| 602/585-3535 | Keys to Excellence, Inc. | Fall, 2001 |
Beyond the Nine Dots: THE RIVER OF LIFE Last month I had the privilege of experiencing a rafting trip on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Prior to the trip, my therapist asked me what this journey symbolized for me. I didn't know, and I found myself living in that question as the adventure unfolded. Three days after I returned the terrorist attack occurred, yielding yet another perspective on the river experiences. I tend to view life as a river, thus the "Rocks" metaphor in KIV. Humanity is on this river-all steering our own boats. Even if we believe we are on the boat with others, our experience is uniquely our own, sometimes peaceful, sometimes rocky, or uncharted.During the first three days of the trip, we were retracing a journey down the river that Ron and I made in 1993. I found myself reliving that experience in my mind. Lots of memories-pictures that gave me many feelings-sadness, loneliness, and smiles. However, I was missing the present experience by staying in my mind's past. How often do we do this in life--living in the "back whens," and "if onlys" of our minds? Judging what is by what was. I believe this river's lesson was about honoring those precious memories, yet letting go of the past and choosing to be in my life now. After that shift in thought, the journey became my adventure. Often our river leaders would tell us what to expect, especially "pictures" of the next set of rapids and dangers. Their visions were scary and exaggerated-a tact taken by many types of leaders. Always, we have a choice of what to believe. I believe in a life jacket-mine is a strong spiritual base, my family, and dear friends. I choose to hold on to the safety rope and to ride up front, getting wet, and being in the action of the river. What are you choosing to believe now? Thinking and fearing the worst? Sometimes, we become our own terrorist. The Colorado River, like life, is an amazing force. It finds a way through mountains, lava flows, and rock slides. Even though humans have tried to control it with concrete dams, harnessing its power, and selling it, the river flows and roars on. Recently our country's illusion of control was challenged. If we think we are our jobs or our bankbooks, if we think our country is concrete and finances, our power is easily lost or taken. In Unit12, the quote from Orison Marden states, "The test of who you are is how much is there left in you after you have lost everything outside yourself?" Our national heritage began as an idea. As a recent e-mail noted, I don't live just in America, America lives in me. The true power of who we are is within usas individuals and as a people. We flow and roar on. The Grand Canyon is a "Wonder of the World." It is in our country, but it really belongs to the millenniums. We were able to touch rock that was 1.8 billion years old! Layer after layer, millions of years of upheaval, and mankind shows up in the most recent layer. It gave me a sense of awe for the force of nature and the realization that our lives are a brief and precious ripple. In our own journey, will we choose to set our internal compass, steer around the rocks, and enjoy the ride? And for our fellow travelers on the river, will we hold a picture of world peace? Will we hold the belief that there's abundance-enough for everyone? Will we extend love and light to all humanity? Our true power is in our belief that all humanity can complete the journey safely. That would truly be a "Wonder of A New World." I share this poem written by a river friend. Peace, Phyllis R. Antonelli Transform Me Oh River
Beyond The RocksMoving and Shaking in Mohave County, AZIf Keys, Inc. had an award for innovation, it would go to Mohave County Probation. Under the direction of Rod Marquardt and Al Rosen, the department continually expands the reach of Keys to Innervisions. In May, James Shrout was honored as the first Student Assistant Facilitator of the Adult Keys Program. Elaine Grissom, Deputy Probation Officer, reports that rural counties are being targeted for KIV groups. Roger Dunn, Facilitator, is doing an adult Keys group for Native Americans in Peach Springs, AZ. If you need to get out of the nine dots, call their office. Coming Together to Make a Difference In August, Keys, Inc. Trainer, Cheri Langei, presented workshops at the White Earth Child Care Program, Communities Collaboration Conference in Minnesota. Cheri gave an overview of her innovative approach to teaching youth and parents together. Using KIV and Possibility Parenting, the classes are initially taught as one, then youth and parents are taught in separate groups. They are merged for the final goal units and for graduation. Our appreciation goes to Barb Fabre and the conference committee who envited Keys, Inc. to share our work. Burning Out? Call Keys, Inc. Stressbusters It was standing room only at a workshop presented by Phyllis Antonelli at the International CEA Conference held in Scottsdale, AZ. Entitled "Feeling Cynical? Burning Out? Seeing Yourself as a Resonating Possibility," the workshop participation was a testimony to the stress and overload professionals feel in this challenging arena. Also well attended was the workshop, "Building Relationships and Resiliency in Female Clients." The conference was a huge success thanks to the coordination and planning of chairperson, Ron Ouellette, and his extraordinary team. These workshops are available in several formats. Call our offices if you are interested. Personal Loss in a Time of National TragedyLoss and grief are an inherent, natural part of life. However, the magnitude of the trauma, loss, and death that resulted from the recent attack on our country has touched all of us in many ways. A threat to our national security is a threat to our personal sense of security. For many of us, these events have reactivated or intensified past losses and traumas. It is wise to revisit the grief process to assist us in understanding our reactions and emotions. Many of our clients and children do not have the emotional maturity or awareness to understand and integrate their experiences or their emotions. The following guidelines may be helpful.Children and Early Adolescents--Taken from New Song Center for Grieving Children And Those Who Love Them.
Adolescents/AdultsIn Keys to Innervisions, Unit 10, the stages of the grief process are outlined. During the next months, you may find yourself reacting in unfamiliar ways to normal daily events. This is grief in action. Often our self-talk is a key to the stage we may be experiencing.
Often the first stages help us avoid or get relief from the loss/pain and allow us to take an emotional deep breath.
KEYS TO EXCELLENCE, INC. ANNUAL AWARDSEach year, we honor three individuals who have done exemplary work in implementing Keys to Innervisions. It is always a difficult choice as there are so many of you "Playing at the Edge of Your Skill" to ensure that students and staff receive the empowering processes of KIV. Please accept our deep appreciation for your commitment and know that these honorees represent each of you. Each member of the KIV network has touched the lives of so many. As the quote in KIV states, "As the blossom cannot tell what becomes of its fragrance, so no one can tell what becomes of his influence."THE RONALD G. KUHN MEMORIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCEIn 1997, Ron created the annual President's Award in order to acknowledge those administrators or KIV staff who were especially creative and outstanding in the implementation of the curriculum. This year the award is renamed in honor of Ron's memory, his vision, and his dedication to making a difference. |
| Master Facilitator | Facilitator | President's Award | |
| 2000 | Kristie Tollefson, ND Nicole Leitner, ND | Michele White, NJ | Bob Hare, AZ |
| 1999 | Chris Kuhn, AZ | Kathy Mahoney, WV | Chris Laquidara, NJ |
| 1998 | Janis Mayer-Obermeier, NJ | Betty Hare, AZ | Elbert Grimes, AR |
| 1997 | Angela Grisso, WV Barbara Moore, WV | Cheri Langei, ND | Marie Dils, AZ |
| 1996 | Ed Martinez, AZ | Pat Seals, CA |
Shauna Jones Master Facilitator of the Year
West Virginia Children's Home, Dept. of Education
Currently Keys, Inc. has 70 certified Master Facilitators nationwide. In selecting an honoree, we have a very skilled field to review. Master Facilitators are trained and evaluated in four competency areas. It is with great pleasure Keys to Excellence, Inc. honors Shauna Jones for demonstrating expertise at every level. Certified in 1997, Shauna's commitment to knowledge and learning new skills is demonstrated by her recertification in 1999 and 2001.Under the direction of Frank Andrews, and coordination of Susan Lattimer, the West Virginia Department of Education has done an extraordinary job of coordinating KIV throughout their system. Shauna was a member of the State KIV Core Planning Team that wrote the objectives, which enabled KIV to be certified for educational credit. She has taken an active role in supervising and providing leadership to both Facilitators and administrators. She has provided Facilitator Trainings for a variety of community agencies and schools. Her quick wit and creativity bring a special spark to the training arena.
In addition to Shauna's professional skills, her personal integrity, dedication, and commitment to integrate and use KIV in all aspects of life makes her an outstanding representative of the Master Facilitator group and of Keys to Excellence, Inc. We are proud and fortunate to have Shauna as part of the KIV network.
Asst. Superintendent, Pam Cain, State Board President, Morris, Master Facilitator, Shauna Jones, State Superintendent, David Stewart, WVCH Principal, Kathy Blankenship, Special Needs Coordinator, Susan Lattimer. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Facilitator of the Year Award - 2001
Sandi Geddes - Juvenile Court Services, Grand Forks, ND
It is with gratitude that we honor Sandi with this award. Under the guidance of Dennis Herbeck, Director of Juvenile Services, Sandi carries on a long-term commitment to empowering the Grand Forks community with KIV.Sandi's vision, tenacity, and commitment to the students have enabled her to lead the way with the continued implementation of Keys to Innervisions. Beyond that, she truly represents the essence of KIV in her lifestyle and positive, giving outlook. We teach that a picture is worth many words. Sandi is a role model for all that come into contact with her as demonstrated by her recent certification as a Master Facilitator.
Keys to Excellence, Inc. is proud and fortunate to have Sandi representing our organization. Join Keys to Excellence, Inc. in thanking her for the commitment, professionalism, and vision she brings to her role as a Facilitator of Keys to Innervisions.
Plan Ahead!!!UPCOMING MASTER FACILITATOR TRAINING
In February 2002, we are holding our annual Master Facilitator Training in sunny Scottsdale, AZ. This trainer of trainer's program enables communities and agencies to have certified trainers deliver the three day Facilitator Training. In addition, Master Facilitators are able to train other staff in the foundation units to create an Empowerment Team, to provide supervision of KIV, to provide leadership to the Core Planning Team, and to act as a liaison to Keys, Inc. It is both a cost effective and quality assurance measure. Candidates must have experience in facilitating the curriculum and be willing to participate in an exciting and intensive five day training process. Now is the time for agencies to secure funding for tuition and for candidates to acquire experience in delivering all units to clients and an 8 hour staff Empowerment Team Training. Class size is limited to 10 participants. For further information, contact Keys, Inc. Has your Master Facilitation Certification Expired?? We are also opening this training process to any previously trained Master Facilitator who wants to be recertified and/or renew certification that has expired. Certification is valid for two years. There is no fee for this opportunity. In our last training, not only did Master Facilitators enhance their skills, they also expressed delight in mentoring the new Master Facilitators.