Helping Change-makers Walk their Talk
Hi, I'm Lisa!
I help values-driven leaders, educators and collectives center and hone the passion, resilience, and actions that are critical to values-driven change and sustained impact.My work emerges at the center of my three passions: adventure-based learning, presence-based practices, and personal development. Because I believe the personal IS professional, my work finds purpose in a variety of settings: schools, workplaces, communities; anywhere people are coming together for a common purpose.A shared vision needs more than power and passion, it requires presence and patience too. I help individuals create a collective. I help teams fly in formation. I help leaders lead.
Lisa Marie Howard
Lisa Howard has been facilitating transformational learning for over 20 years. From Special Education teacher to Adventure Educator to Team Builder to Certified Coach, Lisa's journey has given her experience, expertise, and presence to help you or your team create change.Her coaching is collaborative, compassionate, and change-oriented.Her training is clear, concise, and immediately impactful.Her facilitation style is fun, engaging, and thought-provoking.Learn more below or reach out for an intro call.
Professional Highlights
Certified Presence-Based® Coach
Kripalu® Outdoor Guide
Kripalu® Certified RISE™ Facilitator
High 5 Adventure Certified Trainer
The Browne Center at UNH Corporate Facilitator
Kripalu® Certified Restorative Yoga Teacher
Trained in Navigating Challenging Dialogue®
Yogaspirit Studios® 200 hr. Certified Yoga Teacher
M.Ed. Experiential Learning - Plymouth State Univ.
Special Education Certification - Immaculata Univ.
A winding journey....As a Special Education teacher feeling the limitations in the traditional education system I discovered and soon became passionate about the power of experiential education. As I dove deeper into the world of Adventure Learning, I began to realize the importance of social connection in a playful, group-based learning experience to transform both the individual and the collective. When learning is fun and collaborative transformation accelerates.When I began to encounter my own spiritual and emotional challenges as a result of massive loss and change in my life, I turned to yoga and mindfulness teachings as a way to regain balance and wholeness. Through the study of yogic philosophy, and the practices of yoga asana and meditation, I began to find ways to heal, to listen to my own inner guidance, and gain tools for managing stress, overwhelm, and emotionally reactive situations. When we learn to connect with our inner world, our outer world becomes more navigable.Throughout my entire life, the natural world has always been a steady backdrop, a place to return to. I grew up on a farm, taking care of animals, tending the garden, climbing trees, spending entire days outdoors. As an adult, I have been continuously drawn to the natural world for calming, connecting, and finding clarity. I now live in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts where I turn to the forests for daily medicine. Nature has been a constant, and yet it is always changing and in that way, it shows us how to navigate change. When we connect with the healing power of nature, we see resilience amplified.Through coaching, training, and facilitated group experiences, I offer the methods and practices that transformed my life, in hopes of creating collective resilience for the future.
Values
The Ways of Being that Shape My Doing
Curiosity
Compassion
Courage
Choice
Methods
I use adventure-based learning, mindfulness, and development coaching to create immersive and transformational learning experiences that always include:
Fun with a Focus
I make learning fun with adventure-based methods and activities that sharpen your focus so that new insights become clear and have distinct real-life application.
Connection without Cringe
I make connection authentic, intentional and easeful, without the eye-rolling, cringey, forced-fun of traditional ice-breakers and team-building.
Challenge with Choice
I believe choice and agency are critical to safe, successful learning, therefore we invite participants to choose their level of personal challenge at all times.
Testimonials
"Thanks again for putting together such a thoughtful, fun, and practical training for us! It has been very helpful already. In fact, I have had several teachers tell me how great the training was and that they have been using some of the strategies/practices you introduced."
~ Teacher, Mt Greylock Regional School
"Within a few minutes in Lisa's presence, she is able to ground me and remove weeks of built-up stress. Her mindfulness and calm radiate through the screen. Before I know it, her presence and inquiry has led me down a path that enables me to think clearly about the challenges I'm facing, determine what I want the outcomes to be and create a list of feasible actions to achieve them. I'm so grateful to have met her."
~ Clare; Coaching Client
I knew I needed this. But after I booked it all the doubts flooded in. I almost didn't come. Now, I'm so glad I did. This was exactly what I needed. Thank you.
~ Yoga Summer Camp Participant
"She listens without judgment or expectation. She has a unique ability to guide me to finding my own answers without leading me down a particular path. When I have felt like I was at a standstill or in a state of confusion she asked insightful questions that allowed me to process and come to decisions based on my own innate knowing and truth."
~Caitlin; Coaching Client
I'm going home a better person.
~ Retreat Participant
"I feel a sense of relief when I think about my action steps and the control I have in the situation."
~ Julia; Coaching Client
Executive Coaching for Visionary Leaders
Lead with Vision and Heart
As a visionary leader you are inspired and committed to forging a better future yet you see that this instability and uncertainty are becoming the norm, not just a moment to get through.Your teams members are increasingly stressed, divided, and fearful.
You want to focus on mission, not internal drama and chaos.
You want your workplace to reflect your values.You don't have to do it alone.
Coaching can help
Alleviate the constant strain and struggle.
Connect authentically with your team
"Walk your talk"
with purpose, presence, and power
Open lines of communication and collaboration where stress has interfered
A Coaching Engagement Includes:
Free intro call to determine fit and alignment
A customized, co-created coaching agreement with clear goals, desired outcomes, and timeline
Virtual or in-person meetings 2x/month
Option for nature-based sessions
Presence-Cased Coaching® approach of inquiry into mind and body for guidance and growth
Support and accountability for action-items and skill development.
Options for referrals, follow-ups, or re-engagement upon completion
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What's the proess?
- What is Presence-Based Coaching?
- How can I get the most out of coaching?
- What's the difference between coaching & therapy?
What's the Process?
The first step is a 30-45 minute intro call. During an intro call the coach and client will have an opportunity to learn more about each other in order to decide whether a coaching partnership is a good fit. The coach will review the overall coaching structure and answer any questions about coaching. The client will share some information about the situation and together they will explore the considerations of working together on this topic. This call is the first step in building rapport and trust that are essential to the coaching relationship so it’s also helpful to spend time in connection and getting to know each other personally as well.After the intro call the steps for a 6-12 month engagement are typically as follows:
Session 1 - Develop coaching agreement: identify goals and desired outcomes, determine frequency and duration of engagement, and partnership norms
Sessions 2 through midpoint - deepening understanding of situation, challenges, and what needs to change. Focus is on identifying new learning, practices, and skills to develop.
Mid-point check-in - Coach and client reflect on what's working and discuss changes to agreement or process as needed
After midpoint - refining practices and and tools for overcoming barriers, navigating limitations and challenges with greater capacity and empowerment
Completion - a closing session focused on celebrations, reflections, and next steps for client and coach.
What is Presence-Based Coaching?
Presence-Based Coaching is considered development coaching. This means that through the process of coaching we are helping to support adults on their developmental path as they work toward the change they seek. Many clients come to coaching with a clear idea of what needs to change externally, and presence-based coaching helps clients identify internal shifts that can make a difference in effecting change. We incorporate somatic experiencing both as ways to harness the wisdom of the body when seeking clarity or answers, as well as practices to strengthen and harness the inner power and resilience to show up differently.
How can I get the most out of my investment?
Commit to commit: In the first few sessions, you will have an opportunity to choose a commitment statement that verbalizes exactly what you are coming to coaching for and your commitment to the outcome. A strong commitment leads to greater success
Be open to experimentation. This can come through new somatic practices, self-observations, and explorations of new ways of approaching your current situation
Come prepared with some idea of what you want to focus on in each session. This could be changes, updates, new challenges, or next steps
Be clear about what’s working and what’s not. Honest feedback to your coach helps you partner together better so that you can get the most for your investment
What's the difference between coaching & therapy?
Coaching is focused on present moment challenges and future-ready change
Coaching identifies the patterns and habits that are impacting current situations and focuses on identifying tools and strategies for growing beyond these rather than digging deeply into their past origins.
A coaching agreement has a clear beginning and end, with the goal of empowering the client to become self-sustaining in their growth and development
Coaching is not intended to provide healing or treatment for trauma
A coach cannot diagnose any medical or mental health conditions and coaching is not intended to treat these
Team Development
The resilience we need is not individual, it is collective. I help teams, organizations, and systems build the relational web that is crucial to collective safety, support, and success.And, I make it FUN!
Team Connection & Resilience
Customize an experience that meets your needs:
Have fun and release tension
Build familiarity and cohesion
Open lines of communication
Gain tools for self-awareness and self- regulation
Strengthen work relationships and build trust
Learn practices for managing overwhelm
Team Development & Agility
Take your team to the next level:
Strengthen the sense of support and trust
Develop agility in collaborative problem-solving
Navigate communication challenges
Identify clear strategies to increase performance and achieve goals
Learn how to balance the needs of the individual, the team, and the task
Team Values in Action
Many teams and leaders seek to operate in alignment with shared values, and find that it's not always easy to do so. I'll help you with the process and the continued practice.
Identify Shared Values that Guide Action
Create shared agreements that align with values
Learn skills and tools for bringing agreements into daily practice
Collectively, we foster connection to increase the trust, communication and co-regulation that supports creativity, innovation, and excellence. Here's How:
Listening
Facilitated Listening sessions for Systemic Change
Connecting
Forming the groundwork for safety, support, and success in the workplace.
Developing
Building skills needed for communication, collaboration and co-regulation.
Tending
Cultivating practices and rhythms for continuous connection and support.
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
~ Maya Angelou
Events
Lisa Howard has been facilitating playful, connected, transformational learning for over 15 years, and is a certified Coach, Consultant, and former Special Education Teacher.
Her workshops are distinctly unique, engaging, and consistently provide:~ Fun with a Focus
~ Connection without the Cringe
~ Challenge with Choice
Yoga Summer Camp at Kripalu
At Kripalu's Yoga Summer Camp the Grown-ups have all the fun! We experience lots of outdoor activities plus plenty of time for rest and relaxation on Kripalu's beautiful campus in Stockbridge, MA.
Make new friends in a fun, activity-based retreat
Choose the activities you want to join - Hiking, Yoga, Kayaking, Archery, Crafts, and more!
Rest and restore on Kripalu's beautiful campus
2026 Yoga Summer Camp with Lisa:
Mindful Morning Hikes
Our Mindful Morning Hikes are a powerful practice in deepening our present moment awareness through our multi-sensory connection to the land. Together, we will:
Explore mindfulness in action
Release tension & rejuvenate mind & body
Reconnect to yourself, others, and nature
Hikes vary in timing, duration, and difficulty depending on the route. Click the links below for additional route information and registration.Pre-registration required; $20
How to Have MORE FUN!
An interactive, experiential playshop for grown-ups who want to feel like a kid again.
Release tension and stress
Reconnect to what's important
Revitalize for what's needed
Through activity-based learning, discussion, and reflection, we will explore:
Why fun, Why now?
What creates or inhibits fun?
How can we all have more fun?
Participation and sharing is fully choice-based, and participants will be encouraged to modify/adapt as needed or desired.
What to Expect:
A playful, social, active learning experience
A welcoming, open space with intention toward care and compassion for all
An opportunity to "play your way" with permission to choose your level of participation and sharing at all times
A carefully facilitated sequence of activities designed to spark curiosity, reflection, and individualized learning
Resources for relevant research and texts
Opportunities for follow-up and continuation of learning or support
Space is limited!
Register for FREE; pay what you can at the door.
Details:
February 27, 2026
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Center for Peace Through Culture
137 Front St, Housatonic, MA
Upcoming:
Venture In Coaching Groups:
Making Change More Fun!
Fun with a Focus
Connection without the Cringe
Challenge with Choice
What it is:
An 8-week group coaching intensive that merges adventure-based learning, outdoor experiences, and presence-based coaching practices into an embodied, experiential approach that helps you get more of what you want in life and less of what you don't. Coming in April 2026.
Who it's for:
Venture In Coaching Groups are for anyone who recognizes that change is needed, and is ready to do the work to make it happen.
What to Expect:
Indoor, Outdoor and Virtual sessions
Intentional activities paired with reflection and sharing around specific themes
A welcoming, open space with intention toward care and compassion for all
Participation with choice and ongoing freedom to adapt or modify
Between-session "fieldwork" for personal growth and development toward goals.
Interested in a customized workshop at your site?
Contact us below to learn more.
Venture In Coaching Groups
Coming Soon! Questions? Feel free to reach out:
Mindful Group Hikes
More than just a hike, it's a practice
"Nature is a network of infinite interlocking intelligences emitting frequency that you can tune into at levels way beyond knowing the names of birds and trees. And if you do, your capacity for imagination, innovation, and feeling return naturally. Life comes back to life."
~Boyd Varty; Track Your Life
A guided hike can become a powerful connection practice when we deepen our present moment awareness through our multi-sensory connection to the land.Through the practice of deep awareness in nature we find relaxation and rejuvenation, we reconnect to our inner child, and we begin to expand our capacity for resilience as modeled by the continuously adapting natural landscapes.Choose one of the routes below for your private hike or group experience, or reach out to create a customized experience that incorporates one of our workshops as well.
2026 Hiking Routes:
Flag Rock - Great Barrington, MA (3.6 mi., 790 ft. elevation gain, 2.5 - 3 hours)
Ice Glen - Stockbridge, MA (1.5 mi., 216 ft. elevation gain, 1.5 - 2 hours)
Yokun Ridge to Kennedy Cliffs - Lenox, MA (4 mi., 500 ft. elevation gain, 3 - 3.5 hours)
Race Brook Falls to AT - Sheffield, MA (3.6 mi., 1,230 ft. elevation gain, 3 - 3.5 hours)
The listed hikes are all moderate difficulty with varied terrain. Trekking poles available.
Timing will vary depending on speed and pace of hikers.
It is with gratitude and humility that we acknowledge that we are learning, speaking and gathering on the ancestral homelands of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans.
To Request a quote, please submit a message with your preferred location, date, time, number of participants, and a summary of the kind of experience you are looking for.
Training
I support teachers, leaders, and facilitators to create powerful learning experiences with greater safety, belonging, and growth for both the individual and collective.My aim is to transform the way we approach learning and development to create communities of collective care and sustaining resilience.
RISE™: Kripalu's Evidence-Based Stress Resilience Training
Through accessible practices of breath, movement, and mindfulness, learn how you can:
Better understand your own stress response
Calm your body in moments of high intensity
Train your attention to focus on what's important
Build positivity, productivity, and mental clarity
Choose practices that easily apply to your life.
Improve your ability to respond skillfully in moments of high intensity and challenge.
Facilitation Skills
Do you want your workshop or retreat to spark transformational learning that leaves a lasting impact?
Create safer connection and collaboration that maintains care and compassion for all
Inspire authentic engagement and awareness
Align goals, activities, and outcomes consistently with framing and thoughtful sequencing
Illuminate new learning and make a lasting impact through reflection and discussion
Navigate challenges with poise and presence
For Schools
Today's schools need teachers who feel united, empowered, and successful. In addition to team development and facilitation training, we offer the following specialized support for teachers:
Adventure Activities for the Classroom
Facilitation Skills for the Classroom
Creating classroom agreements that work
Navigating participation challenges
Join Me at Kripalu!
As a member of the R&R faculty at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, I lead mindful hiking and archery in addition to teaching several workshops and Kripalu Experience Programs. Here are the places in R&R where you're most likely to find me!
Mindful Outdoor Experiences
A Guided Outdoor Experience at Kripalu is an opportunity to practice mindfulness in action while allowing the beauty of nature to help us return to the present moment, again and again. Lisa facilitates a journey that opens our senses, invites us to marvel at what we notice, and nourishes us with deep presence on sacred land.
Adventurous Awareness:
The Power of Play
Who says play is only for kids? In this powerful, playful workshop we lean into our sense of adventure as we explore play as a wellness practice and as a window to the self. We laugh, we connect, and we learn how play has so much to teach us; about ourselves, our choices, and how to expand our ability for calm, clarity, and connection.
Already Enough:
Growing With Compassion
Embracing a spiritual practice invites us to navigate the nuanced space of believing in our own “enoughness” along with a commitment to continuous growth and development. How can we continue to grow with self-care and compassion, while navigating overwhelm and burnout from a constantly changing and chaotic world? In this workshop we will explore growth and development as an embodied expansion, with an eye toward greater compassion for self and collective.
Interested in a customized version of these workshops at your site?
Contact us below to learn more.
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Contact
Have a question? Send a message to Lisa directly.
Resources
Somatic Practices
Facilitation Tools
Program Format:
Intro session: 90 - 120 minutes
Full program: 6 - 8 hours
Customized RISE + Team Connection option
Rooted in Kripalu’s deep legacy of wellness practices and grounded in more than a decade of research and tested application, the RISE™ program provides a pathway to understanding the stress response paired with tools and practices that empower a more skillful, centered approach.
Collective
Join the Venture IN Collective. Expand what is known and possible through collective process.
Monthly Newsletter
Affinity Groups
Access to database of resources
Listening sessions with Lisa
Coaching
Your refuge to re-center, re-organize, and reclaim your transformation.
1:1 Coaching
Group Coaching
Outdoor Coaching
Training & Consulting
Cultivate and Co-create connection from a safe harbor of support.
Care & Connection
Teams experiencing change need to stay grounded in mutual care, respect, and trust. I can help your team, classroom, or organization build the connections needed to navigate the unknown.
Careful Communication
Teams in transition need careful communication with self, others, and the collective.
I can help build critical skills toward clear, truthful, and effective communication in challenging times.
Community Building
Strong teams are founded on intentional agreements that are upheld by the collective. I help teams and organizations select and develop norms and ways of being that align with shared values.
Facilitation Skills
We all need safer spaces to learn. I train facilitators to become intuitive, deeply grounded leaders who can navigate the unexpected and adapt quickly while maintaining conditions for individual and collective care and safety.