Training offers Maroons micro-credential in facilitating group dialogues

On Feb. 4, a team of 17 Maroons earned a micro-credential recognizing them as trained facilitators of small group discussions.  

The training initiative, led by the Office of Community, Diversity & Inclusion, was organized in preparation for “Dialogues,” an upcoming program designed to create space for students, faculty and staff to engage and share insights.

Integral to an inclusive community is creating intentional space for voices to be heard and valued, said Dr. Teresa Johnson Ramey, Vice President for Community, Diversity & Inclusion. More information and sign-up opportunities for “Dialogues” will be forthcoming.

“I’m excited that we can provide a venue for discussion for our campus community,” Ramey said. “It’s what many have asked for, and this is the right time.”   

The recent training led facilitators through progressive and restorative techniques to increase community and explore diverse topics. Subjects during the four-hour workshop included conflict management, small group facilitation, and reflective, active listening.

The training was led by Ramey and Eddy Smart, executive director of The Bridge Institute, a Roanoke-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting peaceful mediation and community building. Both Ramey and Smart are certified mediators specializing in mediation, facilitation and restorative practices.

Those who took part in the workshop earned a campus-recognized micro-credential in group facilitation.

“Dialogues” is designed to bring the campus community together in an interactive format that promotes engagement and insight. Sessions will be organized around topics related to community, identity, expression or other focuses that contribute to cultivating a welcoming environment. 
 
The new facilitator team will guide the discussions and create space for sharing that might not otherwise have been available to participants, Ramey said. The facilitators include:  

• Luke Fairchild ’25
• Annalisa Green ’26
• Rebecca Goldstein ’25
• Modern Languages Lecturer Teresa Hancock-Parmer
• Chloe Jarvis ’26
• Associate Vice President for Human Resources Kathy Martin
• Sociology & Public Health Professor Meeta Mehrotra
• Public Affairs Assistant Professor Sarah Murray
• Lavender Oman ’26
• Delmy Palmer ’26
• Associate Dean of Students Amy Perkins
• Asst Director of Academic Services for Accessible Education Dustin Persinger
• Jenna Thompson ’27
• Antonio Saadeh ’27
• Biology Associate Professor Meg Steinweg
• James Suleyman ’24
• Alex Wiggin ’25