Catherine Granton - 10/14/09
I was privileged to participate in a Women-Only Sailing Course out of Wheeler's Bay, Maine in September 2007, led by Wendy Jordan & Wicktham. At the time I was a returning adult student on my way to a CUNY BA in Womens Studies & Environmental Education. I am proud to say I graduated Summa Cum Laude in June 2009.
The atmosphere of total support and acceptance engendered by Wendy & Leisha inspired me to create a program at a local OCFS (Office of Children & Family Services) facility in NYC using the "No Child Left Inside" paradigm model. Myself, a professor, interns & students give programs at the facility (planting seedlings, creating nature collages to describe inner feelings) as well as according to staff protocol, take small groups of young women into the local National Park (Gateway National Recreation Area - Great Kills Unit) on bird walks, nature walks as well as coastal seining & beach clean-ups. On these trips, I discuss with the girls the power of choice & the infinite ability of nature to heal their inner hurts.
We will be presenting on this program at a conference on Feminine Pedagogy at the CUNY Graduate Center on November 6, 2009.
Wendy & Leisha changed my life. They will always be in my heart.
