Our Testimonials

What educators, experts, and supporters are saying about ChalkWild

Featured Testimonials

Dr. Vivian David-Nicolas

Chalkwild backpacks are interactive and mobile, allowing children of all abilities to write and draw on them. This versatility offers a unique opportunity for social-emotional development. These backpacks serve as both a personal canvas and a communication tool, enabling children to express feelings, interests, and identities in a visually tangible form. For individuals with disabilities, who may experience challenges with verbal communication or emotional regulation, this form of expression can be especially empowering.

In a day and age where children do not have a choice about many things, the act of personalizing a backpack can help foster a sense of ownership and pride, enhancing self-esteem and promoting a positive self-concept. This is crucial for all children, including those on the autism spectrum, as it supports their emotional development and helps them build a stronger sense of identity. For those  who are learning appropriate coping skills and strategies, the backpack serves as a blank canvas to unleash and just as quickly, erase.

Moreover, these customizable backpacks can act as a social bridge, encouraging interactions with peers. Peers may see the artwork or messages on the backpacks as a starting point for conversation, thereby providing natural opportunities for social engagement. This can be particularly beneficial for children with autism, helping them to engage more fully with their social environment and practice crucial social skills in a non-threatening way based on individual interests.
Incorporating customizable features into everyday items like backpacks not only nurtures creativity and self-expression but also plays a significant role in supporting the developmental needs of divergent thinkers. This approach aligns with therapeutic goals that focus on enhancing communication, social skills, and emotional regulation, thereby contributing positively to holistic development.

Alex Sugar – Foundation Director

Antone E. & Marie F. Raymus Foundation

I am delighted to recommend ChalkWild, a remarkable organization dedicated to inspiring the creativity and education of young children through their innovative backpacks with draw-able surfaces. Their commitment to fostering artistic expression and learning is unparalleled, as they equip children with tools that encourage both imaginative play and practical educational engagement. Through their efforts, ChalkWild has consistently demonstrated a meaningful impact on the communities they serve, motivating young minds to explore, create, and thrive. Their dedication to empowering children through creativity makes them an invaluable asset to any community or educational initiative.

From Educators

Dr. Michelle Rodriguez – Superintendent of Schools

Stockton Unified School District

Seeing such dedication and expertise in your work reaffirms my confidence in our continued partnership. Your commitment to excellence is evident, and I believe that together we can improve the lives of our students. I am interested in the prospect of expanding our collaboration through the Extended Learning Opportunities Program. Your resource presents numerous possibilities for us to explore new avenues, share knowledge, and create meaningful experiences for our students and families. I have included Ms. Rogers, ELOP Director, on the email so you can discuss this further and brainstorm ideas on how we can leverage this opportunity to its fullest potential. Your expertise and contributions will undoubtedly play a crucial role in our joint success. Once again, thank you for your outstanding work and for being such a valuable partner. I am eager to see where our partnership takes us next.

Phillip Hon – Executive Director

Unbound Stockton

The backpacks were a great way to get to know the kids. It gave them freedom to use drawings, symbols & words to express themselves. These are great tools for getting to know one another.

Mr. Rodrigo – Site Coordinator

Boys & Girls Club at Aspire Charter School Sites In Stanislaus County

It keeps our youth concentrated, focused & engaged in activities they’re doing.  My staff also finds it a cool & awesome concept & they also enjoy working on the backpacks themselves!

Kimanh Truong-Munoz – Founding Principal

KIPP School Stockton

I am glad to be able to have a powerful tool for art & reflection in a backpack– something that every kid should have & now is an opportunity to reflect on their best selves as well.

Christie Hendricks – Assistant Superintendent

Early Education Department Merced County of Education

The Early Education Department is extremely impressed with the quality of backpacks we bought. The children enjoyed the write on/wipe off surface & having their own personal backpack to showcase their creativity builds their self-confidence!

Dr. Lupe Jaime-Mileham – Senior Director

Early Care & Education Office of Fresno County Superintendent of Schools

We are excited about the backpacks. The backpacks are such innovative use of an everyday product.

Moises Coria – Branch Manager Of Sierra Vista

Stockton Boys & Girls Clubs

The kids really enjoyed the curriculum. We did notice they were able to open up & discuss more about themselves through drawing and talking.

From Mental Health Experts

Dr. Tracy Packiam – Mental Wellness Expert

Alloway Psychology Professor of University of North Florida

My published research shows that just 20 minutes of drawing can improve working memory, our brain’s control center. So what are you waiting for? Pick one of these fantastic backpacks & get drawing!

Dr. Ganielle Hooper – Founder & CEO of Axis Hope

Certified Pediatric Mental Health Specialist & Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

A great on-the-go resource for children who love to draw … may help to ease feelings of anxiety or stress & help to regulate emotions. Can be used as a canvas at any time & … very helpful for children who are always moving or have attention difficulties. I would recommend!

Dave Lockridge – Executive Director of ACE

Overcomer Center For Resilience

Hien has a brilliant product in the ChalkWild … Benefits of art therapy for traumatized or stressed children are proven. It gives adults a window into the thoughts & emotions of the child. I highly recommend the ChalkWild Erasable Backpack to programs & parents!

Yoland Ruiz – Pathways to HOPE Program Manager,

Camp HOPE America, San Diego Alliance for HOPE International

The [7 year old] kid that had his backpack for a month, his mom says he loves it! He is in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) at school. To help with the child’s concentration his mom said the backpack has helped … His mom said the teacher find it very helpful … His mom is very grateful!

Ho Ying Chu – Trauma-Informed Clinician

Mental Health Trainer & Author Of “Dr.Chu’s ABC’s of Emotions”

I loved the creative educational curriculum & the multiple uses of the magic backpack that can suit both non-clinical & clinical support for children. I highly recommend this [ChalkWild] as it can strength children’s brain architecture promoting their social-emotional development. It is essential to all future learning, behavior & health.