Bring Kathleen in to speak to your organization
Ten years ago, my brother Michael died in a psychiatric hospital in North Tampa. The years of psychiatric medications took their toll and he died far too young. His official diagnosis was manic-depression with schizoaffective disorder, but he just said he was schizophrenic. We were devastated as it was completely unexpected.
A few months later, I got a call from a law enforcement officer asking if I’d like to be a role player for Crisis Intervention Training, I immediately said yes. It was a way for me to honor my brother and heal from this tragedy.
Since I got that call, I’ve been a Crisis Intervention Team Scenario/Role Play Actor and have worked with and spoken in front of police departments all over Illinois. I’ve worked with thousands of police officers, corrections officers, 911 dispatchers, social workers, veterans, and paramedics, and academy students, helping them hone their communication skills to assist in de-escalation with persons in crisis. I am passionate about this work.
My superpower is using my considerable training and skills as an actor, improviser, and coach to keenly observe language and behavior and offer constructive and effective feedback. As an expert in my field, I consider this to be the most important and rewarding work I’ve done as a professional actor, not only to help people in crisis but also for enhancing personal and work relationships.
Get in touch with me to see how I can benefit your organization with my perspectives, stories, and insights about effective and empathetic communication, how to change physical and verbal language, and strengthen family, community, and work relationships.
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
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.
Actor, Improviser, and Coach
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.
