"As a storyteller, you catch us up in the moment. As a musician and songwriter, you know what will get us toe-tapping and swaying to the music. You have a heart for kids of all ages and know what we like. You certainly can tickle our funny bones!"
—Darlene Williams, Librarian, Walled Lake Library
"With your stories, you've taken my students to places they've never been! Through your expression and movement, the children are captured in the story 'til the end. Thank you also for your advice on how they can become storytellers, too!"
—Diane Mitchell, Teacher, Oakley Park Elementary
"Both times I hired Karen, she had the children engaged, singing, and also had them asking, 'Does she have to leave now?' She was the perfect entertainment for our neighborhood camp-out. The second event was a school function, where more than 150 children and adults participated. Karen had both the kids and adults captivated."
—Amy Strauss, Parent and Community and School Volunteer
"During Karen's storytelling class, I watched my son bloom. Karen captured the children's attention with her amazing storytelling and qualities of an exceptional teacher. At the end of the program there was a graduating performance, and my son—who often avoids talking to people—was in front of an audience, storytelling. He was relaxed, smiling, animated, and funny!"
—Carrie Schwinnen, Parent
"I'd just like to thank you for inspiring me again with something I've always known to be a rich teaching and learning tool. Because of your visit, a storytelling station now exists in our classroom. You should see the kids in action as they retell, create, and practice their reading skills."
—Megan Hintz, Teacher, Central Elem. (Petoskey, MI)
"Your songs, stories and lessons were beneficial to the teachers and students. It was one of the best presentations and most effective use of funds from our PTO that we have had in years! The hands-on, personal attention the students received made them grow in self confidence and in skills. Thank you!"
—Susan Nayback, Teacher, Central Elem. (Petoskey, MI)
"I just wanted to let you know that my son had a blast in class today. You are doing an amazing job with the boys and all the moms are super pleased. Thanks for all your hard work ... the boys are getting a lot out of it!"
—Molly Midgley, Parent
... and from Little Listeners ...
"You were lots and lots and lots of fun, 'cause those were very good stories."
"You are the best storyteller ever, even because I never saw one before."
"I liked it when you made those noises."
From Karen's Students ...
"Can you make your class longer next time?"
"Please come back and teach us again next year."
"I am always so excited to tell people the whale story I learned, and I am adding lots of my own ideas."
... and Workshop Attendees ...
"A heartfelt thank you on behalf of the Storytellers Guild. You truly made a wonderful experience for everyone. Your workshop techniques were just what we needed to wrap up our orientation theme for the year. Your music was an inspiring delight."
"So many songs and laughs. I'm wide awake and enjoying myself. Excellent resources."
"Karen was inspiring and motivated me to pick up a musical instrument."