TESTIMONIALS

  "Talk to any gardener, and he will tell you that there is nothing more exciting than to watch the seed you have planted grow into a blossoming plant. Of course, this is true about everything, especially human beings. Through intuition, the ancients knew that nothing is static, a fact which has now been substantiated by post-Newtonian physics. The essence of reality is movement, development, constant change.

  One of the special human beings, who I have had the privilege of watching develop, is the extraordinary educator, Dorothy McKinley. I observed her firsthand as a practicing artist and then as a teacher, who applied her artistic ability in the classroom as an integral part of learning. As she continued to expand her own insights through imagination and intuition, her classes harvested the fruits and flowers from her blossoming.

  Now, I have the privilege and pleasure of experiencing her in full bloom as artist, teacher and writer. The most gratifying aspect of her development emanates from observing her sharing her dedication to the arts per se and especially to the vital role they play in the whole educational process.

  In Greece, teachers were referred to as 'doctors of the soul.' Unfortunately, we have come to regard them as trainers of the left side of the brain. We have a "Dragnet" approach to education: 'Just give me the facts.' Fortunately, there are still a few genuine teachers extant and operative, who keep reaching down into the cave to lend a helping hand as human ladders. These precious few, who hold the lighted lamp, know that to be educated, one must know, understand, and care simultaneously.

  No one is more aware of this demand nor meets it more successfully than Dorothy McKinley. In summary, she is a definitive member of that rare group of 'doctors of the soul.'

It is my pleasant privilege to recommend her."  

- Dr. Amy Freeman Lee

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  "Through Walden Pond I have been able to witness the power of art, especially in the hands of someone so capable as Dottie McKinley. She, through her kindness and ability, was able to help my four-year-old son manage his sadness caused by a recent move from Atlanta. Ms. Dottie and her staff were able to provide an artistic outlet for him whereby he was able to express his feelings through the art he was creating, and it truly has had a positive effect on him as a whole. He became happier and more self-confident. I know without a doubt that it was due to Walden Pond and his experience there. To see the art that was produced by him and those feelings displayed in his art is still overwhelming to me.

  Now I have a four-year-old daughter enrolled. She has been going to Walden Pond for two years and has produced the most amazing art! I am thrilled at how she has progressed and the incredible detail in her work. She is still excited about each new day and creating art. To be able to watch her grow and see her confidence in herself is absolutely priceless.

  I truly cannot say enough about Walden Pond and about the sweetness by which Ms. Dottie runs her school. Her joy for the children and art is infectious and her ability to merge the two is a gift. This school is a gem and the quality of art produced by the children is unbelievable. I know of no other school like it. I am a believer and grateful to have found such treasures as Ms. Dottie and Walden Pond. I'm not sure what I would do without them.  

- Holly Urbanek

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  I had the privilege of taking Interarts Learning classes with Dottie McKinley more than 25 years ago, and I am so thankful my daughter is having the same amazing experience I did. To this day, I remember the activities, songs and completely unique experiences that Ms. Dottie provided. Walden Pond helps children use their whole brain in a way that is fun and totally creative. I believe the benefits of this program are immeasurable.

- Amy Gorham Case