December 2025 Newsletter - ICF-North Texas

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DECEMBER 2025

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Board Message

Dara Rossi, PCC

ICF North Texas President

president@icf-nt.com

December Board Message – Dara Rossi, PCC

As my term as President of ICF North Texas comes to a close, I am filled with deep gratitude, pride, and admiration for this extraordinary community. Serving in this role has been a remarkable honor in my professional journey, and I am genuinely humbled by all we’ve accomplished together.

This year has been especially meaningful as we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the very first ICF chapter. Reflecting on our history has reminded me that while much has evolved over the decades, the heart of who we are has remained beautifully constant.

2026 Board Election Results

I am pleased to announce that the 2025 Board of Directors have approved the election results for your 2026 Board of Directors.

Your Board for 2026:

Natalie Mendez – President (returning)

Dara Rossi - Past President (returning)

Reeshemah Davis – President-Elect (returning)

Rory Brannum – Treasurer (returning)

Tara Hesson – Secretary (returning)

Robin Fox – Programs (new)

Sheryl Chacko – Alliances (new)

Lara Burnside – Membership (new)

Nicholas Dillon – DEIB (returning)

Kim Spikes – Sponsorships and partnerships (returning)

A big thank you to each of you that participated in this important process with your nominations and your votes.

Happy Holidays,

Steve Hendon

Past President – Chair of the Nomination Committee

Congratulations to Our New Credential Holders!

Casey Hayden, ACC

Karen Perry, ACC

Join a LINC

Learn Interact Network Contribute

Members are welcome to join these LINC groups:

ACC Credential Support LINC
PCC Credential Support LINC
MCC Credential Support LINC
Business Building LINC
Digital Marketing LINC
Ready to Retire - Now, Later, or Never? LINC
Road to Advanced Coaching Mastery LINC
Connection Crew LINC
Internal Coaches LINC

If you are interested in learning more about the currently active LINC groups, contact Cheryl Close for more information.

Upcoming Chapter Meetings

We can’t wait to celebrate the holiday season with you and look back on all the moments we’ve shared together this year. Join us on December 10 for an evening of laughter, connection, and holiday cheer!

Location:
The Rackhouse
4847 Main Street
The Colony, TX 75056

Event Details:

Members only, plus one guest – $30 per person
Enjoy a buffet of heavy hors d’oeuvres, sweet treats, soft drinks, and a cash bar
Wear your most festive holiday sweater, tie, hat, or accessory
Bring a new, wrapped book for our annual holiday book exchange (think: coaching, leadership, or business building); be sure to include a business card or personal note so your recipient knows who it’s from.

Our holiday party is a night to relax, mingle, and make connections and memories—the perfect way to wrap up the year!

Join Master Certified Coach, Susan Shapiro on December 12, for an inspiring and practical session designed to help you elevate your craft with clarity, intention, and confidence. In Insights and Methods for Coaching Mastery, you’ll explore the real lessons learned on the journey to mastery, reflect on your own coaching evolution, and identify the next steps that will truly move you forward in 2026.

This interactive experience blends storytelling, practical frameworks, and partner work to help you:

Reflect deeply on your personal path toward mastery.
Pinpoint 1–2 growth areas for the year ahead.
Build accountability by sharing your next steps.
Whether you're a new coach or a seasoned practitioner, you’ll walk away with fresh insights, actionable methods, and renewed motivation to pursue your highest level of impact.

New Opportunity: Founding Membership with DFW FREE Speakers Bureau

We’re excited to share a new visibility opportunity for ICF North Texas members through our emerging partnership with the DFW Speakers Bureau.

DFW Speakers Bureau is an external, community-facing directory that connects speakers with organizations, associations, and events looking for presenters. Following our recent board discussion, Andy and his team have agreed to extend their Founding Member lifetime membership opportunity through the end of January, specifically for our chapter.

How This Differs from the ICF-North Texas Speakers Bureau

To avoid confusion, it’s important to note:

DFW Speakers Bureau is an external platform that you may choose to join individually to increase your visibility as a speaker in the broader community.

The ICF North Texas Speakers Bureau remains our own chapter initiative, focused on ICF-branded programming and chapter-driven opportunities.

This potential partnership would complement, not replace, our internal Speakers Bureau.

We will share the link with full details and application information in the upcoming newsletter and on our website. In the meantime, please review the opportunity, ask questions, and consider whether this step aligns with your speaking and business goals.

Partnership Document

2026 All Texas Retreat and Conference
Hosted by the Texas Coaches Coalition

March 5-8, 2026 | Irving, Texas

Register by midnight on December 15 to take advantage of the Early Bird rate!

The All Texas Conference and Retreat is an opportunity to join like-minded coaches from across the state of Texas and beyond for four interactive days of immersive learning, collaboration, and networking. Attendees will experience dynamic keynote sessions, engaging workshops, as well as masterful coaching demos in small groups where you can observe and discuss live sessions by experienced certified coaches. There will be a wide variety of diverse breakout sessions led by expert presenters and Community Circle interest groups that dive deep into the most sought-after coaching topics. You'll also have time to relax and enjoy down time by the lake or other quiet spaces, making it the perfect blend of professional growth and rejuvenation.

This year’s retreat and conference will be held at the Omni Las Colinas located at 221 E. Las Colinas Blvd. in Irving, Texas. The 2026 All Texas Retreat and Conference isn’t just a conference—it’s a retreat for coaches who crave depth, community, and a breath of fresh air. Whether you're ICF-certified or just beginning your journey, you'll find a welcoming community of coaches ready to share, support, and grow together.

Register here: https://www.texascoachescoalition.org/

Early Bird Registration ($599) includes your meals during the three days of the conference. Attendees can reserve a room at the Omni Las Colinas at the conference rate of $199/night plus tax. The event is March 5-8, 2026 (hotel check-in March 5).

Member Spotlight - Julia Vickery, ACC

Business: Abell-Hanger Foundation | jvickery@abell-hanger.org

ICF Credential: ACC

Trainings Completed: CoachRICE Doerr Institute for New Leaders – Rice University

My Story: Through the generosity of Abell-Hanger Foundation and its Trustees, I provide executive and leadership coaching and advanced leadership development to engaged, successful nonprofit executive directors. Being able to pour into leaders that are unable to access coaching and other professional development opportunities due to access issues is humbling, invigorating, and purposeful.

Why be a member of ICF-North Texas: My mentor coach Darra Rossi is an active member. She has been wonderful in supporting me in the coaching journey. Although I am located 300 miles away, it is one of the closest ICF opportunities.

What type of coaching do you offer? Corporate / Executive, Leadership Development

Member Spotlight - Shaniqua Rischer

Business: Rischer Consulting, LLC | info@rischerconsulting.com

ICF Credential: Pursuing ACC

Trainings Completed: CaPP Institute Personal Development Coaching and Personal and Executive Coaching Certification – Six Month program

My Story: Under the umbrella of Rischer Consulting, LLC, I offer Small Business / Entrepreneur Coaching and Leadership Development Coaching. Through Shaniqua Rischer Ministries, I offer Christian-Based Life and Personal Development Coaching. I am a faith-driven leader, known for her commitment to serving others and her passion for empowering people through Christ. Professionally, I am the Principal Consultant of Rischer Consulting with extensive experience as a federal grant reviewer, successful grant writer, and organizational development expert. My diverse background spans ministry work, workforce development, and helping organizations secure essential funding with a proven track record of success.

Why be a member of ICF-North Texas: To become active in the coaching community, meet new coaches, and hone my craft and experience.

Social Media Platforms: https://www.facebook.com/shaniquarischer | https://www.linkedin.com/in/srischer/

What type of coaching do you offer? Corporate / Executive, Internal / Organizational, Leadership Development, Personal / Life, Small Business / Entrepreneur

Share Your Voice with choice Magazine – Get Published!

As coaches, we know the power of sharing insights that spark change. Why not extend your impact by writing for choice magazine? This internationally recognized coaching publication is looking for thoughtful, well-written articles from professionals like you. Whether you have expertise in business, executive, or life coaching—or support those who do—this is your chance to contribute to the global coaching conversation.

Several articles by ICF-North Texas chapter members have already been published in choice, showcasing the thought leadership within our community. You could be next!

Why Contribute?

Marketing and visibility. You’ll receive a beautifully designed digital version of your article—perfect for promoting your expertise, training, and networking.
Global reach. choice Magazine is a 52-page print and digital publication delivered worldwide, giving your ideas a platform beyond your immediate network.
Flexible submission options. Articles can be theme-based or general coaching topics, so there’s always an opportunity to share your wisdom.

Plus, choice magazine is an ongoing supporter of our Celebrate Coaching event, further strengthening its connection to our coaching community.

For more information and writer’s guidelines, visit https://choice-online.com/write-for-us/.

ICF-North Texas Organization Sponsor

Learn more at SMU.edu

Stop Negotiating. Start Signing.

As a coach, your focus should be helping clients grow — not getting lost in contract details. Every client relationship deserves a clear, professional agreement that builds trust from the start.

That’s why we created Standardized Contracts — an online platform with lawyer-approved coaching agreements designed specifically for solopreneurs and service providers. No legal guesswork, and no time wasted. Just choose your agreement, fill in a few fields, and send it electronically — simple, secure, and professional.

ICF North TX coaches receive one free month of our Unlimited Plan with code ICF2025, giving you full access to our library of vetted contracts for coaches with growing practices.

Try it now → https://www.standardizedcontracts.com/icf.html

This is a paid advertisement and does not constitute an endorsement by ICF-North Texas.

December Monthly Observances

Universal Human Rights Month

Holidays and Observances:

December 1: World AIDS Day

December 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities

December 10: Human Rights Day

December 14–22: Hanukkah

December 25 (Thursday): Christmas Day

December 26–January 1: Kwanzaa

Contact Information

President Dara Rossi, PhD, PCC	President-Elect Natalie Mendez, PCC	Secretary Tara Hesson, ACC
Treasurer Rory Brannum, ACC	Past President Steve Hendon, PCC	Alliances Mayme Doumbia, PCC
Communications Reeshemah Davis, PCC	Diversity Equity Inclusion Belonging Nicholas Dillon	Membership Cheryl Close, MCC
Programs Susan Daniel, PCC	Sponsorships Kimberly Spikes, ACC	Special Events OPEN