 |
EMMA VAN der KLIFT |
 For the past twenty years, Emma and her partner, Norman Kunc, have traveled the world providing keynote addresses, workshops, institutes and seminars to educators, human service organizations, parent groups, government agencies, and businesses on the topics of inclusive education, employment equity, team building and conflict resolution. Emma holds a Master’s degree in Conflict Analysis and Management from Royal Roads University. She is certified both as a mediator and a negotiator through the Justice Institute in Vancouver, British Columbia. She has completed advanced training in Narrative Therapy, and is certified in co-active coaching through the Coaches Training Institute. Formerly a labour relations director for a large non-profit organization on Vancouver Island, Emma provides both training and coaching in conflict management and advocacy skills. In addition, Emma conducts organizational reviews and consults on board development, management development and team building. Emma and Norman have collaborated on a number of writing projects, including several training manuals and chapters published in three books on cooperative and inclusive education. She is currently working on a book about advocacy, and a mystery novel. . |
 BUT WHO AM I REALLY?John Bradshaw once said that we are increasingly a society that defines itself by what we do. He added that more and more we are a society of ‘human doings’, not ‘human beings. In that spirit, I try not to confuse what I do with who I am, even though what I do undeniably influences who I am in important ways, and vice versa. Although it is true that I’ve worked to support people with disabilities, their families, and the people who support them for the past 30+ years, it’s been far more than just work. I believe I’ve received much more than I’ve ever given. The people I’ve met have taught me everything worth knowing about contribution, innovation and humanity. My studies in conflict resolution have convinced me that it is indeed possible for people to resolve issues without losing relationships, and I have seen moving evidence that people are capable of profound change in both the way they do things and the attitudes they bring to the world. |
|
In addition, as a member of a family of artists, I am passionately interested in the powerful influence of story, art and dance on the development of empathy, connection, and social change. . I am a parent to two wonderful adult children (an oxymoron only a parent is allowed to use), mother-in-law to a man I admire greatly, wife to a man I can only describe as my soul-mate, daughter to a wonderful octogenarian father, sister to two of my best friends, a writer, an avid cyclist and runner, a swimmer, a passionate cook and a sometimes-artisan. I live in a place I love and have a life I love. I get to do work I deeply care about. I love to travel, and from time to time I am lucky enough to have work that even takes me to exotic places!