“Working with Paula Dirkes, a program facilitator for Vintage Improvisation Detroit, has been a pleasure. Her enthusiasm, energy, ability to access a situation and respond accordingly helps feed the need for diversity and inclusion. All are treated with respect and valued for what they bring to the table while fostering creativity. No one leaves a session without a smile and laughter. It is a wonderful opportunity to improve self-esteem by embracing the moment, releasing your fears and just going for it. I have seen many bloom and grow from the sessions I’ve attended. Kudos to Paula for doing an excellent job! ”

– Cindy K., College Professor; Licensed Insurance Agent

“[T]he unfailing support of people like you are what has helped me and all of our team to continue to forge ahead. I appreciate you so much!!”

- Nora C., Owner, Literacy Company

“Paula is a professional instructor, who takes care in the preparation of each session so that there is always something interesting and unique! I felt welcomed, and look forward to seeing the other games that Paula has that she will introduce to us in future [gatherings]. Doing improv games with Paula on a Monday is a great start to the week.”

– Madeleine B. Connected Vehicle Specialist

“I want to give a loud shout out to Paula Dirkes for her presentation today. It seemed to get everyone involved and participating and was great fun. If you missed this morning's call, you missed seeing a bunch of professionals say silly things.”

– Dan T., Broker, Chartered Life Underwriter

“We so appreciate Paula presenting the Bonding and Boundaries presentation to our mentors and those from other programs. Her incredible enthusiasm and passion for mentoring was palpable from the moment she began. She had the mentors in attendance engaged in her interactive presentation—standing up and communicating with each other, shouting out responses to Paula, and even dancing and marching in place! I found the audience participation to be a very effective tool, especially for an evening presentation after a work day. Furthermore, Paula was very knowledgeable about being a mentor, giving lots of real-life examples of her relationships and interactions with her multiple mentees. She incorporated their stories into her talk, and encouraged our participants to share their own. All in all, we found the evening to be a big success and look forward to working again with Paula in the future.”

-Michael K., Youth Initiatives Coordinator

“Paula is a very credible mentor and a passionate youth mentoring advocate. Her training was interactive, engaging, energetic and informative from beginning to end. The mentors got to walk away with a packet of information and skills that they could apply to their mentoring matches immediately. It was a pleasure working with Paula and I hope we can work together in the future!”

– Alexandria H., Mentoring Coordinator

“I had the privilege of working with Paula on many complex projects. Paula approached her work with outstanding strategic thinking, dedication and energy. She would be asset to any organization.”

-Kathy L., Skilled Classroom/Virtual Trainer

“[Paula] came more prepared than I; she knew her material, knew her crowd and was prepared to send a message. She was enthusiastic during her presentation, and kept the crowd actively involved. Paula was able to let the Mentors know how appreciated they were for what they did, and what a positive effect they had on the children while making them aware of the power they had to spread the message to those they knew that could also benefit other children. It was refreshing to hear such a positive message that truly came from the heart. She is able to relate to all levels and does an excellent job while doing so.”

-Heather H., Volunteer Coordinator

“This was a very informative, fast-paced, engaging and empowering workshop that resonated in my bones as a child who has gone through the system (foster care) without one (mentor).”

-Anne E., Business Owner, Youth Mentor

“Paula was very professional and easy to work with as she planned her presentation. She was very organized, responsive and is passionate about what she does! Paula has the hands on experience, being a mentor herself for many years, as well as the knowledge to lead an engaging conversation on the topic of mentoring.”

-Emily C., Program Coordinator