As a master facilitator, I work with small and large groups to conduct meetings, retreats, workshops, and extended trainings.

One of my key roles as a facilitator is to "hold the space" and create a safe atmosphere in which participants can listen to each other with care, speak with respect, and make useful contributions. The result is a high level of participant satisfaction with the meeting's organization, focus on goals, and tangible accomplishments.

Based on the needs of each group, I blend a variety of approaches mastered through formal training in Appreciative Inquiry, Consensus Building, FrameWorks Institute Strategic Frame Analysis™, Graphic Recording and Facilitation, Open Space Technology, PeerSpirit Circling, Polarity Management™, Strategic Collaboration, and World Café. I also completed training programs with Kolbe Corp. that focused on team building, successful hiring, leadership development, employee motivation and retention, and conflict resolution; and with McFletcher Corp. that focused on workplace and workforce alignment.

I use a structured and flexible approach that respects the unique composition of each group and catalyzes the conversations that need to happen to get the job done. The process may include:

• Mapping interconnections and influences
• Prioritizing needs
• Developing, implementing, and measuring activities
• Sustaining momentum to achieve objectives
• Preparing reports and recommendations

Past projects include:

• Facilitating board/staff strategic planning retreats for St. Luke’s Health Initiatives, Arizona Behavioral Health Corp./Arizona Foundation for Behavioral Health, Phoenix Revitalization Corp., Arizona Dental Association, Arizona Dental Foundation, Arizona Foundation for Women, Adelante Healthcare, Maricopa County Association of Family Mediators, Arizona Health-e Connection Consumer Advisory Council, and the American College of Physicians-AZ Chapter, among others.
  
  
• Designing and facilitating 2011 Communities in Schools Western Convening.
  
  
• Facilitating collaborative sessions for Communities for All Ages on statewide leadership structure and for the Arizona Cancer Coalition on cancer disparities.
  
  
• Moderating “A Community Conversation on Immigration & Health Care in Arizona,” a gathering of 85 health and human services providers and community members, sponsored by the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum and the Health Through Action Arizona Collaborative Partnership.
  
  
• Designing and facilitating workshops on Collaborative Facilitation and Communication Skills for the Community Impact Department of Valley of the Sun United Way.
  
  
• Facilitating a community forum for Maricopa Community Colleges' Center for Civic Participation.
  
  
• St. Luke’s Health Initiatives Technical Assistance Partnership (TAP) consultant for facilitating the development of:
  • An alliance formed by the People of Color Network to create a program plan for a peer/family-run enterprise to enhance behavioral health services provided to culturally diverse transition-age youth and adults.
  • A Maricopa County oral health alliance.
  • A behavioral health peer and family coalition to participate in service program design.
  • A collaborative effort to develop an online resource directory for women veterans in Arizona.
    
    
• Facilitating a series of meetings with Phoenix Country Day School parents and faculty to uncover important issues and underlying values, and encourage candid and solution-focused discussions.
  
  
• Moderating the Governor's Arizona Health Coverage Policy Summit: Building Affordable Healthcare Options for Small Business (November 2006), to provide business and community leaders with action-oriented knowledge, models, and tools to advance access to affordable care in our communities; explore in depth, with national and local experts, coverage models being used in other states and proposed nationally; and stimulate local stakeholders to create, lead, and participate in local initiatives that will make healthcare coverage a reality for all Arizona small businesses.
  
  
• Assisting the faculty of a medical residency program in identifying their vision, mission, and steps needed to improve their effectiveness as a department. After follow-up workshops, faculty reported improvements in communication, problem solving, and collegial support.