The quick bio
I support individuals, groups and organizations to skillfully navigate complexity, uncertainty and change. (Some examples are here).
I orient my practice around a desire to be in right relationship with self, with communit(ies) who have been systemically marginalized, with the Indigenous peoples on whose lands I live, and with Earth’s living systems on which we depend.
Over the years, I have chosen professional roles and academic inquiries, as well as certifications and trainings, that support my ability to address the interlocking crises of this moment; from the climate emergency to settler colonialism to economic inequality and more.
The longer read
I bring more than 15 years leading and collaborating on the human systems side of change, in a range of roles, organizations and sectors. From co-designing and facilitating award-winning engagement processes for the City of Vancouver, to managing an employee leadership program for Lower Mainland Health Authorities’ Energy and Environmental Sustainability Team, to leading an executive transition review for a prominent BC-based campaigning organization, my diverse range of experiences provides a powerful bridge into the specifics of client systems and your unique challenges.
I work consciously with the complexity in systems; attending to the relationships and interdependent factors that shape the outcome of a day-long meeting, an organizational culture change effort or a planning process. Rooted in the coaching skills of deep inquiry, the pattern sensing tools of Human Systems Dynamics and other systems-thinking methodologies such as Theory U, and the group process work of Dialogue and Deep Democracy, my approach creates the conditions for ongoing personal and organizational learning, from the discovery phase through to delivery and implementation.
My work is always grounded in specific and tangible tools that support clients to see clearly, to strengthen relationships and to choose wise actions for going forward. Clients often take the tools learned in sessions into daily practice and workplaces beyond the session or facilitated process.
I have designed and taught courses on dialogue, engagement, leadership and systems change for Royal Roads University, the British Columbia Institute of Technology, the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University’s Continuing Studies programs, as well as offered guest lectures to engagement practitioners and other change-makers across Canada.
Training and Education
I have a SSHRC-funded MA in Environmental Education from Royal Roads University, along with certifications in Authentic Leadership, Human Systems Dynamics, and Co-Active Coaching. In addition, I have advanced training in methods of Deep Democracy and The Work that Reconnects.
Life before consulting!
Before launching my consulting practice, I managed a leadership development program and provided strategic advising on change management, innovation and employee engagement for the Energy and Environmental Sustainability Team of the Lower Mainland Health Organizations. Prior to this role I designed award-winning engagement processes for the City of Vancouver’s Greenest City Action plan among other initiatives.
Some of my staff positions have include developing a cross-sectoral living wage campaign in my role within the communications department at the Hospital Employees Union; managing the design and implementation of popular education programming for Check Your Head: the Youth Global Education Network.
I acknowledge with humility that I do my work and make my home as a settler on the traditional and unceded territories of the Musqueam, Tseil-Waututh and Squamish people, who are the rightful stewards of this place. And I recognize my responsibility to contribute in my life and work towards meaningful reconciliation and decolonization.
PS (Since I believe we are more than our paid work.) I’ll add that I’m a city cyclist, a maker of sauerkraut, a thrower of dinner parties, a lapsed poet, as well as a former podcast host and co-producer. In 2010, I rode my bike across the U.S. and would do it again.
I live with my partner and kiddos in an intentional community in what is colonially named East Vancouver.