Island Discovery
& Training
835 Harewood Mines Rd.
Nanaimo, BC V9R 6P3
E-mail:
250-753-5246
Student testimonials
Interpretation/Presentation Skills/Public Speaking Courses
"Taking the 2 Heritage Interp Modules with Donna has proved very
valuable. I was immediately able to combine it with my ESL teaching to
facilitate ESL tours at a riparian nursery. And now this unusual
experience has helped me land a great Heritage Interpreter job at the...
National Historic Site. Thanks for your enthusiasm and support not only
as a facilitator, but also in preparation for interviews and job search.
Your generosity and love of the "trade" is infectious."
V. Gillespie, Surrey, BC 1995
"Donna, I want to thank you for your inspiring course on heritage
interpretation. I have started my own puppetry company and am using many
of the techniques and ideas you taught us during our time with you. I
just wanted to share my success so you know that you are making a
difference!"
E. Edwards, North Vancouver, BC
"As a mature student and a person with a learning disability, I was
somewhat concerned about taking the course. Once it began, I knew it was
going to be a fun learning experience! I enjoyed diversity of activities
that were presented. I found the course was very practical and allowed
us to practice skills. I can now apply it to my own ecotour business. I
will recommend it to my partner as well."
C. Roberts Delta, BC
"Donna clearly brings her experience in Interpretation and
enthusiastically shared tips that saved us from learning the hard way. I
appreciate the networking opportunity as we so often work alone. This is
what workshops are for!"
P. Hildebrandt Vancouver, BC 1999
"I found Donna's Iinterpretation Canada presentation skills workshop
very worthwhile. And I've seen the tangible results already! I believe
the Iinterpretation Canada workshop certificate gave me the extra edge
in job interviews and helped me obtain an exciting new job as a
historical tour guide. It's a great stepping stone for anyone embarking
on a career in heritage interpretation. Thanks again!"
Marjorie, Vancouver
"Thank you for a wonderful couple of days! I really enjoyed your
workshop. Now that I have had a couple of days to digest everything - I
am seeing all sorts of ways to put this information to use!
Thank you again - I will be sure to keep in touch."
Megan, Bamfield
"This was the BEST tourism training workshop I have ever
attended! I found your teaching methods really suited my learning style!
Thanks for the enjoyable learning experience! I will be in touch to set
up a workshop for others in my region."
Cindy, Carmacks, Yukon.
"For such an intensive course, I appreciated lots of activities to
break up the time. I found the workshop to be Very inspiring! The
instructor's presentation style (clarity, enthusiasm and organization)
were all fabulous!"
Cara, Richmond 2000
"Interactive learning. You kept us engaged and very interested! This
was a fabulous course. I wish I could have stayed for module 2. You're a
real inspiration! I would highly recommend this course to others!"
Sarah, Bamfield
"I would highly recommend this course to anyone who is starting out
or who wants to refresh their skills. The instructor was very
supportive. She truly cares!"
C.O.Martin Delta, BC
"Thank you. I have been waiting three years to take this course and
it was worth it. I very much enjoyed the workshop-lots to take away and
reflect on. Excellent! Donna is a great instructor!"
Mireille, Calgary 2002
"I have a new respect for Interpreters and the amount of work,
research, and creativity that goes into a short program that is fun and
educational for participants. They make it look easy and it's anything
but... Thanks again!"
I. Wilson Hope, BC
"I think we probably covered all learning styles. The discussions and
activities and examples made the content very clear and learnable. Thank
you very much. I feel as if I have a better understanding of what
Interpretation actually is. I also enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere!"
S. Carroll Victoria, BC
"I was glad to see your approach to interpretation as a profession. I
too feel that it is a life skill that can be applied in any situation
and very valuable (and needed by many presenters)."
J. Pukonen Tofino, BC
"Love your style! I have enjoyed this class... It was an "AHA" kind
of class."
C. Roberts, Campbell River 2003
“I thought the course was great! Relaxed atmosphere and learning
process was good!”
Amy, Victoria
“Thank you very much! I enjoyed the 4 days and learned a lot. I love
that I have “ideas” to take back with me. Your enthusiasm and creativity
is an inspiration.”
Melissa, Northwest Territories 2005
“This course has been great! It helps me with my volunteer position
and my career goals (kayak/hike/snowshoe guide). I’ve learnt so many
great tools and also gained a strong appreciation for how much work is
behind Interpretation.”
Nadine, Victoria
"Thanks! This was great!"
J. Johnston Pender Island , BC
"Very well organized and executed! I learned a lot."
D. Gates Port Alberni, BC
"Thank you for sharing...for spreading the joy, ideas and lighting
that fire!!!"
S. Johnny Duncan, BC
“Just wanted to say THANK YOU for the wonderful Interpretation Canada
Training Workshop last weekend. It was a great inspiration to learn from
someone as experienced and knowledgeable as you are in the area of
nature interpretation. I greatly appreciated the time you gave to all of
us and your willingness to share your expertise and ideas with others. I
am extremely excited about developing programs with the new perspective
I now have.”
K. Robbins, Vancouver BC 2007
"I have extensive experience in mapping, forestry, fisheries and
other areas and always look for ways to develop my skills. You have
given me new views and ideas with the material we covered. I have
enjoyed your teaching methods and styles!"
J. Nelson, Campbell River
"I want to thank you for sharing your passion for the
environment/ecosystems with me (and the class). ... Another thing I
learned, there are many non-First Nations who can teach some of us First
Nations about the environment/ecosystems. You are one! Thank you for
your knowledge and passion."
M. Green, Vancouver
"As a new retiree, it was hard to discover what would really make me
feel alive again! After taking this course (intro to birding), I have
found my passion! I recommend it to everyone who wants to have fun,
learn about and explore nature."
B. Brown, Richmond, BC
"Wow, what a fun workshop! I enjoyed it! Birding is exactly what I am
looking for to fill my time now that I am (young) semi-retired! Will
keep me out in nature, exercising and my mind going."
C. Hampton, Winnipeg, MB
"Donna's enthusiasm for both people and nature is evident. Keep up
the good work!"
S. Kent, Seattle, WA
Copyright 1991-2008 Island Discovery & Training