“Aryn Quinn was so engaging that both the staff and girls were completely focused on the presentation. 

Being able to break down specific characteristics that signify signs of an abusive person or an unhealthy relationship can only impact student success rate positively.   

There is also a sense of empowerment that is instilled once they attend this workshop because they now have the prevention tools.  

I strongly recommend this education for all young people.”

-Corinne Santiago, Program Director, Girls Inc. Brooklyn  

“Each time a student comes into my office and brags about her jealous boyfriend, brags about how her boyfriend loves her so much he doesn't let her go to the police academy after school, brags about how her girlfriend loves her so much that she controls how she dresses – I can carry on the message of “That’s Not OK!” and help them identify the difference between love and abuse.  

Aryn’s mission of empowerment and education is helping break the cycle of abuse and letting girls know, many for the first time, what love looks like.”

-Michelle Bernabe, School Nurse, Cathedral High School  

“Given the relevance of the topic, I believe that this should be made available to all young people. I would like to strongly endorse your “That’s Not OK!” workshop as a life-saving tool for college-aged young women and men. I will be writing to my former program to make them aware of your work.”

-Alana Philip, Honors Program Coordinator, John Jay College

“When speaking with my students yesterday, they all unanimously agreed that this presentation should be given to all grade levels, even 9th graders, because abuse happens to all groups.  Students handed in written evaluations and all said how useful the presentation was and that they took away much needed information.  

The personal experience and your willingness to speak so openly really brought home the information.”

-Alice D’Orazi, Director of Medical Gateways  

“We think that many of the students have experienced or witnessed violence.  The presentation kept them engaged and interested because it was relevant to their lives.

We feel at St. Barnabas that the students should be armed with a lot of knowledge for the real world.  Having them aware of different issues such as intimate partner abuse, and knowing what help there is out there, will encourage them to seek the help and be able to move forward.”

- Liz Murray, Guidance Counselor, St. Barnabas High School 

"I had no idea abuse is so common", (this from several students); "I thought the presentation was going to be boring but it was the opposite - I could have listened longer", (many students); "I now realize that the relationship I was in for two years was an abusive one - because of yesterday, I feel a sense of closure", (student who came to talk about her own situation, this morning). 

I believe that this workshop gave the students the vocabulary to articulate what they see and experience, as well as the confidence to speak more openly about their experiences.”

-Mary D’Emic, Lead Guidance Counselor, St. Saviour High School 

“I was surprised at just how comfortable the girls felt sharing very personal testimonies with one another during her workshop but Ms. Quinn created a sense of safety. I struggled in the beginning to establish trust with this group. They have known each other for a long time but for many of them, they were just getting to know me. After this workshop I finally feel that we have obtained that trust with each other. 

I believe that the girls have taken something very valuable from the presentation. The eight signs were extremely powerful. I believe that seeds of confidence were planted today.”

-Dosha Truick, Lead Advisor, The Young Women’s Leadership School of Queens

“I heard about Aryn and “That’s Not OK” from the other deans who had workshops last year. They seemed to think the presentation was really good so I decided that I wanted to do one for my year. What differed from my initial expectations was how upbeat and dynamic the presentation was. 

The overall participation of so many students really stands out in my mind! I believe that the information imparted at the workshop will enable many students to recognize the signs of an abusive relationship sooner and do something about it.”

-Loriann Murphy: Dean of Seniors, The Mary Louis Academy 

“In the past when we have had speakers, it was primarily about them telling their stories.  What was different about this workshop was that while Aryn’s story was important, audience participation and education were the primary focus.  The 8 signs were clearly defined and presented in a way that was relevant and memorable.    

I would love to bring Aryn back to LIU Post.  Our students were so engaged during the program and it was great to see them not only present, but actively listening and participating.”

-Sarah Boles, Event Coordinator, Long Island University  

“I was listening to the workshop and getting more and more upset when I realized the abuse that was happening to my own sister. But the more I thought about it, I was shocked to realize that I had repressed what had happened to me, as well.

It opened my eyes, and I never shared with anyone until that day, when I decided to tell my friend all about it. She was shocked but was also very supportive. For the first time I actually have closure. I'm proud that I survived.  

The workshop was life changing. Thank you!!!”

-Sabrina Gargano, Event Coordinator, St. Joseph’s College

“At TA, we know that taking care of our people is good business. Aryn and her “That’s Not OK’ workshop was a powerful and enlightening experience for our employees. 

The authenticity and compassion Aryn brought to the conversation aligns perfectly with our culture and delivers on our promise of being dedicated to caring holistically for our people. 

For businesses looking to create a powerful connective opportunity for their employees, we highly recommend working with Aryn.”

-Steve Bartholomew CEO

“As a male, it made me realize how much abuse is widespread. I think it is important to be aware of the signs to help my niece, nephews, and when I have kids.”

“It was easy to understand, and gave a great overview into abuse. Definitely will be using the info to help myself and others.”

“It was a safe place to let people share their feelings/emotions and stories to help me know that others are struggling and that it can be overcome.”

“It was very insightful and eye opening! It feels good to know I can now help others who might be suffering in silence.”

“This workshop was a safe place to see a collective group of people wanting to feel connected – changed the vibe of my team for the better.”

“It was an excellent conversation and I hope we have more of these types of presentations.”

“As Someone who has survived abuse themselves, it was incredibly validating.”

​​“Education is everything!”

“Makes you feel not alone. It definitely filled my heart with hopefulness, courage and strength.”

“I think this needs to be talked about more. Presenter was excellent; sensitive and respectful.”

“It was very impactful. I’m filled with emotion but in a good way.” 

​​“It was incredible to learn more about the signs of domestic abuse and hear the stories of strong women in our company and what they've overcome.”

“The whole time watching, all I could think was, "My daughter needs to see this." 

“This was a great workshop to introduce the problem of domestic abuse and raise awareness of its prevalence in our society. Should be standard in all companies.”

“This workshop really brings it home and helps you realize it's affecting your friends, neighbors, co-workers who are around you every day.”

“This is an important message and training that everyone should hear and receive. Maybe sounds strange to say but I loved it.”

“This workshop was just plain practical. It laid out the statistics. And presented the clear, predictable, progressive red flags that anyone can watch out for.”