ABOUT ICC

Testimonials

Dr. Overton — Professor, Dalhousie University Department of Theatre

I have known Anne Marie since she was a student in the Theatre Department here at Dalhousie University, and have watched with interest how her career has expanded to include work as an actor, a singer, a dancer, and a spoken word poet.  In this last area, she seems to be able to combine all her theatrical and performance and writing skills into a single focused endeavour, and I’ve found her work to be exciting and innovative.

Last year, I invited Anne Marie to come and speak to my second year creative writing class, where we examine the creative process.  In this session, she spoke with assurance and authority about the process she uses in creating a spoken word piece, and she guided the students through some fundamentals so they could experience the process for themselves.  Anne Marie is, I believe, a naturally gifted teacher; she engaged the students on a number of different levels intellectually and creatively and they were both fascinated and excited by her approach.  She answered their questions clearly and engaged them personally.  It takes someone both confident and experienced in their work to be able to perform so well in the classroom, and Anne Marie clearly brought both these things into the room with her.  It was a wonderful session, and I’d be happy to have her repeat it again if her schedule would allow.

 

Nicole Habus — Youth, KYTES Theatre and Employment project

I’ve never met anyone like Anne‑Marie Woods.  I found it to be a special experience working with her because she is so talented, not to mention multi-talented.  Not only that she has an amazing understanding of people and carries so much knowledge everywhere she goes.  She has a very unique personality that makes her stand out.  One person you will never forget is Anne‑Marie Woods and only in the most positive way.

Anne-Marie went out of her way to help me.  She would work with me one on one to help me with my confidence issue.  Only giving me motivation and positive feedback to give me the confidence I needed.  She also recommended me for an interview with Nicholas Davis from the Toronto Sun where I was interviewed about our program and being a single mother.  I know she thought that I was a good candidate for the spot, but I also feel that this was another way for her to help me become more confident in speaking.  She will find any way to help people get past their fears.

Anne-Marie has taught me a great deal, but most of all she has taught me to believe in myself and to be confident.  Through my experience in the program, Anne-Marie has taught me that I can speak out in front of an audience without wanting to hide away.  Before Anne-Marie believed in me and helped me achieve this, I would have never spoken in front of a crowd.  This has helped me become a stronger individual.  Confidence WAS something I lacked.

Natalie McDoom — Teacher, St. Dorothy Catholic School

Anne Marie Woods was the featured artist at St. Dorothy School’s annual Spoken Arts Festival.  It was a pleasure working with her. She was enthused and prompt in responding to my initial invitation, and also with the follow-up calls that were required for booking and arranging a suitable presentation for our school.  Her humility did not go unnoticed as she repeatedly declared how honored she was to be playing a role in the festival, and to be sharing the stage with the students of our school community.  

Anne Marie Woods was well organized and prepared for her presentation.  After giving her a history of the festival and a description of the experiences and interests of the students at St. Dorothy School, she arrived with a variety of poems, songs and stories that spoke authentically to the lives of the children.

I was more than pleased with Anne Marie’s presentation.  Not only was it entertaining, but her message was inspiring and meaningful to both staff and students.   She appealed to an audience that was comprised of children as young as 7 years old.  Her presentation included a variety artistic forms, including poetry, song, rap and storytelling, all of which kept the audience engaged and attentive.   

Kirsti Conway — Child and Youth Counsellor, York Memorial Collegiate Institute

 Anne-Marie’s presentation was a perfect fit for our girls. The girls were really struggling with the ways that they were treating each other (i.e. bullying, intimidating each other) Anne-Marie’s presentation encouraged the girls to reflect on their own motivation for their behaviours.

The girls were totally and completely engaged, from singing and dancing along, to not being able to look away from Anne-Marie…the ability to truthfully share her story. The girls were most touched by her ability to make herself vulnerable in front of the whole group. To look at her past and allow everyone to see her growth. The girls appreciated her honest perspective on what it was like for her growing up in Canada.

Anne-Marie’s presentations do not simply “talk to” students, they reach them in ways they can relate to and encourage the participants to get up and do something!

Raven Dauda — Accomplished Toronto Actress and Star of Da Kink In My Hair

The Grant Writing 101 Workshop had a very clear step-by-step process, as well as individual and group participation opportunities.

I liked the fact that it created a communal environment, where the participants were able to help each other in some way or another, simply with the different connections and knowledge that we all possessed.

I would Absolutely recommend this workshop because it was made very simple for everyone to understand, no matter what your background of grant writing is. Anne-Marie is very personal in that she talks to you with genuine concern and interest. You can tell she really wants you to be able to write the best grant you can to support your project.

Edith Maybin — Fine Art Photographer
Anne Marie's professional experience combined with her warm personality provide a place to learn and discuss the grant process. She provides detailed explanation of all elements of the written document as well as demonstrates the value of clear communication by involving the class in well-designed exercises. I took the class because I felt intimidated by granting process and websites and Anne Marie provided a framework which all applications can follow and anecdotal experiences which have given me a clear direction of my next steps.

I also met fantastic people, some great Canadian's with gorgeous ideas!

 

Terry Bridle — International Director, Ministry Event Management

Grant Writing 101 was informative without being too 'heavy'. It very much helped to allay the 'fear' of getting started with a grant application.  Anne-Marie was realistic in saying that it is not necessarily an easy or 'fun' process, but that with proper preparation it CAN be done. It Definitely!!!!! Helped me to develop my ideas for a proposal further…What I liked most about the workshop was that it flowed well, the 3 hours went by very quickly.

For those seeking the kind of information that this workshop offers - it's a must!!!! It is also a good opportunity to network with other people and make connections.

Anne-Marie has a relaxed, easy-going, interactive style which is disarmingly effective. Rather than 'dominating' the proceedings, she allows others free reign to comment whilst subtly keeping control of the room.