Denise Jess and her associates are a close network of facilitators/consultants. We each have our own independent business, and we choose to collaborate with one another in order to combine the strengths of our varied experiences and perspectives. We find this enriches our work and helps us to better meet the needs of our broad range of clients. At times we work solo and other times a client’s need may be best served working in collaboration with an associate.

Read on to learn more about who we are and what we bring to our work.

Denise Jess has facilitated trainings on a wide range of human relations issues, curriculum, and program design since the mid-1980’s. She taught in a learner-centered elementary classroom for eleven years and has authored published curricula, focused on culturally accurate portrayals of history. In addition to her consulting practice, Denise serves as an ad hoc instructor at the University of Wisconsin - Madison Division of Continuing Studies and actively volunteers in various community organizations. Denise is deeply committed to supporting learners in creating inclusive environments where the voices of all members are respected and nurtured.

Kathy Germann has conducted trainings on a broad range of human relations issues since 1982. Kathy has taught on three college campuses and is a former director of a YWCA and manager of a training unit in a human services agency. In addition to operating her training and consulting business, she serves as an ad hoc instructor for the University of Wisconsin - Madison Division of Continuing Studies. Kathy brings a deep sense of passion and a healthy sense of humor to her work. One of her greatest joys is connecting people together in ways that enliven them and nourish their spirit. Learn more about Kathy at www.kathygermannconsulting.com.

Vida Groman has been working as a teacher, consultant, and therapist for the past twenty years. Currently, she operates her own counseling, coaching, and training business, LifeWorks. She is also a certified consultant of Personal Thinking Patterns-PTP™ and an ad-hoc instructor for the University of Wisconsin - Madison Division of Continuing Studies. Her training specialties include conflict transformation, diversity issues, team building, communication skills, and Personal Thinking Patterns-PTP™. Vida uses a multi-sensory approach which allows people to engage their bodies as well as their minds in the learning process. Her emphasis is on creating environments that meet the needs of the participants while creating safety and fun. You can learn more about Vida and her services by visiting www.quarryarts.com, click on directory and scroll down.

Anne Forbes (M.S. zoology; M.S. continuing adult education) works with groups to support participatory processes and create partnerships around issues of environment and community. Her business, Partners in Place, offers a range of consulting services, focusing on topics of community and resource stewardship and growing a sense of place. These include:

• citizens’ participation
• forum and event design
• workshops and training
• strategic planning
• group facilitation

Anne has more than 25 years of experience in natural resources management, research, and training, including 16 years at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. She is a skilled facilitator and an innovative designer of workshops, forums, and other participatory events. Anne is committed to working with groups to increase understanding of the role humans play as inhabitants of ecosystems and landscapes, to find common ground among diverse resource interests, and to support the development of learning organizations. Her work has drawn enthusiastic review for its interactive, experiential, action-oriented approach.

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