Amy J. Cattapan offers a variety of talks and presentations for both students and adults, as well as day and weekend retreats.
Teacher Talks, Presentations, & Retreats
Amy offers a variety of talks–from 60-90 minute presentations to full-day retreats–for educators, catechists, and parish staff.
Popular topics include the following:
- Finding Strength for the Journey
- Top 5 Ways to Beat Burnout
- Free & Easy Technology for Formative Assessment
- Bringing Back the Bible: Using Culturally Relevant Media to Engage Students in Scripture
“Amy’s presentation Strength for the Journey was a great way to start our school year! We had both parish and school staff present for our retreat, and everyone walked away with something. Amy was lively and humorous and kept everyone engaged. I highly recommend her.”
Dr. Kristine Hillmann, St. Elizabeth of the Trinity School
“We are so grateful for Dr. Cattapan’s Finding Strength for the Journey teacher presentation. She was inspiring and shared stories and experiences with my teachers to help them relate their craft to Christ the Teacher. We can’t wait to dive into her book and grow as educators throughout the year.”
Ms. Hillary Russell, St. Mary School
Author Visits with Students
As a young adult author, A.J. Cattapan happily puts her skills as a middle school English teacher to use when she visits schools. Choose from a writing workshop session or her most requested talk “Be Not Afraid! God Has a Plan for Your Life, Too!”
In this fun and inspiring 40-minute presentation for teens and tweens, A.J. Cattapan proves why we can trust that God always has a plan for us as long as we’re open to seeing it.
A.J. Cattapan is also available for school visits outside the greater Chicagoland area via Skype and Google Hangout.
Our 5th- 8th graders were completely engrossed in Amy’s presentation. It was a breath of fresh air to have an actual published author visit and listening to how God has been with her all along and to be reminded that He is with each of us.
-Mrs. C. Kirkland, Queen of Martyrs School
My fifth grade students loved reading the book 7 Riddles to Nowhere, and were thrilled to have A.J. Cattapan visit our school! A.J.’s discussion was inspiring and motivating, and left my students reminded that God has a plan for each of their lives!
-Ms. Lauren Shagena, Old St. Mary School
Amy’s personal story of seeing God’s presence in her life was truly remarkable. Our students were inspired by hearing how her hard work, perseverance, and faith helped her accomplish her dreams.
-Marnie O’Neill, Jr. High Teacher, Cardinal Bernardin School
Amy Cattapan’s presentation was engaging and inspiring. Thank you for sharing your journey to become an author with the students of Queen of Martyrs School. Your message to never give up was a reminder of what we can accomplish if we just believe that God has a plan.
-Mrs. Kathleen Tomaszewski, Queen of Martyrs School
As for the book, I really appreciate the clean language, the exciting plot, the underlying bullying lessons, and the virtues of goodness all rolled into one great book. The students could identify with many of the characters and situations as well as the Catholic portions of the book. The plot was exciting and motivated them to continue reading. As an administrator, I couldn’t ask for more in a book!
-Mary Murphy, Assistant Principal, Noonan Academy
Ms. Cattapan spent the morning with our 6th and 7th grade students. While her presentation included multiple references to her books, perhaps the most important message she shared was that of perseverance. Her experience in getting her first book published was truly a message of believing in yourself, of hope, and of realizing your dream.
-Ms. Jean Swiecicki, St. Damian School
How to Tap into Your God-given Creativity
In a 90-minute presentation, A.J. Cattapan shares with your group how God is calling them to be artists and what they can do to tap into their God-given creativity. Whether you’ve got a group of painters, actors, writers, singers, sculptors, or business entrepreneurs, they’ll be reminded how creativity has already played a role in their lives, why God wants them to continue being creative, and what they need to do next to break any artistic blocks that may be in their way.
Presentation made to members of the young adult ministry of the Archdiocese of Chicago
This interactive presentation involves photos, videos, and brainstorming activities to jump-start your creativity.
View Amy in action here.
Want more info on Amy J. Cattapan’s speaking presentations? Please visit her contact page.
