Freedom Project engaged Pam Orbach, Empowering Connection to further and deepen the connections between our staff and the extended community, as well as internally between staff members. How fortunate we have been to work with her dual assets of Restorative Circle work and her impressive practice of Nonviolent Communication. Pam has amazing in-depth listening skills both with individuals and with whole groups. Her careful design and holding of process invited our Freedom Project Community to hear one another deeply and differently, listening for intent and impact. Central to her work is a profound expression of empathy and compassion with highest integrity. From the ten months she has circled with us, our staff has developed deeper trust, connection and clarity about mission, vision and values. Having Empowering Connection and Pam Orbach working with your organization, board, staff or community will certainly ignite your mission too!
C Young, OP
Executive Director, Freedom Project
Freedom Project Seattle, (http://freedomeprojectseattle.org) is an innovative educational organization serving inmates and those recently released back into the community. Our programs focus on nonviolent communication and mindfulness.
We have been working in partnership with Pam Orbach (Empowering Connection), for the past two years, to launch and sustain a Restorative Justice Initiative at our university. This collaboration has included planning for and delivering experiential trainings for faculty, staff, and students aimed at community building and peace making, supporting our work in conflict resolution, and her ongoing consultation. The work has had a major impact within our organization, and is now integrated throughout multiple levels of our community. Pam has surpassed all expectations in this highly collaborative effort. She is a strong leader, excellent communicator, and deeply compassionate person. She brings a high level of integrity and effectiveness into her work, as evidenced both in the process of planning and delivering high quality experiences for participants and the outcomes that have resulted. I recommend her highly and without reservation.
Sincerely,
Daniel C. Rosen, Ph.D. Associate Professor,
Counseling & Health Psychology
Co-Director, Center for Social Justice & Diversity BASTYR UNIVERSITY
1/18/2016
Bastyr University: Center for Social Justice & Diversity, (https://bastyr.edu/about/centers/social-justice-diversity) supports the education and training of Bastyr community members in culturally responsive practices and dismantling of health inequities and disparities.
The professional mediation work I originally sought Pam for has evolved into a process of learning new methods of communication and self-connection. I can confidently consider myself a more empathic able business partner, parent, director, collaborator, friend, neighbor, and citizen. The skills I am acquiring have, in very little time, benefited every relationship I have, and I find myself growing and experiencing the quality of connections I have always longed for. Thank you, Pam, for your passion, your expertise, your vision, and everything you do!
~ Jenny Mae Miller - Sewn Product Services
Pam is a master communicator, mentor, and coach. Her expert guidance turned my professional crisis into an invaluable growth opportunity. The experience has provided me with priceless tools that are no less than life-changing. I am humbled by the power and nuance of her approach. My gratitude for her and the work we do together is boundless.
~ Kristine Carlton-Sewn Product Services
Sewn Product Services, (http://www.sewnproductservices.com/) are product developers and production managers servicing the apparel, soft goods, and wearable technologies industries. Specializing in pattern drafting, prototyping, pre-production services, and production management, our process produces a concise capsule of deliverables for your factory production.
Pam is quite simply a masterful facilitator. Beginning with a profound sense of empathy, she is able to meet people where they are, without judgment or criticism. From this place, she creates a safe space in which people feel comfortable opening up and describing their feelings, needs, hopes, and fears. She helps people to see how their actions affect others, and she also enables people to look inside themselves and see where there is room for growth. I have rarely met someone as adept as Pam at helping youth to see the power they have to effect positive change in their relationships.
~ Jordan Goldwarg, Director Kids4Peace Seattle
Kids4Peace Seattle, (http://www.k4p.org/chapters/seattle/), founded in 2008, is a global movement of youth and families, dedicated to ending conflict and inspiring hope in divided societies around the world. Kids4Peace operates international summer camps, leadership programs and a six-year, year-round program for more than 500 Palestinian, Israeli and North American youth.
Your willingness to work with us and our students on the fundamental skills of being present with each other and of being authentic amongst each other is very appreciated. One teacher reported a noticeable shift in the student dynamics toward less tension and more cohesion. A student reported that although the work was hard and uncomfortable at times, it did make the friendships stronger and the communication better amongst the peers.
~ Sincerely, Jamie Ginter, Counselor, Big Picture School
Big Picture School, (http://www.bsd405.org/bigpicture/). The Big Picture Learning design is a dynamic approach to learning, doing, and thinking that has been changing the lives of students, educators, and entire communities since 1995. The design components are based on three foundation principles: first, learning must be based on the interests and goals of each student; second, student’s curriculum must be relevant to the people and places that exist in the real world; and finally, a student’s abilities must be authentically measured by the quality of her or his work.
You are one of the best listeners I have ever come across. I experience what it is like to be intensely heard and understood, and to know that you consider deeply what I say before responding. These are rare and powerful skills, and you are able to apply them with everyone.
You are enormously passionate and compassionate, and you communicate that clearly. People know you care about them; both how they feel and what they have to say. This gives you a lot of power, when supporting parties in conflict situations or when you advocate for the best interests of others.
You are skilled at helping people hear and understand one another. You are able to get people to listen not only to you, but also to one another, even when they are coming from very different places.
You are very persistent, but in a broad, flexible way such that you constantly strive to get more information and are open to embracing different perspectives. In other words, you don’t get stuck on an idea. When you are presented with new and different information, you absorb it and change your mind without fighting to hold on to your earlier beliefs, and you move to find the outcome that is best for everyone.
Don Miner, MSW
CASA Supervisor
King County Superior Court CASA Program
King County Superior Court CASA Program, (https://www.kingcountycasa.org/). As part of King County Superior Court, the Dependency CASA Program strives to provide high quality best interest advocacy for children who have experienced abuse or neglect and to promote the safety, permanence and well-being of children in King County.
I see Pam as someone who beautifully and powerfully combines a profound determination to contribute to others with the will power, courage, skills and knowledge necessary to do it.
François Beausoleil, MBA
Director, Executive Stamina - Canada
Certified Trainer, Center for Nonviolent Communication
Executive Stamina, Canada, (http://www.executivestamina.com/canada/). Executive Stamina helps many of the most successful leaders and athletes harness the energy of elite endurance sport to find alignment in their professional and personal lives.