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| "I use what I learned in ICLF courses every single day--at the office, with my family, and in my friendships. ICLF taugt me effective mehtods that I have used for several years when I encounter conflict, whether it's in relationships with others or my own bad mood. One way of seeing life is as a series of challenges; what I learned gives me immediate perspective and helps me move from problem to solution. In helping to "unblock" issues, it also opened me up creatively. These aren't the kinds of "tools" you get in those work-related one-day seminars where the best thing about them is the doughnuts--these are learnings that are presented subtly, thoughtfully, and in a way that integrates them into your life. I look at the courses as having given me, maybe not extra years of life, but extra years of a life led consciously and effectively." |
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Betsy Hickok
professional writer and musician |
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| "I have had a lot of education that prepared me for the technical part of professional life. But the education I received in Stage I provided me with insights about my personal life (including my dealings with people at work) that opened up a whole arena of possibilities that I simply didn't see before. A day doesn't go by that I don't think about the things I learned in Stage I and how it has helped me become more effective in my life. It certainly has helped me in my professional life (to improve my professional dealings with people is the reason I signed up for the course in the first place); however, the tremendously positive (unexpected) effect of the lessons learned in Stage I on my personal life i.e., family--my wife and sons, is what I am most grateful for." |
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Nelson Logan
participated in an EFL Stage I course in 1989 and subsequently took all the other EFL courses and many others. He is a certified Stage I coach and past professor at the University of Iowa and now serves on the faculty at the University of Florida. |
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| "I have always taken opportunities to grow, but I believe that I learned some very powerful lessons through the courses offered by the ICLF that were not available in any other setting I have encountered. I really understand at a deep level what it means to be the creator of my life and am leading a life that is fuller and more loving than ever before." |
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Joanna Lawson
is a psychotherapist (turning coach), originally from England, who has been living in Iowa since 1987. She is married with two children and two stepchildren. |
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| "What EFL taught me was that I could move easily from a prevailing mood of anger, frustration, and hopelessness to ones that suited the activities in which I wanted to engage with others. Life is much fuller now, and I find myself primarily in a mood of awe and wonder." |
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Joseph Brisben
is a financial adviser. |
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| "While I have participated in many seminars that involve mental health and self-improvement, the ICLF courses have been, by far, the most powerful and the most fun. I have learned to run my life much more effectively and, surprisingly, it?s much easier than before. Not only do I reach goals, but also I suffer less, enjoy life more, and have better relationships. I highly recommend these excellent courses." |
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Janet Shepherd
is an ontological coach, licensed psychologist, artist, and workshop facilitator. She has participated in the EFL core courses and other courses available through the ICLF. She graduated from the Art of Coaching Course III and was enrolled in Mystery School with Jean Houston from 2003-2005. Janet sees individuals for life design coaching and positive psychology at Eastwind Healing Center in Iowa City. www.eastwindhealing.com |
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| "My participation in the EFL program has encouraged me to embrace my future with confidence and joy. And the fact that my husband participated with me has strengthened our relationship as has no other life event. I like that this is an intergenerational learning experience. Through EFL I have made friends of all ages. As a person of retirement age it is wonderful to be challenged and accepted. I discovered how much I value my range of life experiences and how much I have yet to contribute. I encourage any older person who is a risk taker to participate. The program can aid in giving you the focus to live your life with meaning and zest." |
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Mary Kathryn Wallace
is a gerontologist who spends her time volunteering in the community and connecting with family and friends. |
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| "I initially participated in these seminars over 12 years ago. I am grateful for the learning then and the continued learning that the course distinctions have provided me. I have become a better listener with family, friends, clients and co-workers. This has provided me with the capacity to see situations not only from my viewpoint but theirs as well. I have been able to shift my interpretation of situations and people through my listening. By being able to listen well, I am able to make more effective choices in all areas of my life. This has enabled me to experience an increased sense of trust, joy, gratitude, peace and ambition." |
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Denise Palmisano
Denise is a Certified Integrative Coach Professional through JFK University and The Ford Institute. She is also certified as a Senior Ontological Coach through Education for Living and has completed the Bloomwork Coaching Program. Denise's ongoing journey of discovering her own wholeness has led her to experience more passion, peace and possibilities in her life. Denise has integrated her learning and experiences in the design and facilitation of workshops and seminars. She has worked with individuals, couples and corporate clients since 1995.
Denise serves on the board of the Louisiana Learning Foundation and is a member of the International Association of Integrative Coaches and the Iowa City Learning Foundation. She is also a volunteer team member with Kairos Prison Ministry and Lagniappe Country Emmaus Community. Both of these non-profit organizations support and empower individuals towards spiritual awakening and spiritual renewal. She has one daughter and 2 grandchildren who are the love and joy of her life.
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| "The EFL courses and others sponsored by the ICLF have gotten me out of my analytical mind and more into my feeling heart. I listen better, feel more deeply and am living my life with much more zest, playfulness and love than ever before." |
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Douglas Wallace
is a mostly retired former professor, environmental engineering consultant and businessman. He is the father of three and grandfather of four. He continues to do some consulting and teaching mostly in the international arena, however, he spends most of his time playing with his wife of 40 years, caring for grandchildren and pursuing many interests. |
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| "I continue to be amazed by my experience of the introductory and advanced courses. Through my learning I was able to design a new career when my old job was eliminated through a downsizing effort. I learned that I still had value even though my job was gone. In addition I have the joy of developing new intimate adult relationships with my life partner and with my children. I anticipate retirement in the next few years and continue to be excited about living, loving and learning. Authentic conversations with both family and friends are now a part of my daily life. I am grateful for all I have learned and for the joy in my life." |
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Kay Mescher
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| "As a couple going through EFL prior to marriage, our experience is one that brought us closer together and more complete in our relationship. Through the safe environment provided, we were able to see each other more clearly--both our strengths and weaknesses and issues that we each struggle with. We've continued to draw upon the tools and knowledge we gained from our experience and truly feel we have an even stronger relationship because of going through stages I & II of EFL." |
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Janice Baldes
Graphic Designer |
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| "My first Education for Living Seminar occurred seven years ago. It was, for me, a turning point by starting me on the path to becoming a committed learner. The seminars have contributed to my sense of joy and peacefulness by allowing me to look at life in terms of possibilities rather than limitations. They have allowed me to look at learning as a set of skills that I can develop if I so choose. As a result of learning how to be a better listener I have experienced a much deeper connection and intimacy with other people, which has greatly enriched my life. The seminars now created by the Iowa City Learning Foundation are, for me, an investment in our present and future lives together as humans on this planet." |
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Virginia Melroy
is a librarian and life-long learner. Her major avocations are gardening, scrapbooking, spirituality and leading the Dances of Universal Peace. |
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| "As a result of the first EFL course, my wife, Dee, and I took our first vacation in 25 years that wasn't work related. I truly believe that the core courses taught us how to play again." |
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Pete Vanderhoef
is owner of Iowa Book L.L.C., father of three, and husband for 38 years. |
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| "Seven years ago I took my first EFL course. The course was a significant life expanding experience. It challenged me; it nurtured me; I had fun; I was sad; it allowed me to see myself and grow. Since then I've taken a half dozen courses, each as effective as the first or more so. The ICLF courses allow a person to grow in all the dimensions of their life." |
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Donna Hirst
is manager of the library computer system at the University of Iowa, mother of two children in college, and a woman who loves life and those who accompany her through life's adventures. |
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| "Despite achieving family, professional and financial success in my life, I lacked a sense of connection to the people, community and world around me. Through courses supported by the membership of the ICLF, I gained new understanding and competence in listening and addressing the concerns of those around me. My expanded ability to listen has made me a better husband, parent, friend, teacher and physician. I feel much more connected to people who enrich my life. I'm profoundly grateful for the opportunity to be in workshops and seminars that give participants new perspectives." |
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Paul Pomrehn
is a physician and professor. |
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| "I completed the EFL training more than 10 years ago. I still use the tools each and every day. What I learned in this unique training changed my life from not working at all, to working very well. My marriage, my relationships with my children and parents, and my own confidence and satisfaction with my life were all significantly improved. I still must work at these things, but now I have the tools I needed to help me to work "smarter." My family and I are forever grateful for the difference this educational training has made in our ability to live, love, work and play together." |
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Gloria Nye
I'm a resource managment specialist in human ecology in the LA Cooperative Extension Service at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. I have a PhD in educational leadership and research with a specialization in higher education administration. |
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| "The courses offered by the ICLF have shown me the importance of balance in my life. I have learned to prioritize my commitments and bring them into alignment with what I really want from life. My involvement with the ICLF has resulted in more fulfillment at work, at home and in the community." |
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Mary Smith
is a physical therapist, wife and mother of three. |
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| "By learning to make distinctions and learning to listen, the EFL courses showed me a way to communicate much more effectively and enhance all my relationships." |
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Daniel Benton
is a t'ai chi teacher and an administrator at the University of Iowa. |
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| "I recently completed the first course of the EFL program and have started to live the rest of my life with renewed confidence. Not until I took this course did I understand my potential and value to myself and others. The true skill of listening to others has enabled me to assess situations accurately, objectively and in a positive light. My goal was to obtain skills to confidently challenge myself to be successful and fulfilled on a daily basis and to maintain inner peace. This experience has already strengthened my relationship with my husband, family and business associates." |
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Laura Hershberger
is a software project manager by profession, a mother of one and a wife of 26 years. |
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| "I have seen a major shift in my life since taking the courses. I learned to love myself and realize the gift that I am to others in my life. I have taken on many leadership roles in the past few years that I felt were out of my reach prior to 1997. I have also found friends to support me in my continued learning and living." |
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Colleen Horrell
is an accountant who is Manager of Accounting Services for the largest private human service agency in Iowa. |
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| "I have seen education from many vantage points: volunteer, associate, student teacher, classroom teacher, instructional consultant, technology coordinator and principal and have been around education all of my life. What I learned in EFL has had more to do with my feeling successful and fulfilled each day than all of the classes I took to earn my Ph.D. in education." |
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Robert van Deusen
is principal of a K-8 school in Amana. |
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| "Through EFL I left a life in which I isolated myself for a life full of people, problems, and love. I much prefer my new life." |
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Philip Zell
is a scientist. |
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