Reviews
Parents reviews 2006 + YELP@ EmpowerThrive https://www.yelp.com/biz/empower-thrive-los-gatos-2
My son took the Kidz Entrepreneur class part 1 through a homeschool co-op last semester, and he had so much fun! Ilene introduced the kids to business and marketing concepts like market positioning, refining an elevator pitch, ways to branch a core business into other services or products, etc. And judging by the final projects in the class, these kids learned and employed these concepts. She also emphasizes public speaking skills. My son LOVED her class and enrolled in Part 2 already for the next school year! We've done a lot of camps and enrichment classes, and this is one is truly unique; I hope more families will be able to take advantage of Ilene's entrepreneur program.- Michelle, mom of 11 yr old
This is a review for Ilene Marks, a truly wonderful teacher. My six year old son has taken several months of online public speaking class with Ilene and has absolutely loved it, learned, and thrived. Ilene has warm and welcoming energy, is motivating, keeps classes engaging and really teaches valuable skills. My son looked forward to each of his classes with Ilene and even happily did the prep work each time. He has learned to be a confident and organized speaker and enjoys presenting at school. My son is also a quirky kid who tends to be interested in off the beaten path topics and Ilene made space for this in her class and he always felt like he fit in and was welcomed. I highly highly recommend any class Ilene teaches! - Kelun
Teacher Ilene is an inspiring mentor and teacher, she treats all her students with kindness and knows how to bring out the very best in each one! My kid loves learning from her and always looks forward to each class. Teacher Ilene has infused positive energy to her kids during this difficult time of getting through a global pandemic. I highly recommend her classes!
Our very shy 8 year old son loves Ms. I, and so do we! He has requested to take her classes every semester of this past year. This is high praise from a boy who always hated school and never wanted to attend any classes...until we started homeschooling this year and found a few amazing teachers like Ms. I. So far, he has taken her Public Speaking, Kidz Entrepreneur, and Kidz Entrepreneur 2 class. The have all inspired him and built his confidence. Before taking her Public Speaking class, no one could hear our son when he spoke in class. His voice was barely audible and he struggled to make eye contact. Half way through the class, he transformed into a new kid. I couldn't believe it. Standing straight, projecting his voice, making eye contact, and even choosing to memorize his speeches and poems. Amazing! Teacher I's Kidz Entrepreneur classes were equally impressive, piquing our son's interest in entrepreneurship, giving back to the community, and finding environmentally responsible ways to do it. He now loves watching Shark Tank (with elevator pitches like the ones students give in the classes) and The Profit With his dad. He takes a keen interest in any news story about kids who start successful, impactful businesses. And during this past semester, he decided to create his own website for his class business idea. Very impressive! He never would've done any of this without Ms. I and her great classes. She is always upbeat, kind, creative, and inspiring. She provides the perfect mix of fun, structure, and meaningful homework (in contrast to the busy work many of my friends are complaining their kids are overwhelmed by in their public school distance learning). - Christine
Music class reviews 2006- 2016
Thanks so much Ilene. We all loved this class. I have never seen Evan so engaged and so excited at a class! I appreciate you being flexible, I am still getting organized as a mom of two! Thanks, Carrie
Thank you! You are wonderful with the children. Barbara loved your class. She couldn't stop taking about how much fun she had dancing and playing with the other kids. We too look forward to our future music classes with you. And, thank you for sharing your talent. - Marisol
Hi Ilene, I wanted to tell you that Zoe still practices what you taught her last year. She sings the scale and practices it on the piano. It is amazing! You are a great teacher. Once again, thank you- Julie,mom of Zoe now 5
He loves music class! Thank you again for all you do for the kids! It was one of the best things I ever did for Ryan! -Kathleen☺ mom of a 2 yr old.
Thank you Ms. Ilene! We spent all of bath time tonight making the sounds of each instrument on the necklace you gave out today and have done similar things throughout the year. You definitely help the kids love music early on and make a huge impact on the kids. They teach me things they learn in your class which I forgot and I learn all over again and that is so amazing. Big thank you!!! -Shannon
Liz is happy singing and listening to music – and has been becoming more and more interested in beats, and repeating what she hears. How fun! -Denise, mom of Liz, 3 yrs old
I know he's really going to miss your music program. It has been his highlight of his time in preschool. He adores you. You have been a bright spot in his early childhood education. Thanks for all you do! - Mother of Quinn, 4
The cost is nothing compared to what Christian gets from your class. That was the part we missed most when he stopped going to preschool for those two months.. - Dad of Christian, 2
Holden is loving your class and keeps telling me that he wants me to buy him all the brass instruments! :) Thanks for all of your hard work with the kids! - Mom of Holden , 3
Thanks Ilene, Hudson continues to thrive in your music classes, it sounds like fun and he always tells us about the class experience with big smiles. -Mom of Hudson, 3
Alice loves your class and rushed home to color her guitar. She is now hoping to get a guitar from Santa. - Mom of Alice, 4
Ruby said to me in the car, "Mommy, sing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." I started, she joined in and then said, "Mommy, that's a duet." So cute! Thanks for teaching our kids about music! -Stacey, mom of Ruby, 4
I will definitely sign Luke up for music again. He thrives in that class. In fact, we just ordered a big boy drum set for Christmas. I can't wait to see what he does with it. Thanks for sharing your gift & love of these children.-Heather,mom of Luke 1.5
Thanks to your class Nishant joined tap dancing class. He has a performance next week. I am so glad he does stuff he enjoys and is not yet influenced by gender sterotyping. Thanks- Suhita mom of Nishant, 4
WOW, Taylor was singing Doe a Deer for about an hour on our flight over Thanksgiving. She said she learned it in music class. She sang it correctly over and over again! I'm so glad you taught it to her!!! ~Summer
I had to tell you that Cassidy has become quite the comedian. She LOVES the knock-knock jokes, especially the Orange-banana ones! We are having a lot of fun telling jokes ask a family. Thank you for introducing these to her!- Heather
Just wanted to take a moment to let you know how much I appreciate your emails about the classes, and I wanted to let you know I really admire your work. Thank you for bringing your music teachings into the classroom. Sincerely, Melita
My son loved this class. The parachute, rhythm sticks, bubbles, and 'spiky' balls were all favorites. Every week, he looked forward to playing with his friends, singing, and dancing. I appreciated the chance for him to learn about music, schedule transition, and social interaction. Ilene enabled the children to learn through play, even inspiring them to enjoy clean-up time. The year that we spent in her class will always be treasured. -Margo, mom of Issac, 2 yrs
Thank you for offering this wonderful opportunity to have more music in her world! We try to sing at home frequently and Alyssa's grandparents have a piano, but it's nice to have your creative ideas and to have more music at school. –Gia, mom of Alyssa, 2 yrs old
Hello! I am Talya 's grandmother. Every week Talya's mom forwards your class notes to me. I read every email with a great smile on my face and wish I could be there to watch the children. It all sounds like great fun and an excellent learning experience. I'm sure the music and moment lessons Talya learns in your classes will stay with her until she is as old as I am!! Keep up the good work. - Very best regards, Christine