Team Building & Leadership Development Training Facilitators

Better facilitators add value to your team building, leadership and organizational development programs

When it comes to training, organizational and individual development programs, a quality facilitator is everything. Any program without a well-qualified and experienced leader is no program at all. It’s just an event. A field trip. That’s why we use only the best.

OWLS has an extensive network of professional facilitators worldwide. While many of our facilitators hold MBA and PhD degrees and have years of experience under their belts, that doesn't mean each one is right for every situation. Because every OWLS program is a custom program, we must have facilitators with broad and varied experience, capabilities and expertise. The expert facilitators that lead our programs in customer service, for example, are not the same as those heading up our programs in communications or managing change.

Our facilitators are skilled at identifying key moments in the events, directing attention to learning opportunities and guiding participants toward those “ah-ha” moments when personal and group discoveries are made, learning happens and lives change. They are adept at handling those critical moments when self-discovery may either be fully engaged and integrated or lost.

When you consider that every program delivered by OWLS is a custom program, designed specifically for your needs, and that every one of our facilitators is hand-picked for their ability to deliver maximum results from your program, we’re convinced you’ll discover what our other long-term clients know. That OWLS is the one company uniquely qualified to deliver the organizational-wide leadership solutions you need to help your company and your people grow.

Just a few of our over 50 facilitators:

Rusty
Has 23 years experience consulting on issues of organizational development, leadership and management training. His clients include Verizon, The metropolitan Museum of Art, The Tennessee Valley Authority, and New York City's Department of Citywide Administrative Services.

Rusty is a graduate of The University of Virginia's Executive Program, at the Darden Graduate School of Business. Rusty is a specialist in Organizational Development and has been a presenter at the National Organization Development Conference. He works as an independent human resource consultant in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Donna
Donna is an accomplished, dynamic, and client-driven training professional offering 11 years of progressive experience in training, facilitation, coaching, and curriculum design. She currently leads professional development programs for companies throughout North America, Asia, and the Caribbean.

A sample of past clients include: AXA, Boehringer Ingelheim, Baxter, Birla Sunlife Insurance, Citibank, Foresters, Fritolay, Henkel Loctite Corporation, L’Oreal, Organon Canada, Polaris, Proctor & Gamble, Sabcon, Siemens, Staples, SwissRe, Torrent Pharmaceuticals, Toshiba, Toyota, Wipro Technologies.

Donna discovered early in her career that traditional classroom-style education is ineffective and robs people of opportunities to build true competence in the learning process. In reaction to this, she set out to research new teaching methods that would produce self-directed, self-motivated, and self-acting learners—the kind of learners that would be valuable assets to an organization.

She developed innovative training programs that help trainers, instructors, and presenters transfer information to their learners efficiently with a high level of retention and comprehension in a variety-based, option-rich, skill-building learning environment. Her programs are noted for being fun, interactive, energizing, and hands-on.

Donna holds a Master's degree from the University of Calgary and taught in the Faculty of Communication and Culture for eight years. She has been a guest speaker at numerous conference programs, and most notably at the annual events organized by the International Alliance for Learning (IAL)—a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of learning worldwide.

Henry
Henry has more than 20 years of experience in media relations, marketing communications and crisis public relations. His passion is utilizing communications as a means for developing better relationships and improved results in the workplace, with the government or with the media.

Henry has led many crisis public relations campaigns, securing major media coverage, and raising funds for the legal defense.

Henry has worked with major news organizations, including the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, ABC News, CBS News and Fox. Immediately following the September 11 terrorist assault, Henry handled crisis public relations with the Northern Alliance of Afghanistan and appeared on Fox News Live’s “The Edge,” ABC’s “Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher,” and nationally syndicated radio talk shows with hosts Sean Hannity, Barry Farber, Oliver North and others. However, the best of Kriegel crisis communications programs were the ones that never reached the media. Additionally, Henry hosts “Open Range” on News Radio AM 1450 KMMS in Gallatin County, a Clear Channel station, frequently discussing national and local issues.

Henry spent six years as executive director of two Washington, DC-based international educational and humanitarian relief organizations. He helped establish public health programs in Asia and Africa for Freedom Medicine and raised more than $5 million in direct and in-kind support for the Afghan refugees. As spokesperson, Kriegel was featured on National Public Radio, CNN’s “Crossfire,” USIA’s WorldNet, The Washington Post and briefed members of Congress as well as President Reagan, his cabinet and worked closely with the US State Department and Agency for International Development.

Henry has a BA in psychology from Columbia University. He resides in Bozeman, Montana with his wife and three children.

Janet
Janet holds a BA in Business Administration from Baylor University (1982) and an MBA & MHA from the University of Missouri –Columbia (1984). She spent the first twenty years of her career in health care leadership positions, most recently serving for 13 years as Vice President for a regional health care system. In January of 2004, Janet stepped officially into the world of entrepreneurship by starting her own business with a desire to help individuals and organizations maximize their return on human capital—managing human behaviors for optimal outcomes.

Janet is a graduate of Coach University (May 2004), and in December of 2005, she earned the designation of PCC (Professional Certified Coach) by the International Coaching Federation. While she has worked with a variety of people and organizations, Janet acknowledges that her passion is working with those in the service profession, particularly healthcare. Janet believes that when professionals are truly living a fulfilled life, based on their own standards, the service and care they provide is optimized.

Janet has incorporated coaching principles and philosophies into all of her life. She values having fun, striving for excellence, life-long learning, and inspiring others.

She has lived in the Roanoke Valley for 20 years, currently making her home in the Salem community. She and her husband, David, have been married for ten years, and she is the proud step-mom of two children, Whitney (21) and Shawn (17). Janet likes to play tennis, cook, read, work-out, and take long walks.

Steve
Steve is recognized as an outstanding Key-Note Speaker, Motivator, Instructor and Consultant. His seminars are lively, informative, funny and insightful. His knowledge stems from a 20-year career at Management and Vice President level. His core competencies are in:Customer Service, Leadership, Communication Skills-Understanding People, Strategic Planning,Goal Setting, Time Management, Motivating a Sales Team.

Having taught at the Chicago School of Finance, and for the Institute of Self Actualization, Steve has plenty of hands-on experience helping corporations reach and sustain excellence. His knowledge of different market places and job situations is invaluable as a Master Facilitator and Coach. For example, he was Vice President of First Options of Chicago, Restaurant Manager for the Chicago Claim Company, and Assistant Vice President for Drexel Burnham. Steve has also owned and managed 2 thriving businesses. Steve has an extensive client list spanning many years.

Antonio
Antonio graduated from the University of Virginia in 1986 with his degree in Sociology. During his tenure, Antonio was dedicated to academics, athletics and community. He was the captain of the football team for two years and a four year starter at the running back position. After receiving his degree, Antonio played football for the Dallas Cowboys. He’s currently a member of the faculty in the Department of Information, Technology and Communication (ITC), at the University of Virginia.

Along with his duties at the University, Antonio also consults on an independent basis. Antonio is also a well known motivational speaker. He has shared his experiences with countless corporations. Antonio is committed to empowering individuals to take on all areas of their lives with passion, pride and determination.

Antonio has been working in the field of training and development since 1988. Antonio’s honesty, sense of humor and hands on approach is empowering as he speaks and consults on:

TQM, BPR, Staff Development, Motivation, Leadership, Commitment, Coaching, Teamwork, Customer Service, Risk taking, Delegation, Collaboration, Goal Setting and Attainment, Conflict resolution, Managing Change, Diversity, and MBTI

Antonio also has extensive organizational development and facilitation skills experience. When he’s not training in the classroom, Antonio can be found empowering groups at the local ropes course. He’s a certified OWLS Lead facilitator.

Robin
Robin is more than a coach – she is a mentor, guide and a seasoned professional who brings to her coaching practice the experience of training, business management, international product development and outdoor adventure learning. The foundation of her practice is that we are self limiting and can clear those underlying thoughts to create forward movement and progress.

Her coaching practice is based on the philosophy that we all “can” – when we are empowered and provided with the right support. This viewpoint is the core to Robin’s highly customized coaching practice whether you are a corporate executive struggling with work and life balance, an entrepreneur needing more focus, or an individual ready to take your career to the next level. In all of these and more, Robin has not only first hand experience, but the tools and commitment to help you attain them!

Robin spent many years in the corporate retail industry in store management, buying and product development. Her years in retailing provided her with the foundation of strong presentation skills, training, business management for multimillion dollar budgets, and working overseas with manufacturers.

She took these skills and translated them into the non-profit sector, running a regional arts gallery, working with artists who wanted to turn their hobbies into businesses. She developed a seminar series to provide artists with the “how to” of business plans, product development and gallery relationships.

Continuing to reach for her own next levels of excellence, Robin went back to school at the age of 30, and then found a new passion for rock climbing, becoming an instructor at the age of 37. Her passion was for working with adults and helping them to see that “getting off the ground” was possible! Subsequently she became an operating partner in a startup business that launched her work in the field of outdoor experiential learning and training.

Jodey
Jodey’s 8 years of work in facilitation and training has connected her with groups throughout the United States and internationally. In that time she has seen the positive impact that a well designed program using Experiential Learning methods can have for leaders and intact teams. Her diverse experience includes work with a range of state and federal government agencies, Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 companies, universities and non-profit organizations.

Jodey’s dynamic presentation style encourages open, effective communication while engaging groups in positive learning and team-building experiences. She has also specializes in Customer Service workshops. Jodey holds a BA from Miami University of Ohio.

When not working with groups, you can find Jodey out on the dance floor, or taking hikes with her two dogs in Maryland. For the last 7 years she has also worked during the summer as a wrangler on a ranch in the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness in Montana.

Darryl
Darryl is an energetic and creative facilitator who has been a consultant for many corporate leadership training organizations for the past nine years. He began as a trainer for OWLS in January of 2005. He has been a facilitator on the corporate level since 1996. He has trained a long list of diverse leaders such as Yale School of Management, ING Direct, Denver Colorado Leadership Forum, Martin Guitar, NASA and many others.

Darryl spends his down time traveling, skiing, camping and scuba diving with his wife. He also enjoys spending time with his three grandchildren and dog-sledding and camping the back country of Alaska with family and friends. He is currently training for the Ischinca Trilogy Expedition in the Cordillera Blanca Mountain ranges of Peru, which will include an ascent of Tocllaraju.

Amanda
Amanda began her career with adventure at The Colorado College in Colorado Springs, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and was hand selected to be a trainer for the Outdoor Leadership Committee. In 1995, Amanda earned her Wilderness First Responder with WMA.

She then started her 10 season stretch of working with the Voyageur and North Carolina Outward Bound Schools as an instructor and course director. Amanda has instructed, directed, and coached literally hundreds of students and clients with Outward Bound. In 1997, she earned her M.Ed. from the University of Kentucky, graduating with honors on the Dean’s List. In 2002 Amanda graduated from the Excellence in Speaking Institute. She is a member of the International Coach Federation, the governing body of the coaching industry, and Coachville, the largest trainer and community of coaches worldwide.

Teresa
Teresa believes that learning (change) is about being open to forming new interpretations in order to take different actions. She works closely with clients to discover what outcomes they seek: What is your (group’s) most pressing concern? What’s at stake? What do you want to see happen? What actions would bring greater effectiveness and satisfaction to your work (and personal) lives?

Teresa is a professional facilitator and coach who has designed and led workshops in building effective teams, facilitating group meetings, coaching others, developing leadership skills and understanding and mediating conflict. She has worked with leaders and managers from World Bank, GE Fanuc, Capital One, PriceWaterhouse Coopers, Philip Morris, USAID, Wachovia and the University of Virginia’s Darden Executive programs. Her coaching practice has included clients from the fields of human resources, business management, independent contracting, education and the arts.

Teresa has facilitator training from UVA and has completed coach training that is certified by the International Coaching Federation. She is co-author of a manual of basic skills in mediation. She holds degrees in education from the College of William and Mary and UNC-Chapel Hill.

Betsy
Is a lead facilitator for OWLS with over 20 years experience delivering experiential training and development programs. Clients have included AT&T, US West, Texas Instruments, Community Leadership Forums, Colorado Governor and cabinet, Bonne Bell, Morgan Lewis, Clark Oil, Cambridge Technology Associates, Kennedy School of Government, and others.

Betsy currently offers training seminars for the Brandt Group in Bozeman in the areas of customer service, giving and receiving feedback, effective communications, and using the DiSC for team development. Previous professional experiences include serving as Human Resources Director and Program Director for the Colorado Outward Bound School, Executive Director of Kids Voting Massachusetts, and Program Manager for the Institute for Public Strategies. Betsy holds two masters degrees in Social Work and Administration of Parks and Recreation. When not facilitating for OWLS, Betsy coordinates a restorative justice program for youth offenders, serves as a volunteer mediator in justice court and family dissolution cases, and operates a counseling private practice.Betsy has over 70 hours training as a mediator.

Betsy is an avid outdoors woman who handpicked and loves her home base in Bozeman, Montana. She enjoys skiing, hiking, mountaineering and canoeing Montana’s rivers. Betsy rode her bicycle cross-country from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean in 1978. The Rocky Mountains and the desert southwest are her favorite places to explore.

Kristen
Kristen is an expert in using horsemanship and ranching skills to affect change within organizations. Using a methodology with horses to emphasize behavior modification and more effective communication.

Kristen is committed to creating tangible results for her clients, based on their particular situations, needs, and goals. She has had over 20 years experience in sales, training and development, coaching, consulting and business development for large corporations including, 3Com Corporation and Anixter Inc. Much of her experience is in international environments; she has lived and worked in South America, Europe, and Asia, and is fluent in Portuguese, German and Spanish.

Kate
Kate is a certified life coach (graduate of the New Agreements Coach Training & Leadership Institute). Kate has over 7 years of coaching experience and takes a goal based, action oriented approach in her coaching practice. She believes if you are open to change, have the right attitude, have confidence in yourself and are willing to overcome fear… you truly can open the door for personal possibility! In 2001 Kate overcame her fear of heights (amongst other physical and emotional challenges) and summited the Zinalrothorn in Zermatt, Switzerland. The preparation, as well as the climb itself, was life-changing and established many of Kate’s foundational philosophies for her life and coaching practice.

Kate has a strong business background and has over 12 years experience working for a Fortune 500 corporation, serving in leadership roles within the Information Technology field. She holds a Masters Certificate (George Washington University) in project management and has over 6 years experience running multi-million dollar organization-wide projects. She is a graduate of SIM-RLF (Society of Information Management – Regional Leadership Forum) and also has experience in strategic planning, organizational development, performance management, change leadership and departmental facilitation. Kate holds a BA in Communication and Graphic Arts from James Madison University.

When she’s not chasing her 1-year-old daughter, Emma or meeting with clients, Kate enjoys traveling, being with family & friends, running and practicing yoga.

Charles
He has been contract facilitator for over 25 years delivering workshops utilizing experiential and theoretical methodology to address team building, strategic leadership, changes in corporate culture and interpersonal communication. Chuck has a degree in Health and Physical Education from the College of William and Mary.

Laurie
Is a Consultant/Facilitator with 25 years experience in education, corporate training, team building and eBusiness consulting. Laurie delivered team building activities for/to corporate teams including executives. Most activities included components of roll-playing and team efforts through verbal and non-verbal communication. Others included adventure activities outside the corporate setting including rope courses. Laurie was instrumental in bringing concepts learned in the field back to the corporate situation to promote stronger team relationships, leadership, and problem solving capabilities.

Laurie holds a BS degree in Communications from Central Connecticut University; an EMBA focused on Organizational Behavior, and a Graduate Certificate in Technical Writing from Northeastern University, Boston; and a M. Ed. from Bloomsberg University in Pennsylvania.

Ian
After graduating from the University of Washington, Ian served as an Officer in the United States Marines Corps. Upon resigning his commission, Ian moved to Bozeman, MT to pursue a master’s degree in the Earth Sciences. He subsequently moved to the greater Washington, D.C. area to teach middle school science for two years.

Regaining his geographic sense he returned to Bozeman and served as the Assistant Headmaster of a small independent school for a year prior to beginning work at Montana State University. Ian is currently the Assistant Director of the Northern Plains Transition to Teaching program and the Western States Certification Consortium program in the College of Education, Health & Human Development at MSU. Since 1992 Ian has also worked for the past 13 years as an instructor and course director for Outward Bound USA (formerly the Colorado Outward Bound School) in the mountaineering, semester, professional and community programs.

When he is not taking pleasure in the company of his family and friends, working, enjoying the whitewater kayaking, ice climbing, skiing, mountain biking, etc. in the region, or contemplating his next house project, Ian is nearing completion of a doctoral degree in education (Higher Education Administration).

Sabrina
Sabrina holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Reed College (1982), where her undergraduate thesis focused on the use of cognitive behavioral modification in the workplace resulting in improved team effectiveness in meeting strategic organizational goals.

Sabrina assisted Federal law enforcement agencies as a contract Profiler from 1982 to 2000. As part of a five person team, she was responsible for the evaluation and implementation of intelligence which was used to locate and apprehend suspects wanted by Federal law enforcement agencies. Over an 18 year period, the team of which Sabrina was a member had a 93% success rate of locating and arresting suspects.

Sabrina obtained her Master’s of Applied Behavioral Science in Management and Consulting from the Leadership Institute of Seattle (1995). Sabrina began coaching and consulting in 1993, while in her first year of graduate school. She has amassed both breadth and depth of experience by collaborating with a variety of clients. Sabrina has worked with individuals and teams from large organizations such as Microsoft, Boeing and Cable One as well as small companies such as Bell Ford, Ruger Investment Casting and the Yavapai-Apache Nation. Added to this client array is Sabrina’s experience as an instructor at the graduate level for the University of Phoenix, United States Chamber Foundation and American Management Association. Sabrina’s expertise in the areas of emotional and social intelligence was gained from 1982 to 2000, while contracted to the enforcement divisions of federal agencies as a Behavioral Analyst.

Don
Don has been involved in personal and professional development for over 15 years and is a member of the Montana Speakers Association. He has trained aspiring entrepreneurs in sales skills and customer service. After starting and growing a busy professional practice he decided to wed passion of horses with his gifts of teaching and training. He now lives in Bozeman Montana helping people toward better relationships using horses. His “Horsemanship from the Heart” approach has inspired many people and organizations searching for leadership skills, synergy and relationship building. Using the horse/trainer relationship as a metaphor, his lively presentations provide valuable insights concerning careers, family and personal growth.

Gary
Gary is an Organizational Development consultant and Experiential-Based Training and Development practitioner with over 20 years of experience helping individuals, teams and organizations excel. Gary holds a graduate certificate degree in Organization Development from Georgetown University. He also is ACA Whitewater-Kayak Instructor. Gary lives in Northern Virginia with his wife Dian. When not working he can be found fishing on streams far and near or bounding along mountain trails.

Jennifer
Over the span of 14 years Jennifer has gained experience in a wide range of corporate arenas, from mid-sized, privately owned companies, to Fortune 100 companies. She has engaged these businesses' in wholesale distribution, national retail and global manufacturing consulting. She held a high level position with Pfizer managing inventory, key accounts and people.

Calling upon her own relevant experience, extensive exploration, training and sense of humor, her aim is to facilitate organizational health, authentic leadership and personal well-being via individual and team coaching, consulting and group interaction.

Linda

Linda is a professional coach and trainer who specializes in equine-facilitated training. Her expertise combines formal education in psychology (B.S.) and business administration (MBA), over 20 years of experience in business management and team building, a great passion and appreciation for horses, and a deep desire to help others enhance their success in life and business.

Because horses desire true leadership and naturally reflect back what is communicated to them, they make very effective training partners in the areas of communication and leadership. Linda studied under internationally-renowned horseman Monty Roberts to develop her understanding of horse psychology and communication, and worked with experts including Martha Beck and Koelle Simpson to incorporate her unique skill and expertise into an exceptional equine-facilitated training program. As a strong proponent of experiential learning, Linda has designed her workshops to offer the highest level of learning with a combination of concept and theory, real-life demonstrations, individual and group exercises, and work with horses. Concepts are introduced, validated through application, and driven home through powerful, first-hand experiences. This training approach develops participants’ actual ability rather than just adding knowledge that may or may not be applied and may be remembered or forgotten.

Participants leave Linda’s workshops with skills and tools that can be applied immediately for enhanced results across their personal and professional lives. Imagine each member of your team with a greater ability to communicate effectively, a realization of their own natural leadership skills and the ability to implement these skills naturally with ease, enhanced confidence in themselves and others, and a greater perspective and understanding of their role in effective teamwork. Linda’s program can accomplish this in only three days!

Jacobus
Has been providing OWLS programs since 1999. He brings to OWLS 12 years of experience leading adventure recreation, service learning, and leadership development.

When he’s not facilitating with OWLS you might find him in the Pacific Northwest restoring our environment or leading extended (35 day) service learning wilderness expeditions. In addition to being a Wilderness First Responder Jacobus holds a B. S. from the University of Oregon, and an Outdoor Instructor certification from the National Outdoor Leadership School.

Justi
Justi was born in Charlottesville, Virginia and graduated with a Environmental Biology degree from Northern Arizona University in 1996. He has guided rivers in 8 states since 1993. In 1997, he started traveling and working in Argentina.

Two years later Justi and his Argentine partner, Oscar Dono, formed Fly Fishing Patagonia, an adventure travel company based out of Bariloche, Argentina. Their company offers fully personalized and exclusive fly fishing wing and shooting trips, educational journeys, and wine tours to various parts of Argentina. There company’s mission is to offer premier fly fishing adventures with a major emphasis on a unique and diverse Argentine experience.

Alex
Alex has been involved in leadership development for fourteen years during which time has had led outdoor programs in twenty-two states. This experience is the basis for his highly praised book, the AMC Guide to Outdoor Leadership. Alex provides leadership training and risk management consulting services as a partner in Adventure Safety International LLC, which serves the recreation and education industry in over thirty countries.

A former member of the management staff at the Appalachian Mountain Club, he established that organization’s risk management system, managed relations with 14,000 volunteers, and founded the AMC Leadership Training Institute. Each year Alex goes vertical to instruct a climbing course for Outward Bound—an organization he has also served as a course director, instructor trainer and safety consultant. Living in Bozeman, Montana, Alex indulges his passions for rock and ice climbing, telemark skiing, fly fishing and occasionally warming up by the wood stove.

Tim
Tim comes to OWLS with an MBA from Western New England College and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Tufts University. He has worked for several companies in different capacities as an engineer, manager and supervisor. Most of these experiences included working on successful cross-functional teams.

Tim has also owned an ecommerce website and a retail store. Tim’s business experience has allowed him to wear just about every ‘hat’ making it easy for him to relate to his clients. He has vast facilitation experience including companies such as Siemens and Philip Morris. Tim also serves as a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment, and is active on the Planning Board. He serves as a member of the newly formed Carbon Coalition in Milton, NH. Tim is always seeking new and creative ways to help organizations meet and exceed their goals.

Tim is an avid mountaineer, backpacker, back-country skier, ice climber, rock climber and kayaker.

Mike
Coop has been an avid climber and mountain guide for over 14 years. For the last decade, his passion for climbing has taken him to the best climbing and skiing locations in the world. With expeditions to Spain, Italy, France, Chile, Peru, Vietnam, and Thailand Coop has climbed on almost every continent. Coop has many first ascents of rock and ice routs in Montana and many first ski descents in Montana and Alaska.

Coop has been the owner of a successful alpine guide program for the last 7 years and partners with OWLS on their back country corporate programs. He has recently completed his masters degree in Snow Science from Montana State University. As a guide and climbing instructor Coop, enjoys introducing people to the art of rock and ice climbing in the highest and most remote places on earth. He also guides multi-day, back country ski and ski mountaineering expeditions as well as teaching avalanche safety. Coop currently lives and works in Bozeman, Montana as a guide and avalanche forecaster.

Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician, Outdoor Emergency Care Instructor, American Avalanche Association Level III, Avalanche Course
Avalanche Educator, GNF Avalanche Center Forecaster, Masters of Science in Earth Science