Educational FAQ’s

What is your methodology for teaching?

Catalyzing Inspiration takes a whimsical yet rigorous way of approaching education. It is based on global travel, insights while working on foreign affairs and diplomacy, real-world problems and a foundational background in languages, arts and social sciences and holistic health. 

How can you combine whimsy and rigor?

That is the beauty of Catalyzing Inspiration! My methodology draws on a Renaissance learning approach – mentoring youth to build diverse and embodied learners, driven by passion for applying what they learn. The whimsy comes from basing classes always on what inspires the student. Often times when a student isn’t doing well in a class it has more to do with lack of motivation around the class or teacher, than the topic itself.

So what is the solution?

Engaging the student in a way the school system is typically not engineered for – see what interests the student on the topic and build around it. By creating this safe container of learning, they are freer to take risks and learn without the fears that somehow joined them along the way.

Where does Catalyzing Inspiration draw its own inspiration?

The Waldorf model, as well as making learning relevant and intriguing to each student. Classes cater fully to the student. I spent time teaching under the Soviet system in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. I saw rote learning in action. I see it in the education system in the U.S. too. It takes a generation to unprogram outdated teaching models. My goal is to bring students into a new way of learning – committed mentorship and shaping global leaders at the youngest levels. I guide students to be leaders with a strong moral compass. Also never overlook the zen of finding joy in little moments.

What is the biggest challenge in the education system?

For me it is how to build this safe container for learning while still encouraging them to take risks, be flexible and creative. I work with students to help them see there really isn’t a right or wrong way to write an essay or speak about a topic. I empower the student to express their truth while at the same time giving them tools to navigate the school system. Truth and teaching students to find the truth is one of my biggest motivators.

Do you work with learning challenges?

Yes! For me it is less about the student being challenged than it is an education system that has failed the student. That being said, I have worked with ADHD, dyslexic and mildly autistic students teaching them languages, history and writing. I find a way to keep students engaged and excited, even while doing remote learning. My mentorship offers a kind and committed rigor that prevents bored zoning out, while giving spaciousness for students to process internally.

Coaching FAQ’s

I help brilliant people step out of their inner and completely normalized chaos.

Therapy is one approach to looking at problems.

It doesn't always get the results you want because you may be looking for action in your life. And the therapist can only take you as deep as they have gone themselves. While a coach is not going to do the work for you, as your coach I will lovingly guide you back to tackle life challenges, one step at a time.

Finding a flow state and "progress" looks different for everyone. It might not have worked for you because you were trying to fit a circle peg into a square hole.

Inspiration and flow can come when you are heard, seen and able to experience your own brilliance. It is the mastery of looking at your shadow, learning from it and committing to stepping into a new you.

Overwhelmed? We look at what is accessible. This looks different to different people. In order to launch your new brand or big company, you need foundational habits of self-care to support the larger structures you are building. We start with whatever is pressing - whatever the the key to unlock the next stage. We don't go any faster than is sustainable for you.

Worried about working with someone? I come from a practice of holistic specialists that focus on the mind-body-spirit and energetic bodies. We believe that you are not your actions, your emotions, your thoughts. You are a radiant light and doing your best in a sometimes dull world. I will work with you to remember your radiance, shine, vibrance and teach you to embody the sweet purity of your five-year old self with curiosity, passion, kindness and inspiration. It is possible.

It won't work for me.

Give me one month to help shift your world. It will only work if you want it to. I work with root challenges in clients that keep them stuck. I can assess quickly if you actually are ready to get unstuck.  When you work with what is accessible and incremental change, change is possible. It just involves putting in the effort.

I'm afraid of asking for help.

You may come from a background where getting help shows weakness. The truth is that sometimes we need insights and redirection to remember our lightness of being. Problem may be a trigger word for you. It may rekindle a sense of shame or guilt. I'm there with you. I get it. I wouldn't even be in this position to help you until I had tremendous assistance. I believed myself to be superwoman, working on conflict and peace challenges in countries around the world as a humanitarian and diplomat. It was through these experiences, I realized that I had my own trauma from life experiences, as well as living in some pretty intense places. Everything that happens to us is recorded in our bodies - our cells, muscles, organs. So there are very few people in the world that don't need any help at all. It's taken me a process and deep mentorship to allow myself to be visible.

Asking for help doesn't mean weakness, it shows power, leadership, courage, and genuine brilliance as you can see that you can't do it alone. And none of us can do it alone.

Join me and let's walk together to better versions of ourselves.

I learn from each of my mentored clients. They inspire me. I inspire them. This is what a collective of social change agents is - committing to a better you and a better tomorrow.