Mindfulness Classes
"This class was life-changing. In a two hour period I learned to "see" what was holding me back and given resources to continue looking. Wonderful teacher and terrific material."
"This class was fantastic! Filtod provided an excellent breakdown of the different elements of mindfulness...noticing breath, body sensations, emotions, and thoughts, and helped us put it all together through different guided exercises that were challenging and rewarding. The exercise on responding as our best self to triggering situations was extremely helpful for me. The variety of activities and lively discussion really kept things interesting, and the time flew by. I would recommend this class to someone who has no experience in mindfulness, as well as others who have an established practice and want to dedicate time to exploring these components further."
"The class allows you to recognize your triggers and helps you discover healthy ways to respond to stressful situations. I realized how often I communicate indirectly with people, and have already started utilizing the lessons from this workshop. The instructor taught us how to be direct without having to be too nice or explaining yourself. Filtod is friendly and genuine, and does a spectacular job connecting with his students."
"What I enjoyed most about this class was that it put into process something I've long been trying to figure out how to do. Taking ownership of actions and clear direction on how to do that is an important skill that I need to improve my work life and stress levels. This class gave me the tools to start on that journey immediately and I'm grateful for it."
"This class was fantastic! Filtod provided an excellent breakdown of the different elements of mindfulness...noticing breath, body sensations, emotions, and thoughts, and helped us put it all together through different guided exercises that were challenging and rewarding. The exercise on responding as our best self to triggering situations was extremely helpful for me. The variety of activities and lively discussion really kept things interesting, and the time flew by. I would recommend this class to someone who has no experience in mindfulness, as well as others who have an established practice and want to dedicate time to exploring these components further."
"The class allows you to recognize your triggers and helps you discover healthy ways to respond to stressful situations. I realized how often I communicate indirectly with people, and have already started utilizing the lessons from this workshop. The instructor taught us how to be direct without having to be too nice or explaining yourself. Filtod is friendly and genuine, and does a spectacular job connecting with his students."
"What I enjoyed most about this class was that it put into process something I've long been trying to figure out how to do. Taking ownership of actions and clear direction on how to do that is an important skill that I need to improve my work life and stress levels. This class gave me the tools to start on that journey immediately and I'm grateful for it."
Communication and Professional Development Classes
"Overall experience was terrific. The vibe and atmosphere was great. The activities were engaging, the information we all put forth is valuable and am glad that I have had the chance to better understand what is expected from me and have the chance to share what I expect from everyone."
"LOVED it!!! I would like Filtod to work with us and the board on a quarterly basis or at least 2X per year."
"The section on management was helpful to me because it created a structure of dealing with problems that takes the onus off of me to tell someone they've messed up - which is hard to do well. I really like inviting self-evaluation as a strategy to starting the conversation."
"This was much more productive than I imagined. Most of all, though, was spending time as a whole group (we've never before) and articulating our roles and expectations, as well as vision. I appreciated the question, "What is your untapped potential," that's something I often feel to the best and worst about - and to share with coworkers is/was important."
"LOVED it!!! I would like Filtod to work with us and the board on a quarterly basis or at least 2X per year."
"The section on management was helpful to me because it created a structure of dealing with problems that takes the onus off of me to tell someone they've messed up - which is hard to do well. I really like inviting self-evaluation as a strategy to starting the conversation."
"This was much more productive than I imagined. Most of all, though, was spending time as a whole group (we've never before) and articulating our roles and expectations, as well as vision. I appreciated the question, "What is your untapped potential," that's something I often feel to the best and worst about - and to share with coworkers is/was important."
Language and Literacy Leadership Classes
"I was so happily surprised that the class was so personable and I wasn't afraid to speak up or ask questions. It was extremely helpful and time went quickly! Thank you!!!"
"After taking Filtod’s class, his enthusiasm and passion inspired me to mentor a student in need of tutoring to pass the GED. The myriad of training techniques helped me to be more sensitive to the needs of the students. Well worth the investment of a 6 hour class on a Saturday."
"The day flew! I was interested coming in, but am even more so at the end of the day. Filtod was great -- funny, on task, [and] organized."
"Class exceeded my expectations. Instructor was excellent, engaging and funny. I learned an enormous amount in a short period of time."
"Really thought I would not learn anything new; expected more that class would be a refresher but I was wrong!! I learned a number of new things."
"After taking Filtod’s class, his enthusiasm and passion inspired me to mentor a student in need of tutoring to pass the GED. The myriad of training techniques helped me to be more sensitive to the needs of the students. Well worth the investment of a 6 hour class on a Saturday."
"The day flew! I was interested coming in, but am even more so at the end of the day. Filtod was great -- funny, on task, [and] organized."
"Class exceeded my expectations. Instructor was excellent, engaging and funny. I learned an enormous amount in a short period of time."
"Really thought I would not learn anything new; expected more that class would be a refresher but I was wrong!! I learned a number of new things."
Artists' Salons and Coffeehouses
"That night was A-MAZ-ING. I had no idea what to expect and yet it still exceeded my expectations."
"This was my first time at a salon, but it certainly will NOT be my last! It was so much fun to participate in the discussion and hear other perspectives on the topic of censorship. Everyone was very respectful of the many differing opinions which made it easy to join in the conversation. I loved the use of the various media too- video, music, photography, live skits, poetry, etc. What a great night!"
"This was my first time at a salon, but it certainly will NOT be my last! It was so much fun to participate in the discussion and hear other perspectives on the topic of censorship. Everyone was very respectful of the many differing opinions which made it easy to join in the conversation. I loved the use of the various media too- video, music, photography, live skits, poetry, etc. What a great night!"
"I was typically nervous in both of my presentations at Filtod's salons, but was relieved by the overwhelming response from the other participants. Everyone was genuinely interested and vocal about their interest. This was the case for each presenter due to Filtod's skillful moderation and great humor. All participants end up being respectful and considerate, without compromising the challenging or controversial. Each evening was an opportunity to learn, debate ideas and conclusions, and enjoy rousing fellowship. And most of all, have great time!"
"I had never attended a salon and didn't know what to expect! Filtod handled the whole organization and execution of the event very efficiently and energetically. It was a great, thought provoking evening! While there was a specific theme, people's presentations were widely diverse and excitement was in the air. Casual group discussion after presentations was very stimulating and everyone felt comfortable enough to say whatever they wanted, because Filtod had created a relaxed atmosphere of respectfulness, inclusion, and sharing."
"I had never attended a salon and didn't know what to expect! Filtod handled the whole organization and execution of the event very efficiently and energetically. It was a great, thought provoking evening! While there was a specific theme, people's presentations were widely diverse and excitement was in the air. Casual group discussion after presentations was very stimulating and everyone felt comfortable enough to say whatever they wanted, because Filtod had created a relaxed atmosphere of respectfulness, inclusion, and sharing."