Dr. Karen Eriksen, founder/CEO of the Eriksen Institute, has spent the last 35 years successfully transforming organizations by inspiring leaders to become intentional and ethical team builders; more creative and innovative problem solvers; and outstanding communicators, influencers, and conflict resolvers. She is an expert change agent and instructional designer; award winning trainer, teacher, presenter, and author; soft skills and systems expert, and accomplished leader. As a result of her trainings, supervision, instructional design, group facilitation, and coaching, leaders and employees regain their enthusiasm and effectiveness, and skillfully transform their organizations toward improved morale, increased innovation, and optimal productivity and profitability. Her primary work has been designing and conducting leadership training with follow up coaching in the health care, government, and education industries. She is also committed to encouraging organizations to aspire toward the optimal in values and ethical decision making. Dr. Eriksen recently published the book, Perfect Phrases for Creativity and Innovation.

Victoria E. Kress, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the department of counseling at Youngstown State University. She is a licensed professional clinical counselor, and has 15 years of clinical experience working in various settings such as community mental health centers, hospitals, residential treatment facilities, private practice, and college counseling centers. She has numerous refereed publications in the areas of self-injurious behavior, the DSM, sexual assault and trauma, and strength based counseling approaches. She has been the recipient of three research and writing awards.