Testimonials

“I have worked in the educational field for over 23 years and have the opportunity to collaborate, evaluate and network with a wealth of true leaders across the United States. It is without a doubt that Amy Souza is one of our nation’s great leaders in the field of education. Regardless of the issue Mrs. Souza always has the students best interest in mind and will not waiver from keeping them the central focus of her work. Her caring, yet firm and knowledgable approach to leadership has truly been an inspiration to all of us that have been fortunate enough to have worked with her. Mrs. Souza is quite honestly at the “next” level of leadership we all strive to be at. ”

Duane Coleman, Principal, Jefferson Middle School, Oceanside, Ca.

I have worked directly with Dr. Amy Souza for over ten years and she has impressed with her commitment to education. She is an educational leader who has the ability to capture a school vision and mission through clearly articulated strategies and goals. She is an instructional leader who understands the importance of examining data and results to improve student learning.

Dr. Souza is a skilled teacher trainer with the ability to identify relevant strategies to help teachers develop into highly effective instructional leaders. She is an expert in creating and maintaining effective environments for student learning by examining areas of weakness and areas of strength and evaluating outcomes to measure growth. Dr. Souza’s positive approach and reassuring message has inspired a variety of school personnel develop as professional and achieve academic excellence for their school community.

Marguerite Diliberto Bulkin, Superintendent
Sonora Elementary School District, Tuolumne County, California

The job of a high school administrator is many things; easy is not one of them. It requires being a tough guy at 10:00 A.M. and providing a shoulder to cry on an hour later. Lunch is always an intimate gathering of two thousand. After the 1:00 expulsion hearing, there are meetings with parents, department chairs, union leaders, vendors, custodians, security guards, coaches, and the band director. In the early evening there may be time to catch up on the paper work threatening to collapse the cheap desk in the cramped office before heading to a game, the academic league, a play, the science fair, or lending a hand on the homecoming float. The schedule of a high school principal permits a family life or sleep but never both. Garry Thornton optimistically navigates this sea of madness with a calming grace and comforting confidence. No problem is too big to be solved, no situation irreconcilable. Garry takes care of things, and, more importantly, he inspires students and colleagues to be and do their best. He is gracious, non-judgmental, efficient, tireless, and truly one of the nicest men on the planet.

Mary Noble, Teacher on Special Assignment, Oceanside, CA

Garry Thornton’s enthusiasm and commitment to education — the content, process of, and product — are unlike that of any administrator with whom I have worked. Garry inspires, motivates, supports, and encourages students and staff alike. He is genuine and generous. Students know who he is, and more importantly, Garry knows who the students are. His compassion and desire to go beyond status quo are remarkable. His willingness to listen, to work, to engage, and to go beyond are what true educators are made of.

Jennifer Mansberger, Teacher, Carmel High School

“As a teacher, Garry Thornton has been an inspiration to me. I have observed his pursuit of excellence in public education. Garry is committed to the education of all students and brings a fresh leadership style to his school environment. He is approachable to everyone - both colleagues and students alike with his enthusiastic approach to learning.”

Sharon Stotts, Kindergarten Teacher, Arroyo Elementary School, Santa Ana, CA