Testimonials

“Gary’s communication skillset, kind creative encouragement and positive process centered writing has enhanced writing projects and live performances. Plus he’s my favorite coach!”

—Maria Bamford, Comedian/Actor/Author Lady Dynamite, Sure, I'll Join Your Cult: A Memoir of Mental Illness and the Quest to Belong Anywhere

“Gary helped me better my academic writing and learn how to write a cover letter. I walked into an appointment with my cover letter littered with exclamation points and excessive friendliness. Gary showed me how to offer insight into my passions and skills in my cover letter, which ultimately enabled me to get an internship at the YWCA.”

—Kaitlin Aurelio, Voter Education Intern YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts

Gary did an excellent job contributing to the National Parks of Boston interpretative programming for the 2023 season. As a pivotal member of the Social Justice Team within the National Parks of Boston, Gary worked out of Faneuil Hall and on the Black Heritage Trail. To do this successfully he had to research and develop a 90-minute walking tour of the Black Heritage Trail as well as a 60-minute walking tour on the Freedom Trail. This requires extensive research of 18th and 19th century history, exploring Boston's role in the American Revolution and its role in the abolition movement. In addition to these frontline duties, Gary served as a co-lead for our Town Meeting interpretive program, which is one of the parks most popular. He coauthored opening and closing statements, ranger introductions, moderator scripts and led peer coaching sessions for staff on improvisational techniques. The program could not have been successful without Gary's contributions. 

— Shawn Quigley, Lead Ranger, National Park Service, Boston African American National Historic Site

I supervised Gary Petersen’s work on the education team at the Edward M. Kennedy (EMK) Institute for the United States Senate in 2015, 2016, and parts of 2017. Our education team created interactive, role-playing programs designed to help students and members of the public better understand the workings of the US Senate. Gary’s talents as a writer and communicator were immensely valuable to the Institute when we needed engaging, interesting content produced quickly and professionally. Gary excelled at summarizing complicated and divisive topics in ways that were accessible, entertaining, and respectful. 

—Nate Gundy, Assistant Director of Education, The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate