CREATING MEN
"What makes Creating Men different? It is based on the deep understanding that rites of passage is held just as much in dynamic human encounter and relationships, as it is in ritual. This is not a 'program', but a way of being that opens spaces for fathers and sons to connect at a crucial time in the families biography. Whitney has created something very special here.
--Kim John Payne, author of Simplicity Parenting and founder of the Social Inclusion approach to combating teasing and bullying issues.
"Whitney MacDonald has the remarkable ability to look at a young teen and determine what is needed, then to tailor his response to that child's individual need. One approach does not fit all and Whitney recognizes that deeply and intuitively.
"My teenager came into his confidence and development of will through sports. Whitney was the teacher who recognized my son's abilities, helped him channel his competitiveness, while also challenging him to be the best athlete possible. This middle school awakening has manifested in HS as continued success in sports and also high achievement academically and artistically."
--- Charles Viles, father and software engineer
"As a former colleague, I experienced Whitney over many years, and was always impressed with his ability to relate to children of all ages. Thoughtful, intuitive and deeply caring, he has a fine understanding of the stages of childhood and the challenges that often arise during adolescence. Articulate, warm-hearted and with a keen sense of humor, he has a special capacity to draw out the best in teenagers."
--- Eric Boesch, class teacher (retired), Emerson Waldorf School
"I've known Whitney and been lucky to have him teach and coach my three sons over ten years. I've learned much from his approach: his analysis of the challenges facing today's teenage male is utterly on target, and his solutions are compassionate, effective, and workable."
--- Lee Marchman, father and environmental research scientist
"We have known Whitney for over 10 years - he was the beloved PE teacher at the Emerson Waldorf school for both of my children as well as the cross-country/basketball coach for my son during middle school. He set the gold standard as coach and teacher. His popularity comes from a unique ease and rapport with students that has them literally crowding him whenever he is sighted. Whitney has charisma, an ability to connect with people and an enduring interest in the psychology of boys and their transition to manhood - just the right ingredients for parents seeking a guide for themselves and their sons on this complicated journey."
--- Catherine Belitsky, MD
"My wife, Allison, and I, and our four children have known Whitney MacDonald for 16 years. Whitney had a transformational effect on the lives of our two sons and our two daughters. Whitney coached our son Jonah in basketball through lean years and a championship season, teaching him invaluable lessons etched on his young heart about leadership, being part of a team, discipline, good sportsmanship, giving your all, and always showing respect. Jonah is now the assistant basketball coach at the school where he played, in large measure because of the stellar example Whitney set for him. As his parents, we'll claim some credit for the fine young man he is today, but we gladly share it with Whitney, who made a huge impact on Jonah's life, for which we shall be eternally grateful. Whitney also taught our daughter Mali, who blossomed into a lovely, expressive, self-confident young woman under his tutelage. Whitney helped Mali come out of her shell, coaxed her through her math anxiety, and guided her emergence as an artist and an independent thinker. Whitney is as fine a human being as we know, a truly gifted teacher, and a wise and wonderful friend to our family. If you are considering a guidance relationship for your son with Whitney MacDonald, you simply can't go wrong. We give him our highest recommendation. He is a treasure!"
---Rev. Mark Davidson, Pastor, Church of Reconciliation
--Kim John Payne, author of Simplicity Parenting and founder of the Social Inclusion approach to combating teasing and bullying issues.
"Whitney MacDonald has the remarkable ability to look at a young teen and determine what is needed, then to tailor his response to that child's individual need. One approach does not fit all and Whitney recognizes that deeply and intuitively.
"My teenager came into his confidence and development of will through sports. Whitney was the teacher who recognized my son's abilities, helped him channel his competitiveness, while also challenging him to be the best athlete possible. This middle school awakening has manifested in HS as continued success in sports and also high achievement academically and artistically."
--- Charles Viles, father and software engineer
"As a former colleague, I experienced Whitney over many years, and was always impressed with his ability to relate to children of all ages. Thoughtful, intuitive and deeply caring, he has a fine understanding of the stages of childhood and the challenges that often arise during adolescence. Articulate, warm-hearted and with a keen sense of humor, he has a special capacity to draw out the best in teenagers."
--- Eric Boesch, class teacher (retired), Emerson Waldorf School
"I've known Whitney and been lucky to have him teach and coach my three sons over ten years. I've learned much from his approach: his analysis of the challenges facing today's teenage male is utterly on target, and his solutions are compassionate, effective, and workable."
--- Lee Marchman, father and environmental research scientist
"We have known Whitney for over 10 years - he was the beloved PE teacher at the Emerson Waldorf school for both of my children as well as the cross-country/basketball coach for my son during middle school. He set the gold standard as coach and teacher. His popularity comes from a unique ease and rapport with students that has them literally crowding him whenever he is sighted. Whitney has charisma, an ability to connect with people and an enduring interest in the psychology of boys and their transition to manhood - just the right ingredients for parents seeking a guide for themselves and their sons on this complicated journey."
--- Catherine Belitsky, MD
"My wife, Allison, and I, and our four children have known Whitney MacDonald for 16 years. Whitney had a transformational effect on the lives of our two sons and our two daughters. Whitney coached our son Jonah in basketball through lean years and a championship season, teaching him invaluable lessons etched on his young heart about leadership, being part of a team, discipline, good sportsmanship, giving your all, and always showing respect. Jonah is now the assistant basketball coach at the school where he played, in large measure because of the stellar example Whitney set for him. As his parents, we'll claim some credit for the fine young man he is today, but we gladly share it with Whitney, who made a huge impact on Jonah's life, for which we shall be eternally grateful. Whitney also taught our daughter Mali, who blossomed into a lovely, expressive, self-confident young woman under his tutelage. Whitney helped Mali come out of her shell, coaxed her through her math anxiety, and guided her emergence as an artist and an independent thinker. Whitney is as fine a human being as we know, a truly gifted teacher, and a wise and wonderful friend to our family. If you are considering a guidance relationship for your son with Whitney MacDonald, you simply can't go wrong. We give him our highest recommendation. He is a treasure!"
---Rev. Mark Davidson, Pastor, Church of Reconciliation