Educational Perception Camp Testimonials – Michael Grinder & Associates

Educational Perception Camp Testimonials


“Five days of Perception Camp with Michael was invaluable to me. By studying video in many different ways; altering the speed, covering up one person to focus on another, shutting off the volume, or not watching the video and only listening to the sound, I became quicker at recognizing and labeling patterns. As Michael says, ‘Pattern recognition equals better decisions.’ My interpretations of reality are more accurate and useful.

By learning about “The Art and Science of Communication,” “The Levels of Interpretation,” and “The Circles of Humanness” it helped me to more clearly define what is effective and ineffective communication.

The class has enabled me to understand so much more about establishing relationships with hard to reach students by studying the traits of cats and dogs. The week with Michael increased my knowledge of class formation, reading the class, roles within the classroom, and managing a Healthy Classroom and understanding the neurological and behavioral indicators in visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners.

Finally, as a coach, it was invaluable to learn more about the various lenses of observing and giving teachers feedback.”

–Anne George

Anoka Hennepin Engagement Coach


“I wish I could have an E.P.C. day once a week. These 5 days helped me to first understand myself, then to begin to read situations in order to be a more effective coach to other teachers. I absolutely cannot wait to continue this learning.”

–Emily Burt


“As a person who delivers training and coaching to teachers, taking the Educational Perception Camp has added to my skill set. I walk away with the increased understanding of why we focus on what we see and feel and how that impacts what we are interpreting (and keeps us from focusing on feelings which can get us into trouble). When we can cite what we see and hear (the evidence) then we can tune into (shifts from the baseline) reality and provide more effective communication for continued impactful professional development. Fascinating!”

–Nativida Osland


“Shocked, Confused, Annoyed … Breathe

Self-discovery.” (Haiku)

–Yen Huynh-Vue


“Perception Camp starts to open you to a whole new world of data to gather about a classroom, a group of colleagues, a school, or a district.

It gives the teachers the tools they need to begin really getting to know their students before they even make it to their seats on the first day of school.

After Perception Camp, teachers can begin to understand and influence the important elements that go beyond test scores and demographic data.”

–Andrew Silmser

Anoka Middle School for the Arts


“Combining the concepts and ideas of ENVoY, Healthy Classroom, Cats and Dogs and just human behavior.

Ideas that have really stayed with me this week are the differences of males and females: behaviors, interactions with a male versus a female, how a male brain works and responds.

Taking away one of my senses can help gather more information. It has allowed me to recognize individuals eye movement, body, breathing, and bidding from others.”

–Niki Wodash

Anoka Hennepin


“Thank you, Michael! Perception Camp has been a transforming experience! It has helped me to become a better me which was what you promised on day 1. Thank you for stretching me with the tools and the realization that I always have options!”

­–Michelle Madsen


“A chance to look at the Science and Art of interpreting individual and group interaction to better understand appearance, behaviors, styles, values and core.

The benefit for me is that it increased my vocabulary around the Trilogy, increased my accuracy of interpretations through recognizing patterns and spikes.”

–Tom Geisenhoff


“Perception Camp spans between what is immediately applicable and paves the way for setting up a 5-year plan to move beyond the science of teaching into becoming artistic interpreters. Michael is a dynamic and charismatic presenter who is remarkable in both his depth and breadth of knowledge.”

–Katina Zambrano


“Perception Camp allowed me to go beyond my intuition – which is what I trust and rely on most of the time. Instead, I was pushed to focus on reality. Once I was finally able to notice reality with more accuracy and speed; I could generate possible interpretations of those situations. This has allowed me to get free from my hallucinations. The skill set will not only help me in my classroom, but also in my life. For this, I am grateful. Thank you!”

–Alissa Geisenhoff


“This class has given me skills to be a better social scientist. By looking through a variety of lenses and using the micro, macro, and meta frame it will allow me to be more aware of reality and increase my ability to be proactive in my coaching, trainings, and in my personal life. Greatly appreciated.”

–Andrea Singer


“Each time I have taken one of Michael’s classes I have been most impressed by his passion for humanity. Teachers that are able to use the skills of ENVoY well are just cracking open the door to the art of teaching.

Perception Camp is a tapestry of all the educational refinements and tools available to teachers through Michael Grinder’s love of education.”

–Terri Freitag


“Perception Camp has helped me to develop tools that are rooted in reality in order to observe with more of an open mind.

Perception Camp helped me produce a goal to take myself out of situations in order to see more when coaching and supporting others.

Perception Camp helped me to synthesize my learning, and at the same time, remind me that there is so much more to learn. Thank you, Michael.”

­–Matt Thompson


“Perception Camp pushed my thinking more than any other training I have experienced. No matter how much I saw, there was always even more to see and learn. It took all of things I have learned from ENVoY, coaching, Fast Track, Healthy Classroom, etc. put them together and let me see them in a whole new lens. The way the camp was set up allowed participants to learn from each other, and the master, Michael Grinder, who himself is beyond amazing and draws you in within the first few moments, and never lets you go. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

–Kari Chura


“In Perception Camp, we learn labels for specific behaviors and aspects of group dynamics to empower teachers to describe patterns in their classrooms. This allows us to anticipate behaviors and put positive patterns in place. We have to recognize and label before we can adjust and improve.”

–Lillian Eldred


“When I signed up for Perception Camp I was prepared to listen and soak in all Michael had to say … However, this week was set up very differently. Not only was I flooded with knowledge I also got the opportunity to practice my new skills! I am walking away with my senses heightened to view the world around me. In my classroom I have the ability to anticipate the “it” early and be more proactive. I have new vocabulary to describe and analyze the reality of situations.

Thank you Michael for being so open with us and for your willingness to share your knowledge with us! I can’t wait for next time.”

–Jackie O’Connell


“To trust the process:

  • Many opportunities to express my processing
  • Right/left Brain, Learning Styles can be contextual and in any combination (multisensory)
  • Learning to identify hallucinations and using language and perception to see whats real and not feed my hallucinations.
  • There are no mistakes, only feedback.
  • Pattern recognition leads to better decision making.

It’s hard to choose only 2-3 “take aways” from this week’s Perception Camp. It’s definitely a process, or a journey so to say. A blend of concepts from ENVoY, AHC, Cat in the Doghouse, and social science philosophies coming together to assist us in reading ourselves, our students, school community, and families. To help us predict or read others in order to be more proactive in our communication (Art) rather than reactive (Science). All I can really say is that I appreciate the time this week, the connections made, and everyone involved. I plan on coming back! Thank yous to Michael, Jacki, Nancy, and colleagues.”

–Theresa

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