ACADEMIC

     I first met Dr. Stonkus over 2 years ago.  He has worked with both of my kids to improve both their academic and athletic skills.  He has done physical and mental training with them and I have seen tremendous results both in their sports and in the classroom.  They have so much more confidence in their skills and enjoy working with him tremendously.  He is such a pleasure to be around and dedicated to everyone he works with.  He has become not only person they work with but a mentor and friend.  I cannot recommend him enough.

                                             -Parent of high school students- Boca Raton, FL

     Mark has been wonderful to collaborate with as we have worked to craft the vision for wellness at St. John's Prep these past 8 years.  His willingness to share his extensive knowledge and discuss strategic initiatives has been a blessing.  His work with our parent community through educational programming has been impactful.  Mark has a disarming nature that allows people to shed their defensive posture and truly hear a much needed message about adolescent wellness and how schools and families can support the holistic development of our students and children.  His presentations combine the most up to date research with wonderful practical insight into the adolescent mind, body and spirit.  I cannot think of a better partner for any school that is looking to enhance their focus on wellness.

                -Principal/Associate Head of School- St. John's Prep, Danvers, MA

     It’s my privilege to recommend Mark Stonkus to you. I have known Mark for about ten years now. Mark was recommended to me as a counselor with a unique ability to reach young people in crisis and lead them toward positive goals, using sports conditioning as a motivational platform for growth. 

     Mark helps each student identify areas in which they can improve, and insists on the establishment of specific milestones to be achieved. He builds positive and productive thinking, discouraging dependency upon negative habits (e.g. smoking etc.) and helping the young adult see his or her way to a productive and positive future.

     Recently I had a conversation with one young adult who worked briefly with Mark a few years ago. Nowadays she is married with a successful career. Back then, she recalled, she was “stuck” in negativity. Some goal-setting work with Mark helped her get out of her rut. Mark is well-trained as an adjustment counselor however he brings a particular high-energy forward-looking approach to his work, getting the young person focused, not on past disappointments, but on making positive steps each day and each week toward building a productive and rewarding life. I would characterize his work as that of instilling HOPE in the young person’s thinking.

     I am concluding my 35th year of independent school administration. It’s my belief that Mark Stonkus’ experience and training qualify him for school leadership. Mark is well-organized, has a fine sense of humor, is insightful about both individual students and the needs of contemporary young adults. He is an excellent communicator and a very dynamic individual. Looking back through my own years in education, I have to count Mark among the most unique, inspirational, and energetic people I have encountered during all of those years.

                      -J. Harry Lynch, Headmaster, The Newman School- Boston, MA     

     When our son was at a low point in his sophomore year of high school, we sent him to Mark in hopes he could reinvigorate him.  Through challenging, physical, one-on-one workouts, Mark was able to connect with our son and bring him back both mentally and physically.  He helped our son gain awareness and perspective of why he was struggling, this combined with the physical training, enabled our son to get back on track.  We highly recommend Mark for his excellent work with teenagers.

                                              -Parents of high school student- Boca Raton, FL

     I believe that everyone can use a little bit of Mark Stonkus in their lives. He has incredible patience, understanding and the ability to really hear the person he is helping. Mark Stonkus has the abilities to change lives. 

                                   -Parent of elementary school students- Boca Raton, FL