Administrative Team

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

Laura joined the IFSI team in April 2023. She is a skilled learning designer and team leader with experience designing online, classroom, and blended learning solutions for organizations including PBS, TED, and Habitat for Humanity. She is excited to be part of IFSI’s growth as we work to expand our training and learning events to a wider audience.

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. 

Sara joined the team in September 2018 with over 20 years of experience at the intersection of marketing and operations for online businesses adjacent to the behavioral health fields. She believes in the power of community connection, and holds the value that great customer experience will make or break any organization. She enjoys living an outdoor lifestyle in Colorado with her husband and three kids. 

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.  

Harriet joined the IFSI team in July 2023. Harriet received her Juris Doctor from LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 2014 and has since practiced in a wide range of legal fields before landing in-house. Harriet is a true legal generalist with a background in corporate, government, labor, trademarks, and litigation. In her spare time, Harriet enjoys LSU football and traveling with her husband, toddler, and maltipoo. 

Jeffrey joins IFSI as the Director of Finance, a professional with a history of successfully leading high-performing teams in delivering and managing budgets, developing financial models, and providing insightful analysis within the consumer goods, service, manufacturing, and non-profit sectors. Jeffrey’s career has centered on building teams where members are encouraged to use their unique skills to contribute and grow. He believes a company’s financial information is a tool to drive decision making as well as a way to measure the effectiveness of those decisions. 

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. 

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.

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

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.

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.

Jen joined the IFS Institute team in April 2022. She is a licensed social worker with a significant background in working with marginalized individuals and families. Before her role as a trauma therapist, Jen owned and operated her consulting firm for 15 years. During this time, she provided valuable services to the nonprofit and small business sectors, specializing in grassroots advocacy, community-building, communications, policy/legislation campaigns, marketing, and technology. 

Haley joined the IFS team in August 2023. With a background in customer service, administration, and creative writing, she aims to merge this experience with her embodiment of the IFS model through Self-leadership and a commitment to social equity and justice. Haley is passionate about learning and exploration; when she's not at her desk, you'll often find her reading, riding her bicycle, or spending quality time with her cats, Charlie and Mango.

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. 

Shuka joined the team in June 2021 with a Masters in Counseling working towards LPC licensure in the state of Texas. After helping to implement the groundwork for our inbound communication process, she moved into the role of Certification Specialist where she provides guidance and support for both IFS Certified folks and our IFS-I approved Clinical Consultants. She's currently assisting in the development of an updated and digitized Certification process. 

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.

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.

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