FROM THE ASSESSOR, Sylvia Haskvitz

Mark Friedman has been an integral part of the CALF (Candidates/Community Active Learning Forum) team, organizing trainings and being a liaison between Certification Candidates and Assessors. Mark has been on the certification path for 10 years, going at his own pace and dabbling in many different groups and trainings along the way. He has been opening his heart more and more as he transitioned from computer work to the process of connection through compassion. I enjoy Mark’s contribution and his unique insights in situations we have been challenged by.

Mark has been interested in supporting Nonviolent Communication (NVC) communities through fundraisers, organizing events, technical support. He enjoys connecting people and staying in connection with communities worldwide. He strives to live NVC consciousness in all aspects of his life and grapples with what he sees as out of alignment with the NVC values he strives to live. He persists in working towards connection even when it is challenging. For example, he has done healing with his brother, and through challenges in connecting, he has found more of his inner resilience and found his compassionate voice. The CALF community warmly welcomes Mark to the community of Certified Trainers.

From MArk:

I feel both humbled and excited to be joining the community of Certified Trainers. My path to Nonviolent Communication began over a decade ago — though in many ways the journey started long before I’d ever heard of NVC. In 2012, I finally picked up Marshall Rosenberg’s book and read it thoroughly after years of skimming its contents. At the time, I was transitioning out of a career in computer science and consulting and feeling a pull toward something more deeply rooted in human growth, spiritual inquiry, and authentic relationships. NVC seemed to offer just that — though I quickly discovered it was pointing me toward something even deeper.

Like many, I began by trying to “do NVC,” applying it as a technique or formula. And like many, I learned — sometimes painfully — that using NVC to get somewhere or get something could ironically and unfortunately lead to disconnection. Over time, I came to understand NVC as a consciousness — a way of being present with myself and others, and a way of creating conversations where everyone matters. That shift — from tool to consciousness — has been transformative for me, and I’m still learning. I grew up in a home where real conversation wasn’t part of the culture, so learning to speak about needs — without bullying mine forward or disappearing into silence — has been life-changing.

What truly anchored me in NVC, though, was the abundant welcome, warmth, and love freely given that I experienced in the NVC community. I was invited in, encouraged to contribute, and met with a spirit of inclusion and shared leadership that felt both rare and essential. The idea that we could build a community where everyone’s needs matter — not just in theory but in practice, and no matter how “unique” they might appear — struck me as wonderfully radical, and it still does.

My learning has taken many forms: participating in trainings across New England and New York, creating and co-facilitating several practice groups, offering workshops, and helping organize IITs in Florida and Brazil, as well as IIT-like events in New York, Virginia, Arizona, and Italy. I’ve volunteered for CNVC, the NVC Academy, the New York Intensive, Houston NVC, and the Rocky Mountain Compassionate Communication Network. For over a decade, I’ve been part of the CALF (Candidates Active Learning Forum) team, where weekly collaboration has given me real-time lessons in community-building, conflict navigation, and power-with leadership. I’ve trained with and learned from more mentors than I can name — including Sylvia Haskvitz, Michael Dillo, Stephanie Bachmann Mattei, Robert Gonzales, and John Kinyon. Along the way, I’ve explored related forms of nonviolence and transformation, including certifications in Coaching for Transformation and Kingian Nonviolence — both of which have broadened my lens while grounding me in a shared commitment to human dignity and connection.

A simple but meaningful example of this shift in me has been my relationship with my brother. For years, I judged his stories of childhood disappointment as “ancient” grievances. But through NVC, I’ve learned to listen more fully, to see the needs beneath the story, and to be present with his pain rather than managing or analyzing it. That shift — from analysis to empathy — has changed our relationship, and it’s a practice I continue to return to, imperfectly but wholeheartedly, in many parts of my life.

I come to this work with a variety of intersecting identities — Jewish, gay, biracial, adopted, and human — which have challenged me, shaped me, and ultimately taught me to celebrate complexity: the unique and precious journeys we each travel, as well as the commonalities and connections we share with each other. Recovery from alcoholism has also been a key part of my journey, giving me both spiritual grounding and a commitment to living life on life’s terms. I’ve come to embrace that “all folk matter” only becomes real when we affirm that those most marginalized matter — and, as important, focusing on the mattering of marginalized groups without grounding it in the broader context that all folk matter is incomplete. What moves me is Martin Luther King’s vision of Beloved Community — where reconciliation, shared humanity, and the celebration of everyone’s needs being met reveals the deeper purpose of social change.

I’m drawn to creating communities of ongoing inquiry, practice, and connection — not just one-off workshops — where people come together to recognize and honor their own and others' needs, give and receive empathy, support each other in making and meeting requests, explore difficult questions, and live into the power-with spirit of NVC in daily life. I’m especially inspired by the possibility of supporting others to live lives that thrive — lives rich in meaning, contribution, and courageous connection. I particularly enjoy working with young people as they begin to imagine the vision for their lives and take their first steps toward realizing it — witnessing their discovery of agency, purpose, and possibility is deeply energizing.

In addition, my curiosity and commitment to engaged practice lead me to explore how NVC can show up in the places where life feels most complex and uncertain — whether in recovery, adoption, navigating questions of racial identity, care, and belonging, ensuring LGBTQ+ acceptance and inclusion, or addressing the complexities of real-world conflict and division. This includes my ongoing exploration of what it means to be Jewish and my longing for peace in the Middle East — a peace in which both Israelis and Palestinians can flourish, with dignity, safety, and the resources they need — that honors my Jewish roots and affirms a steadfast commitment to nonviolence.

You might hear me say, “Everything I do, I do from self-interest — what’s changed is my relationship with Self.” For me, our work — and my life journey — have been about expanding a self that was once only about me, caught in fear, judgment, and separation, into a Self that lives fully in community — through love, connection, and shared humanity — and creating spaces where belonging and prosperity aren’t something to earn, but something we declare with deep commitment. I look forward to reconnecting with those I already know, meeting those I don’t, and continuing this journey together.

from the Assessor, Olga Nguyen

I met Vika in 2020 during the global pandemic through the Empathy Ukraine project, where Vika was a participant and I was one of the invited trainers, supervisors, and a contributor to the process and systems building. When Vika asked me to accompany her on her certification journey in early February 2022, little did we know what the following weeks, months, and years would bring. During the months and years of full-scale war in Ukraine, I got to know Vika much more - through her participation in a year-long Resonance Healing Practitioner programme that I facilitated in 2022, through the following projects in her charity Dobrobut, and through supporting her in her certification journey.

Through these years, I have been inspired and humbled by witnessing Vika’s loyalty to people, to her charitable organisation, to her Nonviolent Communication (NVC) practice. I admire her persistence in finding ways to support many people in meeting their needs, and not giving up when several strategies have not worked as expected. And I take my hat off to the breadth and depth of work and contribution that she, her teams, colleagues, and her organisation managed to do for Ukrainians, especially since the start of the full-scale war. In all that, I trust her warmth, self-empathy, self-awareness, empathy, and honesty. I believe that the community of Certified Trainers and CNVC would benefit from Vika’s presence.

[UK] Я, Ольга, познайомилася з Вікою в 2020 році під час глобальної пандемії в рамках проекту Empathy Ukraine, де Віка була учасницею, а я була однією з запрошених тренерів, супервізорів та учасниць процесу та побудови систем. Коли Віка попросила мене супроводжувати її на шляху до сертифікації на початку лютого 2022 року, ми навіть не уявляли, що принесуть наступні тижні, місяці та роки. Протягом місяців і років повномасштабної війни в Україні я дізналася про Віку набагато більше — завдяки її участі в річній програмі «Практик резонансного зцілення», яку я проводила в 2022 році, завдяки наступним проектам в її благодійній організації «Добробут» та завдяки підтримці її в процесі сертифікації. 

Протягом цих років я була натхненна і вражена, спостерігаючи за Вікою, її відданістю людям, її організації, її практикі ННС. Я захоплююся її наполегливістю у пошуку способів підтримати багатьох людей у задоволенні їхніх потреб і не здаватися, коли кілька стратегій не дали очікуваних результатів. І я знімаю капелюха перед широтою і глибиною роботи та внеском, які вона, її команди, колеги та її організація змогли зробити для українців, особливо з початку повномасштабної війни. У всьому цьому я довіряю її теплоті, самоемпатії та самосвідомості, емпатії та чесності. Я вважаю, що спільнота сертифікованих тренерів та CNVC отримають користь від присутності Віки.

From the Assessor, Mika Maniwa

I was invited by Olga and Vika to review Vika’s portfolio and attend her pre-assessment and final assessment. I also got to interact with Vika during some mentoring calls with Olga and her candidates, in which simultaneous translation was arranged. Reading Vika’s journals and reflections, I was amazed by what I perceived as her raw honesty and the depth of her self-awareness as she wrote about the challenges she faced in a position of leadership in her organization. I was also amazed by the breadth of her experience working with diverse groups including social workers, dementia patients and caregivers, military before the war - just to name a few. Reading Vika’s extensive portfolio (including the curriculum she designed for a youth program) I also learned novel ways to explain NVC concepts.

I came across turns of phrases that I believe would illuminate NVC theory to new learners in an engaging way. This demonstrates, to me, a level of embodiment and integration of NVC skills and consciousness that I associate with a seasoned trainer. I trust Vika’s commitment to NVC practice, her ability to initiate giraffe dialogue, offer repair where there has been disconnection, solicit and respond to feedback, and mourn when connection is not yet possible. I am thrilled to welcome her into our network of Certified Trainers and most of all I feel excited for those of you who have yet to meet her. 

[UK] Я, Міка, була запрошена Ольгою та Вікою для перегляду портфоліо Віки та участі в її преасесменті та асесменті. Я також мала змогу поспілкуватися з Вікою під час декількох наставницьких дзвінків з Ольгою та її кандидатами, під час яких було організовано синхронний переклад. 

Читаючи щоденники та роздуми Віки, я була вражена її щирою чесністю та глибиною самосвідомості, з якою вона писала про виклики, з якими стикалася на керівній посаді в своїй організації. Я також була вражена широтою її досвіду роботи з різноманітними групами, включаючи соціальних працівників, пацієнтів з деменцією та їхніх опікунів, військових до війни — і це лише деякі з них. Читаючи обширне портфоліо Віки (включно з навчальною програмою, яку вона розробила для молодіжної програми), я також дізналася про нові способи пояснення концепцій ННС. Я натрапила на фрази, які, на мою думку, допоможуть новим учням зрозуміти теорію ННС у цікавий спосіб. На мою думку, це свідчить про рівень втілення та інтеграції навичок і свідомості ННС, який я асоціюю з досвідченим тренером.

Я довіряю відданості Віки практиці ННС , її здатності ініціювати діалог жирафа, пропонувати відновлення зв'язку там, де він був розірваний, запитувати та реагувати на відгуки і сумувати, коли зв'язок ще неможливий. Я дуже рада вітати її в нашій мережі тренерів-посередників, а найбільше я радію за тих з вас, хто ще не познайомився з нею. 

From Viktoriia:

My introduction to Nonviolent Communication took place in 2017, when I was a participant in the School of Peace Engineers in Ukraine. Since then, I have continued to learn, practice, and live in the spirit of Nonviolent Communication. I began my Certification Process in early 2022, when a full-scale war began in Ukraine. I received a lot of support, explanations, supervision, and just human warmth from my Assessor when I wrote about the percentages of portfolio preparation. 

The pre-assessment and assessment for me were like celebrating my birthday, where all the attention was paid to me and the "guests" gathered for me. I am very glad that this path was like this; it shows me and others that there can be pleasure and joy on this path. Great gratitude to CNVC and my Assessors.

FROM THE ASSESSOR, Marianne Sikor

[EN] When I think of Thomas, I get the image of a rock in the surf. Probably due to his many years of Zen practice, I experience Thomas as calm, balanced, and anchored in himself. At the same time, I always experience humorous moments and a great sense of lightness with him. I believe that both enrich his NVC training sessions and make it easy for participants to engage with Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and build trust. In our time together, I repeatedly experienced how much these qualities helped me to connect with myself in empathic contact.

Also, I very much appreciate that we had several deep and honest exchanges, for example once on the topic of privilege and awareness. I really celebrate how Thomas took my feedback on board. In general, I have experienced him with a great openness to feedback and a pronounced joy in growing and learning.

In recent years, Thomas has started to work with other trainers in the team, with whom he continues the work of his former trainers and experienced NVC Trainers, Cornelia Timm and Kurt Südmersen. I am delighted by this sign of trust and appreciation for Thomas from both of them. And I am touched by how much respect and appreciation I have heard and perceived from Thomas for Conny and Kurt. Thomas, welcome to our community of Certified Trainers. I look forward to your contributions!

[DE] Wenn ich an Thomas denke, kommt in mir das Bild hoch von einem Fels in der Brandung. Wahrscheinlich durch seine langjährige Zen-Praxis erlebe ich Thomas als ruhig, ausgeglichen und in sich verankert. Gleichzeitig kenne ich mit ihm immer wieder humorvolle Momente und eine große Leichtigkeit. Ich glaube, dass beides seine GFK-Trainings sehr bereichert und es den Teilnehmenden leicht macht, sich auf die GFK einzulassen und Vertrauen aufzubauen. In unseren Kontakten habe ich selbst immer wieder erlebt, wie sehr mich diese Qualitäten im empathischen Kontakt unterstützt haben, mit mir selbst in Verbindung zu kommen. Ich schätze auch sehr, dass wir verschiedentlich einen tiefen und ehrlichen Austausch hatten, z.B. einmal über das Thema Privilegien und die Bewusstheit darüber. Ich feiere sehr, wie Thomas mein Feedback aufgenommen hat. Überhaupt habe ich ihn mit einer großen Offenheit für Feedback erlebt und einer ausgeprägten Freude am Wachsen und Lernen.

In den letzten Jahren hat Thomas begonnen, mit anderen Trainer*innen im Team zusammenzuarbeiten, mit denen zusammen er die Arbeit seiner früheren Ausbilder und erfahrenen GFK-Trainer, Cornelia Timm und Kurt Südmersen, weiterführt. Ich freue mich über dieses Zeichen an Vertrauen und Wertschätzung für Thomas durch die beiden. Und es berührt mich, wie viel Achtung und Würdigung ich von Thomas für Conny und Kurt gehört und wahrgenommen habe. Thomas, willkommen in unserer Gemeinschaft der zertifizierten Trainer*innen, ich freue mich auf Deinen Beitrag und Deine Bereicherung!

From Thomas:

[EN] With my first live contact with Nonviolent Communication during an Intensive-Training week in 2018, a weight was lifted from my heart – after a long time of being entangled in stories about myself and others, I experienced that there was a quality of connection I had longed for and that had only emerged by chance in my life until then. With the experience that NVC offers a feasible way to connect with my own needs, the needs of others, and the needs of the world in which we live, my consciousness gradually opened to more warmth of heart, compassion, and gratitude for myself, others, and life.

Inviting everything that is alive within us, holding it without a ready solution, and then, based on this connection, seeking consistent ways to nourish the living needs of all, is a matter of the heart for me, which I nourish with my work as a Certified Trainer. That fulfills me with meaningfulness, community, authenticity, and contributing to a more beautiful world. I am deeply grateful to all the people who have supported and continue to support me on this path, which is never-ending.

[DE] Bei meinem ersten Live-Kontakt mit der Gewaltfreien Kommunikation während einer Intensiv-Woche 2018 fielen mir etliche Steine vom Herzen – ich spürte nach langer Zeit des Verstrickt-Seins in Geschichten über mich und andere, dass es da eine Qualität von Verbindung gibt, nach der ich mich lange gesehnt habe und die sich in meinem Leben bis dahin nur zufällig ergab. Mit der Erfahrung, dass es mit der GFK einen machbaren Weg gibt, sich mit den eigenen Bedürfnissen, den Bedürfnissen anderer Menschen und den Bedürfnissen der Welt, in der wir leben, zu verbinden, öffnete sich Stück für Stück mein Bewusstsein für mehr Herzenswärme, Mitgefühl und Dankbarkeit mir selbst, anderen und dem Leben gegenüber.

Das Einladen von allem, was gerade lebendig ist in uns, es zu halten, ohne eine vorher festgelegte Lösung zu haben, und dann, auf Basis dieser Verbindung, nach stimmigen Wegen zu suchen, die lebendigen Bedürfnisse aller zu nähren, ist ein Herzensanliegen, dass ich mir mit meiner Arbeit als GFK-Trainer erfülle und das mir Sinnhaftigkeit, Gemeinschaft, Echtheit und Beitragen zu einer schöneren Welt erfüllt. Allen Menschen, die mich auf diesem Weg, der nicht zu Ende ist, unterstützt haben und weiter unterstützen, bin ich tief dankbar."

FROM THE ASSESSOR, Marcelle Belanger

[EN] I celebrate the progress Marlène has made over the past ten years! She is a person with great resilience, a deep commitment to herself and others, and a strong sense of responsibility in everything she experiences. Marlène maintains a meaningful and strong connection with spirituality, which greatly nourishes her compassion and love for humanity.

She embodies the values of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and brings them to life in different areas of her life. She increasingly dares to engage in courageous conversations in service of her integrity. Throughout her journey, I was accompanied by my co-Assessor, Valérie Lanctot-Bédard, who also celebrates Marlène’s certification.

[FR] Je suis enthousiaste à l’idée de recommander Marlène Sanscartier pour rejoindre la communauté des formateurs et formatrices certifié·e·s. Je célèbre tout le chemin qu’elle a parcouru au cours des dix dernières années ! Marlène est une personne dotée d’une grande capacité de résilience, d’un engagement profond envers elle-même et envers les autres, ainsi que d’un sens aigu de la responsabilité dans ce qu’elle vit. Elle entretient un lien fort et signifiant avec la spiritualité, ce qui nourrit puissamment sa compassion et son amour pour l’humain. Elle incarne les valeurs de la CNV et les fait vivre dans les différents domaines de sa vie. Elle ose de plus en plus engager des conversations courageuses, au service de son intégrité. Tout au long de son parcours, j’ai été accompagnée de ma coévaluatrice, Valérie Lanctot-Bédard, qui célèbre également la certification de Marlène.

From Marlène:

[EN] My journey with Nonviolent Communication began as a deep inner call to bring more presence, clarity, and words of affirmation into my life. As a woman navigating grief, solo parenting, and a desire to live in alignment with my values, I found in NVC a path that helped me not only survive, but grow. Over time, it became both a personal practice and a professional vocation.

I learned to hold space for discomfort, to listen deeply to what is alive, and to support the emergence of truth with care. The certification process invited me to deepen my self-awareness, embrace vulnerability, and celebrate my uniqueness as a trainer. One pivotal shift came when I recognized and began to soften a frozen part of myself that had held back my full voice. That transformation brought more ease, confidence, and joy into my facilitation. I feel proud to now stand in this role with humility and trust. My heart is full of gratitude for the living transmission of Marshall Rosenberg’s dream and for all those who walk this path with courage and openness. I look forward to continuing to contribute to spaces where people can reconnect—with themselves, with each other, and with life.

[FR] Mon parcours avec la Communication NonViolente (CNV) a commencé par un appel intérieur profond. J’avais soif de plus de présence, de clarté et de mots qui relient. En traversant un deuil et l’éducation seule de mon fils adolescent, tout en cherchant un alignement profond avec mes valeurs, la CNV m’a offert un chemin pour non seulement survivre, mais évoluer. Elle est devenue à la fois une pratique intime et une vocation.

Le processus de certification a été à la fois exigeant et profondément transformateur. Il m’a aidée à mieux reconnaître mes élans, à accueillir ma vulnérabilité et à célébrer ma couleur unique comme formatrice. Une étape marquante a été d’oser libérer une partie figée en moi, qui retenait ma voix. Depuis, j’anime avec plus de fluidité, de confiance et de joie. Je me sens honorée d’assumer ce rôle avec humilité et confiance. Je suis profondément reconnaissante pour cette transmission vivante du rêve de Marshall, et pour chaque personne qui marche ce chemin avec authenticité et cœur. J’ai l’élan de continuer à contribuer à des espaces où l’on peut se reconnecter — à soi, à l’autre et au vivant.

FROM THE ASSESSOR, Marcelle Bélanger

[EN] It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Bianca Dirani to join the community of Certified Trainers. I celebrate all the progress she has made over the past few years! Bianca is a committed, determined, and dedicated person in everything she undertakes. Her strength, energy, vitality, and enthusiasm are contagious — they inspire us to connect and to welcome what she shares. She carries and embodies Nonviolent Communication (NVC) in every aspect of her life. Throughout her journey, I was accompanied by my co-assessor, Valérie Lanctot-Bédard, who also celebrates Bianca’s certification.

[FR] C’est avec enthousiasme que je recommande Bianca Dirani pour rejoindre la communauté des formateurs et formatrices certifié·e·s. Je célèbre tout le chemin qu’elle a parcouru au cours des dernières années ! Bianca est une personne engagée, déterminée et dévouée dans tout ce qu’elle entreprend. Sa solidité, son dynamisme, sa vitalité et son enthousiasme sont contagieux : ils nous donnent l’élan de nous relier et d’accueillir ce qu’elle transmet. Elle porte et incarne la CNV dans tous les aspects de sa vie. Tout au long de son parcours, j’ai été accompagnée de ma coévaluatrice Valérie Lanctot-Bédard, qui célèbre elle aussi la certification de Bianca.

From Bianca:

[EN] Nonviolent Communication came slowly, through my various activities. I made more and more room for it. It is now at the heart of my life, both personally and professionally. NVC is the natural continuation of my journey, like a language that already existed within me and was revealed to me. It vibrates with my Essence; it resonates in the depths of my Being. I am not saying that I have mastered it; far from it! This is why I do not see certification as an achievement, but rather as an opening that leads to even more possibilities.

Transformational power, Empowerment, Integrity, Connection, Collaboration, Openness, Presence, Love in action… these are, among others, values that I have discovered or deepened thanks to this art of living that is NVC. I have been able to see its manifestations in all spheres of my life, as much with a stranger as with a loved one. My deepest aspiration is to continue this inner journey, to embody it and radiate it. Transmitting NVC, so precious, so fundamental, so revolutionary, is a path filled with Joy and Meaning for me. My sincere aspiration is to foster Interdependence and harmony in order to humbly contribute to creating a better world within me and around me.

[FR] La CNV est arrivée doucement, à travers mes différentes activités. J’y ai fait de plus en plus de place. Elle est maintenant au cœur de ma vie, autant au niveau personnel que professionnel. La CNV est la suite naturelle de mon cheminement, comme une langue qui existait déjà en moi et qui m’a été révélée. Elle vibre avec mon Essence, elle résonne au plus profond de mon Être. Je ne dis pas que je la maîtrise, loin de là ! C’est pour cela que je ne conçois pas la certification comme un aboutissement, mais plutôt comme une porte qui ouvre sur encore plus de possibles.

Pouvoir transformationnel, Responsabilisation, Intégrité, Collaboration, Connexion, Ouverture, Empuissancement, Présence, Amour en action… Voilà, entre autres, des valeurs que j’ai découvertes ou approfondies grâce à cet art de vivre qu’est la CNV. J’ai pu en voir les manifestations dans toutes les sphères de ma vie, autant avec unE inconnuE qu’avec unE proche. Mon aspiration la plus profonde est de continuer ce cheminement intérieur, pour l’incarner et le rayonner. Transmettre la CNV, si précieuse, si fondamentale, si révolutionnaire, est une voie remplie de Joie et de Sens pour moi. Mon aspiration sincère est de favoriser l’Interdépendance et l’Harmonie afin de contribuer à créer humblement un monde meilleur en moi et autour de moi.

FROM THE ASSESSOR, Marta Kułaga

During her assessment, one of the Assessors said that Rita embodies Fierce vulnerability. This resonates deeply in me. Her grace and dignity, together with deep dedication to live nonviolence, bring me togetherness and trust. Triggering moments direct Rita to deep inner work, to understand herself, heal, and liberate. I am very touched by how, in one of the conflicts, she touched the need for self-love.

I admire what I see as her passion to deeply understand the Nonviolent Communication (NVC) concepts and to bring clarity in her teaching. The care for naturalizing the giraffe comes with the beauty of the Polish language. As her growing edge, I see her experiencing courage and safety in the situations she cannot control, and the outcome is uncertain. I celebrate her openness to learn and the way she receives feedback - with curiosity to understand and digest.

As her area of social change, she works on behalf of the language of inclusion and diversity, where people can be more aware of how they are using language to contribute to strengthening social injustice and prejudices.

From Rita:

My Nonviolent Communication path began nine years ago, when, as a young mother, I sought support in acting in accordance with my values as a wife and mother (though so far, I've had mixed results). I completed introductory and deepening NVC courses, completed postgraduate NVC studies, an intensive mediation course, and a trainer's program. I attended the IIT in Poland in 2024 and assisted two Certified Trainers in several courses. I began my Certification Process in 2022 with the ESEAT (English Speaking European Assessment Team) team under the guidance of Assessor Anna Mills, and in 2024, I moved to the Community Certification track, led by Aga Jankiewicz and Marta Kułaga.

Within the community, we met in person three times a year for 3-5 days to support each other on our certification processes through feedback on trainer samples, role-plays, and hot seats. This allowed me to identify my blind spots, develop as a trainer, and integrate NVC into my life. I benefited from mentoring under the wing of Agnieszka Pietlicka for a year. The culmination of the path was an assessment in the community, in which, in a summary circle, four Assessors (Aga Jankiewicz, Marta Kułaga, Susanne Kraft, and Sabine Geiger) recommended me as a Certified Trainer, sharing the gifts they believed I brought.

FROM THE ASSESSOR, Marta Kułaga

Zuza sees herself as a Warrior of Light - a warrior who seeks to understand life and its challenges and explores how to live a life of courage, integrity, and purpose. Since I met her and during her certification process, I experienced her integration in many situations of challenges in relationships. For me, she brings qualities of groundedness and embodied choice of reaction. I especially cherished how she builds the relationship with her son - the balance between empathy, clear self-expression, and guidance.

Her growing edge is to show herself fully with her truth. She practices courage to express what she cares about. She sees her area of social change by working with teachers and supporting local communities through city programs such as “Stary Mokotów partnership” through different activities like Empathy circles or Picnic with Empathy, that support building social bonds.

From Zuzanna:

My journey with Nonviolent Communication (NVC) began when I became a mother and was looking for ways to stay close to myself and in dialogue with my partner. The arrival of a child required us to transform our family system, and NVC gave us the gift of listening and empathy instead of blame. Help me create a beautiful relationship with my kid. Later, searching for a meaningful professional path, I joined a school for trainers of communication based on empathy. At first, NVC was a method, but through practice and teaching, it became a way of being.

In particular, my Certification Process was a profound and transformative journey. During my pre-assessment, my Assessor asked me: “When you look in the mirror, can you say that you love yourself ?” This simple yet powerful question touched me deeply and opened a new space of self-compassion. The process also gave me the gift of community(certification in community). Being held, seen, and supported by peers allowed me to meet my needs for belonging and recognition.

Facilitating Empathy Groups and joining local projects also shaped my path, turning challenges into growth. For me, certification has been a beautiful and moving journey — one that I hope is not ending, but evolving into the next step of learning and sharing.

FROM THE ASSESSOR, Rodger Sorrow

My experience of working with Tanya Lasuk has been a joy. Walking this path together, I have enjoyed Tanya's warm presence, inspiration, and commitment to living Nonviolent Communication (NVC). I would like you to know that Tanya fell in love with NVC from the moment she saw a powerful shift in a community of friends who adopted NVC principles as they struggled to form an intentional community together. The community continues to thrive and grow twenty years on and meets regularly with their trainer.

Tanya dove straight into NVC, attending three International Intensive Trainings (IITs). Tanya and I met at her first one in 2014 in Santa Barbara, California. We felt a strong connection even then, sharing an appreciation of the beauty of NVC consciousness. Tanya pursued NVC practice in various workshops. In 2016, Tanya began teaching NVC at Coyote Ridge Correction Center, a medium security state prison in Connell, Washington. During the Covid pandemic, Coyote Ridge was closed to visitors. However, a couple of opportunities opened up. Jim and Jori Manske began holding their in-person Monday afternoon group online, attracting hundreds of folks from around the world. And a group of friends in Spokane, Washington asked Tanya to facilitate their ongoing in-person group online.

Jim and Jori inspired Tanya to pursue becoming a trainer. Jim shared his famous checklist with Tanya, and she started working through the Certification Preparation Packet (CPP) requirements, although Jim wasn't accepting new candidates. In June 2024, almost exactly 11 years after we first met, Tanya and I found ourselves catching up at the IIT in 2024 in Northern California. Tanya shared her interest in certification, and I became her Assessor. Join me in celebrating Tanya stepping into the role of Certified Trainer.

From Tanya:

I fell in love with Nonviolent Communicationd when I saw its impact on my friends who were forming a close-knit intentional community. Inspired by their experience, I attended various NVC workshops in the Seattle and Portland areas with Alan Seid, Karl Steyaert, Kathleen Macferran, among others. I met Rodger at my first International Intensive Training (IIT) – the April 2014 Santa Barbara IIT. We immediately recognized a mutual appreciation for NVC Consciousness.

I am also strongly influenced by Sarah Peyton, whom I met at the April 2015 Oregon IIT, and Roxy Manning, whom I met at her 2019 Nonviolent Leadership for Social Justice intensive. In 2016, I began teaching NVC weekly at Coyote Ridge Correction Center, a medium-security state prison in Connell, WA, where I had previously facilitated the weekly Buddhist group, 2013-16. During the Covid pandemic, Coyote Ridge was closed to visitors. However, virtual opportunities opened up. Jim and Jori Manske transitioned their Monday group to an online format, attracting participants globally. I also accepted an invitation to facilitate an online NVC practice group for a Spokane-based community.

In 2023, I was able to return to Coyote Ridge, facilitating two two-hour classes every Tuesday, continuing to the present. Jim and Jori inspired me to pursue becoming a trainer. Although Jim didn’t become my Assessor, he shared his famous CPP checklist with me. With it in hand, I started working through the CPP requirements. Almost exactly 10 years after we first met, Rodger and I found ourselves catching up at the IIT in 2024 in Northern California. After hearing about my interest in certification, Rodger graciously agreed to be my Assessor.

Rodger and I meet regularly online, and I participate in his monthly SoCal certification pod. In June 2025, Rodger suggested I complete the certification process by giving pre-assessment and assessment presentations. I found the presentations enjoyable, relaxed experiences. Podmates, friends from the Manske’s Open-Hearted Practice, and some of the Spokane group all attended and offered kind and useful feedback at both events. My journey to Certified Trainer feels very organic and spacious. I have many hours of both training and facilitating, deep and rich experiences, before starting the Assessment Process. Rodger and I connected as colleagues with great mutual respect and care.

from the Assessor, Aga Jankiewicz

I am happy that Tomek has joined our community of Certified Trainers; I very much enjoyed accompanying him in his certification process. I clearly remember our first conversation, as he was moving from another Assessor. The challenge I gave him was a great trigger for him. And yet, he managed to stay in contact with me in our exchange and differentiate between his thoughts and what I actually said. This gave me trust in his capacity and our collaboration. Within the process, I have experienced him finding his own ground, and this was beautiful to witness.

I saw him being challenged by others, too, and staying present; I saw him listening and taking in what was being said, also when it was not comfortable for him. I experienced the depth of his Nonviolent Communication (NVC) consciousness and capacity to embody the living energy of needs. During his assessment, he offered a workshop “teaching what cannot be taught", the presence which is at the heart of NVC. At the same time, he is capable of holding practical and organizational matters of our NVC certification community with great skill and care.

“At this point, I don’t need the certification anymore,” he said a few months ago, looking me in the eye. At this point, I knew he was ready. I celebrate the presence and the skill that he brings into our community, wishing for him that he offers it in freedom and with great responsibility for the power he has.

from Tomasz:

My journey with Nonviolent Communication began when, in 2018, a friend gave me a book by Marshall Rosenberg. After reading a few dozen pages, I felt and decided that I wanted to learn more about it and teach it to others, i.e., become a trainer. In 2019, I enrolled in my first postgraduate course in NVC which is how my fascination with NVC began. Since then, I have been experiencing more and more empathy and connection, and I am becoming more and more fascinated by it.

I can see how I am changing myself and my perspective as I increasingly follow my feelings and needs, as I follow my heart. I see how this is changing my life, bringing more awareness, clarity, influence, and simply more life. I also see clearly how simple and yet how difficult it is, and that it is worth putting in the effort, that it is worth taking the risk, looking into my heart and calling out to the world about my needs. Thanks to this, I experience more and more understanding, connection, closeness, and many other qualities that are important to me. Thanks to practicing NVC and connecting with myself, I was able to meet that little 2 year-old boy who was terrified of losing his mother when she disappeared for two months in an infectious disease hospital. For him, it was the end of the world. It was a tragedy for him.

Thanks to NVC and empathy for myself, I was able to meet that seven-year-old Tom, who was paralyzed with fear and anger, afraid to even move because his needs were depreciated after his brother was born. Thanks to empathy for myself, I was able to embrace and accept that pain more and more. Make room for myself. Make room inside myself for myself. Feel safe with what I feel. Trust myself and be more and more kind to myself. I was able to give myself my presence. Now, after several years, as a coach, I teach others to give their presence to themselves and others. It gives me joy and a deep sense of meaning.

from the Assessor, Aga Jankiewicz

It is with great pleasure to introduce Betka to the community of Certified Trainers. Betka brings inner peace and grace, as well as deep commitment to nonviolent social change. The change that comes from deep compassion and willingness to sit with pain - her own and that of others. She works with underprivileged people and communities affected by conflicts and social divisions.

I am amazed with her capacity to stay present and keep her heart open, as well as courage and willingness to collaborate with peace activists to bring about real impact. She has co-authored several articles on social change and resilience. I trust that she will be a valued member of our community and that our community will be of support to Betka and her work. I celebrate her gifts, and I feel privileged to have accompanied her on her path.

from Bětka:

When I’m looking back on my journey with Nonviolent Communication (NVC), I feel very grateful. It is even difficult to imagine what my life would look like without it. The certification process has offered me an opportunity for spiritual and personal growth, for exploration, for practicing belonging, for establishing new friendships, and for being part of the community.

NVC was definitely a game changer for me - on so many levels - and it became essential to my life, my work with others as a trainer and facilitator, and the way I choose to see the world. I remember my encounter with NVC many years ago - it was like a new opening, something I had been longing for, sensing and feeling since ever, yet not having enough trust to fully live it. NVC has been supporting me to find my way back to myself, to get grounded in what I believe in, and to trust myself, my sensitivity, and my dreams for the world. It allowed me to learn how to create and hold the space for my heart.

I truly care about NVC as a powerful tool for change. Especially as it allows one to be present with the reality as it is while staying connected to the dream. I see NVC as a powerful approach for bridging - not only bridging divides between people through dialogue, but also bridging the space between where we are and where we dream to be. This is so crucial for social change; it makes it real, tender, and full of care. 

I carry a dream of a world where all needs matter, and I believe many of us hold this longing deep within. NVC gave me the courage and trust to live this dream in a world as it is, despite its challenges. And NVC also gave me the community that shares this dream, as it is not possible to live it alone. I’m excited about what is ahead and where this path will lead me further. And I’m looking forward to meeting you along the way!