Get to Know our Spring 2025 Facilitator Trainees!
- TCLP Staff
- Jun 12
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 13
We are honored to welcome and introduce the dedicated individuals in this spring’s facilitator training cohort. Each of them brings a unique voice, deep commitment, and a heart for healing to the Compassionate Listening community. From Lebanon to California and beyond, these trainees are already making a meaningful impact in their communities by sharing the practices of deep listening, empathy, and peacebuilding.
We are honored to walk alongside them, and so excited for you to meet them!
Ghiwa El Fakhry- Lebanon
Born and raised in the mountains of north of Lebanon, Ghiwa El Fakhry is a peacebuilder, community activist, and environmental advocate whose work bridges dialogue, healing, and social change. She holds a B.A. in International Affairs and Political Science with a minor in Conflict Resolution from the Lebanese American University and is finalizing her M.A. in Diplomacy and International Security at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik.
Rooted in her rural upbringing, Ghiwa’s passion for nature, outdoor sports, citizenship education, and community engagement has shaped her dedication for rural development development and youth leadership and empowerment. She has facilitated Quiet Time reflection circles with Initiatives of Change Lebanon, co-founded youth mentoring and career guidance programs, and led cultural dialogue initiatives.
A certified practitioner-in-training with the Compassionate Listening Project, Ghiwa integrates deep listening, empathy, and bridge-building into her work. Committed to blending art, nature, and activism, she offers a holistic approach to cultural and environmental change, grounded in honoring diverse identities and fostering genuine spaces for connection and reconciliation.
Jay Blando- Merced, California
Jay spent ten years as a lawyer, building expertise in mediation, conflict resolution, and advocacy. During law school, he interned at the International Labour Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, where he deepened his commitment to human rights. After leaving law practice, Jay pursued civil rights work in higher education, serving as Deputy Title IX Coordinator, DHR Administrator, and Investigator at California State University, Chico. He now serves as Deputy Title IX Officer and Deputy Director of the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination at the University of California, Merced. Jay integrates restorative justice principles and Compassionate Listening practices into his work supporting marginalized populations and individuals impacted by sexual harm and discrimination. He is committed to fostering healing, accountability, and inclusion through deep listening and dialogue. In his free time, Jay enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with his wife and their dog.
Kelli Breland- Merced, California
Kelli is the Talent Development Specialist- University of California, Merced
She is a Single mom of three amazing kids and a proud psychology nerd! She earned her bachelor’s in criminal justice administration in 2011, her master’s in psychology from Arizona State University in 2022, and is now deep into a Doctoral program in Industrial-Organizational Psychology—because why stop at one degree when you can keep going? By day, Kelli is all about building community and joy at UC Merced, where she has spent over a decade supporting research, fundraising, and now training staff, students, and faculty on growth, skills, and connection.
When she's not working or studying, you can find her soaking up the sun, hunting treasures at thrift stores, decorating cozy spaces, getting in a good workout, or relaxing with some therapeutic coloring. She lives for quiet, simple moments—but her loudest love will always be her children. They are the reason behind every goal, every hustle, and every impromptu living room dance and karaoke session.
Kylee Gies- Monroe, WA
Kylee is a certified Creative Grief Support Practitioner and owner of Sacred Dwelling LLC, a healing arts center in Monroe, WA. She is also certified in Grief Movement Therapy. After the loss of her son, Oliver, she has been following the calling to support others’ grief journeys as a Grief Doula. Kylee studied Aikido for ten years and is a life-long learner & practitioner of yoga, mindfulness/meditation, along with facilitating emotional growth programs. She formerly worked in the field of International Education as an Advisor and Field Instructor. She holds space with love and compassion while providing expressive therapeutic modalities that encompass meaning-making, integration, creative exploration, and growth. Kylee works with individuals one on one and facilitates experiential workshops that focus on ritual therapeutics, ceremony, creativity, educational resources, and Earth based healing.
She lives with her husband, Ryan, and two living children (Skyler 10 yrs., Maya 7 yrs.) above the beautiful Snoqualmie Valley in Monroe, WA.
Jim Levy- Merced, California
Jim Levy has followed a life path with twists and turns, but it continues with his later-in-life dream job as an organizational Ombuds at the University of California, Merced. Jim’s background as a lawyer, mediator, conflict engagement coach and facilitator has focused on helping people resolve their own concerns and conflicts. Jim uses Compassionate Listening to help teach students, staff and faculty as UC Merced the value of deeply listening to others with whom they may be in conflict. He believes passionately in teaching others conflict engagement and communication skills, and that listening is a life-long practice.
Okosun Edoro- New York
Okosun Edoro is a physician, life coach, and new facilitator for The Compassionate Listening Project whose work is shaped by a lifelong interest in conflict resolution and the human capacity for healing and transformation. His path to Compassionate Listening began when he shared his passion for conflict resolution with a facilitator for TCLP who recognized his calling and introduced him to The Compassionate Listening Project.
What began as a personal exploration quickly deepened into a vocation. Through his training, Okosun found a powerful framework that brought together his professional experience in medicine as a primary care physician, his personal mindfulness practice, and his spiritual orientation toward love, truth, and unity.
He brings a steady presence, deep curiosity, and heart-centered awareness to his facilitation, helping others navigate interpersonal challenges with greater understanding and authenticity. Rooted in both science and soul, his approach to listening honors the fullness of our shared humanity.
Outside of his work, Okosun finds joy in early morning meditation, contemplative walks, and dancing salsa and bachata. He continues to explore the transformative power of listening as a path to both personal and collective peace.
We are excited to extend an invitation to individuals who are passionate about fostering Compassionate Listening skills to apply for a spot in our Fall 2025 cohort starting in August.
This program is for leaders and experienced facilitators who want to embrace Compassionate Listening as a skill set and life-long practice, and join an international community of facilitators. You can learn more about our facilitator certification program by visiting our Facilitator Certification page. We are also hosting a free informational session on our program on June 27th. Click below to RSVP.
The deadline for applications for the fall cohort is July 31st, 2025. You can apply here.
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