Testimonials
“I truly think every teacher needs a ‘Coach’ Emmanuel in their lives!”
“She reminded me that the reason I teach is to keep kids creative and to carve out a place for them to be exactly who they are.”
“I first met Dr. Emmanuel over 20 years ago at the University of North Texas while working on my undergraduate degree. In our time together at UNT she was a guiding light that helped to navigate one of the most challenging phases of my life. She is without a doubt one of the most influential educators in my life. To have the opportunity to reconnect with her and be the recipient of her sage advice is a blessing beyond description. I greatly appreciate her willingness to listen thoughtfully and engage in conversation that is reflective and helpful in finding my path. I can highly recommend having Dr. Emmanuel as a source to challenge, inspire, and guide you through the hectic world of music education.”
Adam Davis – Frisco, Texas
“Every time I spoke with Dr. E, I would leave the conversation remembering WHY exactly it is that I teach choir. She encouraged me to step away from all of the “things” we are required to prepare our students for and allow them the space to be creative with song circles and games and play. She brought me back to using sound before sight to make connections with beginners and helped guide me through what that lesson would look and sound like. She reminded me to always leave the students with a sense of pride and success when they leave the choir room, because they may not have that feeling anywhere else at school. We discussed how to avoid burnout and the importance of caring for yourself in order to best be emotionally available for our kids that need us but also for the important people in our lives outside of work. She reminded me that the reason I teach is to keep kids creative and to carve out a place for them to be exactly who they are, and that the way I do that is through music education –
But at the heart of it, the goal is to create an environment that makes each one of them feel like a million bucks, and that with that, will come the triumphs we all want to feel as educators.”
Gina Ramon Holloway – Plano , Texas
“Meeting with Dr. Emmanuel has been nothing short of wonderful. Our sessions have been a combo of counseling, mentorship, laughing about swapped stories, and I refer to her as my coach when talking to others. She has helped me continue to learn about myself as a teacher, remember what my goals were when I first set out, set new ones, and she has worked with me personally on emotional boundaries within work. We’ve not only talked about the psychological side of things, but Dr. E has also given me specific exercises to do with students and myself; seemingly simple things (like breathing!) that make a huge difference when done intentionally.
We’ve talked lesson plans, score study, how to implement more non-verbal instructions, but ultimately, my favorite thing about my sessions with Dr. Emmanuel is having a positive, caring, beautiful soul such as hers pour into me and encourage me while knowing that she’s been there herself and truly knows what being in the trenches of teaching is like. I don’t feel pressured by her to push for the typical “successes” of the band world of scores and trophies. Instead, I feel inspired to be the best version of myself so that I can be a better teacher and help my students be not only better musicians but better people.
I truly think every teacher needs a “Coach” Emmanuel in their lives!”
Hannah Thiessen – Carrolton, TX
Dr. Donna Emmanuel provides a service to teachers that is uncommon in our field: she gives teachers perspective and validation from experience. An expert in the field of educational research, Dr. E draws upon her public school teaching, university professorships, and invaluable psychological insight to create effective strategies for young teachers to cope with the stress of the job in three key ways: her pedagogical expertise provides ample avenues for professional development; her experience with injustices allow her to relate to the struggles of teachers in a covid-affected world, and; her joyful disposition makes for extremely pleasant interactions. There just aren’t very many people like Donna Emmanuel - and there are even fewer services like hers. If you are an educator, contact her right away!
JaRod Hall – Citation of Excellence Winner, Composer, Teacher
“Donna Emmanuel is and has been one of my most impactful mentors for the past 5 years and I have to say, to this day her guidance still affects how I teach and how I enter a classroom. Her advice and lessons on finding who you really are has helped me grow not only as a teacher but as a human being. This past year Dr. Emmanuel has helped me understand the liminal space that exists when you are transitioning from being a student to a teacher and how that impacts your students as well as your music program. Through mutual understanding and compassion, I have seen a significant change in the students demeanor and attitude towards the band family over these past few weeks. I greatly owe my successes to Dr. Emmanuel and I would highly recommend even the most veteran teachers to continue to learn how to really connect with your students so that they can be comfortable being the best selves they can be for you!”
Mabon Caniff – Austin, Texas
“Working with Dr. Emmanuel this school year has helped me cope with many of the frustrations and stresses that come with being a new teacher. She has uplifted and challenged me equally, which has allowed me to push myself more knowing that I am supported in my efforts. She helps validate my feelings while still holding me accountable for the ways I can be improving, not only professionally but also personally. She is truly present and 100% invested every time we speak, and her dedication to making sure she is providing me with the support I need has been the biggest motivator for me. I would definitely recommend her services to others if you are looking for someone who is passionate, empathetic, and generous with wisdom.”
Amber Rock – San Antonio, Texas
“Donna Emmanuel holds a wealth of wisdom that I have always admired and sought after. She is down-to-earth, a big picture thinker, and isn’t afraid to be brutally honest for the sake of your betterment. These qualities truly make her a rarity and an asset to anyone serious about growth and success in ANY area. Her guidance over the years has improved my cultural competence, my social and emotional intelligence, and my curiosity for the world around me. Thank you Dr. E for being there for me all these years and for giving so selflessly!”
Benjamin Ray Miner – Educator, Founder of the Tulsa People’s Orchestra
“Doctor Emmanuel was my introduction to music for children and early childhood music at the University of North Texas. She always had a drive toward authentic connection and understanding that inspired me to seek deeper levels of evaluation in the current state of music education and she was always along for the ride. Over the years I have reached out to her multiple times resulting in conversations that always get to the foundation of obstacles and lead to solutions. Her suggestions are rooted in experience she has gathered from her own professional and personal growth. Having a mentor that is not afraid to reach philosophical depths and offer practical points of view is an invaluable resource. Having her as an ear and a guide has been a game changer. We all need mentors, especially after we get into the real world, and I am truly grateful for Dr. Emmanuel being one such person in my life!”
Poppy Xander – Educator and Performer