Coaching & Systems: Seth's Perspective

Cohort 11 at Coaching & Systems

On February 1st and 2nd, the Cohort 11 of the LSCC training program participated in the fourth onsite: Coaching and Systems. This onsite focused on teaching the techniques and skills needed to coach a group or organization to reach their goals and develop their potential.

Seth Harshman is a local Enneagram expert. Seth became interested in the LSCC training program after collaborating with Lark’s Song’s Emily Hathway on various Enneagram workshops. While working with Emily, Seth was inspired by the way she embodied the coaching assumptions, and was drawn to become an LSCC himself. After receiving his certification, Seth plans to work as a professional coach, using the Enneagram as a coaching tool with his clients.

Jami, Blue, and Seth at Experience Assisted Coaching

The Coaching and Systems onsite focuses on various groups, including family systems. Seth explained, “At the onsite, we talked about family systems. You’re sitting there learning, but then immediately applying the learning to your own family. Really powerful even on a personal level, not even taking it and applying it to anywhere else yet.” The information discussed at this onsite not only provided Seth with the tools to coach groups, but also gave him practical advice for his family relationships.

Throughout the training program, Seth has experienced an exciting transformation within himself, in addition to the transformation he was seeing in those around him. The experience assisted onsite was particularly powerful for Seth. He explained that he “showed up and decided not to allow [his] typical inhibitions to get in the way.” He decided to do what Lark’s Song coaches call “sandboxing it,” or getting in the sandbox and playing full out, without fear of messing up. This experience taught him that he was more capable than he had thought he was.

Mike, Tom, and Seth embodying the team toxins at Coaching & Systems

To those who are considering signing up for the next cohort, Seth explained, “You’re not just picking up a set of skills; as you learn the assumptions that come with coaching, and eventually begin to inhabit those assumptions, you start to change because you are seeing yourself differently now.”

“That’s where the real coaching lies: The leadership that you give yourself first around these things, the changes that happen to you around these things, and then when you take those changes that are taking place in you to someone else, that’s where you are able to facilitate change in others.”

For more information and to sign up for The Lark’s Song Certified Coach training program, visit www.larkssong.com/overview.

BY Jaylan Miller | Writing Intern

Coaching and Systems: Jenna's Perspective

Story by Jaylan Miller
Photos by Megan Gilmore and Jami Taylor

On February 1st and 2nd, Cohort 11 of the LSCC training program participated in their fourth onsite training: Coaching and Systems. This onsite focused on teaching the techniques and skills needed to coach groups or organizations to reach their goals and develop their potential.

Jenna Keele, a senior Management and Psychology major at Indiana Wesleyan University, first became interested in the LSCC Training Program after experiencing the transformative power of life coaching during her first few years of undergrad. Two summers ago, Jenna served as an intern with Lark’s Song and continued to stay connected after that position ended. She then enrolled in the training program with Cohort 11.

In this onsite, the coaches-in-training learned about systems theory and conflict resolution. Jenna explained, “I was able to learn more about my style of conflict, and how that often impacts the individuals that I am in relationship with, which will be extremely valuable as I am able to apply this learning to future conflicts and disagreements.”

When asked to share a few highlights from the training program overall, Jenna explained that it was difficult for her to pick just a few highlights. Jenna explained one thing she loved about the onsites was being coached by the other participants: “The experience of being coached by a variety of styles and skill levels has opened my eyes to appreciate how free and creative the coaching profession can be. There is not one ‘right’ way to do anything or to coach around any particular subject.”

Another of Jenna’s highlights was learning from Lark’s Song professional coaches at the onsites.

“The coaches who lead the onsites are filled with energy and passion for this work, and they are quick to celebrate with the participants as they try out new tools and stretch their coaching range. They create an environment that supports growth and creativity, while continually offering new levels of challenge as participants learn and grow through the process,” she said.

After completing the training program, Jenna plans on coaching part-time, while continuing to participate in Lark’s Song workshops and events. She will also use the knowledge and experience gained in the training program in her personal and professional relationships.

Embodying the coaching assumptions is one of the ways Jenna will use her training with every person she interacts with.

“I will continue to view people as creative, resourceful, whole, relational and filled with purpose.

I will trust that every person is uniquely created, and that they are capable of solving complex problems. And I will hold others accountable to the truth that they are ready to make changes that impact their life now. When I approach life through this lens, my relationships are filled with more meaning, and I also see myself as entirely capable of handling every challenge that crosses my path. It’s a very empowering posture to take, and I’m so grateful to be able to carry the tools to do so.”

Jenna urged those who are considering signing up for the next cohort: “There will never be a time that feels ‘right’ or a time that feels like you’re ‘more ready.’ This inner work is too important to pass up or put off, and you owe it to yourself and your world. Lark’s Song’s coach training program is excellent and so, so worth it! Absolutely do it. Do it afraid, do it unsure.”

For more information and to sign up for The Lark’s Song Certified Coach training program, visit www.larkssong.com/overview.

BY Jaylan Miller | Writing Intern

2019 Annual Leadership Retreat

Ruth, Evan, Emily and Ryan discovering and sharing the best in Lark’s Song and its people during our Appreciative Inquiry session

Reflecting on 2018

On January 25th and 26th, the Lark’s Song staff and Board of Directors joined together at the Fort Harrison State Park for their annual planning retreat. The retreat began with a reflection on the former year. Lark’s Song’s theme for 2018 was the Common Flourishing of Shalom. At the start of the year, Lark’s Song committed to be patient, harmonious, interdependent, present, purposeful, visible, excellent, daring, responsive, generous, loving, curiosity-sparkers, and owners of peace.  

Team members expressed how they saw the common flourishing of shalom emerge in the organization in 2018: 

““We did life together like a relay race and honored and received the learning of others while generously sharing our own learning as well. We also delighted in the ‘space’ of resting, reflecting, and unfolding… not just creating and forward movement.”

“The way that our staff held space for each other to be real, full humans with good days and bad days.”

“It permeated every program and dimension of Lark’s Song that I was witness to. Every individual was approached with the core assumptions, which comes back to Shalom.””

The core assumptions include that every person is creative, resourceful, whole, and relational, every person is uniquely valuable, every person is worthy of being championed, every person is capable of solving complex problems, and every person is ready to live at choice.

On Friday night, our team celebrated the growth and impact we had in 2018. Lark’s Song hosted many events in 2018 including Made Wild, Growing Goodness, Co-Lab Confab, Superhero Camp, the Day of Aliveness, Power of She, LSCC Soul Care Skill Share retreats, and a Little Larks workshop. The Lark’s Song Certified Coach Training Program completed two cohorts, training a total of 22 coaches. The Ceelelo School began its second year and our Little Larks Well-Being coaches were chosen to present at the International Positive Education Network World Positive Education Accelerator (WPEA) and Appreciative Inquiry (AI) Summit. Lark’s Song also added Len Anspach to the Board of Directors as the Treasurer.

Through the many exciting changes and events in 2018, Lark’s Song continued to rest in shalom.

Planning for 2019

Our team switched gears the next day to discuss our initiatives for the 2019 year.

The theme for 2019 is Slow Medicine: A deliberate and intentional approach to healing that is intentionally measured, mutually respectful, and skillfully administered. Slow Medicine requires one to trust the process and outcomes of curious learning, attentive care, and practicing toward mastery.

We set out to engage in the transformative work of courageously co-creating a more fulfilled and flourishing world through the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) model. This practice involves discovering the greatness that is happening in Lark’s Song and around the world, dreaming about the future of the organization together, designing real prototypes and patterns that create rhythmic, sustainable practices and solve complex problems, and delivering a set of high priority initiatives for the next 12 weeks.

The staff and board members worked hard to create brave ideas and concrete plans for the next 12 weeks. Emily Hathway explained that she enjoys the 12 week plan over a year long plan because it allows our team to focus and be more productive. Aubrey Baker and Erica Eyer enjoyed how the retreat allowed them to work with people on our team that they do not normally work with. “It brought about a team cohesiveness,” Aubrey explained.

Members from our team left the retreat feeling good about the plan they had created, although it was hard work to create. Ruth Rice explained that it “felt like a workout,” but that it feels nice to have a good plan.

Emily described Slow Medicine as trusting the soundness of the truth that Lark’s Song carries as an organization. She feels as though it lacks desperation; it is not a sprint. Slow Medicine, according to Emily, is leaning into being more than doing.

Erica explained that Slow Medicine to her means “floating down the lazy river instead of treading water.”

Aubrey described it as “both a challenge and a way to rest in what we are already doing.” She believes that the yearly themes build on each other. Lark’s Song will continue to embody the shalom of common flourishing while trusting the healing slow medicine brings.

BY Jaylan Miller | Writing Intern

Nicholas Hindes, LSCC - The Lark's Song Impact Series

Nicholas Hindes is a Lark's Song Certified Coach (LSCC) from Cohort 4, who is using his certification to impact the Marion community in many unique ways. He says, “I am in the process of starting a non-profit that abolishes burnout in ministry and marriage. It’s for anyone who feels burnt out or tired in the service that they do. The coaching I’ve done primarily in the past year has focused on those two things [ministry and burnout]. It’s been a niche for me. I’m actually in the process of planning some retreats to provide a space for those who give so much to their community to actually receive and experience some refreshing, so that they can continue to give. This way that burnout and tiredness in their profession of helping others can actually be mitigated.”

Through his time with the Academy, Nicholas discovered many resources and powerful tools to use in his everyday life. Coaching in general has changed the way that Nicholas connects with others. When asked about the ways that the Academy has impacted him personally he responded with such wisdom in saying, “I used to fall into a victim and powerless mindset before The Academy. One of the greatest ways the Lord has spoke to me through The Academy was that I am not a victim. I am a powerful person.” The Academy is ultimately to receive your certification as a coach, but it can be so much more than that if you allow it. Our comprehensive, nationally approved program challenges you to build on your natural strengths through learning and applying professional coaching skills.

To those who are considering becoming a LSCC, “It’s worth the money. It’s worth the investment. You are making an investment in your certification and education so that you can invest in others. It’s worth it because you can be more effective in impacting the world on a greater scale. Whether the world is millions of people or your family, it’s worth the investment financially.” One word that Nicholas would use to describe his experience is equipped. The LSCC program is a 140-hour, CCE (Center for Credentialing and Education) approved coach training program that is designed to be completed in 6 months. The combination of the onsite education with the efficiency of online & virtual methods gives participants the practical application, feedback, experience and flexibility to leverage their learning. All cohorts have a maximum of 15 participants so that you receive the individual attention, supervision, and customization that you need.

To see more information on our unique coach certification program and register, check out larkssong.com/overview.

IPEN 2018 - The Lark's Song Impact Series

This June the International Positive Education Network engaged in the second annual, World Positive Education Accelerator (WPEA) and Appreciative Inquiry (AI) Summit. Individuals from around the globe came together to actively participate in brainstorming ideas for the sake of increasing well-being and character virtue through positive education. Educators, positive psychologists, parents, and college students alike are in great need for unity among the globe in order to make a long-lasting impact.

Speakers such as Martin Seligman, Angela Duckworth, and Laurie Santos spoke openly about research that is currently being done and what is anticipated to be discovered within the next few years. What’s different about WPEA from most conferences is the addition of Appreciative Inquiry. Appreciative Inquiry is a model used in order to activate change. Questions and prompts were given to each table, with the intention that each group would share their individual thoughts with people who have differing occupations, cultures, and worldviews. In order to create a prototype, one must completely remove themselves from comfortable and inward reflection in order to share ideas with those in their group.

Our very own Erica Eyer and Aubrey Baker were selected to present their idea on how to accelerate positive education by providing an arts workshop for disadvantaged families to find their unique impact on the world and have a creative outlet to tell their stories. Their conviction and bravery was recognized by close to 100 participants and their idea was voted the best to present from the main stage.

When Erica Eyer was asked how IPEN impacted your life and what did it teach you she responded, “IPEN was impactful because it showed me how special and unique Lark’s Song is. No one is doing what we are doing. Everyone is still in the talking phase about how to solve problems. Megan saw a problem two hears ago and decided that talking about it just wasn’t enough. Now there is a school in Zambia with a digital curriculum, camps, trainings, etc. Lark’s Song is truly leading this movement.”

You can learn more about IPEN and the WPEA here @ https://ipen-festival.com/

Superhero Camp - The Lark's Song Impact Series

“I am WORTHY. I am CREATIVE. I am UNIQUE. I am CAPABLE. I am READY!” Lark’s Song partnered with the YMCA in Wabash, IN this past June for a week of Superhero Camp. Volunteers from Lark’s Song joined forces with the volunteers from the YMCA to ultimately empower and recognize the strengths of almost 50 Little Lark’s.

During the five days, each child learned to identify the superhero that they already are, they learned about their superpower strengths, they learned how to fight their villains – like stress and “mind bandits”, and how to describe the problems they want to solve. They became equipped with real-life skills to increase their well-being across the board. Every day included stories, songs, exercise, time outside, games, meditation, snacks and other activities.

Superhero camp is so much more than what a description can capture. Erica Eyer, Little Larks Well-Being Coach, describes her biggest takeaway from Superhero camp, “My biggest takeaway from Superhero Camp this year was that this thing that we're doing causes magical transformations in kids. Time stops for a moment when a kid fully embodies that superhero Identity they created for themselves. They become this braver more confident version of themselves. For some kids, it's the first time they have ever been told they have value and purpose and it's really magnificent to watch them embrace their super strengths and superhero powers.”

Brooke Life has faithfully dedicated her time and energy to Superhero camp each year. She speaks highly about the impact that Superhero camp has had, not only in her own life but in the lives of the children she has had the privilege of leading. “Superhero camp has changed how I view kids. To know that these kids struggle with the same things that I do has impacted me to let them be where they are but also to walk along with them through that. Superhero camp has shown me how amazing kids are.”

You can find out more about the little Lark’s Program and future Little Lark’s Well-Being Programs at https://www.larkssong.com/curriculum

Global Education Initiative - Zambia 2015

December 2015 - Global Education Initiative trained 26 educational coaches through Lark's Song's Certified Coach training program. These coaches will teach in the Centre for Success School and other educational institutions throughout the Lusaka, Zambia region.

In May of 2015, a research trip conducted by Lark’s Song in partnership with God’s House Ministries, based out of Marion, Indiana, revealed the following information:

• The greatest needs for education in Zambia are sufficient, standardized teacher training, and readily available teaching materials.

• Lark’s Song could meet these needs for the newly constructed Centre for Success School by training teachers and by delivering materials online.

Our Lark’s Song Global Education Initiatives team included:

(from left to right)
Megan Gilmore, MA, LSCC, ACC, CPCC, LCAC
Executive Director

Emily Hathway, MA, LSCC
Collective Coaching Partner

Levi Huffman, EdD, LSCC
Collective Coaching Partner

Erica Eyer, RN, LSCC
Lark’s Song Certified Coach

Bria McCarty, LSCC
Lark’s Song Certified Coach

26 teacher, professors, pastors, and other helping professionals from around the region of Lusaka, Zambia attended 5 days of intensive onsite training to become educational coaches through our Academy program.

The initial phase of this project was made possible in large part through a grant
provided by Blackboard, Inc. and the tireless work of our board secretary, Jill Morrison.
Additional support was provided by our generous partners listed below.

We anticipated training 12 educational coaches for the Centre for Success school in the
Chilanga district of Lusaka, Zambia. We were able to do this and train an additional 14
educational coaches from other schools within the Chilanga and Lilayi districts, as well
as university professors, pastors, and school administrators.

They received five days of coach training, a hot lunch on each day, and an Academy
field bag with 3 books, an educational resource packet, a learning journal, and pens.

Once open, the Centre for Success school will have the capacity to educate 500 children that previously had no access to primary education. Lark's Song is partnering with other agencies to make this possible through educational coaching and excellent content delivery via various technologies.

On Sunday (our day “off”), we were able to serve the servant leaders, youths, and
children in the area by leading their church services, giving the gifts mentioned on the
back of this sheet, and supplying the Centre for Success school with enough learning
notebooks, pencils, pencil sharpeners, and first aid supplies for their first 100 students.
On our last day, we were invited into homes, schools, and to walk through the streets
of the Linda compound with our new partners - committed to courageously co-creating
a world where people (including children) purposefully choose life and aliveness.

In addition to the educational training that Lark’s Song was able to provide, We were also able to bring donated supplies for the people of Chilanga, including 894 school supplies, 42 balls, 758 playground and educational items, 3155 hair care and hair supplies, 271 undergarments, 22 shirts, 7 hats, 145 toothbrushes, 186 tubes of toothpaste, 216 packages of floss, 110 feminine personal care supplies, 1000 bandaids, 1000 units of bacitracin, and 1200 protective gloves. Thanks to all who donated these supplies for the teachers and students in Zambia!

A special thanks to our generous partners:
Blackboard, Inc.
God’s House Ministries
Indiana Wesleyan University
Brad & Lara Postma
Andy & Joni Gilmore
Doug Green
Shea Langenbartels
Claire Clark & The Claire Clark Beauty Lounge
Tim & Janet Andrews
Rene Lefdahl
Erin Davis
Roger & DeAnna Breedlove
Patricia Knapp
Karen Smith
Bethany Hight
Bruner Dental
April Goodwin
Anthony & Erica Eyer
Dawn Lagerkvist & American Health Network
Erika Horner
Doniece Leshore
Cheyenne Starner
Brittany Ussery
Carole Moore
Body and Sole Salon and Day Spa
Korie Lance
Amanda Foust
Bethany Harrell
Cathy Buck
Brittany Pearson