Acting to Change Perceptions
For over a decade, Kathleen has been a Crisis Intervention Team Scenario/Role Play Actor and has worked with and spoken in front of police departments all over Illinois. She has worked with thousands of police officers, corrections officers, 911 dispatchers, social workers, veterans, and paramedics, helping them hone their communication skills to assist in de-escalation with persons in crisis.
Kathleen’s superpower is using her considerable skills as an actor, improviser, and coach to keenly observe language and behavior and offer constructive and effective feedback. As an expert in her field, She considers this to be the most important and rewarding work she’s done as a professional actor. Her skills as a keen observer and teacher are applicable not only to help people in crisis but highly useful for personal and work relationships.
Get in touch with Kathleen to see how she can benefit your organization with her perspectives, stories, and insights.
“It’s effective communication, pure and simple.”
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Who
Kathleen's program extends beyond the police force, emphasizing the importance of applying effective communication strategies in all areas of life. This approach is not just beneficial for Police Departments; it can also enhance communication within Healthcare agencies and any organization where effective dialogue is essential. By embracing these ideas, everyone can improve communication skills and build rapport, relationships, and effective communication.
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Benefits
Kathleen's approach to communication extends beyond the realm of policing. She inspires trainees to take these techniques home, fostering better interactions with their families and communities. Her speaking program is designed for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of living with mental illness and strengthen communication skills, making it a valuable resource for all. By embracing these observations, individuals can build stronger connections and understanding in their everyday lives.
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Topics
Kathleen emphasizes the importance of empathetic and constructive communication, drawing on her extensive acting training along with her late brother's journey through mental illness to illustrate these points. She approaches various aspects of communication such as language, body language, tone of voice, speaking too fast or too slow, personal agendas, emotional labeling, and more, all of which play a crucial role in either enhancing or impeding effective communication. By focusing on active listening, staying in the moment, and building relationships, Kathleen aims to help equip individuals with the tools needed to support those in crisis. Her insights serve as a reminder of the profound impact that thoughtful communication can have in difficult situations.
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How to Book
Talk to Kathleen about bringing her to your event. She can speak to small groups or large audiences. Her interactive approach injects humor and constructive inspiration for a memorable event.
Contact Kathleen today to talk about your needs.
More About Kathleen
Kathleen inspires thoughtful and constructive communication through humor and storytelling.
Crisis Intervention Team Scenario/Role Play Actor
Kathleen has collaborated with more than 80% of Illinois police departments, working with more than 5,000 police officers, paramedics, 911 dispatchers, social workers, and correctional officers. Her approach focuses on real-world scenarios that enhance learning and development and effective communication skills. Kathleen is dedicated to offering thoughtful and constructive feedback, encouraging individuals to think critically without being critical of themselves. Her goal is to empower professionals ensuring they grow and excel in their roles.
Second City Instructor and Voiceover Coach
Actor, Improviser, and Coach
Kathleen brings extensive teaching experience from the Second City Training Center Chicago, New York, and Toronto, with a focus on improvisation and voiceover to her feedback and observations. Her improv and acting background is a key asset in her role as a CIT Trainer, allowing her to effectively integrate these skills into her feedback and observations. Whether she’s working with police officers or voiceover students, Kathleen leverages improvisation as a dynamic tool to boost learning and engagement.
Kathleen is not a policing expert, but her training and sharp observational skills in language and behavior offer a fresh and valuable perspective to CIT training through role play. With a rich background in acting, improv, and coaching, she has refined her ability to respond authentically and in real-time. This distinctive viewpoint allows her to provide constructive feedback, helping individuals enhance their communication skills to more effectively manage crises. Her approach cultivates a collaborative environment where growth and understanding can flourish.
