Enormous hugs,

Nerissa

My son Samuel who is 10 years old had his very first live group call ever. When he was on the call, in his own words, he said to me he felt very nervous and shy. His feelings changed from anxious to feeling confident! Dana creates a sacred space for you to be seen and heard that supports not only my son but me as well to feel safe. For myself my first group call with Dana was so powerful. As she asked us all what compassion means to us she opened up a part of me I didn’t realize needed major attention. I became aware of the areas I get to give more focus and attention to which were self love and self acceptance. My one on one call with Dana was so heart centering. She created a space of pure unconditional love to be who you are, where you are, now. After our call ended I was left feeling and knowing that I was more than deserving to have a loving, joy fulfilling life!

Dana is the sunlight and rainbows in this world. She is incredibly supportive and an uplifting influencer!

You are powerful, Dana! We are blessed because of the work you bring to the world. Thank you Dana!

Love,

Ashley and Samuel (age 10)

Carolyn Hodge (PROUD Great-Grandmother, Grandmother, and Mom)

Donna Star, President

DStar Coaching and Consulting

Madalyn Scipione, TX

Transformational Coach and Spiritual Advisor

*Mom to High school ROCK STARS!

I can’t thank Ms. Dana enough for what she’s done for me the past few years. Starting at a young age, Ms. Dana started tutoring me when I was in Pre-k. The next year, I got accepted into PS 33, where I was in Ms. Dana’s class. In class, she pushed me out of my comfort zone, knowing that I would thrive there. I started learning and growing a lot more. Throughout my years at PS 33, Ms. Dana has helped me every step of the way, always pushing me to my full potential. Even when she left PS 33, she would help me with my writing skills. At the end of 5th grade, when I started looking and applying for middle schools, she helped me with my applications, showing me how I could grow as a writer, reader and thinker. She helped me prepare for the ISEE tests in the matter of a few months. I wrote essays for schools, with her analyzing every detail that I wrote and helping me see what I could improve on. With her help, I got accepted into Horace Mann, a private school in the Bronx. Without Ms. Dana, I wouldn’t know where I would be right now. I am so thankful for her help and have learned a lot from her.

Nara, (HS Sophomore)

Dana Kaplan is an EXTRAORDINARY teacher---particularly of younger kids---who focuses on the social-emotional side. I met Dana when she was my son's kindergarten teacher-- an unexpectedly fabulous one – but she is so much more than that. Dana has a way of thinking about and relating to kids that is highly unusual---and enormously well-received by the kids. She has recently left full-time teaching in NYC and has lit out on her own, offering coaching to both parents and kids, (as well as to teachers who are willing to listen--sadly, too many aren't). If you are a parent struggling with a kid, I highly recommend you reach out for a conversation with her---she may very well be your savior!"

-Marc Prensky (Son, Gap Year)

Dana has taught me how to stay calm, feel my feelings, and change my thoughts to feel powerful and strong!

Dana makes me feel really confident about myself. Even though Dana constantly tells me, "THE ONLY PERSON THAT CAN MAKE YOU FEEL IS YOU," having Dana's support makes a huge difference during our time together and separately!

Dana encourages me to take ownership for my superpowers while making sure learning is even more fun than what I already believe and feel about stretching my brain. She encourages me to use my voice and if there's anything I ever want to talk about with her, I just reach out. My mom texts Dana, and she'll call me as soon as she has a moment.

I feel really supported and loved by Dana! I know YOU will, too!

Love,

Matilda (4th grade)

Dana Kaplan is truly a one-of-a-kind teacher. I can say this with confidence, with 2 children and many teachers since we stepped into her classroom 10 years ago. I have never experienced anyone more passionate about seeing children succeed, and by succeed I don’t mean just academically. She pours out her soul to give you her best. She embraces a whole child learning model in the very best way and has a true gift for pushing children to be the best version of themselves, and has done so for mine. We are so fortunate and blessed to enter into Dana’s new world of learning and have this opportunity to continue on this journey with her.

-Joanna Park Sohn

Dana spoke at an event a few months ago and her words impacted me greatly. I have been closed off for a while and hearing how Dana shared about herself as a learner, as a person in the world creating change, her challenges, and why she decided to leave the classroom gave me the push to apply for a new job and begin night classes for my masters. There's a lot of truth in being in the right spot at the right time. Thank you, Dana for giving me an opportunity to uncover where I've been hiding and how to take steps towards bringing my dreams to life. And, the best part, I had a very uncomfortable conversation with my family about changing paths because you helped me believe and trust MY own decisions.

~FT, 25 years old

Dana's passion for working with children and families is truly seen as she ignites the best within every child by pushing them beyond their comfort zone while giving the child confidence to conquer all challenges. We call Dana the child whisperer. My husband thought the baseball team he coaches could even benefit from her expertise with children!

-Shannon Mulvihill (3rd grader and 7th grader)