When I think of my philosophy as a facilitator or presenter, I think of popular education and social change, characterized by a mutual relationship between facilitator and participants, in which participants’ experiences, needs, and concerns are the starting point, and the community is recognized as the source of knowledge.
I believe my role as a trauma-informed facilitator is to create a learning environment where individuals feel comfortable and empowered to question, challenge, reflect, and participate fully in meaning-making. My goals and strategy in education is to ask the right questions that help individuals solve the problems facing their community or organization.
In other words: I’m not the expert. You are. When presenting, I offer new ideas and information, but I do so with the humility of an invited guest who respects a community’s expertise of its own needs and issues.
Julie Ann has presented at international forums, including:
Nonprofits, coalitions, and mission-driven organizations looking for a facilitator or presenter who meets them where they are, whether for a staff training, board retreat, conference session, or community convening. Also, a strong fit for organizations that want a speaker with both national and international credibility on topics ranging from trauma-informed practice and equity to safeguarding, governance, and social change.
