Administrative Team

Shuka joined the team in June 2021 with a background in customer success at high growth technology companies and a Masters in Counseling working towards LPC licensure in the state of Texas. She was on the client side herself prior to joining the team, so she is extra passionate about creating an exemplary experience for all individuals seeking to learn more about IFS.

Karen has been providing coordination of the IFS certification program since its inception in 2010.  In this capacity, Karen assists applicants throughout the IFS certification application process and also provides administrative support for the IFS recertification process which is required every two years.

Donna joined the IFS team in April 2022 and has over 18 years of experience in human resources, which includes global leadership, developing organizational strategy and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.  Donna will play an integral role in designing, evolving, and leading our strategic efforts to recruit, develop and retain trainers and program staff.  She is passionate about IFS and the hope that this work will lead to greater Self leadership.  Donna enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, and scrapbooking.

Shawn joined the IFS staff team in July 2020 with over 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, community development, and racial justice advocacy. He is passionate about the mission of IFS and is especially interested in the intersections between personal healing and community transformation. In his spare time, he enjoys writing, mentoring young adults, traveling, and walking his dog. 

Amanda joined IFSI in 2021. They are passionate about systems-change, anti-racist and decolonizing frameworks and mutual aid. She provides full time executive support for Dr. Richard Schwartz and the IFSI team. In their spare time they enjoy riding motorcycles and spending time with their rescue dog, Lady. 

Ashley joined the team in 2011 with a background in hospitality management, event management and marketing. She oversees all aspects of the IFS Annual Conference and other Learning Events organized by the IFS Institute. Ashley is IFS Level 1 Trained and has been a member of the Institute's Diversity & Inclusion Committee since 2016. 

Jessy joined the IFS Institute in December of 2020. She has over ten years of experience in elementary education administration and was trained in restorative justice practices. In her free time she enjoys DIY projects for her home and garden.    

Alexandra became part of the IFS institute team in January of 2019. Alexandra has a background within the hospitality industry handling housing and site selections. As the Training Site Sourcing Coordinator, she now handles the site searches for the IFS Level 1, 2 and 3 trainings. 

Submit a Site Recommendation *Please note: All IFS Level 1,2, and 3 Trainings will be organized online through 2021 due to COVID-19.

Eliza joined the IFS staff team in June of 2022.  She has a background in operations and asset management and brings considerable experience in stakeholder communications. She is responsible for new trainer onboarding, trainer scheduling, supporting performance management, engaging with trainers to help with their development goals, and generally supporting the trainer community.  Eliza enjoys gardening, birdwatching, traveling, and spending time with her two Jack Russell Terriers.

Sandy joined the team in 2008.  Prior to IFS Institute Sandy worked as an Assistant in Mental Health for several years.  Sandy handles the IFS Bookstore, Practitioner Directory, any website issues and/or general questions.

Jen started with the team in 2013 with a background in arts management and technical theatre.  She handles most questions related to Trainings and general information for IFS Institute. She's happy to email or chat about trainings when she isn't traveling with her family or walking her giant dog.

Leslie joined the IFS team in September 2022. Leslie has a background in accounting and has a Master of Accounting and Finance degree from Keller Graduate School of Management. She is fluent in Spanish. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two children, nature, and working out.

Mary Anne has been a member of IFS Institute’s administrative team for more than 10 years and is responsible for overseeing the increasing number of North American Level 1, 2, and 3 Training Programs.  Her background in educational and arts administration and teaching continues to inform her work.

Phillip joined IFSI in 2022.  He has over 20 years of success improving financial operations for mission-driven organizations and is thrilled to be adding his skills to the IFSI team.  Phillip works with financial systems and reporting here at IFSI.  In his off-time, he enjoys tai-chi, yoga, and long walks with friends.

Maria joined the IFS team in 2022.  She has a Bachelor's degree in Speech and Language Therapy and resides in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  Maria enjoys journal scrapbooking, and planning events such as baby showers for friends and family.  Maria is fluent in Spanish and English.

Mary joined the team in 2005, with a background in business administration and mathematics.  She handles all things financial for the IFS Institute.

Sara joined the team in September 2018 with a background working in operations and marketing for companies serving behavioral health providers. Sara oversees course development and member support for IFS online learning programs, marketing and affiliate partnerships, and internal technical operations for IFS Institute.

Shelia joined the IFS team in November of 2022 with a background in operations, education, and customer service. She oversees the customer support representatives and assists with needs across departments.  In her down time, Shelia enjoys crafting, reading, and home DIY projects.

Kimberly joined the IFS Institute in June 2020 as the Training Program Admissions and Records Administrator. She has a background in language translation, editing, and writing for international organizations. 

Eryca joined the IFS team in October of 2022.  Experience in operations management in the healthcare and nonprofit space. In her free time she likes to play volleyball, play board games and travel.

Anna joined the IFSI team in April 2022 and has expertise in operations, financial management, project management, and strategic administration, primarily in the non-profit and academic sectors. She is a collaborative team leader who has led diverse teams to achieve organizational goals, especially during times of considerable change. She uses emotional intelligence, diplomacy, humor, and grace under pressure to manage complex situations. Anna has an MSW from Simmons College School of Social Work and an MPA from the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. 

Julio joined the IFS team in 2022.  Julio has a Bachelor of Law.  I have worked in Spain at the Institute of Nonviolent Communication and at the IFS Madrid Institute for almost a decade.  I have completed Level 1, 2 and 3 in IFS.  I graduated from the Drama school for actors in Spain.  I have been organizing trainings for actors in Spain for the development of new techniques from other parts of the world that are little known in Spain.  Languages: Spanish, English and Portuguese
 

Jen joined the IFS team in April 2022 and is a licensed clinical social worker who has worked primarily with marginalized individuals and families. Prior to working as a trauma and grief therapist, she ran her own consulting firm for 15 years, serving the nonprofit and small business sectors in the fields of grassroots advocacy, community-building, communications, policy/legislation campaigns, marketing, and technology.  In her spare time, she enjoys reading, documentaries, genealogy, as well as time with family and friends.

Luis joined the team in 2022 and oversees all aspects of the international activity of the IFS Institute.  He has a background as international lawyer and manager in various multinational companies and plays a key role in the Institute’s international expansion.  Trained in IFS levels 1&2, he is passionately convinced of the enormous contribution that the IFS model represents for mankind nowadays.  

Laura became part of the IFSI team in January 2023 and has dedicated her professional career in serving others as a Leader, Mentor, and Clinician. With a background in counseling and nearly 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Laura has worked diligently in building successful teams and maintaining collaborative partnerships with multidisciplinary and diverse entities. As the Community Access Manager, Laura will continue to compassionately serve various community partners to ensure that IFSI programming is accessible to all.