---
title: "NEW CERTIFIED TRAINERS: October 2025 - Center for Nonviolent Communication"
description: ""
url: "https://www.cnvc.org/new-cts/2025-oct"
date: "2026-09-19T12:33:51+00:00"
language: "en-US"
---

# # NEW CERTIFIED TRAINERS: October 2025

**October 2025**: Here are some of the newest people to join the Certified Trainer community, and you can get to know them by reading their stories below. If you would like to contact them, visit their trainer page and use the Contact Form at the bottom of the page. You can also see a [historical record of new Certified Trainers](https://www.cnvc.org/new-cts) since November 2023.

 [ ![Souleiman Kassouha](https://www.cnvc.org/images/portraits/certified-trainers/Souleiman-Kassouha.jpeg)

Souleiman Kassouha (Syrian Arab Republic)

 ](https://www.cnvc.org/javascript:showCandidate(%22souleiman-kassouha%22))

 [ ![Sandra Caselato](https://www.cnvc.org/images/portraits/certified-trainers/Sandra-Caselato2.jpeg)

Sandra Caselato (Brazil)

 ](https://www.cnvc.org/javascript:showCandidate(%22sandra-caselato%22))

 [ ![](https://www.cnvc.org/images/portraits/certified-trainers/Monica-Dunn.jpeg)

Monica Dunn (Canada)

 ](https://www.cnvc.org/javascript:showCandidate(%22monica-dunn%22))

 [ ![Monika Sauter](https://www.cnvc.org/images/portraits/certified-trainers/Monika-Sauter.jpeg)

Monika Sauter (Germany)

 ](https://www.cnvc.org/javascript:showCandidate(%22monika-sauter%22))

 [ ![Maja Wyborska](https://www.cnvc.org/images/portraits/certified-trainers/Maja-Wyborska.jpeg)

Maja Wyborska (Poland)

 ](https://www.cnvc.org/javascript:showCandidate(%22maja-wyborska%22))

 [ ![](https://www.cnvc.org/images/portraits/certified-trainers/Alina-Nolting.jpeg)

Alina Nolting (Austria)

 ](https://www.cnvc.org/javascript:showCandidate(%22alina-nolting%22))

 [ ![](https://www.cnvc.org/images/portraits/certified-trainers/Larissa-Schellenberger.jpeg)

Larissa Schellenberger (Germany)

 ](https://www.cnvc.org/javascript:showCandidate(%22larissa-schellenberger%22))

 [ ![](https://www.cnvc.org/images/portraits/certified-trainers/Kaya-Martischius.jpeg)

Kaya Martischius (Germany)

 ](https://www.cnvc.org/javascript:showCandidate(%22kaya-martischius%22))

 [ ![](https://www.cnvc.org/images/portraits/certified-trainers/Ari-Nadkarni.jpeg)

Ari Nadkarni (Germany)

 ](https://www.cnvc.org/javascript:showCandidate(%22ari-nadkarni%22))

 [ ![](https://www.cnvc.org/images/portraits/certified-trainers/Thomas-Horch.jpeg)

Thomas Horch (Germany)

 ](https://www.cnvc.org/javascript:showCandidate(%22thomas-horch%22))

---

 [ ![Souleiman Kassouha](https://www.cnvc.org/images/portraits/certified-trainers/Souleiman-Kassouha.jpeg)

 ](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/souleiman-kassouha)

### [Souleiman Kassouha (Syrian Arab Republic)](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/souleiman-kassouha)

##### FROM THE ASSESSOR, [River Dunavin](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/river-dunavin)

Souleiman is our first Certified Trainer from the Syrian Arab Republic. In Spring 2023, [Jim Manske](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/deceased/jim-manske), my Mentoring Assessor, linked me with Souleiman mainly due to Hawaii-Syria time differences. For over two years, Souleiman and I have had weekly video calls about his growth and learnings in teaching, living, and knowing Nonviolent Communication (NVC) while navigating life and his NVC offerings in Syria. I had the opportunity to be with Souleiman in person and share an Airbnb in Ottawa, Canada, for three days in April 2025.

I often feel awe at Souleiman’s ability to model living beyond enemy images. He brings individuals and groups together across the clans and tribes within the Syrian socio-political landscape. One of Souleiman’s social change contributions is the TAATOF Foundation, which he co-founded in 2022. TAATOF Foundation stands out in Syria for its commitment to nonviolence, peace education, trauma recovery, and community empowerment initiatives. I met some of his students over Zoom and was impressed by their level of NVC understanding that I inferred from their questions and responses. Since returning from France in 2008, Souleiman has had more than 10,000 attendees in his trainings. I'm looking forward to seeing his name announced as a member of our CNVC trainer network and am looking forward to his contributions. Welcome, Souleiman!

From Souleiman:

My journey with Nonviolent Communication (NVC) began serendipitously during my Master's research in Psychology in 2002. While researching "non-verbal communication," I repeatedly encountered search results for "Nonviolent Communication." For about four months, I dismissed these results, assuming they were irrelevant to my study. However, this intriguing overlap in abbreviations eventually piqued my curiosity, leading me to explore NVC's principles. This discovery marked a pivotal moment, igniting a deep resonance with NVC's transformative potential and setting me on a new personal path.

I started my formal Certification Process in 2014 when I contacted [Verena Jegher](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/deceased/verena-jegher). After she passed away, I tried many times to contact other Assessors without availability. In March 2019, I contacted [Towe Widstrand](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/towe-widstrand), and I registered with her from 2020 to March 2024, when I transferred to Jim Manske till the end of his life in November 2024, then River Dunavin, with whom I started to connect weekly in 2023 and who has accompanied me as a mentor and AIT till now.

I attended in-person training, including an "Introduction to NVC" (2015) and "Deepening in NVC" (2016) in Lebanon, both facilitated by Verena Jegher. A French-language training in Tunisia (2019) provided new linguistic and cultural contexts. The CALF (2020) online program was a new opening and connecting with the international community. Key milestones included an "Assessment Event" in the Netherlands (2023) and an International Intensive Training (IIT) in Germany (2023), which profoundly expanded my understanding of empathy and authentic self-expression.

Beyond formal training, I gained significant experience facilitating NVC, notably delivering my first full training in Syria in 2013 amidst the war, and establishing the "Peace Incubator" initiative in Jaramana in 2016, which involved training community facilitators and setting up bi-weekly practice groups. This comprehensive journey has deepened my self-awareness and commitment to fostering peace.

 [ ![Sandra Caselato](https://www.cnvc.org/images/portraits/certified-trainers/Sandra-Caselato2.jpeg)

 ](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/sandra-caselato)

### [Sandra Caselato (Brazil)](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/sandra-caselato)

##### FROM THE ASSESSOR, [Stephanie Bachmann Mattei](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/stephanie-bachmann-mattei)

Sandra has been learning, integrating, and sharing Nonviolent Communication (NVC) for many years. Alongside her partner, [Yuri Haasz](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/yuri-haasz), she has played a key role in nurturing NVC communities in Brazil and across the Latin American network. Her dedication to the practice and her commitment to making the certification journey a meaningful and authentic process have been truly inspiring for me to witness and support.

Sandra lives and leads with integrity. I trust that Sandra's presence and insight will be a meaningful contribution to our shared journey of nurturing a consciousness rooted in interdependence, shared power, and compassion.

##### FROM Sandra

My journey with Nonviolent Communication (NVC) began in 2010, and since then, I've been committed to learning and sharing NVC. Along with my partner Yuri Haasz, I've offered workshops to people in Brazil and 14 other countries, witnessing the positive impact of NVC on individuals and organizations. NVC has become a powerful spiritual process for me, deepening my connection to myself, others, and the world.

Building on my background as a psychologist trained in Carl Rogers' Person-Centered Approach, I found in NVC a practice that makes accessible to everyone a way of being that honors life and humanity in ourselves and others. I hold a deep hope to contribute with my work to a world where people can build and transform their realities together, from a place of connection, truth, and care. After a long journey, I'm thrilled to celebrate my certification with the Center for Nonviolent Communication! I'm driven by a desire to contribute to the growth of NVC in Brazil and globally, and I'm excited to be part of an international community dedicated to living and sharing NVC, who share my passion for its transformative potential.

 [ ![Monica Dunn](https://www.cnvc.org/images/portraits/certified-trainers/Monica-Dunn.jpeg)

 ](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/monica-dunn)

### [Monica Dunn (Canada)](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/monica-dunn)

##### from the Assessor, [Valérie Lanctôt-Bédard](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/valerie-lanctot-bedard)

**\[EN\]** I am pleased to announce Monica Dunn's Certification. Her life’s path and her professional career bring her to an extraordinary depth and amplitude of reflection and action. I first met Monica when I was teaching herbalism and knew her as a committed activist, whose nuance of thought has always been amazing from my point of view. I also admire the maturity with which her former activism has turned into high-level strategic and unifying work, in her coordination and facilitation of militant groups that do not pull in the same direction, even concerned by the same issues.

Throughout her Nonviolent Communication (NVC) journey, I have heard her ask challenging questions dozens of times, always with care, and which often brought nuances to intra-personal, interpersonal, or social levels. I watched her work to find the inner posture that allowed her to do justice to both the wisdom of her experience and the power of NVC. Through this journey, my experience of her openness to feedback has been nothing but joy in my work as an Assessor, and this has also reflected in her ability to offer feedback, which is a real gift for others. I am convinced that Monica will make NVC grow in Quebec, and I am delighted to be part of the ecology where that will unfold! In the appreciation of the complicity with my co-Assessor, [Marcelle Bélanger](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/marcelle-belanger).

**\[FR\]** Il me fait plaisir d’annoncer la certification de Monica Dunn. Son parcours de vie et son parcours professionnel la portent dans une profondeur et amplitude de réflexion et d’action hors du commun. J’ai d’abord rencontré Monica lorsque j’enseignais l’herboristerie et je l’ai connue comme militante engagée, dont la nuance de réflexion a toujours été étonnante de mon point de vue. J’admire aussi la maturité avec laquelle son militantisme d’antan s’est transformé en travail stratégique et rassembleur de haut niveau, dans sa coordination et facilitation de groupes militants qui ne tirent pas dans la même direction, même s’ils s’investissent dans les mêmes enjeux.

À travers son parcours en CNV, je l’ai entendue des dizaines de fois poser des questions défiantes, toujours dans le soin, et qui apportaient souvent des nuances à des niveaux tant intra- qu’interpersonnels ou social. Je l’ai vue travailler à trouver la posture intérieure qui lui permettait de rendre justice tant à la sagesse de son expérience qu’à la puissance de la CNV. À travers ce parcours, mon expérience de son ouverture au feedback n’a été que de la joie dans mon travail de certificatrice et ceci s’est répercuté aussi dans sa capacité d’offrir du feedback qui est un réel cadeau pour les autres. Je suis persuadée que Monica fera grandir la CNV au Québec et je suis ravie de faire partie de l’écologie où cela va se déployer! Dans l’appréciation de la complicité avec ma co-certificatrice, [Marcelle Bélanger](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/marcelle-belanger).

from Monica:

**\[EN\]** My first contact with NVC was through my role as the mother of two neurodivergent children, when I was looking for other ways to approach their differences, to better understand, welcome them, and accompany them towards their development as human beings, considering both their strengths and their challenges.

As for my professional background, it has led me to work and collaborate with various organizations for the defense of rights and social justice, while the values ​​of inclusion, equity, and consideration of the needs of all have always driven me. I also carried within me this desire to create spaces for dialogue, where the divergence of points of view was welcomed and considered. This led me to work for nearly 15 years in intersectoral round tables, notably as director of the Round Table in Intimate Partner Violence of Montreal, where I was able to use my dialogical skills and my skills in NVC in the service of organizations engaged in the same issues, but who have different perspectives, so that they can build bridges and work together towards common goals.

It is driven by these same values that I continue my journey as a Certified Trainer and a mediator, so that human beings can be considered in social transformations, and that each person can bring their voice. I found an approach that resonated and made sense to me, inviting collaboration rather than division. I therefore use my quiet strength, my vitality, and my sensitivity in the service of a greater awareness of ourselves, of our impact, and of the world in which we evolve.

**\[FR\]** Mon premier contact avec la CNV fût par l’entremise de mon rôle de mère de deux enfants neuro divergents, alors que je cherchais à trouver d’autres façons d’aborder leur différence, pour mieux comprendre, les accueillir et les accompagner vers leur épanouissement en tant qu’humain, en considérant autant leurs forces que leurs défis.

Quant à mon parcours professionnel, il m’a amené à travailler et à collaborer avec diverses organisations de défense des droits et de justice sociale, alors que les valeurs d’inclusion, d’équité et de considérations des besoins de tout.es m’ont toujours animé. Je portais également en moi cette volonté de de créer des espaces de dialogue, où la divergence de points de vue était bienvenue et considérée. Ce qui amené à œuvrer pendant près de 15 ans dans des concertations intersectorielles, notamment comme directrice de la table de concertation en violence conjugale de Montréal, où j’ai pu mettre à profit mes habiletés dialogiques et mes compétences en CNV au service d’organisations engagées dans les mêmes enjeux, mais qui ont des perspectives différentes, afin qu’elles puissent créer des ponts et travailler ensemble vers des objectifs communs.

C’est toujours portée par ces mêmes valeurs que je poursuis mon parcours de formatrice en CNV et de médiatrice pour que puisse être considéré l’humain dans les transformations sociales et que pour chaque personne puisse y amener sa voix. J’y ai trouvé une approche qui résonnait et qui faisait plein de sens pour moi, en invitant à la collaboration plutôt qu’à la division. Je mets donc à contribution ma force tranquille, ma vitalité et ma sensibilité au service d’une plus grande conscience de soi, de notre impact et du monde dans lequel nous évoluons.

 [ ![Monika Sauter](https://www.cnvc.org/images/portraits/certified-trainers/Monika-Sauter.jpeg)

 ](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/monika-sauter)

### [Monika Sauter (Germany)](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/monika-sauter)

##### FROM THE ASSESSOR, [Sabine Geiger](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/sabine-geiger)

**\[EN\]** I met Monika many years ago, and we have enjoyed a long journey together. I experience Monika as very rooted in Nonviolent Communication (NVC); she integrates that consciousness at home with her family as well as in her work as a teacher. I keep being amazed at her creativity in working with children. If we only had teachers like her, the world would be a different place.

Monika also integrated a different approach to conflict and shares a restorative approach with the children at her school. She has a gift in holding that in a way that even the smallest students seem to use it with ease. I trust that she will continue to inspire her students, their parents, and her colleagues with her way of living NVC.

**\[DE\]** Ich kenne Monika seit vielen Jahren und wir haben eine lange gemeinsame Reise hinter uns. Ich erlebe Monika als sehr verwurzelt in der GFK, sie integriert dieses Bewusstsein sowohl zu Hause mit ihrer Familie als auch in ihrer Arbeit als Lehrerin. Ich bin immer wieder erstaunt über ihre Kreativität in der Arbeit mit Kindern. Wenn wir nur Lehrer wie sie hätten, wäre die Welt ein anderer Ort.

Monika vermittelt auch einen anderen Ansatz im Umgang mit Konflikten und lebt mit den Kindern an ihrer Schule einen restaurativen Ansatz. Sie hat die Gabe, dies so zu teilen, dass selbst die kleinsten Schüler dies scheinbar mühelos anwenden können. Ich bin überzeugt, dass sie ihre Schüler, deren Eltern und ihre Kollegen weiterhin mit ihrer Art GFK zu leben inspirieren wird.

From Monika:

**\[EN\]** In the Spring of 2009, I attended an introductory seminar on NVC. That weekend profoundly changed my life, sparked my enthusiasm, and made me curious about Nonviolent Communication. With deep gratitude, I think of all those who have inspired, accompanied, contributed to my growth, and supported me on this journey.

My passion is working with children. I am convinced that we must start with the youngest in order to change the world. As an elementary school teacher at a public school, it is important to me to guide my students in the principles of Nonviolent Communication and to foster respectful interactions. I support them in resolving conflicts peacefully. I also enjoy advising colleagues and the parents of the children entrusted to me on their own paths.

**\[DE\]** Im Frühjahr 2009 besuchte ich ein Einführungsseminar in die GFK. Dieses Wochenende hat mein Leben tiefgreifend verändert, mich begeistert und neugierig auf die Gewaltfreie Kommunikation gemacht. In tiefer Dankbarkeit denke ich an alle, die mich auf diesem Weg inspiriert, begleitet, zu meinem Wachstum beigetragen und mich unterstützt haben.

Meine Leidenschaft gilt der Arbeit mit Kindern. Ich bin davon überzeugt, dass wir bei den Kleinsten beginnen müssen, um die Welt zu verändern. Als Grundschullehrerin an einer Regelschule ist es mir wichtig, meine Schülerinnen und Schüler in der Haltung der Gewaltfreien Kommunikation zu begleiten und ein respektvolles Miteinander zu fördern. Dabei unterstütze ich Konflikte friedlich zu lösen. Kolleginnen und Kollegen sowie die Eltern der mir anvertrauten Kinder berate ich gerne auf ihrem Weg.

 [ ![Maja Wyborska](https://www.cnvc.org/images/portraits/certified-trainers/Maja-Wyborska.jpeg)

 ](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/maja-wyborska)

### [Maja Wyborska (Poland)](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/maja-wyborska)

##### from the assessor, [Aga Jankiewicz](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/aga-jankiewicz)

I am glad about Maja Wyborska joining the community of Certified Trainers with the Center for Nonviolent Communication. I am truly inspired by the depth of her commitment to nonviolence, her striving to stay in connection, and her willingness to look within and learn about herself when challenges come up. It was quite a journey for Maja to complete her certification, and she has demonstrated a great deal of courage and compassion on the way. I am happy to have met her beyond her unquestionable skills - a tender and fierce being.

I am also inspired by the many projects in diverse areas that Maja is offering in Poland and beyond, which contribute to sharing nonviolence. Among all, she co-organizes Empathy Marathon - a free-for-all festival, where members of our community - both Certified Trainers and those who are in the Certification Process offer workshops and are held with care; she brings NVC and knowledge of neurobiology to families with neurodivergent kids; she also works with businesses. I celebrate Maja and wish her all the best as she continues growing as a Certified Trainer.

##### From Maja:

My journey with NVC over the past eight years has been deeply transformative. NVC has become an access point to my inner compass for navigating both my inner world and my relationships with others. It has allowed me to open my heart more fully, as if curtains have slowly lifted, revealing a broader, more compassionate view of the world. Becoming a Certified Trainer felt like a natural next step — not as a final destination, but as a meaningful milestone in my ongoing integration of NVC into my life. I see this point as a way to celebrate my journey and my inner light.

The Certification Process has been invaluable in grounding my practice and expanding my agency and self-trust. It has offered me opportunities for reflection, feedback, and celebration of the growth achieved so far. Importantly, it has strengthened my commitment to making NVC accessible to more people, whether through community initiatives like Empathy Marathon and Widzę Człowieka, pro bono work, or supporting those affected by crises such as the war in Ukraine.

I do not see certification as an endpoint — it is a checkpoint that allows me to deepen consistency, connection, and contribution to the NVC community. I am excited to continue learning, sharing, and co-creating a world where empathy, integrity, and authentic connection flourish.

 [ ![Samuel Turakiewicz](https://www.cnvc.org/images/portraits/certified-trainers/Alina-Nolting.jpeg)

 ](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/alina-nolting)

### [Alina Nolting (Austria)](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/alina-nolting)

##### FROM THE ASSESSOR, [Johannes Henn](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/johannes-henn)

**\[EN\]** It seems to me that, in her deep longing for genuine and vibrant connection, Alina has truly found a life path through her certification journey with the Center for Nonviolent Communication. One major area of growth for her was finding her own safe space and learning to shape her environment with responsibility – today, she creates exactly such spaces in her family and in her seminars. I witnessed with joy the presence of her daughters and her husband at her pre-assessment. I was deeply moved to accompany her in moments of vulnerability, where she showed herself, welcomed her pain, and transformed it. The connection that grew between us in that process has been of special value to me. I wholeheartedly celebrate her certification and am grateful to count her as a colleague in our community.

**\[DE\]** Mir scheint, dass Alina in ihrem tiefen Wunsch nach echtem und lebendigem Miteinander auf ihrem Zertifizierungsweg mit der GFK wirklich einen Lebensweg gefunden hat. Ein großes Entwicklungsfeld war für sie dabei, ihren eigenen sicheren Raum zu finden und ihr Umfeld verantwortlich zu gestalten – heute schafft sie genau solche Räume in ihrer Familie und ihren Seminaren. Voller Freude habe ich die Präsenz ihrer Töchter und ihres Ehepartners auf ihrem Pre-Assessment miterlebt. Es hat mich tief berührt, sie in Phasen der Verletzlichkeit zu begleiten, in denen sie sich gezeigt und ihren Schmerz willkomengeheißen und verwandelt hat. Die Verbindung, die dabei zwischen uns entstand, war für mich von besonderem Wert. Ich freue mich von Herzen über ihre Zertifizierung und bin dankbar, sie als Kollegin in unserer Gemeinschaft zu wissen.

##### From Alina:

I got to know Nonviolent Communication (NVC) at an introductory course in my hometown, Salzburg, with [Maria Hechenberger](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/maria-hechenberger). From the very beginning, I was deeply touched and inspired by it. At first, it was like a journey of self-discovery. As a mother of three children, I had often lost touch with my own feelings and struggled to recognize what I truly needed. Two years later, a new path opened: after mediating a conflict between two children, I was invited to offer NVC training for professionals in the social sector.

Through facilitating these trainings, I realized how essential it is for me - as both a person and a trainer - to receive continuous support and guidance for my personal and professional growth. Although I was already part of the certification community in Austria, I felt the desire to connect with other trainers and new circles. This led me to the team of [Johannes Henn](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/johannes-henn), [Vivet Alevi](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/vivet-alevi), and [Marianne Sikor](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/marianne-sikor).

I am infinitely grateful for this community! This phase of my personal and professional development was supported by many people - both my peers and my Assessor Johannes together with Vivet and Marianne. I was able to experience how real eye level can be lived in a learning context. At the same time, I was confronted with my own experiences around “power over”. This not only made me more mindful and aware in this area, but also more attentive of when and how eye level is lost in groups or in everyday life. Today, I consider it one of my greatest strengths to be able to help shape joint decisions on an equal footing - both professionally and privately.

 [ ![larissa-schellenberger](https://www.cnvc.org/images/portraits/certified-trainers/Larissa-Schellenberger.jpeg)

 ](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/larissa-schellenberger)

### [Larissa Schellenberger (Germany)](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/larissa-schellenberger)

##### FROM THE ASSESSOR, [Marianne Sikor](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/marianne-sikor)

**\[EN\]** I have been working with Larissa as her Assessor since 2021, and we have been in regular contact about her learning in teaching, living, and knowing Nonviolent Communication (NVC). During several mentoring and assessment days (3 days each), Larissa was supported in her process with 360-degree feedback by my team members [Johannes Henn](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/johannes-henn) and [Vivet Alevi](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/vivet-alevi), and our community of Certification Candidates. She is well-connected in different NVC circles and works closely with two peer groups, an assessment preparation group, and with empathy partners.

What impressed me from the beginning of our journey together was Larissa's commitment to reflect on herself and connect with her feelings and needs. Several times she chose to do an honest self-expression, even when it was challenging, to serve her integrity. I always experienced her as willing to listen with empathy and received her longing for connection. This created a bond of trust for me.

Larissa is working as a teacher at a speech therapy school and implements NVC in her work. There, she provided various initiatives to transform the school system into one that is more life-contributing. For example, she sought ways to provide her students with performance feedback about their capacities that more closely mirrors NVC feedback, thus providing them with more concrete information about what they could celebrate in their knowledge and where they could develop further. I value a lot her persistence in this and that she is looking for a way to balance her longing for a life-enriching way to serve her students and caring at the same time, the connection with her boss and colleagues. Besides this, she is living NVC with her children and is giving NVC trainings with her partner Thomas. Larissa, I am delighted to welcome you to our growing community of trainers!

**\[DE\]** Ich freue mich, mit Larissa den Schritt zur Zertifizierung zu gehen. Sie ist seit 2021 bei mir registriert, und wir waren in regelmäßigem Austausch über ihre Erfahrungen im Teilen, Leben und Kennen der GFK. Während mehrerer Mentoring- und Assessment-Tage (jeweils drei Tage) wurde Larissa in ihrem Prozess durch 360-Grad-Feedback von meinen Teammitgliedern [Johannes Henn](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/johannes-henn) und [Vivet Alevi](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/vivet-alevi) sowie unserer Kandidat\*innen-Community unterstützt. Sie ist in verschiedenen GFK-Kreisen gut vernetzt und arbeitet eng mit zwei Peergroups, einer Assessment-Vorbereitungsgruppe und Empathiepartnern zusammen.

Was mich von Beginn unserer gemeinsamen Reise an beeindruckt hat, war Larissas Freude daran, über sich selbst nachzudenken und sich mit ihren Gefühlen und Bedürfnissen auseinanderzusetzen. Mehrfach entschied sie sich für einen ehrlichen Selbstausdruck, auch wenn es schwierig war, um für ihre Integrität zu sorgen. Ich habe sie dabei stets als empathisch zuhörend erlebt und ihren Wunsch nach Verbindung erkannt. Dadurch entstand bei mir ein Band von Vertrauen.

Larissa arbeitet als Lehrerin an einer Logopädie-Schule und lebt GFK in ihrer Arbeit. Dort machte sie verschiedene Initiativen, um das Schulsystem lebensdienlicher zu gestalten. Beispielsweise suchte sie nach Möglichkeiten, ihren Schülern Feedback über ihre Fähigkeiten zu geben, das dem GFK-Feedback stärker entspricht. So erhielten sie konkrete Informationen darüber, welche Fortschritte sie in ihrem Wissen feiern und wo sie sich noch weiterentwickeln können. Ich schätze ihre Beharrlichkeit dabei sehr und dass sie ihren Wunsch nach einer lebensbereichernden Betreuung ihrer Schüler mit der gleichzeitigen Sorge für die Beziehung zu ihrer Chefin und ihren Kollegen in Einklang bringt. Darüber hinaus lebt sie GFK mit ihren Kindern und gibt mit ihrem Partner Thomas GFK-Seminare. Larissa, ich freue mich, dich in unserer wachsenden Trainer-Community begrüßen zu dürfen!

##### FROM Larissa

**\[EN\]** As a child, I watched the people around me with attentive eyes to see what was important to them. Looking back, I would say that I behaved like a chameleon, adapting and orienting myself to external conditions. Through NVC, I discovered how valuable it is to be aware of my own feelings and needs, and I experience this as a driving force in my life. By acting authentically, I can come into deeper contact with those around me and no longer experience each person’s differences as distance, but rather as space for diversity and peace.

\[DE\] Mit wachen Augen beobachtete ich als Kind aufmerksam meine Mitmenschen, um zu sehen, was anderen wichtig ist. Rückblickend würde ich sagen, dass ich mich wie ein Chamäleon verhielt, das sich an äußere Bedingungen orientierte und anpasste. Durch die GFK entdeckte ich, wie wertvoll es ist, die eigenen Gefühle und Bedürfnisse wahrzunehmen, und erlebe das als Antrieb für mein Leben. Durch authentisches Handeln kann ich in einen tieferen Kontakt zu meinen Mitmenschen kommen und erlebe die Unterschiedlichkeit eines jeden Einzelnen nicht mehr als Distanz, sondern Raum für Vielfalt und Frieden.

 [ ![Kaya Martischius](https://www.cnvc.org/images/portraits/certified-trainers/Kaya-Martischius.jpeg)

 ](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/kaya-martischius)

### [Kaya Martischius (Germany)](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/kaya-martischius)

##### from the assessor, [Vivet Alevi](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/vivet-alevi)

**\[EN\]** Kaya made it so easy for me to accompany her during her Certification Process. She was one of the participants in the first yearlong program that I offered in Berlin in 2007. She really took her time for critical reflection and to explore the potential of whether Nonviolent Communication (NVC) will really lead to sustainable structural change. She has deepened her capacity for understanding, living, and integrating so that I experience her as deeply rooted in NVC consciousness. I am inspired by her constant self-reflection, Authenticity, honesty, and vulnerability.

She is committed to conflict resolution and restorative justice. I believe that she will find the space for her contribution within the justice system. Aside from that, as a mother of two young kids, another focus of hers is to co-create offerings for children and parents (e.g., family camps). Her joining the CNVC is a real enrichment for our community.

**\[DE\]** Mit großer Freude empfehle ich Kaya Martischius für die Zertifizierung. Sie hat es mir soo leicht gemacht, sie während ihres Zertifizierungsprozesses zu begleiten,

Kaya war eine der Teilnehmerinnen in meinem ersten einjährigen Programm, das ich 2007 in Berlin angeboten habe. Sie hat sich wirklich Zeit genommen, um kritisch zu reflektieren und zu erforschen, ob NVC wirklich zu einem nachhaltigen Strukturwandel führen kann. Sie hat ihre Fähigkeit zu verstehen, zu leben und zu integrieren so vertieft, dass ich sie als tief verwurzelt im NVC-Bewusstsein erlebe. Ich bin inspiriert von ihrer ständigen Selbstreflexion, ihrer Authentizität, ihrer Ehrlichkeit und ihrer Verletzlichkeit.

Sie engagiert sich für Konfliktlösung und wiederherstellende Gerechtigkeit. Ich glaube, dass sie den Raum für ihren Beitrag innerhalb des Justizsystems finden wird. Als Mutter von zwei kleinen Kindern ist ein weiterer Schwerpunkt von ihr die gemeinsame Gestaltung von Angeboten für Kinder und Eltern (z.B. Familiencamps). Ihr Beitritt zum CNVC ist eine echte Bereicherung für unsere Gemeinschaft.

From Kaya:

**\[EN\]** Since first immersing myself in NVC through Vivet's year-long course in 2007, I notice more and more each year how deeply the practice of nonviolence inspires and transforms my inner experience and my connection to the world. I am especially touched by the clarity that emerges through self-empathy – an inner strength that enables me to pursue my heartfelt aspirations with greater power, both in my personal life and in the broader tapestry of societal structures.

My desire is to play my part in the inevitable transformation that our world needs to become more peaceful. For now, that means acting as nonviolently as I can within my communities, while also supporting groups and organizations that are actively working to change systems and structures toward serving all life on earth. The Certification Process was a valuable support for my growth and a touching experience of community. I am deeply grateful for the guidance as well as the connections and collaborations that have emerged from it.

**\[DE\]** Seitdem ich 2007 in Vivets Jahreskurs in die GfK eingetaucht bin, merke ich von Jahr zu Jahr mehr, wie sehr die Beschäftigung mit Gewaltfreiheit mein inneres Erleben und meine Verbindung zur Welt verändert und inspiriert. Besonders berührt mich die Klarheit, die durch Selbstempathie entsteht – eine innere Stärke, die es mir ermöglicht, meine Ziele und Herzensangelegenheiten mit mehr Kraft zu verfolgen, sowohl im persönlichen Bereich als auch im größeren Kontext gesellschaftlicher Strukturen.

Es ist mein Anliegen, meinen Beitrag zum Wandel zu leisten, den unsere Welt so dringend braucht, um friedvoller zu werden. Momentan heißt das für mich, in meinen Gemeinschaften so gewaltlos wie möglich zu handeln und dabei Gruppen und Organisationen zu unterstützen, die aktiv daran arbeiten, Systeme und Strukturen so umzugestalten, dass sie allem Leben auf der Erde dienen. Der Zertifizierungsprozess war eine wertvolle Unterstützung für mein Wachstum und eine berührende und intensive Erfahrung von Gemeinschaft. Ich bin sehr dankbar für die Begleitung sowie die Kontakte und Kollaborationen, die daraus entstanden sind.

 [ ![Ari Nadkarni](https://www.cnvc.org/images/portraits/certified-trainers/Ari-Nadkarni.jpeg)

 ](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/ari-nadkarni)

### [Ari Nadkarni (Germany)](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/ari-nadkarni)

##### FROM THE ASSESSOR, [Johannes Henn](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/johannes-henn)

**\[EN\]** Ari brings intellect, heart, and humor to his path – along with a tangible longing to truly understand life and help shape it. Everything he has discovered for himself, he shares in his workshops – especially where he weaves together theater and Nonviolent Communication (NVC) – with heartfelt dedication, great creativity, and playful humor. I have always experienced him as alert, authentic, and full of joy in shaping this world in a kind and appreciative way. I am so glad you're here, Ari!

**\[DE\]** Ari bringt Kopf, Herz und Humor (schaut nur einmal auf seine E-Mail-Adresse!) mit auf seinen Weg – und eine spürbare Sehnsucht danach, das Leben wirklich zu verstehen und mitzugestalten, indem er alles, was er für sich selbst erfahren hat, in seinen Workshops, in denen er vor allem Theater und GFK miteinander verbindet, von Herzen und mit viel Hingabe, viel Kreativität und spielerischem Humor weitergibt. Ich habe ihn stets als wach, echt und voller Lust, diese Welt wirklich freundlich und wertschätzend zu gestalten, erlebt. "Schön, dass du dabei bist, Ari!

From Ari:

My first encounter with NVC was at Münster University, where an uncertified trainer gave an introduction. I became interested, but wasn't flashed, because no demonstration of a thorough empathy process was given. Then a friend of mine recommended the class of [Wiltraud Terlinden](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/wiltraud-terlinden) in Düsseldorf, so I went there, and on the third day, when I saw the power of self-empathy, I decided that I wanted to learn this for real! So I took a fairly deep dive into the NVC world for two years and started teaching it fairly soon, but many things about it remained difficult for me - I guess because I was so disconnected from my body and soul that I missed out on many details in the process.

Looking back, this has been helpful because my stumbling has been my teacher, and when I teach NVC, I talk a fair share about my stumbling in this way. And I hope this can support my students in their process of integration. To this day, I stumble from time to time, but I also stumbled in love with NVC more and more over the years. Like any lover, it can not be my only companion, but I carry it in my heart and on my tongue when needed and when I manage. And I continue to be inspired in trying to understand what a life committed to non-violence may be.

 [ ![Thomas Horch](https://www.cnvc.org/images/portraits/certified-trainers/Thomas-Horch.jpeg)

 ](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/thomas-horch)

### [Thomas Horch (Germany)](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/thomas-horch)

##### FROM THE ASSESSOR, [Marianne Sikor](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/marianne-sikor)

**\[EN\]** Thomas has been a Certification Candidate with me since 2021, and we have been in regular contact about his learning in teaching, living, and knowing Nonviolent Communication (NVC). During several mentoring and assessment days (3 days each), Thomas was supported in his process with 360-degree feedback by my team members [Johannes Henn](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/johannes-henn) and [Vivet Alevi, ](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/vivet-alevi)and our candidates' community. He is well-connected in different NVC circles and works closely with two peer groups, an assessment preparation group, and with empathy partners.

As a counselor in a psychological counseling center, Thomas is using NVC a lot in his work. He is accompanying couples in difficult times and is doing mediation to support them in their separation process. During our sessions, he often shared about his work. I was impressed by his empathic accompaniment and how he could hold them also when strong emotions have been coming up. I see this work as an important social change work, as he mostly works with people who usually do not participate in NVC trainings. I am very grateful that he makes the gift of NVC available to his clients.

I also value how committed he is to living NVC in his daily life with his children. Regularly he reflectes on situations and is looking for a way to live them in more congruence with his deep commitment to NVC. During the last 6 months, we worked intensely towards his certification, focusing on his empathy skills. I value a lot how he received my feedback on this and his commitment to learn, growing, and developing his skills. And I celebrate that during the MAT in March, I was invited to be present during an empathy process Thomas accompanied and to experience his development and competence in empathy.

**\[DE\]** Ich freue mich sehr, gemeinsam mit Thomas den Schritt zur Zertifizierung zu gehen. Er ist seit 2021 bei mir registriert, und wir standen in regelmäßigem Austausch über seine Erfahrungen im Lehren, Leben und Kennen der GFK. Während mehrerer Mentoring- und Assessment-Tage (jeweils drei Tage) wurde Thomas in seinem Prozess durch 360-Grad-Feedback von meinen Teammitgliedern Johannes und Vivet sowie unserer Kandidat\*innen-Community unterstützt. Er ist in verschiedenen GFK-Kreisen gut vernetzt und arbeitet eng mit zwei Peergroups, einer Assessment-Vorbereitungsgruppe und Empathiepartnern zusammen.

Als Berater in einer psychologischen Beratungsstelle setzt er GFK häufig in seiner Arbeit ein. Er begleitet Paare in schwierigen Zeiten und führt Mediationen durch, um sie im Trennungsprozess zu unterstützen. Während unserer Sitzungen erzählte er oft von seiner Arbeit. Ich war beeindruckt von seiner empathischen Begleitung und davon, wie er sie auch bei starken Emotionen unterstützen konnte. Ich sehe diese Arbeit als einen wichtigen Beitrag zur sozialen Veränderung, da er hauptsächlich mit Menschen arbeitet, die normalerweise nicht an GFK-Seminaren teilnehmen. Ich bin sehr dankbar, dass er seinen Klientinnen und Klienten das Geschenk der GFK zugänglich macht.

Ich schätze auch sein Engagement, GFK im Alltag mit seinen Kindern zu leben. Regelmäßig reflektiert er Situationen und sucht nach Möglichkeiten, diese besser mit seinem tiefen Commitment zur GFK in Einklang zu bringen.

In den letzten sechs Monaten haben wir intensiv auf seine Zertifizierung hingearbeitet und uns dabei auf seine Empathiefähigkeiten konzentriert. Ich schätze es sehr, wie er mein Feedback dazu aufgenommen hat und wie sehr er sich engagiert hat, zu lernen, zu wachsen und seine Fähigkeiten weiterzuentwickeln. Und ich freue mich, dass ich während des MAT im März eingeladen wurde, einen von ihm begleiteten Empathieprozess zu begleiten und seine Entwicklung und seine Empathie-Kompetenzen mitzuerleben.

##### From Thomas:

**\[EN\]** I was introduced to Nonviolent Communication in 2015 and experienced how alive it feels to come into deep, empathic contact with feelings and needs. Today, NVC and the attitude behind it are part of my life. It guides me to live an honest and integral life and to shape relationships with others in a way that allows for life-serving connections of mutual respect and compassion. I want to pass on to people what I was able to experience myself, as a foundation for a fulfilling life and peaceful coexistence.

**\[DE\]** Die Gewaltfreie Kommunikation durfte ich 2015 kennenlernen und wie lebendig es sich anfühlt, in tiefen empathischen Kontakt zu Gefühlen und Bedürfnissen zu kommen. Heute ist die GFK und die dahinterstehende Haltung Teil meines Lebens. Sie leitet mich, ein aufrichtiges und integres Leben zu führen und Beziehungen zu anderen Menschen so zu gestalten, dass lebensdienliche Verbindungen gegenseitigen Respekts und Mitgefühls möglich sind. Ich möchte Menschen das weitergeben, was ich selbst erleben durfte, als Grundlage für ein erfülltes Leben und friedliches Miteinander.

[](#)