I absolutely love to visit schools, colleges and organizations as a visiting author or guest speaker. My presentations change based on the needs of the school. A few of those have included:
Bloomfield College, NJ - Creative Writing Class lecturer on the life of an author, query letters, publishing
Trinity Middle School, NYC - Breakout session on my children's book on autism and Written Word assembly with panel of authors, publishers, and freelance writers
SUNY New Paltz, NY - Visiting lecturer conducting master classes in actor professional presentation which included resume production, analysis and selection of theatrical repertoire for audition and study
When I won the MeeGenius Author Challenge in spring 2012 for my children's book Chicken Boy: The Amazing Adventures of a Super Hero with Autism, I had no idea how it would change the trajectory of my writing career. I have received numerous emails and photos from families from L.A. to Dallas to New York to London about how the story speaks to them. It didn't take long before local schools contacted me and my school visits began to include speaking engagements in schools ranging from pre-K through 8th grade. While the book is for younger children, the message to make one's self aware of others and their differences is ageless.
I have since done lectures, readings, and book signings talking to thousands of students the past six years. As an advocate for diverse causes and the creative arts, I feel I have much to share and feel honored to be a small part in the awareness, acceptance and understanding of autism. I talk about the Chicken Boy Series, other books I'm working on as well as the creative arts in general. I want everyone to know that "different" is okay - embrace those differences! I also Encourage others to follow their dream and to GO FOR IT! Email me for costs & details!
"It was so wonderful having Gregory Allen visit our school! The children loved hearing Irving the Theater Nut! and discussing how they were inspired to follow their dreams. Mr. Allen had such an engaging personality and really took the time to speak to any student who had a question. It was such a great experience for the students to understand why it is important to follow their dreams and never give up. They really took to heart the message that Irving shared!"
"It was a pleasure having Gregory Allen come to my school and help us kickoff Autism Awareness Month at a school assembly. He spoke to the students about the importance of valuing our differences, his personal experience with autism, and his wonderful book Chicken Boy: The Amazing Adventures of a Super Hero with Autism. The students and staff enjoyed this visit very much. Gregory Allen's message in his book is something that is important for both children and adults to practice on a day to day basis. Thank you, Greg, for taking the time in helping us here at Memorial Middle School make a difference for those with autism."
"Thank you so much for coming to speak to our fifth grade students about your book, Chicken Boy: The Amazing Adventures of a Super Hero with Autism. The students truly enjoyed hearing the story, having a chance to discuss their personal experiences with autism, and hearing about your work as an actor and writer. It was wonderful to have you combine autism awareness, writing, and the arts all in one presentation!"
"I would like to thank you very much for participating in Autism Awareness Day for the Pearl River School District. The students and staff from the three elementary schools thoroughly enjoyed your book, Chicken Boy: The Amazing Adventures of a Super Hero with Autism. Your delivery of the book along with your patience and honesty in answering all of the student's questions was very much appreciated. Thank you again."
"Thank you for coming to share Chicken Boy with our school. You engaged our students from the minute they saw your shirt! We were so pleased that you explained autism in way elementary students could understand. We are all looking forward to reading about the new adventures of Chicken Boy!"
"Thank you so much for participating in our afternoon program, Written Word. It was wonderful for you to share your history as a writer. The students loved the background story of your book, Chicken Boy: The Amazing Adventures of a Super Hero with Autism. Thank you for inspiring them! The middle school students truly appreciated you speaking with them and helping them begin to tell their own stories!"
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