"We moved here from Los Angeles where our daughter had been involved in theater productions for the last three years. We were skeptical to find a program that was age appropriate and had the solid professional foundation we had in our LA program. Well, we found a great program and a great teacher in Aine! Her enthusiasm and energy just brought our daughter right in and captured her attention and imagination throughout the entire program. We look forward to seeing just what Aine has planned next."
Lisa Peterson
"My family first got to know Aine when she was one of our oldest daughter's teachers at Discovery Montessori. Aine also helped out after the birth of our third daughter bringing creativity, laughter and order to a chaotic and exausted household! My daughters have always asked to go to Aine's summer drama camps and have loved every minute. When my oldest kept asking me if she 'stayed in character' and 'stayed in the moment' during this summer's final performance...I was sold! We all can't wait for fall classes to begin."
Marti Schottelkotte
"When we signed our grand-daughter up for Aine's program, our focus was less on acting and more on helping her to become more confident in a group and to 'bring her out of her shell'. Well, she is out!! She is about to start her third semester in Drama with Aine and not only is she a more confident child, she has truly blossomed in many ways. Aine has a gift for finding just the right level for each child's development and challenging them to really become involved in the learning process. Aine's own enthusiasm for her work is contagious. As a teacher for over twenty years myself, I am able to recognize the bond that Aine is able to create with all the children in her program and I feel lucky that my grand-daughter is one of them. See you in the fall Miss Aine."
Patricia Szegi
Owner of Windsor High Teas
"Our daughter Katie can sometimes be shy when she is introduced to new settings. She blossomed over her week at Drama camp this Summer. Aine has a way of making all the children feel comfortable. It was great to see Katie enjoy being in the Cowboy play at the end of camp. She remembered her lines, spoke clearly and with a Texas twang. It was adorable."
Janet Allen
"Aine has been a close and trusted friend of our family since she first came to visit Jacksonville in 1998. She is a firm favorite of our two children Katie and Ronan. They know when they are with Aine it will be a fun and eventful time. She throws herself enthusiastically into everything she does and the smiles on the kids' faces are testament to that. Any event involving children's creativity and imagination would be all the poorer without Aine's involvement. She is a natural and gifted teacher who loves what she does."
Dara and Mary O'Carolan
"Dear Aine,
wanted to communicate with you how much my daughter, Anna, has enjoyed your class.
She has always been a little shy (yes, I risk labeling). However, I feel that the games and techniques used in your class has helped Anna to come out of her shell.
She enjoyed the games, the children and the fact that this was "her class". She can't wait to rejoin in the fall and continue the fun and reconnection with you and the other students.
I appreciate your kindness, honesty and the fact that you treat the children with respect. It is obvious that you enjoy what you do…as it comes through your shining and kind personality.
Thank you again for your service!"
Sincerely,
Eva Toutain
Riley couldn't wait to get to her drama class and once there, she never wanted to leave.
Through a funfilled environment the children gain the confidence to speak in front of others.
The freedom of expression that Aine gives to these children is inspiring.
Their end of the year production was fabulous.
Valerie Oken