PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE | Ascending Together: A Year in Reflection

Dear Coaching Community,

As we move toward the close of the year, I’ve been reflecting on our shared theme for 2025–2026: Ascend.

When we chose Ascend as our theme, it represented a shared commitment to evolving our chapter.

It invited fresh ideas into our programming, encouraged new ways of reaching and engaging our community, supported broader outreach, and deepened how we connect with our members. Ascend became a guiding lens for how we think, design, and move forward together.

This year has been shaped by the collective efforts of so many. We hosted 31 Hub events, supported by our dedicated Hub Leaders, alongside peer coaching spaces, the members of our Awards Gala committee, and the many volunteers who continually pitch in to support the chapter in many capacities. As we close out 2025, I am deeply grateful to our volunteers, members, Board, and partners who make ICF Toronto a vibrant, thoughtful, and generous community.    

Looking ahead, this spirit of contribution continues. Board nominations are now open, and we warmly invite members who feel called to shape the future of our chapter to consider stepping into leadership. Serving on the Board is an opportunity to influence direction, steward community, and continue the work of supporting ICF Toronto and its members—Ascend.​​

Wishing you a restful and nourishing holiday season—see you in 2026!

Happy Holidays!

Warm regards,   

Abirambika Ravivarman
President, ICF Toronto Chapter
Abirambika@icftoronto.com

IN THIS ISSUE | December 2025

ICF Toronto Board of Directors
Call for Expressions of Interest 

We are seeking Expressions of Interest from ICF Toronto members who would like to be considered for appointment to the chapter’s Board of Directors. This is an opportunity for committed and forward-thinking leaders in our chapter to contribute their expertise, strategic insight, and passion for coaching to advance our chapter’s mission. 

Interested individuals are invited to submit a brief statement outlining their background, relevant experience, and motivation for serving on the Board.  

Members with the following skills or experience are encouraged to apply: 

• Financial management and budgeting (Treasurer)
• Volunteer recruitment and leadership 
  
• Public relations, marketing and brand management
• Coaching methodologies, education, and learning, leading Communities of Practice
  

Additionally, any member with a strong interest in developing into the President role in 2027 are invited to apply for the Vice-President/President Elect role.  

For a quick overview of the Board and what we do, please visit: Board Member Roles and Responsibilities – ICF Toronto 

We look forward to hearing from individuals eager to help shape the future of our chapter. 

Expressions of interest should be submitted by January 05, 2026 via this link or the QR code below. 

Questions or inquiries may be directed to denise@icftoronto.com.

Nominating Committee Members (Volunteer) 
Call for Expressions of Interest

The Nominating Committee plays a vital role in shaping the future of the ICF Toronto chapter by identifying, evaluating, and recommending candidates for open Board of Director positions.  

We are seeking one to three interested members who will bring integrity, sound judgment, and experience in leadership, governance, and/or community engagement. Former chapter Board members, Treasurers, and Presidents are encouraged to apply. Serving on the Nominating Committee offers an opportunity to contribute to strengthening governance, ensuring diversity of perspectives, and supporting our chapter’s mission through a thoughtful selection process. 

The time commitment is 5-15 hours in January 2026, depending on the number of Board Director candidate interviews. 

Expressions of interest will include a brief statement outlining Board of Directors and/or relevant recruitment experience.  

Please complete an expression of interest by Monday, December 29, 2025 using this link or scan the QR code below. Questions may be directed to denise@icftoronto.com. 

Expressions of interest will include a brief statement outlining Board of Directors and/or relevant recruitment experience.
Please complete an expression of interest by Monday, December 29, 2025 using this link or scan the QR code. Questions may be directed to denise@icftoronto.com. 

Start the New Year with Purpose

As you look ahead to a new year of growth, advance your coaching journey with the MA in Executive and Organizational Coaching at Royal Roads University. This applied, practitioner-focused program helps you elevate your coaching, expand your influence, and enter the new year with clarity and confidence in your professional growth.

Community Impact Update:
Courage in Action Pro-Bono Coaching Initiative | January - March 2026

We're thrilled to share that we have extended this pilot project to include all 36 Courage in Action members who signed up! We have matched 36 coaches and their respective introduction emails are being sent to the Coach/Coachee pairs this week.

Once again, thank you for your incredible passion and willingness to serve speaks volumes about the heart of our coaching community. Thank you for stepping up to support women on their journey of growth and transformation!

For those who have not been matched this time, please know that your application will be kept on file and be considered as future opportunities become available as we continue to explore partnerships with other organizations.

Thank you again for your ongoing commitment to coaching excellence and community impact. This initiative is just the beginning of what we can accomplish together.

In the Making | The Becoming of a Coach

In the Making is our new CEI interview series highlighting the real stories behind how coaches build their practices—the beginnings, the pivots, the doubts, the experiments, and the unexpected turns that shape a coaching career over time.

Our first feature is a conversation with Maggie Coulter (PCC, TICC), Co-Principal and Lead Faculty with PeopleDynamics Learning Group. In this interview, Maggie reflects on self-trust, trauma-informed practice, community, and the non-linear path of becoming the coach they are today. We’re sharing this interview in full so members can read, learn, and see themselves reflected in another coach’s unfolding journey. Click HERE to read the full article.

We also recently hosted an In the Making conversation with Donna Forde (MCC)—keep an eye out for the write-up.

Our next live In the Making session will be on January 28. If you’d like to share the story of your own coaching journey, or nominate a colleague, please email Suzanne at suzanne@icftoronto.com. 

NEW ICF TORONTO CHAPTER MEMBERS!
We're thrilled to have you as part of our coaching community. We look forward to an exciting journey ahead with you.

Shirin Ariff
Kirsten Boileau
Amanda Caswell
Christine Fry
Sandra Lowe
Marc Proudfoot

Marley Schafer
Jennifer Stanley
Amanda Ung
Kevin Viflanzoff
Shauna Williams-Ridge
Karen Wonders

As a new ICF Toronto Chapter member, we’d love to hear your feedback! Please take a few minutes to complete our survey by clicking HERE.

ICF Toronto's Reciprocal Peer Coaching

New Format, Same Powerful Value: ICF Toronto’s Reciprocal Peer Coaching will be Back!

We’re excited to share that the ICF Toronto Reciprocal Peer Coaching Program is returning with a refreshed format—while continuing to offer the same meaningful growth, learning, and community connection that coaches value year after year.

Reciprocal Peer Coaching offers a confidential, collaborative space where coaches partner as equals—alternating roles to deepen skills, strengthen self-awareness, support each other’s development—and earn ICF credentialing hours along the way.

What’s new in this updated format?

• Cohort-based model offered three times a year
  
• Streamlined intake and matching
• A structured Kickoff Session + Midpoint Check-In
• A practical workbook for alliance design, tracking hours, and reflection
• Flexible, self-managed sessions tailored by each coaching pair

✔Accelerate your ICF credentialing hours

✔ Practice and strengthen ICF Core Competencies

✔ Build meaningful professional peer connections

✔ Continue coaching partnerships beyond the program

Early registration is encouraged.

We look forward to welcoming coaches into another year of shared growth and powerful peer learning.

Coaching Circle: The Business of Coaching

Wednesday, January 28 | 12:00–12:55 PM ET | Online via Zoom
Hosted by Suzanne B. Jones | Dir., Coaching Entrepreneurship & Impact, ICF Toronto

This coaching circle is a lightly facilitated, peer-powered space to talk honestly about the business side of coaching—what’s working, what’s hard, and what you’re trying next.

Whether you’re just getting started, returning to coaching after time away, mid-pivot, or simply craving company as you build your practice, you’re welcome here. We’ll use simple prompts to spark real conversation, share tips and tools, and normalize the challenges that come with building a sustainable, values-aligned coaching business.

Watch for registration details in your inbox and on the ICF Toronto calendar!

Explore our full event calendar for details by clicking below:

Call For Volunteers: Co-create the future of coaching in Toronto!

Join the ICF Toronto Committees and help us nurture a sustainable, thriving foundation for our community of coaches — today and for years to come.

• Member Experience Committee

Help create unforgettable experiences for our members! From events to engagement initiatives, this team ensures every coach feels welcomed, supported, and connected within the ICF Toronto community.

• Member Development Committee

Passionate about growth and learning? Join this team to shape programs, workshops, and resources that elevate our members’ coaching skills and professional evolution.

• Outreach & Advocacy Committee

Be a voice for coaching in Toronto and beyond! This committee builds partnerships, increases public awareness, and advocates for the value of professional coaching in organizations and communities.

• Finance & Governance Committee

Love structure, sustainability, and impact? Help ensure the chapter runs smoothly and responsibly. This team safeguards our financial health and guides sound governance practices for long-term success.

• Brand Strategy and Communications Committee

Got a flair for storytelling and visibility? Lend your creativity to strengthening ICF Toronto’s brand. From messaging to marketing, help us showcase the power and professionalism of coaching.

To learn more about these portfolios and how you’ll be collaborating with the Board of Directors, please take a moment to review the link below. It outlines our chapter strategy as well as the roles and responsibilities for each area: https://www.icftoronto.com/about/board-member-roles-and-responsibilities/

Interested? Please fill out the volunteer form by clicking on the link below and contact Heather at: info@icftoronto.com if you have any questions.

Are you running an event, workshop or seminar that you would like to promote in our monthly newsletter? This is an ideal way to get your message into the coaching community and beyond! Find out how you can submit your event (free of charge for ICF Toronto members who have paid the Activity Fee): Submission Guidelines. 

Team of Teams Transformational Partner Program | Submitted by: Michelle Chambers, M.Ed., PCC, CSODP, CHRL, CTDP, TCQA, EIA

Catherine Carr and Michelle Chambers will be facilitating this 3.5 day immersive experience for experienced coaches who want to deepen their systemic practice and work effectively across teams, functions and organizational boundaries.

Date: April 29, 30 and May 1

Price: $3499 early bird rate

Location: Odgers Berndtson, 200 Bay Street, #3300, Toronto

There will also be a webinar (1/2 day) and an optional book club to participate in prior to the session.

Please contact Michelle Chambers, michelle@chambersandassociates.ca to register your interest and add your name to the waitlist.

EQ-i2.0 & EQ360 Certification from eiADVANTAGE | Submitted by: Janice Gair, PCC, CPHR, President

12 Days of Emotional Intelligence and EQ-i2.0 Certification from eiADVANTAGE

Happy Holidays to all our fellow coaches! Another fantastic year of being in service of others – nothing could be better. We hope you enjoy our 12 days of EI article!

Next certification date: January 26-29, 2026

Grow your business and become certified to deliver EQ assessments to your clients. Cost: $1850 More info here!

We have exciting plans for 2026, including additional EQ-i2.0 Certifications and the introduction of MSCEIT2 Certification — an assessment focused on emotional intelligence as a cognitive ability rather than a trait-based assessment. We’re also thrilled to be launching our Coaching Supervision Program!

Best wishes to you and yours over the holidays. Need more info? Contact Janice at info@eiadvantage.ca

PDLG Business Coaching Advantage – Build Your Confidence, Competence and Credibility | Submitted by: Maggie Coulter, PeopleDynamics Learning Group Inc.

We are committed to creating inclusive spaces and advocating for equity in the world.

BCA COACHING ESSENTIALS: CORE SKILLS & CREDENTIAL COURSES

Coursework and virtual practicum make for a compact 4 to 6 month program of intense learning with optional business development support. ICF Level 1 accredited program.

Next intake: February 2026

BCA COACHING SUPERVISION

While high quality training is essential for transformational business and leadership coaching, coaching supervision is just as essential to support the coach in their ongoing practice. With BCA Coaching Supervision, coaches have an opportunity to work through any challenges, concerns, and goals within their coaching practice in a development and being-focused relational space.

Up to 10 CCEU’s available.

BCA COACHING ADVANCED

For experienced coaches who want to deepen their skill set and work towards coaching at the

PCC level. ICF Level 2 accredited program.

Next intake: Date TBA

Learn more at: www.peopledynamicslearning.com

Contact us to learn more: call Maggie at 416-988-5115 or email info@peopledynamicslearning.com

The Communiverse  | Submitted by: Haesun Moon, Ph.D.

A Creative Home Base for Coaches & Creatives (Downtown Toronto)

If you’ve been trying to design courses, write your book, or film your content from the corner of your kitchen table… this is for you.

The Communiverse started as a project, based on Dr. Kenneth Gergen's social constructionist concept. Now it is taking on a physical form as a small, coaching-centred creative studio (950 sq ft) in downtown Toronto (near Wellesley & Yonge), hosted by the Canadian Centre for Brief Coaching. We’re opening our doors to a founding circle of 20 members from the coaching and creative community.

What you get as a member: 

For a founding rate starting at $500/month + HST, you’ll have:

• 🕘 Access during office hours (Mon–Fri, approx. 9–5) | Use the space as your “office away from home” with shared, hot-desk style seating (first-come, first-served)
  
  
•  🕯 Neurodivergent-friendly environment | No scent, Low-noise zones, intentional lighting, and quiet times designed for deep focus and gentle, steady energy.

•   🛋️ Private Consultation rooms (by booking) | For client sessions, supervision, or small meetings, with fair-use booking so everyone gets a turn

•  📬 Professional downtown business / mailing address | A real downtown office address at a price that’s almost unheard of.

•  🧩 Training & event space at member rates | Priority access to a room for up to ~25 people for workshops, cohorts, and small events (booked and billed separately).

•  🤝 Creative community | Be surrounded by other coaches, writers, facilitators, and artists who are actually making things—not just talking about them.

This is a creative studio, not a generic co-working office.
We gently ask: please don’t bring your bookkeeping or inbox-clearing here. This is for curriculum design, content creation, writing, vision-boarding, and big-thinking work.

Studio Saturdays – Make Your Ideas Visible
In partnership with Bayview Centre for the Arts, we offer Studio Saturdays as a separate, fee-based service.

• 🎥 Professional-quality recording studio setup
• 🎬 Videographer/artist with expertise in documentary & online learning
• 🧠 Optional add-ons like mentoring or content-shaping support

Members receive priority booking and preferred rates.

Flexibility & bonus

• ⏰ Beyond 9–5?
  Use of the space outside office hours can be pre-arranged to accommodate your needs.
•  🔁 Different ways to belong
  Membership starts at $500/month (dedicated hours each week); options for more frequent or dedicated use are available at higher tiers.

🎁 Founding bonus:
Sign up for a 2026 membership in November, and you get December as a trial month to set up, plan, and quietly prepare your 2026 projects—plus an end-of-year office party with fellow Communiverse creatives.

 🔹 Only 20 memberships available

📩 Apply to join The Communiverse - If you have questions, please let us know! 

The Inclusive Leadership Coaching Podcast | Submitted by: Terri Donohue

What might it look like if your coaching practice embraced more inclusivity?

In a world that’s constantly evolving, it’s crucial for us as coaches to be intentional about the impact we create. We have an incredible opportunity to lead the way in building a future where inclusivity is not just an idea, but a reality.

Welcome to The Inclusive Leadership Coaching Podcast—I’m your host, Terri Donohue, your Neurospicy Inclusion Coach! As an ICF/PCC life and leadership coach with a passion for social justice and a specialization in neurodiversity, my mission is to support fellow coaches in building practices that reflect equity, authenticity, and real, lasting change.

In this podcast, we’ll explore how leadership is more than just a title—it’s about behavior, collaboration, and creating impactful, sustainable change. Whether you’re at the beginning of your inclusivity journey or have already made strides, this podcast will offer tools, reflections, and inspiring conversations to help you deepen and grow your practice.

The Inclusive Leadership Coaching Podcast bridges the gap between coaching, inclusion, and leadership—finally!

Episodes drop bi-weekly on Wednesdays. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn for updates, bonus content, and opportunities to collaborate.

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform like Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inclusive-leadership-coaching/id1724442056 and Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4c0CVlogSvBO3PghRkdtwt and Podbean.

Let’s create a world where inclusive leadership coaching transforms lives, one conversation at a time.

Because change starts with us.

🎁 Give Yourself the Gift of Neuro-Affirmative Coach Training in 2026
Submitted by: Deborah Shukyn-Plageman, Founder, PersonaGrata Consulting, Coaching Neurodiversity at Work

As you plan your professional development for the coming year, consider giving yourself — and your clients — the gift of a truly neuro-affirmative coaching practice.

We are delighted to share that Coaching Neurodiversity at Work (CNDW), continues with our second cohort offered through the University of British Columbia Extended Learning. Architected and led by Deborah Shukyn-Plageman, M.Ed., PCC, ESIA, EIA, CCDP, this comprehensive course has been awarded the maximum 40 Continuing Coach Education Units (CCEUs) by the International Coaching Federation.

CCEUs Awarded:

• 26 Core Competencies
• 14 Resource Development

This is the highest recognition available for continuing education outside of initial coach training. It affirms the depth, rigour, and ethical grounding of this program designed to help coaches grow their practice in inclusive, neuro-affirming, and justice-oriented ways.

🌟 A transformational learning experience

CNDW equips coaches to work more effectively with clients whose cognitive, sensory, or processing differences shape how they navigate work and life. It is also the gateway to an emerging suite of companion programs designed for neuro-affirming leadership, meeting the mentor coaching requirement for credentialing, and coaching supervision - all coming in 2026.

📝 Ready to begin your 2026 learning journey?

👉 https://extendedlearning.ubc.ca/courses/coaching-neurodiversity-work/0493

Give yourself the gift of a practice grounded in courage, compassion, and deep inclusion.

Your clients — and our profession — will feel the impact.

Become a CERTIFIED RESILIENCE COACH
Embody & Coach Resilience
Submitted by: Deanna Friesen

Are you ready for a profound transformation?

As a coach, you guide others through stress and overwhelm. But what if you could develop the deep resilience to not only lead your clients effectively but also find more ease and strength in your own life?

This science-backed, heart-centred journey is the promise of the Certified Resilience Coach Program (CRCP).

We believe you can't coach what you don't live. That’s why this program starts with you. In under 12 weeks, you'll embody a new level of well-being—feeling stronger, healthier, and more focused yourself.

Then, you’ll receive everything you need to guide your clients to that same success, including:

• A proven, ready-to-use resilience coaching system with cutting-edge tools.
• Frameworks to confidently help clients struggling with burnout.
• Hands-on coaching experience to sharpen your skills.
• 36 ICF Continuing Coach Education credits.
• Connection with a global community of heart-centered coaches.

Upcoming Offering: The next CRCP session begins on January 17, 2026. Use discount code ICFTORONTO2026 to save $200 on your tuition.

For program details and to begin your transformation, visit us here.

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BONUS: Download our resilience coaching guide: Beyond Bouncing Back: A Guide for Coaching Resilience in Yourself, Your Clients, and Staff. Download it here.

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From our Graduates:

"This program doesn’t just add tools to your kit; it changes how you use them." – Martina F.

"I came out of the program feeling much more equipped and confident." – Ana G.

Want more corporate leadership clients? Get certified to use the most widely accepted measures for EQ, the EQ-i 2.0 and EQ 360! | Submitted by: David Cory

Get certified to use the measures of EQ used by Samsung, Olympus, the Ontario gov't and the gov't of Canada, and many, many more, as the basis for their leadership training and coaching - and get certified by the company that is the first choice of the most progressive companies in the world - The Emotional Intelligence Training Company Inc. (EITC)

EITC was one of the first companies to partner with MHS to offer the EQ-i Certification Course and for the last 26 years we have been the leading provider of the EQ-i 2.0 and EQ 360 Certification Course globally.

Get certified in the 4 half-day live online course and then take your learning deeper with the 2 half-day live online course, Developing EQ where you will learn how to help clients develop their EQ through coaching and training and get a complete turn-key workshop for use in your organization, including participant workbook, interactive exercises and learning activities, video clips, and power-point slides. Learn more.

CONFLICT MANAGEMENT COACHING WORKSHOP (VIRTUAL) by CINERGY® Coaching through Resolution Pathways
Submitted by: Sharad Kerur

Conflict management coaching is a specialized area within coaching, where coaches support clients to prevent unnecessary conflicts, manage existing disputes, and improve their conflict resolution skills. This workshop will provide participants with:

• An understanding of the CINERGY® model of conflict management coaching, including its theory, principles, and methods.
• Basic knowledge of how to use the CINERGY® model in conflict coaching.
• Insight into the skills needed to be an effective conflict management coach.
• Practical experience with the coaching model in the roles of coach, client, and observer.
• Awareness of how and when to apply this coaching technique.
• Resources and guidelines for the logistics of conflict management coaching.

Participants who attend the full program earn up to 34 ICF credits.
More information can be found at: https://resolutionpathways.com/cinergy-workshop or contact Sharad Kerur at: sharadkerur@resolutionpathways.com

*A discount of $300 is offered to members of ICF and ICF CCEUs who complete this workshop.

Group Mentor Coaching (All levels) with Cathy Shaughnessy, MCC and ICF Assessor | Submitted by: Cathy Shaughnessy

As a trained Mentor Coach, and ICF Assessor, I have provided hundreds of hours of feedback for credential candidates at all levels. Come join a group! ACC and PCC candidates: https://perspectiveinaction.com/mentor-coaching-program
MCC candidates: https://perspectiveinaction.com/mccprep

Mentor Coaching with Jo Bennett, ACPC, PCC, ACE | Submitted by: Jo Bennett

Engage with confidence in a personalized 1:1 space where you can flourish as a coach! 

For five years I have mentored clients in the early stages of their coaching journey: individuals in ICF accreditation programs, those applying for an ACC or PCC credential, as well as ICF members renewing their ACC credential. I am specifically trained in mentor coaching and registered as a mentor coach with ICF. 

I take a coach approach with mentor clients to deepen their self reflection skills, collaborating to explore growth edges while celebrating current gifts. There is ample time to steep in the ICF Code of Ethics and Core Competencies for rich alignment. We co-generate thoughtful feedback on two or more recorded calls. My coach clients build on insights discovered during and between our sessions as they witness their growth in their own client's results.

More information is available on my website: https://solomojo.ca/icf-mentor-coach

It is a joy and privilege to work with newer coaches. Their dedication to learning inspires me to grow and thrive as a professional.

I look forward to working with you!

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Visit our website: icftoronto.com