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AUGUST 2026  Follow Us!      


Board Message


 


Tara Hesson
ICF North Texas Secretary

secretary@icf-nt.com

The Strength of our Community - Tara Hesson

Hello ICF North Texas community,

Serving as Secretary for ICF North Texas has given me a deeper appreciation for what makes our chapter so special. 

For the past year and a half, I’ve had the privilege of seeing our chapter from a unique perspective. While the Secretary role often operates behind the scenes, it has provided me with a front-row seat to the passion, commitment, and generosity of our volunteers and leaders. Every meeting, event, and initiative is driven by people who believe in advancing the coaching profession and supporting one another’s growth.







Welcome New Members!


We are so happy you have joined us.

Full Members:
Lisa Weaver, ACC
Eric Smith
Lisa Rawlings
Keith Shaw, ACC
Jacqueline Garcia, ACC
Alison Godfrey, PCC
Karen Edwards
Kristi Petty


New Partners
Nasiya Acklen
Stacey Tarkington, ACC
Lance Blakley


Congratulations to Our New Credential Holders!


ACC Credentials:
Arti Baskaran, ACC
David Parker, ACC

PCC Credentials:
Susan Clayton, PCC



2026 ICF Credential Webinar Series

ICF recently launched a credentialing webinar series to provide information on the credentialing process. This series offers clear, accessible guidance on the credentialing journey—from your first application to renewal and everything in between. Dates and information can be found on the ICF Learning Portal.

This Year’s Topics Include:
  • The Value of the Credential (On-Demand)
  • Credentialing Requirements – A Deep Dive (On-Demand)
  • Journey to the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Credential (On-Demand)
  • Validate Your Coaching Competence as a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) (June 24)
  • Achieving the Master Certified Coach (MCC) (July 15)
  • From Prep to Pass: Navigating ICF Credential Exams With Confidence (August 25)
  • Advance Your Career With the Advanced Certification in Team Coaching (ACTC) (September 16)
  • Renewal Requirements & The Importance of Professional Development (October 24)
Sessions will be offered at varying times to support our global community. Can't attend live? You're still covered. Recordings will be available in the ICF Learning Portal within three weeks of each event, so learning stays on your schedule. The cost is free to all members.

2026 Credentialing Q&A Calls
ICF Credentials and Standards staff will host quarterly Q&A calls to answer your questions about applying for your credential, finding Continuing Coach Education (CCE) credits for renewal, preparing for the exam, and much more. These are one-hour calls and are not recorded. Individuals must register for the call in order to receive the link to attend. Sign up to Join a Credentialing Q&A Call.

Need one-on-one support for your credentialing journey? Reach out to our support team anytime by emailing support@coachingfederation.org.

August Virtual Chapter Meeting and Program

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Investing In You: The Connection Between Leadership, Growth, and Wellness
Dr. Maya Thomas Fernandez
August 14, 2026

Virtual ONLY Event | 11:15 AM - 1:15 PM

Virtual Attendees: Members – $30 / Non-Members – $40


CCEUs:
1.5 Core Competency | 0.5 Resource Development

This interactive session explores the connection between effective leadership, personal growth, and overall wellness. Too often, leadership development focuses solely on skills and strategies, while neglecting the essential role of health, balance, and self-investment. Attendees will explore practical strategies for fostering a healthy work-life balance, enhancing self-awareness, and adopting leadership practices that align with their unique strengths.

Recognizing that how we lead is not one-size-fits-all, this session emphasizes the importance of authenticity, resilience, and intentional well-being. Participants will leave with tools to invest in themselves—professionally and personally—to lead more effectively and sustainably.

We can’t wait to see you! To help us get the most out of our time together, if possible, please have your camera on and join from a quiet, well-lit spot with your notifications silenced. If you’re using a phone, just prop it up so you can be fully present and enjoy networking with your fellow coaches!


Register here


Coaches Circle


Mark your calendars and join an ICF North Texas Coaches Circle across DFW and beyond! Based on your feedback, we launched informal gatherings in smaller spaces—Coaches Circle. These small-group gatherings are a great way to connect, learn, support one another, and have fun with fellow ICF North Texas coaches.

Check out our calendar for the next scheduled Coaches Circle. If one interests you, simply show up! Each event has a designated contact person for RSVPs and any questions.

Don’t see one in your area? Would you like to start your own Coaches Circle in your area? Contact Dara Rossi at past-pres@icf-nt.com to get started.

We’re getting smaller to thrive together!

Call for Nominations: 2027 Board of Directors


Are you passionate about our mission and ready to help shape the future of our ICF North Texas? We're now accepting nominations for the 2027 Board of Directors!

Serving on the Board is a meaningful way to give back, build your leadership skills, and help strengthen our community. We're looking for dedicated individuals who bring diverse perspectives, talents, and experiences to our chapter.

What We're Looking For:
  • A strong commitment to our mission and values
  • Leadership and strategic thinking
  • Willingness to actively participate 
  • A collaborative spirit and passion for making an impact
Board Member Responsibilities:
  • Attending regular chapter meetings and board meetings 
  • Guiding the strategic chapter direction 
  • Managing local chapter operations
  • Fostering community connections
How to Nominate:
You may nominate yourself or someone else who you believe would be a great fit for the Board.

Submit your nomination by: September 30, 2026

Nomination form: Click here for the 2027 Board Nomination Form

Help us build a strong, diverse, and engaged Board to lead us into 2027 and beyond. We look forward to reviewing your nominations.

Questions? Dara Rossi (dara@workplace-joy.com)

Inclusive Leadership Begins with the Courage to Listen
By Nicholas Dillon, M.Ed., M.S., ACC & DEIB Director


Inclusive leadership is not simply about inviting people into the room. It is about creating an environment where people feel safe enough to speak, valued enough to contribute, and respected enough to show up authentically.

As coaches, we understand that every person brings a unique story, identity, culture, and lived experience into the coaching relationship. Our responsibility is not to assume we understand their world. Our responsibility is to remain curious, listen without judgment, and create space for perspectives that may differ from our own. By intentionally partnering with the client, we honor their agency, recognize them as the expert in their own experience, and support the outcomes they identify as meaningful.

I believe inclusion begins with self-awareness. We cannot effectively challenge bias in organizations, teams, or communities without first examining the beliefs and assumptions influencing our own behavior. Inclusive leadership requires humility. It asks us to acknowledge what we do not know, remain open to learning, and invite honest feedback.

Our work also extends beyond awareness. Inclusion must become visible through our choices, language, relationships, and actions. As coaches, we can help leaders recognize whose voices are being heard, whose contributions are being overlooked, and who may not feel psychologically safe enough to participate.

When people experience genuine belonging, they are more likely to contribute their ideas, challenge limiting norms, and lead with confidence. That is how individuals grow, teams strengthen, and organizations evolve.

Our call to action is clear: Let us examine our coaching practices, expand our cultural awareness, and ask more courageous questions. Let us model the inclusive leadership we want to see in others.

The question is not simply, "Who is at the table?"

The deeper question is, "Does everyone at the table believe their voice matters?"

August 20 Chapter DEIB Lunch and Learn Sessions

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Session 3: August 20 Chapter DEIB Webinar
Sustainable Belonging: Thriving Without Burning Out with Erika Shea, ACC

 

Virtual Event |  12:00 – 1:00 PM CT

CCEUs: 1.0 Core Competency


Join us on August 20 for our third DEIB Lunch and Learn session to equip coaches with tools to sustain resilience while engaging in emotionally complex and identity centered work. This session will include a 45-minute interactive presentation and a 15-minute facilitated dialogue.

In this webinar, Erika guides coaches so they will:
  1. Recognize signs of burnout linked to emotional and identity labor.
  2. Strengthen reflective and self-regulation practices.
  3. Develop a personal sustainability plan that supports long term thriving.

We can’t wait to see you! To help us get the most out of our time together, if possible, please have your camera on and join from a quiet, well-lit spot with your notifications silenced. If you’re using a phone, just prop it up so you can be fully present and enjoy networking with your fellow coaches!


Register here


You're Invited: Get Involved in Our Community!


Join us for a special information session on ways to get more involved—including opportunities to serve on our 2027 Board of Directors.

Curious about how you can play a bigger role in our community? Whether you're looking to volunteer, join a committee, or step into a leadership position, this webinar is your chance to learn what's available and how to get started.

Who Should Attend: Anyone interested in giving back, building community connections, or exploring a leadership role!

What We'll Cover:
  • Current volunteer opportunities and community roles
  • What it means to serve on the Board of Directors
  • Time commitment, responsibilities, and skills we're looking for
  • How to apply or nominate yourself (or someone else!)
  • Live Q&A with current board members
Date: August 20, 2026
Time: 5:00-6:00 pm
Location: Zoom

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1XuLUCINRYyJtmLNKOrUKA

We'd love to have you join the conversation and explore how you can make a difference.
See you there!

Contact Dara Rossi with questions (dara@workplace-joy.com).

Save the Date!
Celebrate Coaching 2026




ICF North Texas members-only Business Building Series

Building a Thriving Coaching Business


Next Up: Networking, Follow-Ups, Proposals and Referrals
Beverly Wright | September 3, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM CT

Our ICF North Texas members-only Business Building Series is in full swing—and there's still time to join!

This complimentary six-session series is designed to help ICF North Texas coaches build a thriving, sustainable coaching business with the strategy, support, and accountability to keep growing.

Join now and you'll receive access to the June, July and August webinar recordings, plus all remaining live sessions through November. It's not too late to jump in, connect with fellow coaches, and gain practical tools you can put to work right away.

Program Sessions (dates are for the webinar / LINC)
  • How Not to Build a Coaching Practice | Teresa Pool – recordings available
  • Pricing and Offer Design | Meg Rentschler – recordings available
  • Aug. 3 / Aug. 24 – Attract Great Clients, With or Without a Niche | Mary Cravets (webinar recordings available)
  • Sept. 3 / Sept. 28 – Networking, Follow-Ups, Proposals and Referrals | Beverly Wright
  • Oct. 5 / Oct. 27 – Digital Marketing | Staci Witten
  • Nov. 2 / Nov. 23 – Expanding Your Possibilities | Expert Panel
Ready to join us? Complete the sign-up form below to join the program and gain access to past session recordings, then register for individual sessions through the Chapter Events Calendar.

Building a Thriving Coaching Business
Chapter Events Calendar

NOTE: Dates are subject to change. Visit the Chapter calendar to confirm details and register.

Member Update: Scam Emails


We've had a number of members receive an email offering access to ICF North Texas member information. These emails are scams and should be deleted immediately.

Please know that ICF North Texas will never sell, share, or distribute our member list or your personal information to third parties.

If you receive an email, phone call, or message claiming to have access to our membership directory or requesting member information, please treat it with caution. When in doubt, contact a Board Member before responding.

Thank you for helping us protect our coaching community.

September Hybrid Chapter Meeting and Program

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The Foundation of Great Coaching: Establishing and Maintaining Agreements (Core Competency #3)
Sara Smith, MCC

September 11, 2026

Hybrid Meeting | 11:15 AM - 1:15 PM

Networking begins at 11:15 AM | Meeting begins at 11:30 AM

In Person at Las Colinas Country Club or Virtually Via Zoom

In-Person Attendees Registering by Sept 6: Members – $40 / Non-Members – $50
In-Person Attendees Registering after Sept 6: Members – $50 / Non-Members: – $60
Virtual Attendees: Members – $30 / Non-Members – $40


CCEUs:
1.5 Core Competency | 0.5 Resource Development


In just reading the third ICF Core Coaching Competency, you might wonder if it is talking about creating a contract or beginning a coaching call. We will answer that question, along with showing how behind that title lies the keys to great coaching. You will learn about the dual nature of the competency and how it invites all the other competencies to be a part of creating masterful coaching. During the session, Sara will provide an overview of how Establishing and Maintaining Agreements supports a coach and their client through the coaching process. You will have the opportunity to see a demonstration of setting a clear agreement, debrief what you’ve seen with experienced coaches at your table, and end with a Q &A session with MCC, Sara Smith.

We can’t wait to see you! To help us get the most out of our time together, if possible, please have your camera on and join from a quiet, well-lit spot with your notifications silenced. If you’re using a phone, just prop it up so you can be fully present and enjoy networking with your fellow coaches!


Register here


November Hybrid Chapter Meeting and Program

Grateful and Connected
Presented by ICF North Texas Programs Committee

November 13, 2026

Hybrid Meeting | 11:15 AM - 1:15 PM

Networking begins at 11:15 AM | Meeting begins at 11:30 AM

In Person at Las Colinas Country Club or Virtually Via Zoom

In-Person Attendees Registering by Nov 8: Members – $40 / Non-Members – $50
In-Person Attendees Registering after Nov 8: Members – $50 / Non-Members: – $60
Virtual Attendees: Members – $30 / Non-Members – $40


CCEUs:
TBD


In response to your feedback—and as part of our 2026 theme, Thriving Together: Celebrating Strengths & Expanding Opportunities—we're bringing back one of our favorite chapter networking experiences with a seasonally inspired focus on gratitude, reflection and possibility.

Move beyond traditional networking through guided conversations that foster authentic connections and meaningful dialogue. Whether you join us in person or virtually, you'll celebrate professional and personal wins, reflect on the people and experiences that shaped your year, and explore the opportunities and challenges you're grateful to embrace next.

You'll leave with fresh perspectives, renewed energy, and stronger connections with fellow coaches and potential collaborators. If you've participated in one of our networking events before, you know how energizing and meaningful they can be. If not, you're in for a treat.

Join us as we continue Thriving Together by celebrating our strengths, expanding our possibilities, and strengthening the connections that make our chapter so special.

We can’t wait to see you! To help us get the most out of our time together, if possible, please have your camera on and join from a quiet, well-lit spot with your notifications silenced. If you’re using a phone, just prop it up so you can be fully present and enjoy networking with your fellow coaches!


Register here


ICF-North Texas Organization Sponsors


 


Learn more at simplygetclients.com




Learn more at SMU.edu


August Monthly Observances


Holidays and Observances:
  • August 26: Women's Equality Day (US)

Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events

Contact Information

 

President 
Natalie Mendez, PCC
Pres-Elect 
Lisa Seay
Secretary 
Tara Hesson, ACC
Treasurer 
Rory Brannum, ACC
Past President 
Dr. Dara Rossi, PCC
Alliances 
Sheryl Chacko
Communications 
Reeshemah Davis
Diversity Equity Inclusion Belonging 
Nicholas Dillon
Membership 
Lara Burnside
Programs 
Robin Fox, ACC
Sponsorships 
Kimberly Spikes, ACC
Special Events
OPEN

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