We co-create work environments that reduce stress and promote organizational, team, and individual thriving. Our diverse team brings expertise in organizational change management, executive and professional leadership development, workplace stress and resilience, and global mental health. Our approach incorporates adult learning theories, psychological principles, theater arts, body-based and contemplative practices. We advise organizations, train staff, and coach leaders across sectors including: government, corporate, global human rights, nonprofit, healthcare, legal, and education.
In her decades of nonprofit leadership, Dr. Nicholson Sullivan noticed that it was not the work that she and her coworkers found most challenging, it was their relationships with each other and the organizational policies/practices that shaped their day-to-day experience. She understands that our individual lived experience is shaped by our experiences at home, at work, in community, and across time and space. Dr. Nicholson Sullivan draws on her training as a professional performing artist, licensed clinical-community psychologist, and transformational coach to create engaging programs and consultation processes. Each engagement offers practical, sustainable approaches to workplace hurdles. Former and current clients consistently describe feeling more confident and clear about their next steps.
Meet Our Team
Derrick T. Jordan, LMSW, (He/Him) Derrick is a psychotherapist, consultant and faith leader based in New York City and Los Angeles, CA. In addition to being a highly-trained mental health professional, Derrick is a classically trained musician who earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, cum laude, from Virginia Commonwealth University; a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary; and a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University. For years, Derrick has led spiritually-based educational initiatives while serving in various ministerial capacities at nationally recognized faith organizations. His pastoral care and counseling experience helps guide his clinical work at the intersection of race, ethnicity, culture, gender identity/expression, and sexuality. Derrick received his clinical training with the Ackerman Institute’s Social Work and Diversity Program, the Gender & Family Project’s Unity Project in Family Engagement and Acceptance, The Minuchin Center for the Family. Speaking to his focus on equity and affirmative based work, Derrick has been featured on various national media outlets including The Associated Press, CBS, Yahoo Life, Vice along with the nationally syndicated podcast, Mom Enough. Additionally, Derrick serves in various board and membership capacities with non-profits and major arts and education institutions throughout the U.S. In his leisure time, Derrick is a health advocate, avid reader, adventurous foodie, and long distance runner.
Katie Byrne, PCC, She/Her Katie is a highly regarded leadership consultant, facilitator and certified executive coach who brings more than a decade of experience working on and managing teams that performed at superior levels in high stress environments. She has facilitated group and individual programs working with a diverse cross section of clients in size, industry, sector, and location. She is an adjunct professor at Columbia University teaching facilitation skills in the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Master’s Program.Katie began her career at Goldman Sachs in London and then was transferred to New York. Katie is a testament to seeing and seizing opportunity and honing key skills such as listening, problem solving and building strong relationships with colleagues and clients. Recent clients include: Amazon, Columbia University, Human Rights Watch, ING, International Rescue Committee, Greater NY Hospital Association, Greenpeace, Market Axess, Oneworld Alliance, OpenFin, Situation Interactive, Sony Music.
Helen H. Park, LCSW (she/her) Helen is a clinical social worker specializing in integrative, holistic, and anti-oppressive therapy for individuals, couples, and families and systems-involved people. She honors and celebrates the lived experiences of Bodies of Culture (people of color) and LGBTQ+ communities. She draws upon her extensive professional and personal experiences in the arts, contemplative sciences, and social justice work. Helen is a graduate of the Social Work and Diversity Program at the Ackerman Institute for the Family. She is also practiced with Ackerman’s Foster Care and Adoption Project, and served as Faculty and Director of the Contemplative Psychotherapy Program at the Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science. In addition to her therapy practice, Helen also teaches meditation and provides mentoring for couples and families in meditation as a relational practice (www.mindfulfamiliesproject.com). Helen received an MSW from New York University, Silver School of Social Work (Phi Alpha), and an MFA in Digital Art/New Media from University of California, Santa Cruz. She is a photographer, and trained in Somatic Abolitionism for Therapists & Coaches with Resmaa Menakem & Education for Racial Equity and in Indigenous Focusing Oriented Therapy (IFOT) for complex trauma.
Sharonda Crome is your mentor, muse and encourager on the path to rest and empowerment,. As a trauma-informed Life and Polarity Coach, and Empowerment Self Defense Instructor with a over decade of experience, Sharonda holds the space of hope and resilience, empowering individuals to reclaim their power and navigate their life with confidence and inner peace. Sharonda’s process involves nervous system healing through Polarity Practices where she utilizes her trauma-informed approach to help individuals balance, and restore their energy bodies. Her deep understanding of how trauma impacts our energy systems allows her to tailor her healing practices to each individual’s unique experiences, fostering a space of healing that is both sensitive and transformative.And while that is plenty, Sharonda’s role as a Self Defense Instructor allows her to equip individuals with the physical skills and mental resilience needed to assert and protect themselves. This isn’t just about self-defense; it’s about fostering a sense of empowerment that permeates every aspect of life.
Warren Wright, MBA, Founder and CEO of Second Wave Learning, brings over 25 years of experience in survey research, employee engagement, training facilitation, and organizational development. Previously, Warren served as a Managing Partner at Gallup, where he managed and led both private sector and U.S. federal consulting practices, providing evidence-based insights in the areas of employee engagement, leadership development, and generational collaboration. Notably, he contributed to the development of the Clifton StrengthsFinder. Warren has served on several boards, including Global Development Advisors, an incubator for economic development in Central America. In addition to his MBA with a concentration in Leadership Development, Warren earned an MIT edX u.lab Certificate in Leading from the Emerging Future and a Coaching Certificate from the Association for Talent Development.
Catherine Lewis, LCSW (she/her/hers) has extensive experience working with families and teams. She has served in leadership positions at several New York City social service agencies, and presented nationally and internationally on the best practices of working with systems-involved people. She leads Ackerman Institute for the Family’s Foster Care and Adoption Project, and served as its Director of Community Training. Ms. Lewis maintains a small private practice in New York City and Westport, Connecticut, working with families, couples, and children. She is an active member of TEAM Westport, a town-appointed committee dedicated to anti-racist practice and improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in the community.
