 Over the years I have coached hundreds and thousands of adults and students in finding their story.
I have traveled to over 40 states, and as far as England, Scotland, and Japan to help present coaching and
telling programs and intensives. I hold a Masters in "Storytelling and Education" and am a PhD
candidate studying the significance of "dramatic inquiry and narrative development" at The Ohio
State University where I serve as the first ever "Academic Storyteller-in-Residence" for the
university. My recent work is with the Multicultural Center coaching and assisting programs that promote
equity and cultural understanding. For over 20 years as a professional storyteller and coach of stories
I have seen a need in all fields to be able to tell your story. Your individual or company's effort
of telling a story can help promote your success.
Whether you are full time writer or simply someone who needs to speak to your company
on a daily basis, story coaching or mediation will help improve not only your story, but your ability to
compose and deliver additional addresses. After all, if you can't tell your story or your business's
story, how can others speak to your work?
 I have a diverse background in working with story and after twenty years I have found two
elements in working with story to be essential: a willingness to take risks and a supportive community.
Drawing on my experience as a storytelling teacher, drama teacher, and most recently my
doctoral work at The Ohio State University, we will employ a playful approach to working with story development.
According to Vivian Paley (1990) play is the real work in children's lives. This is the point where we
shape, reshape, evaluate, and represent our stories. This is true in story development for adults. It is in our
play where we experiment and refine our stories. In over 20 years I have found ways to play with our story that
are not traditionally found in storytelling circles. We will work with each participant in new ways to see and
experience their story. The story they choose will be one that they feel "needs work" or is not complete.
The goal is to help participants fashion their story in new ways and directions that can be used for telling.
The methods can not only be employed for the story you chose to work with, but can be used in your speech and
storytelling growth. We will learn from the supportive community.
 My approach to coaching involves myself as a mediator of the coaching session but incorporates
the supportive community in helping the development. As a mediator I work to create an environment that allows this
voice and ensures the risk taking in a safe cooperative manner with the teller. However, each participant does not
serve as an audience, but learns how to encourage and support with comments and welcomed suggestions. This community
approach equips tellers to continue to support each other in advanced work together. This approach can transfer to your
organization, business, or school.
I look forward to developing and shaping with you.
Be sure to contact early so we can ensure that you have a place at the next intensive. We look
forward to working with you and watching "Permision2Play" work for you.
Kevin has been commissioned for his story work and/or "Permission 2 Play"
intensives By:
- The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington D.C.
- Department of Corrections, Singapore
- Fulbright Commission, Japan
- Newsweek
- Highlights for Children
- National Storytelling Network
- National Storytelling Hall of Fame
- National Elementary and Secondary School Principals
- National Association of Social Studies
- National Council Teachers of English
- Optimist Organization
- International Reading Association
- Singapore Book Council
- Columbus Area Writing Project
- along with a host of schools, businesses, and community organizations.
Everyone has a story to tell. Kevin helps you not only tell it, but experience new ways to share it! |
