Letters & Articles

Laura Snyder OTR/L:
Program Coordinator, Bayside Neurorhabilitation Services

"Our clients have found Shawn both informative and inspirational. Shawn not only instructs them and helps them to learn new skills, but he also teaches through example that a person with disabilities does not have to be limited by his disabilities. During his time at Bayside, Shawn has developed therapeutic relationships with many of our clients. ...He is able to earn respect and to maintain the recipients' attention, even those with significant behavioral challenges.....I believe that Shawn would be a great asset to any community based facility that works with persons with disabilities."

Nancy Bennett:
Recreational Therapist - Iris Network

"I think that Shawn is a very inspiring teacher. He believes in his work and that makes it easy to work with him. Shawn has had 100 percent participation in his classes here and I think that speaks for itself. I am thrilled about the Like Water Program and working with Shawn again in the future."

Jeff Badger:
Site Coordinator - Project Save and Smart - West School

"Shawn provided weekly karate lessons to a group of fifth and sixth grade students with behavioral challenges. Shawn's lessons were creative, challenging, and fun. As Shawn learned more about the students' abilities and needs, he adapted his lessons accordingly. Recognizing the need for students to work on their socialization and team work skills, Shawn introduced activities that allowed the students to interact and work cooperatively."

Robert Marston:
Student

"I can't fail this class! It's not possible, why? My instructor lets me work at my own pace. He tells me not to over do because then it will lead to my own frustration and possible injury. One of my greater benefits? The special bond I have with everyone in my class and the devotion my instructors have with making us better people...In closing, I go by this old saying my sister told me many years ago, "Don't let the things you can't do stop you from doing the things you can do."

Marie Tourigney:
Wife of Student

"I wish we had known about and participated in the "Like Water" program earlier on. Surely it would have hastened his recovery! Since he has become an active member in the program I have seen an on-going incredible recovery process transpiring. The first part of this letter only begins to touch upon the healing process for Maurice and others like him."

Paulette Burbank:
Community Liaison, New England Rehabilitation Hospital

"...our staff was very appreciative of the opportunity to learn the basics of self defense. We would recommend your services to anyone who wants to make their lives or the lives of their employees safer. ...Our staff was unanimous in rating your presentations as excellent. There were many comments regarding the excellence of the information in the handouts, and that your presentation was thorough and informative. ...All who participtated have a greater awareness of safety issues and feel more confident of their ability to get out of danger's way."

Renee Guerrette:
Maine Center for Integrated Rehabilitation

"It is a program that has been designed to help the participants focus on their bodies, facilitating balance, strength and flexibility. It also encourages participants to develop their mind, body and spirit as well as teach them new ways to manage stress. This modality has been an excellent addition to our program, as it is based on repetition. Most individuals with acquired brain injuries succeed with rehearsal, in which the karate classes have proven to be an effective tool for recovery. Each participant moves at their own pace, and can achieve new levels of expertise."

Kathryn McInnis-Misenor:

"...we wanted a real martial arts program not merely a "therapeutic" or "token" martial arts class. Shawn helped us to design a martial arts program that was cross disability and focused on people's individual strengths and skills rather than on "perceived physical limitations". What we got was a powerful and challenging series of martial arts classes that was modified to fit the individual needs of the participants. The program was an overwhelming success."