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Reggie Marra is absolutely brilliant. A genius at painting word pictures that reflect and give meaning to our world. --Randy Gage, author, Prosperity Mind

Reggie's ability with words is both majestic and mind-stretching. I find his work mesmerizing because I love his integral thinking. --Ian Percy, creator of The Infinite Possibilities Initiative, and author of As You Think, So It Will Be

Ian raved about you and I knew I could trust him to select only the most brilliant and talented people to grace the platform. You were EXTRAORDINARY!! Both Ian and I wanted an opening very different from anything our members had ever experienced, and you delivered on that vision.
I love poetry and believe it touches our souls in many ways. I also knew it would jolt our members out of normalcy. I was deeply moved when I learned you had written this poem specifically for our convention. Thank you for the commitment. --Lenora Billings-Harris, CSP, 2006-2007 president of the National Speakers Association and author of The Diversity Advantage: A Guide to Making Diversity Work

I just want you to know how amazing I think you are! I have no idea how you come up with something like that. You, and your poem, are brilliant!!! --Marcie Shepard, Marcie Shepard Seminars, Past President of NSA-CT

Participants' feedback from Goddard College's Power of Words Conference, September 2007:

- This was by far the most effective, best run workshop of the three I've taken. Good time keeping and explanations, thorough, and very honest-I appreciate that.

- This worked very well for me-great hands-on activity that really brought "shadow" to life. I'll take with me a new way of writing that helps me look at everyday life situations differently. I hope it will become a tool I can use with others.

- This is a life-changing tool-great workshop. Thank you so much. I felt carefully guided through the process and appreciated Reggie's sense of humor and his willingness to talk deeply about his own life.

- I loved that we all had the opportunity to share and I appreciated Reggie's sense of humor.

- What worked well for me was Reggie's own personal experiences-his willingness to share in order to teach.

- Great process. I take away more of an awareness of a particular personal issue.

- Very therapeutic. Reggie's very graciously sharing his personal experiences worked well for me.

HARTFORD, CT, Mary Falkowski, a sophomore at Rockville High School in Vernon, was named champion of Connecticut's Poetry Out Loud State Finals competition and will go on to compete in the National Finals in Washington, DC, on May 16, 2006….According to Vicky Norlund, creative writing teacher at Rockville, "Mary…. found great inspiration in the visiting poet, Reggie Marra."
--CT Commission on Culture and Tourism

You left a lasting impression…I feel like my creative mojo got jump-started….So thank you back a gadzillion times. Providing a venue and doing a little PR ain't nothin' compared to a clear cool drink for a thirsty soul, and that's what you gave. You'll always have a welcome in the North Country.
--Olga Morrill, Program Director, Conway Public Library, Conway, New Hampshire

Reggie Marra is one of those rare educators whose compassion and humor infuse the intellectual depth and rigor of his teachings. His "Integral Perspective" workshop leaves participants with a new understanding of "wholeness" in personal and public spheres.
-- Leslie Johnson, Teaching Artist, Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism

I would do this again—what comes next? Thank you for making me write something down on paper to prove to myself that I could do this. You significantly raised my level of understanding about the place of poetry in understanding Life.
-- T. Walman, Physician, Annapolis, MD

Excellent classroom management, great rapport and discussions with students, bringing their thinking to a higher level. Most importantly, Reggie taught me the importance of teaching various forms of poetry with my students to improve writing. Each year I continue to incorporate activities he taught in my classroom. Not only did he touch the lives of 22 students while he was here, but he has influenced the lives of all the students I've had since. I am a better teacher of writing after working with him.
-- Mary Ann McAndrew, Pleasant Valley School, South Windsor, CT

I entered into this weekend workshop thinking I'd lost my Muse. I found my Muse was not lost, but rather I was failing to engage her. The exercises to engage the poet within were highly effective and served me throughout the weekend. More importantly, they will serve me going forward if I find myself ever thinking I've lost my Muse again. I found the workshop engaging, encouraging, profound and self-enlightening.
-- Jason Hill, Richmond, VA

Excellent. Reggie does an excellent job of being personally present with purpose that supports his teaching and his facilitation. He brings the experience of life into his offering.
-- Jay Stearns, Annapolis, MD

I found all of the material highly intriguing and excellently prepared and organized….Artists, teachers, corporations-even small businesses-could learn a great deal from these discussions and demonstrations.
-- Doe Boyle, author, editor, CCT Master Teaching Artist

Reggie Marra is an articulate, knowledgeable and capable workshop leader, who is ready to change and adapt the presentation for the sake of learning. He offers a wealth of information in an easygoing and friendly environment.
-- John Cusano, John Cusano Consulting, Farmington, CT

[An Integral Perspective provides] an introduction to a more inclusive way of approaching work, love, business, personal growth and leadership. I came away feeling that change and transformation are not only possible, but necessary, and these techniques provide working and workable maps for such transformation-essential for living new ways of thought in the 21st Century.
-- Phil Linz, EMD Chemicals, Inc., Hawthorne, NY

It is a true art to watch Reggie work his magic. . .His gentle manner and wonderful sense of humor invite honesty and remove fear from the hearts of our students. . . . He has the type of persona that crosses all age, race, and educational barriers.
-- Sue Cavanaugh, Memorial Middle School, Middlebury, CT

[Reggie] helped me develop my own style and sense of purpose in writing. . . .Great teachers have many qualities. They're accepting of differences, they inspire and require growth, and support a student in areas of need. [He] meets all of these requirements. . . . He has definitely changed more than one life for the better.
-- Dolores Hennessy, Northville Elementary School, New Milford, CT

Reggie Marra, educator, poet, observer of mankind. . . .is a practitioner of revisionary diligence. In an era when off-the-cuff spontaneity is the norm and real craft is given short shrift-this is a guy who should teach. It doesn't hurt that he is a truly caring individual.
-- Mar Walker, New Milford, CT

"The Write of Your Life" is without question, dynamite. . . . just right for my needs. . . . [it] should somehow be offered each semester. . . . I think the way you presented yourself to us had everything to do with the flow of the workshop and our willingness to be so open in our writing.
-- Tracy Humphrey, Hudson Valley Writers' Center

[You] did a great job establishing a warm and supportive atmosphere. . . .The content was great-thoughtful and well planned.
-- Erin McReynolds, Hudson Valley Writers' Center

Stimulating ideas, compassionate feedback. . . .it was good that [you] allowed us to help choose the topics. . . . I enjoyed [the workshop] because our reading, discussion and writing took me to places beyond my day-to-day life.
-- Karen Kawaguchi, Hudson Valley Writers' Center

Excellent. I would recommend this workshop to writers and non-writers alike.
-- Joan Ferraro, Hudson Valley Writers' Center

I liked the balance and have never attended a workshop focused in just this way. It was mind-opening.
-- Nora Mills, Farmington Valley Arts Center

You really are an amazing instructor of life. I honestly think I've learned more from you than any other teacher. . . . you are doing exactly what you should be doing.
-- Christine Lamiroult, Chase Manhattan Bank (Personal Correspondence)

You are the only person I know who follows his passion. . . . don't ever let the flame within you extinguish. . . . keep [it] burning and bright for years to come.
-- Robert Francess, Scudder Securities (Personal Correspondence)

I look forward to welcoming you back to my room. . . . should the grant be discontinued, I will move heaven and earth to find the money to invite you back. You made a difference, and on behalf of the kids I thank you.
-- Linda Van Wagenen, Memorial Middle School, Middlebury CT

You are a great teacher-knowledgeable, funny, encouraging.
-- Ann Stevenson, Hudson Valley Writers' Center

Comments on The Quality of Effort (From the Heart Press, 1991):

. . . not only a good book, but a valuable one. . . a voice that should be heard. . . . It says-and very well-what has been left unsaid about sports and competition.
-- George Sheehan, M.D., Runner's World

Your book was invaluable as both a "how-to" and as a gentle reminder of "how-to-do-it-better."
-- Pete Strickland, Dayton University

I have found this book sensible, to the point, instructive, and brave. . . .[It] teaches us the lasting value of hope, hard work, and persistence in the building of a productive human life.
-- Tom Rogers, Salpointe Catholic High School, Tucson, AZ

. . . a must read for parents, students, coaches and counselors in any sport on any level.
-- Lou Duesing, Cornell University

Reggie Marra's unique book will help anyone who reads it to put sport in its proper perspective.
-- Richard Lapchick, Northeastern University

I cannot see someone not being bettered upon reading this book.
-- Lou Carnesecca, St. John's University

The connection that I have always felt lies so strongly between sports and life is apparent throughout this book.
-- Lisa Toscano, Manhattan College

Finally a book saying yes we can combine competitive programs with integrity!
-- Tammy Perry, Chowan College

A totally comprehensive view on the development of the young athlete . . . an enlightening approach. . .
-- Fran Clemente, Iona College