THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, January 23, 1995 TAG: 9501190020
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 35 lines
Since I have been thrust to the forefront by columnist Marc Tibbs regarding my participation in establishing grooming guidelines for Ruffner Middle School, I wish to explain what a communication consultant is and how I contribute to any organization interacting with the public.
With 20 years' experience and an educational background that includes a B.S. in psychology, certified speech pathologist, clothing manufacturer, coaching the performing arts and an international trainer for corporations and hospitals, my clients seek my holistic expertise.
I am a Norfolk native and product of its public-school system. When I was contacted by Pamela Riddick, principal of Ruffner Middle School, to develop training in socialization skills for her faculty to use as educational tools, it was a signal that I could reinvest the gifts that the system had provided me. For that reason I reduced my fees for each phase of my contract. It is a puzzle as to how the misquote of $4,000 for this phase of my work could have occurred in a recent article in this newspaper.
As a taxpayer and trainer, my commitment is providing quality, current information often not available from family and community. This knowledge is necessary if our children are to learn in order to earn.
MARY JANE BARNES
Image Management
Virginia Beach, Jan. 11, 1995 by CNB