students

“I will never forget my experience at your training institute (OTI). The atmosphere you created and nurtured works! It’s life changing! You are the bomb!”

“Congratulations on your 20th year at Outreach Project. Not only did you spend 2 decades helping OTI become, in my opinion, one of the best clinical training services around, but you have been influential in helping countless CASAC-T’s in ‘becoming’ – myself included! The one statement that I heard during my training with you that stood out more than any other was the one about identifying who I really am, and how to become who I was created to be. Your holistic approach to recovery emphasized how important the spiritual component of the ‘bio-psycho-social-spiritual aspect of recovery is I am eternally grateful that I met you when I did and had a chance to be influenced by such a wonderful human being as yourself.”

“Mr. Armiento, my life has really been impacted by your presentations at OTI, and as a result I am truly evolving as a person, first and foremost, but also as a professional in the field of addiction. I greatly appreciate your approach to teaching, and the authenticity you offer as a person. You will always remain one of a few mentors I’ve adopted during my life’s journey. I wish I had the complete vocabulary to truly express to what extent our brief encounter has shifted my being, and level of energy. I want to take this time to thank you for your guidance in finding this wonderful path I am on today. You’re a great person, and sincerely in my eyes, a master. Again, I can’t thank you enough for the formal introduction to “Waldo”.”

“I own a martial arts studio and have been teaching kids for over 10 years. During the entire lecture, I was amazed at how this information can also be used with my students. It’s also helped me to increase my enrollment and more easily speak with the parents.”

“Our family has been blessed to have Mark in our lives. I have chosen a word that sums up various meanings of who and what Mark evokes in our lives: wonderful. W – Wonderful and willing O – Objective and outstanding N – Never underestimate the powers of who you are D – Dynamic and dad E – Easygoing and expert R – Refreshing and religious F – Fantastic, friendly, farsighted and family man U – Understanding and uniting L – Love, laughter and live life to the fullest”

“There are few who can touch my soul and I am grateful that you were chosen to do so. That experience gave me such clarity of what I bring to another human being. Thank you so much.”

“I actually called Mark a Jedi Knight on my evaluation. Everything about him is simply amazing; his knowledge is ridiculous. The way he hypnotizes this room seriously touches me. I could go on forever, but let’s face it: I could sum it all up with one word, and that word is inspired!”

“It’s really amazing when I think about the positive impact you have had on SO MANY people. Do you ever think about that? You are truly blessed and are an inspiration for many. I hope that you never lose sight of that. By the way, I also thank you for your light in my life. You HAVE made a difference! I like to tell people what they mean to me while they are alive; in my opinion, that’s when it matters most. We may not cross paths frequently, but you have left an imprint inside of me that can’t be erased. Shine on!”

“I enrolled in the Pioneer class and first met Mark on the opening day of OTI at St. Anthony’s in Woodhaven in 1997. From that day on I knew that I was on a journey of a lifetime, embarking on a career that would prove to be rewarding beyond all expectations. Mark’s passion for his work and vast knowledge of the disease of addiction inspired me and everyone in our class to learn all that we could from him. Mark’s style allowed us to understand, absorb and retain complex theories and use this information to engage and treat clients in a way that proved to be enjoyable and therapeutic. The most important lesson I learned from Mark was to ‘take care of ourselves.’ Mark always said that we could not effectively treat a client and work in the field if we personally were not ‘walking the walk.’ No truer words…

“I am empowered!! … Mark inspired me in so many ways; spiritually, emotionally & intellectually. He reached me with a depth of knowledge I have never before experienced and now feel more confident about entering the counseling field. Keep doing what you’re doing – You are an inspiration in my life and a remarkable lecturer.”