When I took leadership of a new division at the University it was easy to see that the staff was demoralized and grieving. They had been through a turbulent time that involved layoffs, changing leadership, and other disruptions. Understandably trust was low and it was difficult to begin moving forward especially when the future looked uncertain. Sarah designed and facilitated a two-day retreat that focused on building trust and resilience within the team. The results were astonishing. Sarah’s warm demeanor won over even the most ardent skeptics and by the end of the retreat we had made incredible progress.

At the end of the workshop one of my team members said, “I was so skeptical of this retreat because of several bad experiences in the past. I came in determined to do the absolute minimum and get out of there. Instead Sarah created an environment where I felt safe to let my guard down and engage. This was exactly what we needed and I am optimistic about the future for the first time I can remember.” This team member and several others are now participating in individual coaching with Sarah.

I offer my highest recommendation for Sarah. You can probably find a lot of facilitators that know the basics but I doubt you can find someone that operates with her graceful and gently challenging nature. We will definitely continue to work with Sarah in the future and I strongly recommend you do the same.

- Rev. Dr. Brian Beckstrom, Assistant Vice President, Mission, Church, and Ministry, Valparaiso University

“Sarah Ciavarri was the perfect addition to our Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing (MOLN) conference! Her ability to bring humor into her message and stories was a surprise and very much welcomed! Hands down her delivery was engaging, relatable, and left the group with tools to help in all aspects of our lives. Sarah overall was an absolute joy and would be highly recommended!” - Sarah Fulton, MN Organization for Leaders in Nursing

“Sarah Ciavarri presented at our first in-person event since before COVID, and she brought great energy to our group. Her ability to incorporate humor into her presentation was well-received and kept our group engaged and laughing. Sarah’s message around self-compassion, boundaries, and kindness really hit home for our group and inspired us to implement the tools she taught us right away in both our personal and professional lives. I would highly recommend Sarah for your next event."                                                                                                                                                                                - MyLinda Anderson, Chair at ITW Women's Network

 

“Sarah Ciavarri has served as both a mentor and an exemplar for the Moses Project. Sarah’s authenticity and kindness have made a difference in the lives of our rural pastors. An exemplary speaker, leader, and gracious truth teller, Sarah helps people talk about difficult topics like vulnerability in ways that are life giving. She's a valuable member of our team, and I highly recommend her.” - Dr. Trisha Wheelock, Moses Project Director, Grand View University, Des Moines, IA

 

“Sarah has become my favorite resource for guidance in teamwork and healthy communication. I have been lucky to work with Sarah Ciavarri many times over the course of our careers, most recently in a coaching capacity. Sarah was a gift to staff when she was called to help staff learn to self care in the beginning of the pandemic. She taught resilience skills. This helped our staff battle caregiver fatigue. She spoke to them in her videos so genuinely because of her experience in a long-term care setting. I have also worked with Sarah as a coach to help build trust in a departmental team. She teaches and uses tools that create action. The feedback from staff after her visits are always positive and grateful. Sarah has become my favorite resource for guidance in teamwork and healthy communication. She has a gift I am grateful for.” - Lindsey Hart, Dir. of Human Resources at Lyngblomsten, St. Paul, MN

“Sarah Ciavarri is a skilled facilitator and leader. The professional, wise and intuitive leader that Sarah is adds so much value to the learning process. Sarah has made it possible for me to make leaps and bounds in my development as a leader. She even adapted learning exercises to meet the primary learning style of our group, allowing each of us to to go deeper in learning and to find a great deal of joy in the process. Thank you, Sarah! Sarah Ciavarri is a skilled facilitator and leader. The professional, wise and intuitive leader that Sarah is adds so much value to the learning process. Sarah has made it possible for me to make leaps and bounds in my development as a leader. She even adapted learning exercises to meet the primary learning style of our group, allowing each of us to to go deeper in learning and to find a great deal of joy in the process. Thank you, Sarah!” - - Julie Wright, Dir. of Partnerships and Volunteerism at Lutheran Social Service of MN, St. Paul, MN

 

“Sarah is a gifted coach and presenter! She presented for our team's annual event and was able to customize the material especially for us. I've also attended an all-day workshop Sarah presented, and experienced personal growth as a result! Sarah is well-versed and knowledgeable as a coach and her presence exudes the care and concern she has for others!” - Mary Younggren, Connector in Chief at Advent Talent & Creative and NAWBO-MN President, Minneapolis, MN


“Sarah is an excellent presenter. She is so down-to-earth and approachable. She didn’t preach, intimidate or prod responses. She provided a safe space to participate, and she never put anyone on the spot. I would highly recommend her to any organization seeking training.” - Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative Employee, Jordan, MN

Some of the Organizations I’ve Worked with Recently:

Habitat for Humanity, MN Senior Leadership Team

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