Testimonials
I am absolutely the luckiest person in the world to have such BOLD, WILLING, VULNERAGEOUS (vulnerable +courageous) clients, students, and partners wanting to live a more purposeful and expansive life. THANK YOU for trusting me to guide and support you as YOU write your own personal success story now and always!
Love,
Dana
Dana, when we first began working together, I truly thought I needed to fix Hayden. During our time together, you taught me to pay attention to Hayden’s skills, strengths, and all that he can do! You guided and coached me to see ALL of Hayden’s abilities, what he can and does bring to the table. You showed me how to lovingly disconnect from Hayden so HE CAN SHINE. That is what YOU GAVE ME, Dana!
Madalyn Scipione, TX
Transformational Coach and Spiritual Advisor
*Mom to High school ROCK STARS!
When I observe my now 13-year-old daughter advocating for herself at Horace Mann Middle School, Dana's teachings and influence are obvious. She met Dana when she was 4, was lucky enough to have her as her kindergarten teacher a year later, and was given the opportunity to regularly work in Dana's classroom with her students as the years went on. Our entire family has learned so much from Dana about harnessing the true potential of our children - she is the best educator we have ever met.
Vanessa Lui
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
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
After knowing Dana for many years as a colleague at the same school, I knew that she was the right person to turn to when my son was struggling with reading. Dana immediately identified one of his main issues which was a lack of confidence that was holding him back. Through a combination of humor, games and subject matter customized to his interests, she formed a strong bond with him even though they have only met via video chat. Dana has already empowered him and built his confidence in only a few short weeks.
Michelle Kurlan Schneider
www.michellekurlan.com
Dana is one of the most intuitive, insightful, generous, and kind teachers we have ever met. She gives 100% of herself to the kids she teaches. We are incredibly grateful that she is in our lives, and our children have benefited immensely from their relationship with Dana. Her interest in their well-being is genuine, and they pick up on that. The bond she has developed with my children is truly unparalleled, and as a result of the trust they have in her, she is able to work wonders with them on so many different levels. I cannot say enough good things about Dana!
Clara Chun
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!"
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
I am overwhelmed with joy and filled with emotion. I had no idea the depth and texture of your words and how they would cling to me. I am so grateful for your “whole body / whole mind” work with Grayson. Your work wasn't about essays, it was about surfacing the true gifts of a human being and allowing him to recognize them. You did the work of “Raising Cain”, which I’m certain you know is a book about the emotions of boys and girls; they are similar and should be acknowledged and not suppressed. The long-held societal practice of raising boys to conceal their tears and bury their feelings is unnatural and stifling, and eventually, will hurt us all. I, wholeheartedly, am grateful for your work in creating a new realm of possibilities for Grayson. You gave him a new perspective and a different way to approach the mirror each morning. He no longer has to focus on his self-imposed flaws because you made him realize that they really aren’t there. If only we can consistently give ourselves the same gift each day. I 🧡 you and I am sending you oceans and oceans of blessings! Enormous hugs, Nerissa
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)
Highly recommend Dana as a teacher and an educational coach!
Hello, we are the Kassir Family, our daughter was a student of Mrs. Dana Kaplan, we just wanted to thank her with all our hearts for the immense contribution she continues to make to the academic, social, and emotional growth that Salwa continues to make as her student. In half a year, she grew much more than expected; she is a more self-confident girl, with less shyness and she learned in an incredible way academically, especially in her vocabulary, literature in English. My daughter is bilingual and her level of English grew in a surprising way! Dana continues to be a powerful influence on our daughter. Dana is an incredibly sweet, responsible, respectful, and very dynamic person in her way of teaching! We are forever grateful for having her be a part of our lives. Salwa continues to love working with Dana in enrichment classes, inviting us to highly recommend Dana as a teacher and an educational coach! Thank you very much, Dana!
Kassir Family
Salwa 2nd grade
Hello! Just watched your session, wow! If my kids had access to teachers like you, maybe they would have stayed in school. I would love to know more about you and what you do. I was wondering if you have resources for parents of autistic kids. Self and emotional awareness is such a challenge for my little man that also has severe ADHD in addition to ASD, and we feel like we could help him so much more. Much of the early intervention we did was ABA style and none of it really worked. He is such a bright, beautiful boy, full of life. But talking about himself and his feelings is so hard. Look forward to exploring your site.
YA
Dana piloted the YAM curriculum at HALB, a program for early childhood focusing on STEM. Dana went above and beyond all expectations, ensuring we knew the material, felt confident in playing with the various tools and guides, and constantly encouraged me and the other teachers to have fun while making the lessons our own. Dana’s kindness and commitment to mentor us through the program was amazing because of how much Dana cares for us, the students, and making learning applicable to life! Dana is GREAT to work with and you’ll learn so much!
Suri Friedman
Teacher Hebrew Academy of Long Beach (HALB)
Dana Kaplan is one of those rare educators who does it with purpose, passion, and heart.
If you’ve ever been lucky enough to have that one teacher—the one who pushes you, motivates you, and convinces you that you’re capable of greatness—you know exactly what I’m talking about. For my son, that teacher was Dana Kaplan.
Dana was my son’s kindergarten teacher, and from the very start, it was clear that she was extraordinary. She didn’t just teach the basics—she laid the foundation for a lifetime of learning. She saw potential in every student and treated them as capable, curious individuals. Dana created a classroom where children were challenged to think bigger, try harder, and believe in themselves.
My son’s life was forever changed because of the confidence and love of learning Dana instilled in him during that pivotal year. And it wasn’t just him. The results speak for themselves: a full quarter of that kindergarten class went on to attend elite specialized high schools like Stuyvesant and Bronx Science. I believe that Dana set them all on that path.
Great teachers change lives. Dana Kaplan is one of those rare educators who does it with purpose, passion, and heart. We will always be grateful for her.
Machie Madden
Two kids
Ms. Dana is the best teacher ever! She wants all her kids to do well and reach their highest potential. She is the most encouraging person I know! Whenever I felt afraid, she made me feel brave. Whenever I felt like I couldn't do something, she made me feel like I could. Whenever I felt shy, she made me realize I could shine. Thanks to her, I have been successful in my later grades. She gave me confidence in my ideas and thoughts so that I do not feel scared to share them with others. I don't know where I would be without her. Because of her, I know I can do anything I put my mind to. She will always be very special to me. I'm very lucky I had her as a teacher, and I am so thankful for her! She is the best!!!
Ava
7th grade
When I learned that Dana's coaching philosophy focuses on belief work and inner family systems and empowerment of her clients' inner power, I immediately said YES!
Partnering with Dana has allowed me to personally recognize when, as a parent, my own insecurities and fears for my daughter can inflame the situation and distort my own sense of reality. For my daughter, I have observed her finding her voice with her friends, her teachers, and her family, I have witnessed her becoming more comfortable with who she is and her unique talents and gifts. She has taken accountability for her school work and found a new confidence in being able to manage her time and complete tasks. Dana's compassion and listening ear and kind and empathic understanding allows for deep connection and safety with her clients that allows them to blossom. Dana is simply . . . AMAZING!
Dr. Tarryn MacCarthy
(Daughter, HS Senior)
Dana taught our daughter to release self-judgment and take proactive risks to expand socially and academically.
Are you ready to have your entire family grow individually and together? As a parent, I have witnessed how Dana's empowering my daughter to take up space! She understands herself better as a learner and a person, and this has made her more confident academically and socially. When you work with Dana, she is always very patient…”she likes to challenge you, but if you ever need help, she's there to give you advice and help you." MSF (direct quote from my daughter!). Dana’s unique approach taps into who your kid is and how they work to unleash their potential.
While our daughter has always loved learning, she used to shy away from challenges; now she approaches them with fortitude and curiosity. Dana taught our daughter to release self-judgment and take proactive risks to expand socially and academically. Every resource and individualized suggestion is uniquely designed for our daughter and invaluable for our entire family. Dana is far from a traditional educator or tutor; she’s a master enricher and social emotional guide for all ages! We are exponentially grateful for what and how Dana approaches learning and living. Choosing to work with Dana continues to be the most profound investment for our entire family!
Heather Goodman & Jordan Feil
As Skyler’s mom, I’ve had the joy of watching him blossom over the last 5.5 months with Dana as his teacher, and the transformation has been truly beautiful to witness. From the very start, Dana created a space where Skyler felt safe, seen, and supported—and that has made all the difference. Skyler has always been determined, but with Dana’s guidance, his confidence has grown tremendously. He’s developed a stronger voice, a deeper belief in himself, and a willingness to step into new challenges without fear. Dana celebrates him for who he is, and because of that, he’s become more self-assured, more expressive, and more excited to learn and grow. What I appreciate most is the way Dana genuinely connects with her students. There’s never any pressure—just encouragement, understanding, and a deep respect for the journey. She sees the whole child, and in doing so, she’s helped Skyler see himself in a new, empowering light. Dana, thank you for being such an important part of Skyler’s life. Your impact is lasting, and I’m so grateful for everything you’ve poured into him.
Parent Testimonial – Skyler' growth with Dana
Lauri (Skyler’s mom)
I just wanted to reach out and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible talk at The Liberated Child Homeschooling Summit! I kept yelling “YES!” at my screen, I felt like everything you said resonated with me so much. As a woman in my thirties just starting to unpack some childhood trauma and realizing how my conditioned responses shape my life, I’m hoping to break that cycle with my six year old son. We’re planning on homeschooling him this year for first grade and I am really looking forward to being more aware about incorporating social emotional learning in our daily lives. He is a very sensitive child (just like his mama) and I worry that I don’t always have the tools to respond to him the right way, so I’m going to hop on your website and learn as much as I can. Thank you again so much, the work you have done with all of your students is just absolutely inspiring!
MM
Virgin Galactic
Dana also helped to empower us as parents to set our expectations high and help our son feel confident in his abilities.
We would recommend Dana to anyone who wants to help their child build skills to help them thrive at school. Dana will meet your child exactly where they are and help them to find joy and excitement in learning. Not only did Dana help us achieve amazing results with our son, he was always excited to play and learn with her. Dana also helped to empower us as parents to set our expectations high and help our son feel confident in his abilities.
Matt and Robyn
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