Testimonials

• "A truly professional facilitator!  Paul created a mental health course for the NFU that brought out the very best in every participant.  Who knew mental health could be so much fun?  Paul's positive, arts-based, engaging workshop series had us building our health toolbelt.  We all came away stronger, invigorated, and with the tools we needed to take on a pandemic. Paul facilitated with enormous skill and generosity.  He's a great leader and listener -- a mix of skill sets so very needed in this role.  I would recommend him for any facilitation you need.  He will come prepared and keen to help you however you need." - Mara Shaw, Executive Director, National Farmers Union
   

• "Just wanted to reflect my experience during your Powerful Planning training last week. I find it really hard to connect and stay focused on Zoom but you made it engaging and personal. I learn better when I have an opportunity to be creative and relate directly to my self, and I really enjoyed the “monster/mirror/mountain” exercise. It also felt really good to hear you offer at the beginning that you could participate at your comfort level, which is a nice contrast to the *mandatory* training. Just wanted to offer you some feedback. Thanks for sharing your process, it was helpful :)" - Emma, Self Employment Benefit Program Participant

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• "Paul helped to facilitate creative group activities for the NFU young farmers convergence, and inspired everyone there!
  Paul made everyone feel seen and heard, and empowered everyone to have a voice! The activities he created were not only fun, but they created a magical experience that allowed us to be vulnerable with complete strangers, while introducing thought provoking concepts that allowed for our own personal reflection. 
  Would definitely recommend him to speak about anything! (Especially permaculture)" - Michelle, National Farmers Youth Retreat, March 2019.

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• "When attending a young farmers convergence earlier this month, I was lucky enough to observe Paul's facilitation style. Also a participant, I can say with confidence that the space he can help create is fertile, warming and safe. His tact and thoughtful manner never felt like he had any more power over other's in room, which take's a lot of personal inside and outside work. His work reflects that he has done this. He was as excited as the participants when spontaneous moments of 'magic' happened. That excitement was contagious. For me, Paul brought the heart out in a space that could have been overwhelming. He grounded the experience for me. Truly a gift. Thanks for all that you did, and are!" - Maddie, National Farmers Union Youth Retreat, March 2019.

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• "Paul - you are such a dynamic facilitator! Thank you for presenting in a non-judgemental way and making the concepts easy to grasp. I learned from our Consent discussion that “checking in” consistently is extremely important, makes both partners feel good, and does not always have to do with sex. In our Gender / Binary workshop, I learned just how fluid the word “gender” really is. Creating a more open, accepting space does take some thought. We can learn a lot from our friends. Paul, you managed a lot of strong personalities in a small room very effectively - good work in keeping the focus and conversation moving. Thank you for spending the time with us and see you at the next workshop." - Josh, Opening the Gender Binary & Consent workshops, 2018

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• "I recently participated in several activities facilitated by Paul. Being new to these types of exercises I was pleasantly surprised at how natural and accommodating an atmosphere Paul created while ensuring productive and meaningful interactions. It was a pleasure to share a positive experience and I would absolutely recommend spending some time chatting with him. Thanks again Paul!" - Robert, Opening Gender Binary & Consent workshops, 2018

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• "I recently consulted with Paul on facilitating a public discourse. His process was engaging and helped to bring out what I really cared about in my project, leading to meaningful and tangible outcomes that I was energized to put into action! Paul was able to offer a broad range of approaches and ideas. He was also willing to let his suggestions go and move on if they did not appeal or appear to fit." - Nathan, Conversation Club, 2018

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• "I attended Paul's workshop on Consent and Boundaries February 20, 2018 offered at the ADHD & Asperger's Centre in Guelph, and found him to be so full of energy and great ideas! He kept us on track with interactive exercises. I appreciate his perspective on the topic, his approach which welcomes men as well as women [+ non-binary folks] to learn about this important issue, and his reminder that consent can be changed at any time!" - Lauren, 2018

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• "At first, I didn't want the creative way, I wanted the normal way. But am I ever glad we went with your way! It was really empowering." - NFU local board member, 2018

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• “At first I felt uncomfortable but then I started to feel really good. I really appreciated that activity, it felt empowering and interesting.” – High school participant in community justice workshop, 2016.

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• “I felt that this activity gave a chance to recognize what community that I am in. I felt closer!” – High school participant in community justice workshop, 2016.

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• “I could think other culture, other language, other country is not so far from ours (Japanese).” – Exchange student participant in youth rights workshop, 2016.

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• “The activities helped us to learn a lot about youth rights in Canada. The activities are fun and really helpful to the foreigners in Canada.” – Exchange student participant in youth rights workshop, 2016.

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• “Congratulations on Year 1! This year was my first introduction to Many Rivers, and I honestly thought I was encountering an established, many-year-old project. The community involvement, high profile and professionalism–I thought you’d been doing this for ages! If this was only Year 1, I can’t imagine how successful it will be with growth. Cheers!” – Kelly Hodgins, May 2013.

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• “It was a great tool for future projects, as well as for this food bank project. It was very informative and inspiring in the sense that it increased my love for nature even more! Yay, sunflowers :)” – Participant in edible forest garden design workshop, 2013.

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• “inspired to start/finish my own projects. I want to do more! (on my own land as well as in the community-i see green grass everywhere, why aren’t we taking advantage of that for food security…)” – Participant in edible forest garden design workshop, 2013.

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• “You seemed really well prepared. I could tell you put a lot of time and effort into this workshop! So thanks to you! I learned a lot of new and interesting concepts that I will definitely look more into in the future! Keep up the amazing work!” – Lisa (Participant at Intro to Permaculture), 2012.