Testimonials
“Val is not only a talented presenter. She is valuable because she cares about bettering people’s lives. It is her passion and it comes through in her writing, research, and presentations.”—Aicha Kelley, Assistant Director of Programming and Transportation, Needham Council on Aging, Needham, MA
“At the Health Story Collaborative, we’re thrilled to have Val’s knowledge and guidance for breaking through isolation.”—Annie Brewster, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital, Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School, Founder of the Health Story Collaborative and Co-founder of The Opioid Project
“A powerful presentation! I suspect Val had an impact on a lot of people in our audience as her presentation style is so authentic.”–Julie Norstrand, PhD, MSW, MSc, Adjunct Professor, Regis College, and Founder, Help My Aging Parents
“Val Walker engages her audiences through a unique vulnerability of sharing her personal experience to create authentic human connection. As a speaker, she invites learning and discussion while offering her audiences strategic and implementable steps towards breaking through barriers and opening to healing change.”—Jennifer Sax, Director of Communications, Good Shepherd Community Care, Newton, MA
“Val Walker’s presentation here at the Newport Circle of Scholars was a great contribution to to our senior members. Her message hit right on the center of what they care and worry about the most.” ––Ben Riggs, President, Newport Circle of Scholars, Newport, RI
“Val has been lifting people up with her compassionate presence and open-hearted honesty for decades. She is creative and present with people in distress, connecting to their strengths to find their inner resources that we all possess. A poised and exceptional speaker, she is inclusive, knowledgeable and kind—just like her books.”-–Pamela R. Blunt, MSW, LCSW, Psychotherapist, Owner, Therapeutic Solutions
“Val Walker can turn a mandatory staff training into a lively and enlightening discussion for employees. She encourages participation by creating a welcoming setting for thoughtful and honest conversations. She is always well-prepared and reliable as a presenter for our groups.”—Sharon Santello, Health Educator, Marlborough, MA
“With her perfect blend of education, knowledge, and experience—combined with a marvelous way with words—Val is a warm and engaging presenter and a wonderful writer.”-–Amy Handy, Artist and Freelance Book Editor
“When Val Walker taught our students training to be chaplains for several years, they gained a greater understanding of how to provide comfort and care. I would recommend Val as an inspirational speaker for anyone who wishes to be a comforting presence for others and also wishes to find ways to comfort themselves.” —The Reverend Dr. Robert Morse, Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor, Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (Retired)
“Val is a warmly engaging speaker who allows us to address the unique issues of loss, grieving and ultimately the comfort so needed by those in distress. With her heartfelt compassion and knowledge, she gives us the language and behaviors to help comfort others and ourselves. I have learned so much from her presentations.” —Marie Worley, MS, CRC, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and Sponsoring Member Virginia Rehabilitation Counseling Association