Tools for growth, resilience, impact
Bethan embodies the qualities of a true leader. She listens attentively, reflects and explores the essence of others' thoughts and guides groups toward coalesence of values and goals. She has qualities that bring clarity to issues and thinks creatively about solutions to complex topics. She has dealt with a myriad of stakeholders from both the public, private and spiritual communities in her role as a church leader. She's a leader that empowers those around her to be the best that they can be which serves any organization in a true, positive and exciting shift toward excellence. Kathryn Friesen, former congregant
A bit about me...
I’m a retired minister and trainer who still loves learning — especially about how people grow stronger, communicate better, and live with purpose. These days, during my semi-retirement, I am a life skills coach, facilitator, and educator who helps individuals and groups become more resilient, self-aware, thoughtful, and better able to communicate across differences. My current flagship offering is a licensed Resilience Circle course from the Center for Transforming Engagement, but my broader work includes leadership development, communication skills, Clear Leadership, open-minded Christianity, and my own original courses and materials. I bring people together in reflective, practical learning spaces where they can understand their patterns, strengthen their relationships, think for themselves, and live with greater clarity and courage.
I’ve spent my life building bridges across cultures, worldviews, and sectors — working in both community organizations and faith settings. Born and raised in apartheid-era South Africa, my early work focused on bringing people together across racial divides and supporting those living in poverty.
For more than three decades, I’ve led initiatives in Canada and internationally that foster inclusion, fairness, and collaboration. My roles have ranged from revitalizing struggling groups to forging innovative partnerships that connect people’s skills and passions with the needs of their neighbourhoods.
Along the way, I completed a PhD in Leadership and Organizational Change at the University of San Diego, studying with lawyers, educators, business leaders, and public servants. My academic and consulting work has focused on helping organizations navigate change while staying true to their purpose.
At this stage of life, my work continues to be guided by one conviction:
Communities are strengthened when we create spaces where all people are valued, and invited to contribute, belong and thrive.
Certifications and Training
Resilience Circles Facilitator Training — Center for Transforming Engagement (Seattle, WA), Aug 2025
Clear Leadership – Train the Trainer — Helen Lingham Consulting (Langley, BC), Feb 2019
Clear Leadership — with Gervase Bushe, Clear Learning (North Vancouver, BC), Feb 2017
Open Space Technology — Harvest Moon Consultants (Bowen Island, BC), Apr 2016 — Opening space for important conversations
Appreciative Inquiry (Facilitator Certification Course) — University of San Diego & Company of Experts, Jul 26–29, 2011
Situational Leadership (incl. Train-the-Trainer, unlicensed) — Center for Leadership Studies (Escondido, CA), Mar 7–11, 2011
Creative Leadership (Weekend Intensive) — Center for Creative Leadership (San Diego, CA); included FIRO-B & 360 assessments
EQ-i® Emotional Quotient Inventory — MHS, Inc. (Toronto, ON); Certification Training – Certified
“Tough Stuff” Social Skills Training — Cosby & Associates (Seattle), ..
Academic Qualifications
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD/ABD), University of San Diego; San Diego, California; January 2016.
· Concentration: Leadership Studies and Organizational Theory
· Specialization: Individualized Program – Leadership in groups.
· William P. Foster Outstanding Dissertation Award
Denominational Studies and Testamur (6 courses). Vancouver School of Theology.
Master of Divinity (MDiv). Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries (AMBS), Elkhart, Indiana: 1994.
· Concentration: Congregational Leadership and Ethics.
· Master’s Integration Paper: “Loving Yourself as Your Neighbor: Self-Care in Ministry.”
· “Outstanding Work in Hebrew” Award.
Bachelor of Arts (BA), University of South Africa (UNISA), Pretoria, South Africa; April 1991.
· Majors: Psychology; Theology.
· Minor: African Politics.
· Degree awarded “With Distinction”
