Posted by Hilary Edwards on Tue, Feb 05, 2013
"The Generative Team: How chamber music coaches use love and energy to enable student musicians to collaborate effectively," a paper by Fielding alumna Dorianne Cotter-Lockard, PhD (HOD, '12), was accepted for presentation at the International Association of Management, Spirituality, and Religion Conference in Lourdes, France, May 16-May 19, 2013.
The paper is based on the dissertation study by Cotter-Lockard of the chamber music coaching process and rehearsal techniques used by the Cavani String Quartet (CSQ) at the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM). CSQ designed a set of rehearsal techniques over a 20 year period to address team dynamics and ensemble performance within chamber music groups. A rehearsal technique is a specific practice taught by the coaches in coaching sessions and used by students during their rehearsals.
The research design included semi-structured interviews of members of the CSQ and their chamber music students, video-recordings of coaching sessions and individual post-coaching session interviews of students and coaches. The findings showed that creating an environment for learning and performance based on the concepts of loving, relating, and inspiring, is a key factor in the chamber music coaching process. Furthermore, the findings point to several elements needed to create a generative team: (a) positivity, (b) caring communication, (c) empowerment, (d) commitment, (e) shifting perspective, (f) becoming the other, (g) leaving a legacy, and (h) expressing energy and love. I discuss how these concepts align with the literature related to spirituality at work, and how they might be applied to non-musical organization settings.
Cotter-Lockard served as an executive of a Fortune 100 company for eight years, where she was a key member of the “C-level” leadership team, making divisional decisions for a billion dollar subsidiary with 9,000 employees. Under her leadership, her organization implemented a comprehensive core values, culture management and communication program that included rewards and recognition, hiring, and promotion practices based on demonstration of core values behaviors.
Cotter-Lockard has taught as an adjunct faculty member at California Lutheran University and served on several academic governance committees at Fielding Graduate University. She conducts research in the areas of team collaboration, leadership, coaching, music education, and spirituality in the workplace. She is an active member of the Academy of Management, American Psychological Association, and the Society for Phenomenology and Human Sciences. She serves as the board president of the Science of Mind Archives and Library Foundation and as a board member of the Hefferlin Foundation.
Cotter-Lockard earned a PhD and an MA in Human and Organizational Systems from Fielding Graduate University, and an MBA in Finance from New York University, Stern School of Business. She earned her bachelor of music degree at the Eastman School of Music and is certified by Deep Change Inc. as a Spiritual Intelligence coach.
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Posted by Hilary Edwards on Fri, Dec 14, 2012
Creativity in the lives of aging adults emphasizes their potentials rather than their challenges.
The National Center for Creative Aging explains: “Health and wellness can be achieved in many ways, including using creativity to work the mind and body. Research has shown that mental activity stimulated by arts activities can be especially beneficial to people with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Cases of cognitive disabilities increase with age, so as the population lives longer more people will be diagnosed. By bringing arts programs to people with cognitive disabilities, you can create more opportunities for people with cognitive loss and their caregivers.” http://www.creativeaging.org/health-wellness (accessed December 14, 2012)
Encouraging creativity in the lives of older adults strengthens morale, enhances physical
health, and enriches relationships.
Historically, older adults have functioned as the keepers of culture in society, and are responsible for passing on the history and values of a community to the next generation. Creativity in later life wraps this gift to children, grandchildren, and society in the form of beautiful artwork. The Sixth Annual International Conference on Positive Aging, hosted by Fielding Graduate University, is a highly interactive gathering of diverse leaders and community members interested in shaping a dynamic future for older adults throughout the world. The conference features the following workshops and presentations focused on creativity and aging:
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Say ‘Yes’ to Tango: A Conversation about Creative Aging by Lola Fraknoi
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Save My Place: A Performance Piece on Dying by Dori Gillam
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Nimble Minds, Nimble Bodies: Exploring How the Creative Arts Contribute to Lifelong Human Development, Health, and Quality of Life by Michael Patterson
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The Art of Aging by Richard and Alice Matzkin
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Visionaries Have Wrinkles: Serving the Generation Who Will Change the World by Karen Sands
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The Courage to be Brilliant: How to Aging with Courage, Wisdom and Grace by Marta Monahan
The Sixth Annual International Conference on Positive Aging features a keynote address by Wendy Lustbader, MSW, who will speak about “The Unexpected Pleasures of Growing Older"—the title of her latest book. She has also written and spoken about kindness and how to nurture a basic positive attitude towards whatever life brings as we get older. Featured speaker Dr. Brian de Vries is a Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America, a member of the leadership council for the American Society on Aging, and co-chair of the Lesbian and Gay Aging Issues Network constituency group. Dr. de Vries will speak about his extensive work on aging experiences, including bereavement among gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender adults. Further highlighted speakers include one of the reigning pioneers of gerontology, James Birren, who will receive Fielding Graduate University’s Creative Longevity and Wisdom Award along with well-known spiritual leader Ram Dass, who will relay his experience in spiritual methods and practices via webinar.
There is still time to register at the early bird price! To learn more and to register, please visit www.positiveaging.fielding.edu
The International Conference on Positive Aging aims to provide practitioners and policymakers with knowledge and tools to improve their support of older persons and increase the quality of life for all.
For more information:
Click here for the website: Sixth Annual International Conference on Positive Aging
Facebook - Keep up with the latest information about the conference, and access to a network of individuals who are interested and involved in the topic of positive aging
Click here for Facebook: The Fielding Positive Aging Conference
YouTube – View videos of speakers from previous conferences
Click here for YouTube:Channel for Positive Aging
**Photo by Peter Whitehouse
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Posted by Hilary Edwards on Thu, Nov 29, 2012
Community members and renowned experts gather to shape confident future for aging population.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, baby boomers will turn 65 at a rate of 10,000 per day for the next decade making them the fastest growing segment of the population. Future implications indicate: “tomorrow’s elderly will have quite different social, demographic, health, and economic characteristics than today’s elderly… as average length of life continues to increase, issues regarding the quality of active life expectancy are likely to assume greater importance.” In anticipation of this growing segment of our population, the Sixth Annual International Conference on Positive Aging, hosted by Fielding Graduate University’s Institute for Social Innovation, brings together notable speakers and workshop leaders to explore new and innovative approaches to positive aging. This year’s topic is “Life-Reimagined: New Approaches to Positive Aging” and the conference will take place February 10-12, 2013 at the Center for Healthy Communities at The California Endowment in Los Angeles.
The Sixth Annual International Conference on Positive Aging includes a variety of workshops that explore themes of creative expression, community, wellness, and life transitions. Dr. Katrina Rogers, Provost of Fielding Graduate University and Senior Vice-President states: “Positive aging promotes creativity, wellness, and growth. It means taking personal control of your life instead of being a victim or passive observer. In this model, aging presents a new opportunity for being socially active, for engaging with the community, for being productive, and for seeking a new meaning and purpose in life. This is why the conference is larger each year: people are interested about how to age well.” The conference provides opportunities to engage in physical and creative activities, including yoga, meditation, music, and connecting with others with similar interests. Conference registration is open to the public.
The keynote speaker for this year’s conference is Wendy Lustbader, MSW, who currently serves as Affiliate Associate Professor at the University of Washington School of Social Work. Ms. Lustbader has considerable experience working with older people, their families and caregivers, and lectures nationally on subjects related to aging. As a medical social worker, she specialized for almost twenty years in out-patient mental health at the Pike Market Medical Clinic in Seattle, and has also practiced in a home health care agency, hospital geriatric unit, and nursing home. Ms. Lustbader’s first book was co-authored with Nancy Hooyman, Taking Care of Aging Family Members. This is a practical guide to caregiving which is still considered the best book of its kind by experts in the field of aging. At the opening reception on Sunday, February 10th, Ms. Lustbader will speak about her latest book, Life Gets Better: The Unexpected Pleasures of Growing Older.
The conference will also host a webinar with world-renowned American contemporary spiritual teacher and author Ram Dass. He is known for his personal and professional associations with Timothy Leary at Harvard University in the early 1960's, for his travels to India and his relationship with the Hindu guru Neem Karoli Baba, and for founding the charitable organizations Seva Foundation and Hanuman Foundation. His practice of karma yoga or spiritual service has opened up millions to their deep, yet individuated spiritual practice and path. Dass continues to uphold the boddhisatva ideal for others through his compassionate sharing of true knowledge and vision. His unique skill in getting people to cut through and feel divine love without dogma is still a positive influence on people all over the world.
Dr. James E. Birren is one of the "reigning pioneers" in the organized field of gerontology since the 1940s. He is a past president of The Gerontological Society of America, and author of over 250 publications. Dr. Birren will receive Fielding's Creative Longevity and Wisdom Award in recognition of his six decades of seminal contributions including the influential work on guided autobiography.
Featured speaker Dr. Brian de Vries, Professor of Gerontology at San Francisco State University, and will share his extensive work on aging experiences, including bereavement among gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender adults. He is a Fellow of the Gerontological Society of American, a member of the Leadership Council for the American Society on Aging, and co-chair of the Lesbian and Gay Aging Issues Network constituency group. Most recently, Dr. de Vries has become a policy advisor for AARP, California.
Attendees include professionals in the fields of health care, insurance, life planning, care giving and lifelong learning, as well as those interested in ageism, gaining, spirituality, creativity, wellness, entrepreneurship and more.
Early registration for the three day conference is $275 until January 14th, 2013, and $300 after. Single day tickets are $125. Registration includes meals and opening reception Sunday evening. To attend only the Sunday dinner reception featuring keynote speaker Wendy Lustbader is $80.
For more information and updates about the conference, please visit the website: http://www.positiveaging.fielding.edu/
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Posted by Hilary Edwards on Wed, Nov 28, 2012
The Business Program of the U.S. Association for Small Business & Entrepreneurship (USASBE) recently announced that Fielding alumni Noah Harris, MA, (OMD '08) and Steven Wallis, PhD (OMD '06) are selected to present at the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship® (USASBE) National Conference in San Francisco in January 2013.
USASBE is the largest independent, professional, academic organization in the world dedicated to advancing the discipline of entrepreneurship. With over 1000 members from universities and colleges, for-profit businesses, nonprofit organizations, and the public sector, USASBE is a diverse mix of professionals that share a common commitment to fostering entrepreneurial attitudes and behaviors.
Harris and Wallis will present a workshop titled, "Innovation and Collaboration: A New Approach for Supporting the Theory and Practice of Entrepreneurship." Their presentation outline is as follows:
Entrepreneurs want to be more effective. So do scholars, researchers, and the community supporting entrepreneurship. While there are significant opportunities for increased collaboration between business practitioners and academia there are also noteworthy challenges. Despite a plethora of theories, we have little certainty about which ones are unarguably effective. In the present workshop, we suggest combining Consortial Benchmarking (CB) and Propositional Analysis (PA) to move toward a unified theoretical-practical perspective. CB and PA support achieving maximal entrepreneurship though optimizing entrepreneurship theories and practices. This workshop presents an innovative approach to theoretical-practical integration by structured sharing of practice, limitations, and insights.
Harris is a multi-lingual (Spanish, Portuguese, Italian) business advisor with the Northern California Small Business Development Center Network. Harris’ career reflects over 18 years of operations, training, management, leadership, and consulting experience in a range of industries including: U.S. Department of Defense, business development, risk management/loss prevention, logistics, education and non-profit. He also serves as business services coordinator at Canal Alliance, and Consulting Partner with Shamana, Inc. Noah holds a BS in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and a MA in Organization Management & Development from Fielding Graduate University where he is currently completing a graduate sustainability leadership program and was appointed to the Fielding Alumni Council.
Wallis received his PhD in 2006 from Fielding Graduate University. He has more than a decade of experience as an organizational development consultant in Northern California and a broad range of interdisciplinary interests. Wallis also serves as Adjunct Faculty at Capella University and as Director for the Foundation for the Advancement of Social Theory (FAST). At FAST he supports emerging scholars who are working to identify rigorous paths for the validation of theory through a deeper knowledge of critical metatheory and metapolicy analysis. His academic publications cover a range of fields including ethics, management, organizational change, social entrepreneurship, and policy.
For more information about the conference and attendance information:
https://usasbe.site-ym.com/?page=conference2013
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Posted by Hilary Edwards on Mon, Nov 19, 2012
Fielding Graduate University School of Educational Leadership & Change (ELC) graduates Sandy Kewanhaptewa Dixon ('06) and Henry Fowler ('10) presented their dissertation research, "Transforming our Schools and Communities through Culturally Based Distributed Learning Master and Doctoral Programs" at the 2012 National Indian Education Association (NIEA) 43rd Annual Convention and Trade Show held in Oklahoma City, OK.
The theme for this year's convention was "Maintaining Traditions in a Digital Era" and the conference was filled with exciting dialog, inspiration, and sharing of innovative ideas for use in the classroom. The NIEA Annual Convention and Tradeshow brings together Native leaders, congressional representatives, educators, students and school administrators to share best practices, connect with others who are passionate about educating Native students, and pursue solutions to education issues that affect Native communities. Each year, the convention teaches attendees about the local tribal culture and language through various evening events. NIEA’s board of directors and resolutions for yearly legislative priorities are also determined at this event.
Pictured above (left to right): Henry Fowler, Fielding faculty Kathy Tiner, Sandy Kewanhaptewa Dixon, and friend Charlene Teters.
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Posted by Hilary Edwards on Fri, Nov 09, 2012
Leni Wildflower, PhD, (HOD '99) recently spoke at the Association for Coaching meeting in Scotland.
Leni spoke to a workshop of 90 people describing the Immunity To Change process designed by Bob Kegan and Lisa Lahey of Harvard University. Leni states, "It is a powerful tool for making changes in one’s personal and professional life." Leni is certified in this process and will present it next year in Australia at the International Coach Federation coaching conference. Her new book The Hidden History of Coaching will be out early next year.
“Being an American living in London and being an executive coach, I decided that the way to see Europe was to offer to present the Kegan/Lahey Immunity to Change process to International Coach Federation coaching groups. In the coming months, I will be traveling in Stockholm, Sweden; Lisbon, Portugal; Budapest, Hungary; and Athens, Greece. It is a wonderful way to present a program I believe in and to see Europe!”
Leni is the co-author of The Handbook of Knowledge-Based Coaching. This book presents a stellar international panel of more than twenty practitioners offer an overview of the major theoretical models and sources of knowledge that have contributed to current coaching practice. For each theory and knowledge area there are specific examples of how it might effectively be applied in a coaching engagement and recommended resources for further study.
Drawing on a wide range of academic disciplines, including psychology, adult learning, conflict management, communication, organizational development, and leadership, Leni establishes the intellectual underpinnings of the profession. She identifies alternative sources of wisdom, such as spiritual traditions and the self-help and human potential movements, and covers a range of specialized approaches, from narrative and somatic coaching to coaching for sustainability, to create a rounded picture of coaching's origins and practices.
The Handbook of Knowledge-Based Coaching is available on Amazon.com
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Posted by Hilary Edwards on Fri, Oct 26, 2012
Fielding Graduate University alumna (ELC '11) Melle Starsen, EdD, presents her doctoral research across the United States and United Kingdom.
Starsen started off 2012 by traveling to the University of Oregon in Portland, OR, Loughborough University in Loughborough, UK, and John Moores University in Liverpool, UK presenting her research titled: "Cool to be cruel: Mean-spiritedness in 21st century children's TV sitcoms" Starsen cites, "Much has been written about the proven negative effects viewing television violence has on children and yet there is another kind of violent role-modeling embedded in an unlikely place: children’s television sitcoms. This content analysis investigated live-action children’s half-hour sitcoms and discovered the presence of relational aggression and superiority humor, both of which rely on brutally treating other humans as inferior. The television characters seek revenge on each other, intentionally make others look bad or stupid, humiliate peers and parents, and are rarely punished for their mean-spiritedness and cruelty. The children’s sitcoms are behavioral blueprints of lies and deceit, as the characters unashamedly cheat others, defraud parents and other adults, and attempt to make peers and teachers look stupid and in the vernacular of the culture, “clueless.” Further, stereotypes are not only presented as acceptable, but are reinforced by frequent inclusion into the action. This study discovered myriad examples of mean-spiritedness and cruelty on the part of characters in the programs, ranging in frequency from 7 to 31.25 per half-hour episode, averaging 33.75 per hour for programs viewed. The study includes recommendations for parents and educators to help offset the possible negative effects of these programs."
For the next part of the year, Starsen began presenting her next topic: "Hidden messages: Archetypes in Blaxploitation Films" at the 2012 Film and History Conference-Film and Myth in Milwaukee, WI in September. Starsen states: "Many movie critics and researchers have rebuked Blaxploitation films (1970-1975) as sexist, racist, and, most of all, degrading to black audiences and the black community. However, this empirical study of blaxploitation films has determined that far from presenting a negative image of the black community, many of the entries in this genre do in fact provide embedded archetypes that present consistent messages for black audiences about the need to eschew exploitation of their own people and communities and instead, support education, crime-reduction programs, and community outreach to improve the communities. The films, though accused of being violent and brutal, actually present messages about the need for black communities to stand together and right the wrongs of the past by supporting an almost sovereign nation-within-a-nation."
Starsen presented this research at the Midwest Popular Culture Association in Columbus, OH in October along with a second presentation titled "The metamorphosis of modern television news into 'entertainment propaganda" which she is scheduled to present at the upcoming Media and Politics Conference at the University on Bedfordshire, Luton, UK on Nov. 1-2, 2012.
Starsen currently serves as assistant professor of communication at Upper Iowa University which has an international and online presence; teaching television history, editing, writing for media, television production, media law and ethics, journalistic and online writing, and public speaking. Previously an instructor in communication for 10 years teaching screenwriting and speech. Published author with two novels, short stories in academic journals, and articles in national publications and journals. TV producer-director-writer at university PBS affiliate for nine years, producing documentary programs and PSAs. Researched, wrote and acted as location unit manager for American documentary on Dr Who. Journalist and freelance writer for 20 years, with articles in publications such as The New York Times. Wrote screenplay that is currently in pre-production. Appeared as extra in two films. Ten years’ experience acting and doing technical work in theatre. Ongoing research interests include: 1) using media such as film in successful college teaching; 2) importing real-life experience into university teaching pedagogy; and 3) researching and studying the millennial generation, so-called “echo boomers,” and their visually-oriented learning styles and short attention spans. Hobbies include photography, fossil hunting and collecting sea pottery shards from the UK.
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Posted by Hilary Edwards on Thu, Aug 30, 2012
Fielding Graduate University-School of Educational Leadership & Change (ELC) faculty member Don Trent (Four Arrows) Jacobs, PhD was the fifth person to receive the Midday Star Award since its inception in 2004.
Four Arrows recently returned from presenting at the Ontario Institute for the Study of Education at the University of Toronto, where he joined six other indigenous elders from around the world to lead the fourth Spirit Matters conference and was presented with the Midday Star Award. The award was presented in memory of George Charles, Ojibway elder and Korean War veteran, whose native name was GAZH GAD NANG, meaning Midday Star. George Charles was recognized in 2005 as one of Canada's top 14 aboriginal heroes for uniting people of all colors in peace as brothers and sisters of the global human family.
The award announcement reads:
"To Four Arrows, Wahinkpe Topa, aka Don Trent Jacobs, in recognition of his service to aboriginal communities in a variety of forms that stress inclusiveness, respect for the traditional teachings of wisdom, love, respect, courage, honesty, humility and truth, working to undo stereotypes and to walk the Good Red Road. Presented on August 26, 2012, at the Spirit Matters Conference at the Ontario Institute for the Study of Education, this plaque will be mounted for display at the Harvey Anderson Memorial Library Resource Center in Rama, Ontario, within the boundaries of the Mjikaning First Nation. Four Arrows' books are also among the first to be housed at the center."
Four Arrows commented: "I humbly share this to let my ELC colleagues know that indigenizing mainstream education is more and more being called into being. Edgar Mitchell, former astronaut and founder of the Institute of Noetic Science, has written, 'Only a handful of visionaries recognize the importance of Indigenous worldviews in solving the problems facing our world today'. I hope this perspective becomes a part of ELC's reputation as a result of this award."
For more information about the Spirit Matters Gathering click here.
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Posted by Sylvia Williams on Wed, Mar 21, 2012
In January, Fielding student Gloria Gutierrez attended the White House Hispanic Community Action Summit at Arizona State University. The Action Summit had three key goals:
1) Establish a space where community leaders can meaningfully engage and interact with key decision and policy makers in the Obama Administration on matters involving diverse policy areas that affect the Hispanic community;
2) Identify policy and programmatic areas of concern, receive and respond to constructive criticism and feedback, and identify local success stories and practices in policy areas that benefit the Hispanic community and our nation;
3) Identify and develop opportunities for Hispanic leaders and stakeholders to collaborate with the Obama administration and other leaders from across the country in addressing the interests and concerns of the Hispanic community.
Seventeen representatives from the Obama administration were among the 300 participants. As cameras rolled, Gloria presented:
“I am Gloria Gutierrez, doctoral student at Fielding Graduate University interested in doing research for my dissertation on ways to increase the graduation rates of Latinas at the community college and four year college levels. What challenges must they overcome to be successful? Colleges will be the source of our future leaders.”
She was given a meeting time to meet with 25 participants, some of them Dream kids. Her take-away learning was:
Major barriers:
1) Academically underprepared
2) Financially unprepared
3) Immigration issues
4) Work/life balance
5) Lack of support system
Proposed solutions:
1) Educate families on ways to get their kids into college
2) American Dream Academy
3) Financial scholarships for students
4) Pass the Dream Act
5) Work/life balance
6) Identify mentors/support system
7) Utilize social media to do outreach to the young
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Posted by Sylvia Williams on Tue, Dec 13, 2011
Fielding Graduate University delivered on its promise to bring together leading scholars and practitioners to look at new research and practice concerning how to bring meaning, value, and appreciation to the aging process. 
On December 6-9, 2011, in Los Angeles, 170 participants at the Fifth Annual International Conference on Positive Aging gathered to learn and to be inspired by experts and colleagues.
Among the media with interest in the conference outcomes was Lance Orozco of the NPR station KCLU. He chose to report on what experts say about why so many people are unprepared for the post-retirement period of their lives despite America’s population living longer and seniors being healthier than ever.
http://www.kclu.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/120811.agingconference.mp3
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