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Dian Killian, PhD, is a Certified Trainer with the global Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC) and founder and director of the Center for Collaborative Communication (formerly Brooklyn Nonviolent Communication). She is co-author of two books, Connecting across Differences, A Guide to Compassionate, Nonviolent Communication and Urban Empathy: True Life Adventures of Compassion on the Streets of New York, as well as author of several well-regarded articles and interviews, including an extensive interview with Marshall Rosenberg for The Sun magazine. Her PhD, in the area of Critical and Narrative Theory and Cultural Studies, informs her teaching of conflict resolution and negotiation, especially to those of diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
Dr. Killian has more than 20 years experience leading workshops and trainings. Some of her clients have included large and international organizations including Connect NY, the AJ Muste Institute, the Peace Alliance/Department of Peace campaign, New York University, the New School, Hunter College, Maryknoll Missionaries, Merck, Inc., HCL (India), the Park Slope Food Coop (the largest Coop in the US, with 15,000 members) and, since 2008, the UN Development Program (UNDP). With UNDP, she has led staff training in NY, Bangkok and (via video conferencing) staff in Copenhagen. Dr. Killian is recognized for integrating kinesthetic learning in the practice of NVC and creating programs that are highly interactive and participatory, making use of role play, innovative exercises, individual, pair and group work as well as humor and story telling in her teaching.
While working regularly with organizations and private clients as a trainer, mediator, and coach, Dr. Killian also teaches in an on going basis at various learning centers in the North East, including the NY Open Center, Kripalu, Insight Mediation, the Jewish Community Center of NY, the Omega Institute, and the 92nd St Y. In addition to her NVC training, she is familiar with other forms of conflict resolution, including AVP (the Alternatives to Violence program) and is currently in the process of completing her qualifications as a Certified Life Coach with the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
