Businesses, Agencies & Organizations

"Jo, your wonderful expressive use of gesture and voice enhances your interpretation efforts-you use both superbly in your presentation. Your deep passion and connection with your subject is so clear and contagious."
        - W. Smith., Interpretive Programs Manager, Bernheim Forest

"Flying Higher was extremely well received by both managers and employees who enjoyed the rare opportunity to see a wild hawk and owls up close.  By learning about the significance of body language and communications between raptors and humans, remarkably like our own, we learned about the significance of our own body language and communication techniques in an educational way that was fresh, fun and very entertaining."
        - M. Beram., Diversity Team, Dominion Transmission, Inc.

"I am a member of the Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association . . . I hope I can relate the thoughts Jo presented during her talk . . . [it] was wonderful."
        - B. G., Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association

"We were honored to have you here, and the thrilled faces of the young people in the audience were evidence enough of the magic that you and your critters weave."
        - R. Fallon., District Ranger, Allegheny National Forest

"I have heard from many people how they loved you and the bird. You are a real jewel for environmental and conservation education."
        - R. Moore., Regional Forester, USDA Forest Service Eastern Region

"I'm still in awe of your presentations last year! I'm glad you can come to the DC area as there are a lot of kids who could greatly benefit from your program."
        - A. H., Communications Coordinator, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington Office

"[Jo's] appearance was impressive. She was courteous, knowledgeable, articulate and enthusiastic in presentation. She held the audience's attention the entire time and many were upset that it passed as quickly as it did."
        - C. S. D.V.M., the West Virginia Veterinary Medical Association

"Jo Santiago 'WOWED' us and allowed staff to get up close and personal."
        - D. J., Regional Eye Associates

"Miss Santiago did a superior presentation. Her explanation of the need for each species in our ecosystem is without equal. She was extremely knowledgeable and dispelled so many myths and incorrect ideas. This program is wonderful for any age group. I am a former teacher and it would have been a privilege to have [her] in my classroom."
        - J. D., West Virginia Teachers Association

"Excellent presentation, [it was] entertaining and highly educational at the same time. I am a biologist, but I learned many things I had not known."
        - A. P., West Virginia Teachers Association

"This was the best program we have ever had at our AARP meeting!"
        - H. Moose, President, Richwood Chapter of AARP

"What an inspiring program! Jo is an amazing friend to wildlife and inspires others to value the great creatures. She soared!"
        - S. S., Member, National Interpretive Association

Senior Community

"The program was out of this world. Jo Santiago could teach me anytime . . . she's so creative."
        - E. & N. G., WV State College Elderhostel Program

"Jo is a wonderful speaker . . . she had me in the palm of her hand all the time."
        - D. N., WV State College Elderhostel Program

"Jo Santiago is excellent-very personable and informative! Of 65 evaluation forms that were turned in at the end of the Elderhostel Program, 57 gave a rating of 'excellent' . . . The following are [some] comments made by participants in regards to [her] program:
'Excellent, excellent, excellent!'
'Very special!'
'Jo's enthusiasm and knowledge were infectious.'
'Jo was wonderful. Could tell [she] enjoyed her work. Very dedicated.'

'What a FANTASTIC program. Jo Santiago did a superb job!'
'Presentation exceptional - very informative. Extremely well done.'
        - L. Nielson, Elderhostel Site Coordinator, West Virginia State College

"Great program-loved it. I would recommend it to others."
        - C. & D. B., WV State College Elderhostel Program

"Informative and well presented-very useful and stimulating."
        - F. G., WV State College Elderhostel Program

"Excellent program-thought provoking and well prepared."
        - G. S., WV State College Elderhostel Program

"This is a beautiful program. [Jo] knows her subject and enjoys her work."
        - C. N., WV State College Elderhostel Program

Universities and Colleges

"I was extremely impressed with level of knowledge and passion [Jo] displayed. I feel that this type of seminar teaching is extremely valuable. Because of this seminar, I will always think about the value of any species."
        - B. M., Student, University of the District of Columbia

"As both Jo Santiago and the National Interpretive Association put it, it is the personal touch and the passion that makes for excellent professional interpretive programs."
        - E. Rhudy., Ph.D., Professor Recreation Management & Tourism, Davis & Elkins College

"We appreciate Jo's personal interest in the Eastern Historically Black College and University Project, her willingness to meet with students in the evening, and the enthusiasm for her work that she shares with others. Her presentation has been one of the highlights of the week."
        - H. P., USDA Forest Service Eastern Region

"The University of the District of Columbia students come from culturally diverse environments . . . the students from various disciplines who came to this seminar presentation were excited and invigorated. What an intellectual and wonderful evening. It was an opportunity of a lifetime for most of these students."
        - V. G., PhD., Ecologist, University of the District of Columbia

"This was a superb presentation on conservation biology with special emphasis on raptors. [It] was a special treat for the students, as evidenced by their intense interest and the questions they raised."
        - E. B., Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of the District of Columbia

"We need more of this in all schools!"
        - B. M.,Student, University of the District of Columbia

"The program is extremely informative and should continue in as many colleges as possible. It exposes students to areas of studies and potential areas of employment."
        - C. C., Student, University of the District of Columbia

"I believe that this type of education is extremely important. It helps students that would not normally be exposed to this material see it first-hand."
        - S. F., Student, Howard University

"Very insightful about birds of prey - a more useful interactive "live†experience than the textbook approach. Very creative talk."
        - B. C., Student, Howard University

"I learned a lot about things that I never knew. It was such a motivational presentation that I am encouraged to share the valuable information with others."
        - J. W., Student, Howard University

Special Needs/Underserved Youth and Adults

"Your knowledge of people and wildlife are exceptional.  Every person attending left the presentation motivated and inspired. I hope that everybody has a chance to experience your program.  I wish I could state in words just how inspiring your program was to me."
         - Richard Bennett, Director Elkins WorkForce Career Center
                                                                                                                                                                                "Jo was able to display her passion in a way that was both informative and exciting. The adult program provides services and support to adults with developmental disabilities. This presentation was able to hold the attention of 60 individuals and was exciting for both the participants and staff."
        - G. C., Vice-President for Adult Programs, El Valor Guadalupe Reyes Children and Family Center

"I was especially impressed by your own personal story.  Your advice to "follow your passion" is exactly the advice I give to my own children and also the advice I give to my vets."
       - Gene Ochsendorf, Project Coordinator, Veteran's Upward Bound, Davis & Elkins College
                                                                                                     
"Your passion and love for what you do really came out during your presentation to our students. You really impacted them in a very positive way and have made a lasting impression."
        - R. M., Director of School Age Programs, El Valor Guadalupe Reyes Children and Family Center

"It is through programs like yours children learn the best-through actually seeing and participating."
        - D. S., Teacher of the Hearing Impaired

"It was a great thing to see how you clicked with my students . . . they are still talking about the experience."
        - J. S., Teacher, Cassadaga Job Corps

"The way you talked with so much creativity was the best part. You can tell you love your job. Thank you for telling us that we could be whatever we wanted to be as long as we believed in ourselves and go to college because that is what I plan to do."
        - S. C., Student, Cassadaga Job Corps

"You really inspired me to follow my dreams."
        - J. J., Student, Cassadaga Job Corps

"You were so cool! My class really paid attention and they don't usually do that. You have a great positive attitude about birds, yourself and the people around you."
        - J. G., Student, Cassadaga Job Corps

"[Jo] was great with her presentation. It was very educational with questions and answers between the students and presenter. Great hands on experience!"
        - D. F., Teacher, West Virginia Children's Home

"Your presentation was enjoyed by all and such a wonderful learning experience!"
        - D.R., Child Advocate, Women's Aid In Crisis

"Facinating facts! I like the way you stress the positive with the students and you encourage them to overcome obstacles.  You have patience in answering their questions.  Great job!"
       - Sharon Moss, Randolph County Outdoor Education Program

"Excellent, exceptional, inspirational...a woman and a program with a passion."
      - Will Shaw, Randolph County Outdoor Education Program


Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America

"Such an amazing program; the information and educational benefits will only be measured, I believe, as these young scouts grow into adulthood and have a better understanding and respect for our natural world. [Jo] is very knowledgeable, relates extremely well to our Scouts and her enthusiasm is evident to everyone in the audience."
        - Grady Brewer, Program Director, Tri-State Council of Boy Scouts

"Each year one program stands out from all the others and Jo's program on birds of prey was by far one of the finest presentations we have experienced in our seven years of Wilderness Rangers programming."
        - Wally Dean., Environmental Program Coordinator, Tri-State Council, No. 672, Boy Scouts of America

"Your service to [us] has been immeasurable. You will always be a part of the Wilderness Rangers."
        - Wilderness Rangers Staff, Tri-State Council of Boy Scouts

"Thank you for the wonderful presentation that you made to the Girl Scouts at Camp Horseshoe. I feel it is very important for children to become aware of the environment at a very early age in order to be aware of the consequences of their actions as adults."
        - M. B., Black Diamond Girl Scout Council

"It has always been a pleasure to welcome you to Camp Mohonogan and the presentation you make is well organized, professionally done and enjoyed by adults and children alike. It is my hope you will be available to continue to make this presentation for a very long time to come during our annual day camp."
        - B. P., Senior District Executive, Allohak Council #618, Boy Scouts of America

"I had the privilege to see the raptor program by Jo at the West Virginia Wildlife Center with my daughter's Girl Scout troop. I commend [Jo] on an excellent presentation . . . as an educator, I would recommend this program to schools."
        - S. M., Black Diamond Girl Scout Counsil


Grades K-12

"Your patience, humor, insight, and knowledge made the afternoon one we will long
remember."
        - J. B., Teacher, Bible Center School

"Thank you for your fantastic presentation . . . the students and teachers enjoyed your presentation very much and still talk about seeing the animals with great excitement."
        - D. N., Principal, Philippi Elementary School

"It was a wonderful experience to find someone outside the school system with Ms. Santiago's gift for relating well with young children. When children learn and have fun at the same time the information usually lasts throughout their lifetime. You definitely left an impact on Midland students."
        - S. H., Principal, Midland Elementary School

"[Jo's] presentation was excellent. She was not only knowledgeable concerning the animals she introduced us to, but also gave the students an insightful view of the balance of nature and ways for us as caretakers to better live with and respect wildlife."
        - J. H., Principal, Berkeley Heights Elementary

"Thank you very much for presenting to The Mountain Institute's Youth Ecology Camp! All of the instructors were thrilled to have you as a highlight of their week with the kids. Their reactions are always a good indicator of the kids' enthusiasm, and they are psyched!"
        - M. B., Mountain Institute

"[Jo's] presentation on live birds of prey for the entire school was a huge success. The children benefit by gaining an understanding of wildlife . . . we still hear children mention certain parts of the presentation."
        - D. S., Teacher, Homestead Elementary

"The Hooked On Fishing and Not On Drugs Expo was a success and you were an important part of it."
        - V. T., Randolph County Schools Board of Education

"[Jo's was] an excellent presentation about birds of prey. My high school juniors and seniors, as well as other classes present, were enthralled. Jo did an excellent job communicating and relating to my students. Her program provides an avenue for reaching out to students in a way that challenges them in a non-traditional setting."
        - R. Beckwith, Zoology Teacher, Elkins High School   

"Flying Higher's business card promises to present a dynamic, educational and motivational program is right on target, however the card fails to mention that the program is also spectacular and spellbinding."
       - J.Aliveto, Randolph County Outdoor Education Program Coordinator

"You have touched my life 'forever for the better.'"
       - L. Rhoades, Heritage Christian School's Parent Teacher Fellowship