such creative ways with young women and make them feel safe, valued and loved."

Associate Professor David Bennett AO
Head, NSW Centre for the Advancement of Adolescent Health
The Children's Hospital at Westmead
Author (with Dr Leanne Rowe) of "What to do when your children turn into teenagers".

"It was a great day the girls and staff have not stopped talking about how well Dannielle and Mel presented Enlighten Education. It was great to see the girls get so involved and emotional during some of the sessions. It really did have an impact on my year group of girls. It was a fantastic day and I am glad I have given my girls this positive experience which they can now take with them in their journey of life and realise no matter what they look like or feel about themselves everyone does have a amazon inside of them."

Chalon Robinson, Yr 9 Coordinator, Gilroy College.

“Thank you so much Sonia for an absolutely fantastic workshop and day with the girls. I was very apprehensive about the day and how it would go; there was a lot to organize and some schools were less receptive than others about the whole “girls thing.” Had they been there on Thursday they would have changed their opinions. To see the girls so receptive and willing to listen and share their thoughts was so brilliant. The quiet girls bonded with the more confident girls. The girls who are less accepted by the so called ‘more popular’ girls shone out as they shared their feelings. Girls who are often pushed aside by the ‘popular’ girls felt confident enough to express their feelings in front of others and the other girls saw this as very brave.

For me personally, it helped reinforce the need for such programs for girls. Girls are special and do need to be nurtured along life’s journey. All the work Mary and I have done with the girls was further reinforced by your workshops, Sonia. Thank you. You were/are a breath of fresh air. The girls loved that about you. Your honesty, your enthusiasm and your love for your job was refreshing and it made the girls more willing to listen and respond. The evaluation comments from the girls are really important and worthwhile to read. I read them and it made my heart flutter. You should have been on the bus on the way home, which was awesome too.

Best wishes to you Sonia and the Enlighten Education Group. The work you are doing is worthwhile and motivating. It would be a pleasure to pass the good word around.”

Fiona Isles, Wellbeing Officer, Portland Education Network Office.

"The programs the enlighten team run in schools offer a powerful alternative to the mixed messages about self that impressionable young women are currently being bombarded with. We live in a world where there is an unhealthy focus on perfection and where unrealistic images of beauty are presented as the norm; workshops like these inform inspire are develop resilience. I especially like the introduction of practical tools like positive visualisation and the use of powerful affirmations. I would encourage schools to be proactive and make programs like these a priority."

Dr Michele Beale,
MB BS (NSW), stress management specialist.

“It was great to see the workshops so obviously touched a lot of the girls. The messages on offer were powerful and relevant.”

Alison Taylor, Director of Boarding, Ravenswood School for Girls.

“You both helped us to shape a unique program for our girls and we appreciated the extra steps you took to tailor the program to our needs…we (also) appreciated the opportunity to work with a team who understood the nature of schools. Your program was filled with positive energy and a sense of friendship towards the girls… I look forward to working with you again soon. "

Sarah Loch, Dean of Middle School, Abbotsleigh.

"The enlighten programs are like a vitamin pill for the mind, body and spirit - countering any negative influences and promoting wellbeing and self-confidence. If every girl in Australia could do the program we'd effect generational change".

Nikki Goldstein, journalist and author of the "GirlForce" series of books for teenage girls.

“Thank you so much for yesterday. It was a HUGE success …Danni and Mel provided Tara and our girls with an empowering day and your professionalism and warmth was awesome! I personally sincerely thank you and thoroughly enjoyed working with you. I would love to do it all over again.”

Chris Lang
PDHPE Department
Tara Anglican School for Girls.

"The program was extremely successful. While the girls enjoyed the day immensely and emerged from the final session feeling joyful, there could be no doubt that the serious underlying messages were also absorbed and their perspective was altered. They were clearly empowered by what they had learned and were committed to ‘hold on’ to the experience of the day. Danielle and her staff were exceptional facilitators – genuinely inspiring. This year was a ‘dipping the toes in the water’ event for us and I look forward to working with Enlighten again next year. I also intend to plan for the event in such a way that we are able to do more follow up with the girls in order to sustain them and what they have learned. The arm bands, post cards and diaries have been very helpful in this regard. I would appreciate assistance in helping us to achieve more of this next year. I felt exhausted just watching you but boy oh boy you were wonderful!"
Jacinda Euller, Dean of Middle School
Pymble Ladies College

“Enlighten Education as always entertained, informed and captivated not only our girls but also the teaching staff. It is refreshing to have such dynamic and professional people come into our school and reinvigorate our interest in the development of our students as people and not just academic candidates.”

Ann Kalitis , Stage 4 Coordinator, Hills Grammar School.

“I think the girls really enjoyed the passion and sincerity they could see in the presenters. Many were inspired. The presentations were creatively presented and pitched at the right level…”

Edwina O’Brien, Head of Lang Boarding House, Pymble Ladies' College.
 

‘"Sonia was bright, bubbly and energetic; it was hard for the girls not to love her! You could tell she was so passionate about sharing the information with the students. Great workshops with some practical activities to mix things up a bit. Well worth incorporating into our program - we look forward to it again next year. Thanks so much!"

Karen Bryce, Health and Human Development Teacher, Kilvington Girls' Grammar.  

"We would love to make this a yearly part of our schools experience. A wonderful staff and excellent opportunity for our girls. Thank you so much!"

Andrew Abercrombie, Yr 8 Advisor, Galston High School.

"The day was not only informative but a lot of fun as well. The feedback from the girls was extremely positive and I am sure the day will have a lasting impact on them."

Denise Charlier, Careers Advisor, Nepean High School.

"An outstanding session. Great response from our students, some of whom are hard to get through to. Thank you so much."

Carole Burrell, Head Teacher Vocational Education, Doonside Technology High School.

"The response from our Yr 9 and 10 girls was amazing - the best I have witnessed to any program in recent years. We look forward to you being involved with the College again in 2008."

Jim Miller, Head of Secondary School, St Brigid's College Perth.

"I have had lots of girls look up enlighten on the internet as they can't wait to find out what other programs they might do next year! The girls simply can't wait for more!" 

Stephanie O'Meara, Junior School Coordinator, Merici College, ACT.

"Dannielle performs magic! She is a fairy godmother to all those sleeping beauties sitting in classrooms and in playgrounds. She takes the girls on an inner journey of self discovery in a very short time. One very magical day filled with sparkle and glitter. Dannielle’s gentle and loving touch coupled with her insights and expertise allowed each girl to soar to new heights. I love what Enlighten Education did for the girls. It’s amazing. It fits all girls needs perfectly. Enlighten Education is the most valuable educational workshop I have EVER used." 
Fran Simpson, Religious Education Coordinator, St John Vianneys Fairymeadow.               

"(The Journey program) was a perfect way to begin the first day of Year 7, providing a wonderfully warm and friendly, non threatening transition to the Senior School. The whole year particpating in the same program, sharing the same experiences, being provoked to think about this stage in their lives and education, to hear from one another for the first time, realise their fears are shared by their peers, and importantly to create a sense of year group cohesion as they learn to value one another, has created a great launching pad for their journey through Year 7!"
Beth Oakley, Roseville College

“These days girls are constantly bombarded with highly sexualised and perfectly photo-shopped imagery. As a result, they are suffering from more anxiety, depression, body image problems, eating disorders and STI’s than any previous generation. It’s a very tough time to be a teenager. Thankfully 'Enlighten Education’ provides a pathway for young girls to deconstruct the popular culture that often robs them of their full self expression. I wish every young girl could experience the program!”
Julie Gale, Founder, Kids Free 2b Kids.

“The Enlighten Education programs encourage girls to think for themselves, to be creative and imaginative, and to find meaning in life and make a mark in the world.”
Melinda Tankard Reist, Director of Women’s Forum Australia.

"Dannielle connected immediately with the girls. She was quick to establish a positive, assertive relationship which gave the girls permission to speak their minds but also know the boundaries. The "safety tips" were most appropriate for this age group and handled well in a very age appropriate, sensitive manner. We all enjoyed the powerful messages that Dannielle so passionately expresses. Many thanks!" 
Dianne Spencer, Assistant Principal, Coreen School  

"I had a read of the feedback, and it made my day. I have to say I've never seen our students react so positively to ANYTHING before. You and Nikki made a huge impact on all of the girls. I thank you so much for making a big difference in the girl's lives. Take care and I hope to see you back here again next year."

Richard Dark, Careers Advisor, Arthur Phillip High School.

STATEMENT FROM ST JOHN VIANNEY'S PARENT RE: PARENT INFORMATION SESSION

"Since attending Dannielle's Enlighten Education Parent Information Session in March 2008, the lines of communication between myself and my 11 year old daughter have widened. Together, we are critically analysing everything aimed at young girls her age today via the media:clothes, music, videos, toys, IT, TV and movies and examining what is appropriate for her age in a whole new light. Our most important guideline is that whatever we are looking at, it must celebrate, cherish and support this precious time of her life.

As a relatively intelligent working Mum, I thought I was up to date with marketing tactics aimed at 11 year old girls...HOW WRONG I WAS !!! Thanks to Dannielle's Parent Information Session, I am now truly "switched on" to the marketing ploys and media brainwashing which try and change her into something she is not, and make her older before her time. Attending this course empowered me to stand up as a near lone voice to my daughter's dance studio and refuse their demand that she wear false eye lashes when at Eisteddfod's.

It was an absolute privilege to attend the parent information session and meet Dannielle. I cannot recommend this course enough and would urge any parent to attend the "Enlighten Education" Parent Information Session if the opportunity arises."

Larissa Hofman(parent)
St John Vianney's School
Wollongong.

 

"Now! This was a hugely successful event. The girls were tentative to their approach as they walked in but Sonia had them eating out of her hands the minute she greeted them. A lovely, soft, gentle yet powerful facilitator - a role model for girls.
Our group of girls are still absolutely buzzing. They really do feel empowered and loved Sonia's enthusiasm and positive approach. We (the staff) appreciated being able to participate without having to worry about doing anything.
Everything was taken care."

Bronwyn Heath, Year 8 Coordinator, Ballarat Grammar.   

"The girls felt they were being listened to and that they related to the Presenter. The girls opened up and felt that they could express how they were feeling."
Sue Waddell, Chifley College Dunheved Campus.

"Nikki was great. The students loved her enthusiasm and the way she presented her own story. She is an excellent ambassador for girls' education and the Enlighten Education message. Thank you."

Tina Fisher, Careers Advisor, Crestwood High school. 

  "I was very pleased with how everything went. The girls particpated very well and enjoyed the day immensely."

Lynette Tuckwell, Supervisor of Girls, Hawkesbury High School.

"The Enlighten team were so professional in every way. The girls are still talking about it being the best day ever...We will definately be holding another day with them in the near future. Enlighten Education were so flexible and willing to help and adjust things to suit our school's needs. We can't thank them enough."
 Jackie Murphy, PE Staff, Tara Anglican School for Girls.

"An outstanding program - professional and engaging! The day was underpinned by quality learning theory - engaging multiple intelligences, VAK types of learners and the sharing of stories. "
Carol Ryan, Adult Learning Liaison Officer, Dorrigo High School. 

"Thank you so much for your amazing workshops on Thursday. I've read the feedback, and it just supports what the girls had already told me on Friday. They absolutely loved it, and so did I. I think there are so many powerful messages that they get out of it and you present it in just the right way which really gets through to them. I hope to see you back here again soon!"

Karen Lawrie, Dean of Students Middle School - Trinity College Gawler River, Angle Vale SA.

"It was great! The feedback comments from the girls are beautiful - I have photocopied them and passed them on to the DP and the Principal. I'll be in touch next year and possibly lock in another year level too."

Sue Dooley, Year 8 Coordinator, Loreto College South Australia.   

"I read the girls’ responses from the day with great delight Sonia.  You have done well, I don’t think I can remember such an overwhelmingly positive response to a workshop before! Congratulations." 

 Renata Rowe, Head of Secondary (Plenty Campus), Ivanhoe Grammar School.

 "Dannielle, I just wanted to say thanks for a great Parent Presentation you did at St Agatha's the other day. I'm a mum of two little girls/ primary school teacher and you reminded me to open my eyes to what my kids (and those I teach at school) see around them. I came home talking 100 words per min to my husband who listened with great interest and then went to work and discussed the topics with his work colleagues (dads with girls too)! I also had a great chat to my 8 yr old about the posters she has up on her wall...we discussed who she looked up to and why and then choose who had the right to stay up on her wall and who was put in the bin (The Veronica's went Woo hoo!). Nice to see a company that makes a change to people's lives. Thanks again, and good luck in all that you do!"

Jane Scott 

"From my first dealings with Enlighten I was delighted at the flexibility, professionalism and courtesy that I was shown.
Dannielle is an excellent presenter and facilitator and it was inspiring to watch her with our girls. Personally my dealings with Enlighten have changed my perspective on life. I first saw Dannielle after she had done a workshop with my daughter. She spoke such sense and with such passion. I fully believe that every young girl needs to experience the enlighten workshops, they are so relevant in today’s society.
Thankyou for giving us that experience."
Lynne Sheville, Year 6 Teacher, Kaleen Primary School, ACT 

 

 

 

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