Administrative Team

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

Mary Anne is Training Program Coordinator for standard Level 1, 2, and 3 training programs in the U.S.  She has been working with IFS Institute for more than 10 years, and has a background in office management, and academic and arts administration.

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.

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.

Ashley joined the team in 2011 and oversees all aspects of the IFS Annual Conference. She is IFS Level 1 trained and has a background in hospitality management, event management and marketing.

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.

4 Lawterdale Circle #2
Asheville, NC 28804

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.

Amanda joined IFSI in 2021. She is 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 her spare time she enjoys riding motorcycles and spending time with her rescue dog, Lady. 

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.

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. 

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.    

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

Andrea brings a wealth of experience in Communications, Digital Marketing, Operations and Entrepreneurship. Working closely with the CEO and a range of stakeholders, Andrea will play a key role in facilitating the Institute’s domestic and international growth through project management, operations and strategy support, and public relations by driving collaborative change.