"It is believed that a lack of empathy underlies many of the problems plaguing modern society, ranging from crime to child abuse to bullying in schools.  ROOTS has helped to foster student empathy, promote pro social (non-violent) behavior, and give effective strategies for our students to cope in a world where they are exposed to escalating incidents of  violence and ever-changing family structures.  In addition, ROOTS has facilitated academic growth and provided students with an intrinsic ability to take responsibility for their actions."

- Anne Brown Scott
Principal of Dr.Charles Lunsford School No.19, 2010 National Excellence in Urban Education Award

"ROOTS is an incredibly helpful leadership development resource in the Academia World. The Rochester Institute of Technology was fortunate to work with ROOTS facilitators on two different leadership programs - one for college students and one for faculty/staff. Both training programs were dynamic, inspirational and hit the mark perfectly for two different audiences. The facilitators are extremely talented, engaging, knowledgeable and passionate about their topics and thoroughly energized both audiences. RIT will be definitely be using ROOTS again for future programs!"

- Molly McGowan
Director, RIT Leadership Institute & Community Service Center

ROOTS' presenters were well-prepared, knowledgeable, informative, truthful and engaged the participants. The presentation was inspiring and relevant to work and life. The activities went straight for the deeper issues and allowed for self-reflection. These are the quotes of a couple of faculty and staff: "It was one of the best presentations I have had at REOC." "I would recommend The "Priceless Gift" presentation to colleagues."

- Melva L. Brown PhD
Dean, The College of Brockport

"Realizing Others Outstanding Talents,LLC (ROOTS) is an insightful and powerful movement within the field of youth development. The socio-cultural relevance of their trainings allow young people to engage in learning opportunities and be enriched by the mere substance of their being (core competencies and skill sets). In addition, their facilitators are equipped with not only professional experiences, but also lived and educational experiences that enable them to connect with young people in ways other adults may find challenging. I fully support ROOTS and the passion they bring to every training they provide."

- Dr. Leonard M. Brock
Associate Vice President of Youth Development
The Community Place of Greater Rochester, Inc.

 "I highly recommend the ROOTS Consulting Firm to work with staff or students to any school."

- Christine M.Sloane
Principal
Greece Olympia High School

"ROOTS has become a pioneering model of how to support urban schools in meeting the emotional and social needs of students,families and staff."

- Dr. Manuel Rivera
Deputy Secretary of New York Department of Education

"ROOTS helped me to love myself and to be proud of who I am, and to disempower words that don’t fit."

- Shawn Allen
Student
Rochester City School District

"The ROOTS organization provides school communities with the tools necessary for exploring self-efficacy and cultural diversity to build relationships within the environmental setting. Their training supports youth empowerment and motivates students toward self-reflection, critical analysis and promotion of excellence."

- Dr. Michele Hancock
Chief Human Capital Initiatives
Rochester City School District

"The amazing efforts and passions of ROOTS comes out at every introduction, planting that seed for the next Redwood to grow."

- Jody Asbury
Dean of Students
University of Rochester

"Realizing Others Outstanding Talents, LLC achieves exactly what they set out to do by enhancing the lives of our young people through thought provoking trainings."

- Dwayne Mahoney
Executive Director Boys & Girls Club of Rochester