Susan Kaplan, M.S.W., M.P.A.

Susan Kaplan, M.S.W., M.P.A.

Thank you for your interest in my work.

Please read information on my Intention, Background, and Affiliations below.

Resume and references are available upon request.

Intention
My vision is to help repair our world by creating greater balance, harmony, and peace.  There is a great need for a more peaceful, compassionate and just and world today and for future generations. My personal goals are to to live a more simple, sustainable and peaceful daily life. As a co-parent, I am involved in supporting a new generation who will also contribute to our world.

Integrating an extensive background of nonprofit and community work, I have developed a comprehensive range of services.  This Circle of Services provides a range of work, from individuals to communal settings.

Over the years I have discovered that my work with individuals and in group settings have taught me how change occurs on many different system levels. 

In working with you, I hope to inspire you, draw upon your strengths, provide helpful skills and concepts, listen to story, help you find your own wisdom, and support you in your journey. I hope i earn the right to work with you.

Background
I hold two Masters, in Social Work and Public Administration. My Master's program was in Integrated Practice, which I combined with a health promotion emphasis. My extensive experience comes from working in a variety of diverse settings and roles through the years, including: Director of a Univeristy based Volunteer Crisis Center, Community Development via VISTA, Commuity Organizing, Adoption Service Counselor, Family Services Counselor at Warren Village & Decatur Place, Child Care Provider, Facilitator, Trainer, and Assocaite Trainer at The Conflict Center.

As a Trainer, Educator, Facilitator, Peacemaker, and Storyteller, I provide unique services.
The emphasis of my practice is skill building, life skill training, peace and nonviolent education, and a holistic visioning process.

My Balance Holistic Model®, which I developed and use in my practice, was inspired by the words and work of Rabbi Zalman Schacter-Shalmoi. Reflecting concepts from Systems theory, this Holistic Model integrates the four levels of body, mind, heart, and soul.

In addition, I draw upon a wide range of skills, world wisdom, and experience.  In an effort to articulate the foundation for my work, I also draw upon:

• Assets and Strengths Based Model
• Wellness Models and Health Promotion
• Mindfulness Practices
• Democratic Family Parenting Models
• Storytelling and Story Listening
• interfaith Background
• Alderian Theory
• Adult educational training model
• Systems Theory
• World Wisdom & Spiritual traditions
• Nature Experiences
• Importance of Beauty and Art
• Social Justice values
• Practical Life Skills
• Applied skill building

As an Approved Provider, I give Continuing Education Credits for

• Social Workers
• Child Care Providers and Teachers

Current Training
In addition to my background, I am currently training with three exciting organizations, listed below.  I would highly recommend them to anyone!

Peacemaker Institute - I completed the Certification Program October, 2008.

Training sessions are held each quarter, enabling an open entry into the program.
Excellent training, connecting with a community of people working in many different areas.
telephone: (303) 544-5923
e-mail: peacemaker@indra.com
web: www.peacemakerinstitute.org

National Coalition Building Institute
Focus on building relationships across differences and diversity, especially with interfaith, economic, cultural and racial groups.
telephone: (202) 785-9400
e-mail: ncbiinc@aol.com
web: www.ncbi.org

Nonviolent Communication Network
Based on the initial work of Marshal Rosenberg, this work supports compassionate communication. Learning through a practice group and periodical training sessions, I continue
to refine my skills for my personal and professional life.  There is now a weekly communication email tip and Academy offerings over the internet.

The Center for NonViolent Communication
telephone: (505) 244-4041
e-mail: cnvc.org
web: www.cnvc.org

Affiliations
As a Contract Associate Trainer for The Conflict Center, I have worked with The Conflict Center since 1996.  Make note there is an excellent public library available to you.
telephone: (303) 433-4983
e-mail: info@conflictcenter.org
web: www.conflictcenter.org

The organizations I am a member of include:

• National Association of Social Workers
• Association for Spirituality and Social Workers
• National Storytelling Network (NSN)
• The Healing Alliance (special interest group of NSN)
• Interfaith special interest group (NSN)
• International Storytelling Center
• (Storytellers & Story Educators for Peace)
• Rocky Mountain Storytelling Guild
• Rocky Mountain Storytelling Conference
• Spellbinders - Denver Chapter
• Center for Screen-Time Awareness (home of T.V.Turnoff Week)
• The Center for a New American Dream
• Co-op America
• The Institute for Peace and Justice