Location: Arlington

Certifications:

• Kansas Leadership Center Leadership Coach Certificate

Coaching offered:

• In-person for initial sessions; virtual, phone, or in-person for continuing sessions
• Individual or group (3-8 individuals) coaching

Background and coaching philosophy: In the pre-Covid 19 past, I started completing trainings with the Kansas Leadership Center. I was curious about how I could use the tools presented to help my community make progress. I continued to pursue all of the training that they offered, ending with the leadership coaching intensive. I had been curious about facilitation and coaching since working with and watching KLC staff. It seemed like work I would enjoy and value the outcomes enough to put in the work. I was not disappointed. Coaching provides enough challenge and progress that I feel it is a tool I can support. Throughout the training, I have had the opportunity to really hone my craft and develop my philosophy for coaching. There is room to grow, and I look forward to improving my skills as a coach.

I believe that coaching is about trusting the client’s ability to make progress on their challenges. The client is the expert and can develop skills to improve the world they live and work in. The relationship between the coach and client is one of the most powerful professional relationships and holds a special place in personal development.

My background is in the world of nonprofits, grants, and small local economies and community development. I care deeply about local food, supporting the arts, and equitable access to a healthy life.

Location: Hutchinson

Website: linkedin.com/in/ronkfisher

Certifications:

• Executive Certification in Public Leadership, Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education Programs
• Heartland Certified Public Manager (CPM), National Certified Public Manager Consortium
• Professional Certified Coach (PCC), International Coaching Federation
• MBTI Certified, The Myers-Briggs Company
• Level 2 Certification for Case-in-Point, Kansas Leadership Center
• Level 2 Certification for Teaching Leadership, Kansas Leadership Center
• Level 2 Certification for Leadership Coach, Kansas Leadership Center

Coaching offered:

• Zoom or in-person in Hutchinson (as schedule allows)
• Individual/group/conflictual conversations between individuals or groups

Background and coaching philosophy: In virtually every life and organization there is a gap between where we currently are and where we want to be. Sometimes these gaps can be quite perplexing – even frustrating. Progress can feel tough and lonely. Having someone with the skills, experience and capacity to help you navigate the journey can be a life saver. It is in moments like these that Ron Fisher can bring his skills to help facilitate progress. Ron has decades of experience in working with individuals and organizations in many contexts. Ron helps individuals and groups not only name their frustrations but discover and develop solid plans for moving beyond them. Ron empowers individuals to tap into their potential, discover their own solutions and foster personal growth.

Location: Hutchinson

Certifications:

• Kansas Leadership Center Advanced Leadership Development
• International Coaching Federation member

Coaching offered:

• Phone, Virtual, or in-person
• Individual or group coaching

Background: As a struggling small business owner, I got stuck. A lot.

I hired a coach because I needed someone else to tell me what I should do to succeed in my work. My coach was (by design) terrible at telling me what I should do… What I discovered with his help, though, was that I knew how to do the work. I just needed help clarifying what work was most important and how I should get started. Fortunately, my coach was masterful at asking me the right questions to unlock the clarity I needed to do the work I was highly capable of doing. Doing the work wasn’t the hardest part—thinking about how I think about the work is where I got most stuck. I thought I needed an expert consultant, but what I actually needed was a coach.

Since those days I’ve started or bought six small businesses, served on local and national boards of directors for organizations ranging from small para-church organizations to those with annual budgets of over $40,000,000. I’ve learned a lot over the years, and I still get stuck in my own head and need a coach to help me sort out my next steps.

Experiencing the power of coaching inspires me to help others in that way and I’m thrilled that I get to help my clients discover how to take the next steps when they are unclear. Leadership starts with us and must engage others—coaching helps us do that most effectively.

Coaching philosophy: I believe that most times we get stuck it’s not because we don’t have the skills to make progress, but because we have a hard time sorting through the competing values, immunities to change, and multiple interpretations of the situation. I believe that you are capable of making progress on the things you care about most. My role as a coach is not to tell you what to do, but to be an ally in your finding the clarity you need to confidently take the next step.

Location: Topeka

Certifications:

• Kansas Leadership Center Leadership Coach Certificate

Coaching offered:

• Phone or Zoom
• Individual coaching

Background: I have been working in pastoral ministry for over 30 years, working with individuals to support their life journeys as well as with congregations to gain clarity around their vision and mission. Inviting individuals and groups to reflect on where they want to go and what they want to accomplish is central to my approach in this work, inviting critical self-reflection on both. I discovered in this work the continued need to engage in this same critical self-reflection myself and discovered that engaging my own coach helped me gain clarity about my own purpose and aspirations. Coaching enables me to help clients accomplish their own work as they tackle big challenges.

My academic training includes a B.A. in History from Centre College, a M.Div. from Emory University, and a M.A. from the University of Notre Dame. In addition to training as a leadership coach at Kansas Leadership Center, I am credentialed as an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator.

Coaching philosophy: Through coaching I work to empower others to live flourishing lives. I believe that clients possess the knowledge and skills to accomplish their aspirations and resolve their challenges. My coaching then works to assist others tap into and apply their knowledge and skills most effectively on these aspirations and challenges. Powerful questions encourage self-reflection and growth in my clients. The right question, at the right moment, opens up paths toward flourishing for clients. Additionally, I ask clients to create accountability for themselves regarding their commitments and promises.

Location: South Hutchinson

Certifications:

• Kansas Leadership Center Leadership Coach Intensive
• Masters of Social Work from Wichita State University; post-graduate studies in Neuropsychology & Applied Behavior Analysis
• Certified Autism Specialist
• Certified Mandt Trainer (crisis de-escalation & building healthy relationships)

Coaching offered:

• In-person for initial session; Virtual, phone, or in-person for subsequent sessions
• Individual or group coaching

Background and coaching philosophy: In its simplest version I am a native Kansan, raised in a small rural town by hardworking entrepreneurial parents & grandparents. My untamed curiosity for learning and passionate quest to create meaning in life has accompanied me as I’ve grown into my personal and professional self. Although marriage and parenthood will forever be on my list of greatest personal accomplishments, I am proud of the rigor put into obtaining my Masters degree in social work, the temperance it’s taken to be a long time small-business owner, and the tenacity I’ve leveraged while traveling around the world in humble pursuit of achievement & fulfillment.

As a licensed Master Social Worker, Addiction Counselor and Autism Specialist (turned Coach and Consultant) I have been invited into the colorful inner workings of individuals, families, agencies and communities. While studying in the Advanced Generalist Masters program at Wichita State University I led individual, group, and community initiatives relevant to mental health & also partnered in the development of multiple independently-owned businesses that are still successfully operating today (nearly 15 years later). I’ve worked across many sectors such as restaurant service, retail, insurance, real estate, the judicial system, nonprofits, community mental health, K-12 schooling, higher education, and more. These experiences have cultivated my belief that workplace and community spaces can have a significant impact on individual health and wellness. Stressful work environments, high-pressure deadlines, and toxic cultures can contribute to anxiety, depression and burnout. Conversely, supportive places with open communication, clear expectations and a focus on work-life balance can promote mental resilience, wellness, encourage leadership, and harvest a sense of community belonging. Ultimately, there’s a symbiotic relationship between organizational health and individual mental wellness, with each influencing and reinforcing the other.

The burning vibration I have to understand the reasons behind how things function the way they do has taken me to the heights of the sky & the depths of the ocean (as a certified open water diver), despite healthy fears. During my time studying under the Kansas Leadership Center programs I’ve learned that speaking to fear & loss is the instrumental, key-component, toward making progress on adaptive challenges. Embracing discomfort and uncertainty while working towards positive change is embedded in my coaching philosophy.

Making use of coaching is something that I have personally experienced. And as a woman-owned small business entrepreneur, trainer, speaker and consultant, I have also been able to contribute to the positive impacts of coaching others. If you are an individual who wants a different perspective, a business who could use support and training, or an organization who would like to establish additional connections and partnerships we can co-create a plan together.

Location: Hutchinson

Certifications:

• ACC certification, International Coaching Federation (in progress, December 2024)
• Coaching Intensive, Kansas Leadership Center
• Advanced Leadership Intensive, Kansas Leadership Center

Coaching offered:

• Virtual or in-person
• Individual or group coaching
• *No issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. If this is an area that you need coaching on, please contact Dave directly through role in local government.

Background: Dave embarked on his leadership journey during his participation in the Kansas Boys State Leadership Academy, where he was introduced to the principles of adaptive leadership from Kansas Leadership Center Framework. Since then, he has diligently applied these principles to various aspects of his life. Dave is presently employed in local government, where he plays a pivotal role in fostering a sense of belonging and prosperity within his community. His passion lies in facilitating groups and individuals in their transformation from their current reality to the realization of their highest aspirations.

Coaching philosophy: I am convinced that everyone is creative and resourceful enough to make progress on the things they most care about. I agree with Virginia Kellogg’s idea that coaching is a sacred space in which clients create a greater future based on awareness, choice, and action.

Location: Inman

Certifications:

• ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC)

Coaching offered:

• Virtual is preferred, but in person may be possible

Background and coaching philosophy: I have been a leader for more than 20 years in a manufacturing environment with roles in both Quality and Manufacturing. I have led teams ranging from 8-200+ employees. I have a bachelor’s in biology and a master’s in management and leadership. I have always enjoyed being a mentor to other leaders and helping them grow and become the best leader they can for their teams. I discovered coaching when I found myself looking to do more and find new ways to grow myself. Coaching is a pathway that allows me to help others, especially leaders, so that they can then have a positive impact on the work environment.

My coaching style and philosophy are to meet the client where they are. I keep my expectations of the coaching sessions very fluid and flexible. This encourages the clients to bring whatever topic to the session they want to discuss and doesn’t require them to stay firm with a set topic session by session. I am a coach that will work with the client in the type of environment they best grow in, especially pertaining to accountability.

Location: Hutchinson

Certifications:

• Kansas Leadership Center Leadership Coach Certificate 

• Author of six books, including Real Connections and Hope for Children in Poverty (Judson Press) 

• MA in Theology and Public Policy  

Coaching offered:

• Phone, Zoom, or in-person
• Individual or group coaching

Background: My personal mission is: “To come alongside leaders and their good ideas so great work can shine!”

For over 25 years, I have worked as a consultant and coach with churches, nonprofits, and creatives around the country, supporting leadership to turn good ideas into impactful action. I am comfortable working with the faith community but equally comfortable when faith is off the table. I believe we all have what it takes to shine.

I have experience engaging with nonprofits as paid staff, board member, long-term volunteer, community organizer, trainer, and grant-writer. I have also taught and developed curricula for educational institutions. I believe this “behind the scenes” experience gives me unique insight into the challenges faced by leaders in these arenas. (My husband Jim surprised me after we were engaged by becoming a pastor, so after almost 30 years I am familiar with what’s behind the curtain in that world as well!)

Leadership contexts I delight in coaching include (but are not limited to):

• Initiatives to uplift vulnerable children, families, and neighborhoods
• Collaborative work (partnerships, teams, coalitions) on adaptive challenges
• Work associated with poverty and justice issues
• “But we’ve never done it that way before” approaches
• Creative energy (within or beyond expected spaces for the arts)
• Roadblocks to developing or implementing a strategic plan

I also welcome opportunities to coach people who are new to leadership positions, especially if you’ve been forged by challenging lived experiences (since that is my background as well).

Coaching philosophy: 

What I hope my clients get from coaching: To clarify your challenges, goals and strategies. To get “unstuck” when progress seems blocked. To come away with a sharper vision, renewed energy, and practical next steps.  

What you can expect a coach NOT to do: Give advice, pass judgment, direct your course of action, or pose as the expert on your field.  

My role as a coach: I will support your progress by listening, asking meaningful questions, offering observations, navigating options, and keeping the conversation on track toward follow-up actions.  

What makes coaching uniquely effective:  

• You have a safe space to explore your challenge from different perspectives.  
• You are guided to lean into your unique gifts, experiences, insights and core values to reach “aha!” moments that open up new possibilities.  
• You make empowering discoveries about yourself as a person who leads, as well as your leadership role within the organization.  
• You name the action steps you plan to take, with the assurance that you will have accountability and support to keep growing.  

Location: Hutchinson

Certifications:

• Certified Professional Coach (CPC) from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC), an International Coaching Federation accredited program
• Energy Leadership Index Assessment Master Practitioner
• Working Genius Facilitator Certification
• Core Value Index Certification

Coaching offered:

• Phone or Zoom
• Individual or group (3-6 individuals) coaching

Background and coaching philosophy:

I am a lifelong educator. I started my career coaching at the collegiate level before returning to Kansas to be a high school math teacher. After teaching math for 10 years, I moved into administration, where I opened an alternative high school and then became middle school assistant principal and athletic director. Twelve years ago I transitioned to becoming an Education Consultant and Leadership Coach. I have three assessment certifications and a coaching certification from iPec.

My coaching is highly reflective for the client. The most effective leaders are highly self-aware. As a coach, my role is to assist the client in seeing the impact they are having on themselves and others as they lead in their organization. We will explore how to create high-functioning teams by raising awareness, building trust, and leading consciously.

Location: Hutchinson

Certifications:

• Certified Professional Coach (PCC) from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC), an International Coaching Federation accredited program
• Energy Leadership Index Practitioner from iPEC
• Cognitive Coaching Certification
• Adaptive Schools Certifications
• Coaching for Results Certification

Coaching offered:

• Phone, Virtual, or in-person
• Individual or group (2-10 individuals) coaching

Background: I’m a former teacher, principal, curriculum director and now leader of the INspired Leadership team at ESSDACK. When I was asked to come back to ESSDACK and lead the professional learning team, I requested we research and determine a coaching model to become certified to offer our clients. We explored and participated in many models such as Coaching for Results and Cognitive Coaching, but Energy Leadership Coaching had what has been missing in all the models we explored.

Energy Leadership Coaching involves so much more than reaching goals. It is a process that helps individuals make sustainable changes in his or her personal and professional life. The Energy Leadership Index is an attitudinal assessment tool that captures how an individual currently perceives and approaches workand life. With the awareness and insights gained through the Energy Leadership Index debrief, clients have the opportunity to reshape their attitudes and worldview and “transform who they are.”

Coaching Philosophy: As an energy coach, I help clients explore inner and outer blocks that impact how they experience relationships, teams, and life. We also explore mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, social, and environmental influences that impact their energy and when they have this awareness and the ability to create what they desire, the result is often transformational. Through this increased awareness and ability to have safe space to explore and create, clients often experience less stress, more clarity, stronger boundaries, courage, and confidence to live the life they desire. The result is often more satisfaction in all areas of life, lessened stress, and a healthier mind, body, and spirit. I help enlighten what they are thinking and saying by intuitively listening to them and giving them space to focus on what they want, more than what they don’t want! If you are ready to make changes and commit to living life to the fullest, we would be a great fit.

Location: Hutchinson

Certifications:

• Professional Certified Coach (PCC) from the International Coaching Federation
• Energy Leadership Index Practitioner from iPEC
• Masters of Education in Counseling from WSU

Coaching format:

• Phone, Zoom, or in-person
• Individual or group (2-6 individuals) coaching

Background: I’m a former teacher and in the recertification process to update my teaching credentials, I discovered leadership coaching. This discovery changed the course of my career, and I began to use my gifts and talents in a more fully aligned way. I love the idea of a coaching relationship in which the client is held as the expert of their life, and the coach honors that by listening well, asking powerful reflective questions, and empowering the client to make their own move, not the move the coach thinks is best for the client. Coaching is the hidden communication and leadership key to collaborative, creative, and committed cultures. I will remain a coach––transitions, leadership, executive, confidence––for the rest of my career.

Coaching philosophy: The type of coaching I provide is reflective, highly-conscious, at times creative, and almost always transformative. When given non-judgmental space to assess inner and outer obstacles, a person can almost always move forward. My coaching is done through insight-based learning, which means the client holds the key to their solutions. I’m a facilitator of their thinking, mirroring who they are and what they want. Coaching done well will empower people to take action on the things they want to change and will inspire people to live their best life.

Location: Virtual

• Certified Professional Coach (PCC) from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC), an International Coaching Federation accredited program
• Energy Leadership Index Assessment Master Practitioner
• Core Dynamics Leadership Certification

Coaching format:

• Phone or Zoom
• Individual or group (3-6 individuals) coaching

Background: I was a driven and innovative teacher for 20 years. I said yes to every project and looked forward to changing and the challenges it presented. I was always eager to support my colleagues when they agreed to come along with me into new territory. I found immense satisfaction in finding where others never quite felt good enough. In supporting them, I focused on what they could do, not what they couldn’t. I asked them questions so they could find their own way, not mimic another’s. Coaching offers the same satisfaction when clients determine where their excellence lies and they take action from that place.

Coaching philosophy: My coaching is highly intuitive and provides space to uncover stories, assumptions, and emotions that keep us playing small. Each of us has an inner voice that longs for something more aligned with ourselves, with who we feel called to be, and yet we sometimes let the stories of what that might mean get in the way of taking action. My coaching partnership will offer insights, acceptance of yourself and others, trust and belief, and commitment to action.