REVIEWS/TESTIMONIALS
A Sample of Comments from Past Speaking Engagements:


"LaMarr blends cutting edge research with his everyday experience of working with children and youth with very challenging behaviors. His practical examples and demonstrations illustrate a realistic and compassionate approach for reaching troubled youth. He inspires and informs; and audiences give great reviews."
-Dr. Jeffrey Robinson
Professor, NYU Stern School of Business

"You have an awesome ability to galvanize youth around vital issues.” Thank you for choosing Baltimore to host Youth Explosion.
-Martin O’Malley, Governor, Maryland

“Your ‘tips and tactics’ on how to use resistance as positive force and how to build commitment for change will be invaluable for our participants. You did a wonderful job in weaving our key strategies throughout your presentation. As well, you managed to successfully address the issues around our greatest challenges, both in your formal presentation and in your open forum. We really appreciate your flexibility in customizing your presentation for us.”
-Michael Steele, Lieutenant Governor, State of Maryland

“You are not only a dynamic speaker who clearly motivated your audience, but more importantly, your message was relevant, stimulating, and positive.”
-Joe Wilson Principal, Baltimore City College High School

“LaMarr’s ideas on ways to work with resistance to change have become an important part of our work with clients. His work is easy to grasp, it makes sense, and its practical.”
-Megan Lylain,Teacher, Amber County Schools

“Since I’ve been a 9th grader, we’ve had hundreds of speakers come to our school, but I’ve never seen my classmates so attentive, like they were when Mr. Shields was talking.” “His humor and insight to our needs were a combination of ingredients that kept my classmates listening, and on the edge of their seats.”
-Katrice Martin, Senior Class President, Lincoln High School, Lincoln, Louisiana

“Our parents considered this to be one of the most valuable seminars they ever attended, applicable to both their personal lives and home environment.”
-Sally Nzube, PTA President, PS 178

Darnell speaks truth to power, when he is fighting on behalf of the children, whose plight seems to always get lost in political rhetoric.
-Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr.

“After reading LaMarr’s book 10 Steps Out of Puberty, I knew that I had become more sensitive to my daughter’s needs.”
-Lisa Sharpe, Parent

“Your skills in guiding the youth through an understanding of how resistance arises and how it can be transformed into a positive force for change allowed for new information to permeate and new paradigms relevant to the relationship between youth and adults to be appreciated.”
-Kimberley Amprey Flowers, Executive Director, Department of Recreation and   Parks

"Man, you rock!!!
-Jeneifer Palado, Junior