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OCTOBER 2026  Follow Us!      


Board Message


 


Kimberly Spikes
ICF North Texas Director of Sponsorships

sponsorships@icf-nt.com

This year’s theme, THRIVE, feels like the perfect way to sum up what’s happening with sponsorships.

Things have taken off.

Two years ago, we focused on building a sponsorship team and learning from what other ICF chapters were doing successfully. Last year, we refined the approach. And in 2026, we rolled out a much more comprehensive sponsorship program.

It’s working.
We now have three Chapter Sponsors who have become true partners in our organization. And those partnerships are creating new opportunities to connect with our community in meaningful ways.

During International Coaching Week, we partnered with Southern Methodist University to bring our community onto campus. At our upcoming Celebrate Coaching event, Simply Get Clients and Next Conversation Consulting will take an active role by hosting Momentum Stations—bringing their expertise directly into the experience.







Celebrate Coaching 2026

Creating Forward Momentum Through Coaching


Find more information and register here:
October 9 Celebrate Coaching

Welcome New Members!


We are so happy you have joined us.

Full Members:
Justin Simone
Katherine Hart
Shelley Smith
Len Brown
Teneshalynn Jones

New Associates:
Avy Leghziel
David Solsberry

Congratulations to Our New Credential Holders!



PCC Credentials:
Justin Simone

MCC Credentials:
Martha Gonzalez



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.

October Building a Thriving Coaching Business Series

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The Digital Confidence Gap: The 4W Framework for Building an Online Presence That Grows Your Coaching Business
Staci Witten, PCC



October 5, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM CT


Our Business Building Series continues with Session 5: The Digital Confidence Gap – The 4W Framework for Building an Online Presence That Grows Your Coaching Business.

If creating a consistent online presence feels overwhelming—or you’re unsure what to post, how to stay visible, or how to avoid sounding salesy - this session is for you.

Staci will introduce her 4W Framework, a practical approach for creating content that builds credibility, connection, and business growth. You’ll leave with a completed worksheet and ideas you can put into action right away.


November Building a Thriving Coaching Business Series

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Final Webinar: Expanding Possibilities: Have You Thought About…?

More ways to build and grow your coaching business

November 2, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM CT


Join us for the final webinar of our 2026 members-only Business Building Series on November 2 at 12:00 PM CT as we explore different ways to create opportunities, focus your efforts, and use your skills and experience to grow your coaching business.


Lisa Ong, PCC, Susan Shapiro MCC, and Casey Hayden, ACC will join us for a panel conversation, sharing their experiences, ideas, and some different ways to think about what building a coaching business can look like. Come ready for practical ideas, fresh perspectives, and maybe a few “I hadn’t thought about that!” moments that spark your next step.

Complete the sign-up form below to join the program and gain access to past session recordings.
Building a Thriving Coaching Business


Register here


November Hybrid Chapter Meeting and Program

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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


Maximizing the Value of Your ICF North Texas Membership
By Lara Burnside



One of the greatest benefits of being part of the coaching profession is that we never have to grow alone.

Whether you are new to coaching, building your practice, pursuing a credential, or have years of experience, the coaching journey is enriched through connection with colleagues who understand the unique opportunities and challenges of our work.

Your ICF North Texas membership offers far more than events and educational opportunities. It provides access to a community of coaches who can support your growth, challenge your thinking, share ideas, and celebrate your successes. Some of the most valuable learning often happens between sessions, during conversations with peers who have walked a similar path.

As coaches, we encourage our clients to seek support, broaden their perspectives, and leverage the strengths of others. We should do the same. Attending chapter events and meetings, participating in LINC groups, Coaches Circles, volunteering, and simply reaching out to fellow members can lead to meaningful relationships, mentoring opportunities, referral partnerships, and professional growth.

The more you engage, the more value you'll receive.
This month, I encourage you to take one step toward deeper connection. 
  • Introduce yourself to someone new at an event. 
  • Reach out to a fellow member for a virtual coffee. 
  • Join a committee and volunteer your expertise to advance the chapter. 
  • Participate in a LINC group, webinar, or other learning session.
You never know which conversation might spark a new idea, a new collaboration, or a new friendship. 

Coaching is powerful, but being part of a coaching community is transformational.


Join the ICF North Texas Alliances Team


The Alliances Team is looking for a few volunteers to support our upcoming community activities and partnerships.

What is Alliances?

The ICF North Texas Alliances Team, also known as “Partnerships” in other ICF chapters, builds relationships with organizations throughout DFW. Our goal is to help the community understand and experience the value of professional coaching in three primary ways:
  1. Pro Bono Coaching: Partnering with nonprofits and other organizations that have limited access to professional coaching.
  2. Community Collaborations: Representing ICF North Texas through Coaching Corners, conferences, community fairs, and similar events.
  3. Speakers Bureau: Speaking to organizations about coaching through relevant topics such as managing conflict, strengthening communication, and leading through change.
We are currently seeking volunteers for two types of roles:

Alliances Committee Members: Help identify opportunities, build relationships, and explore meaningful ways to serve our local community.
  • If you know of a local non-profit that might be a valuable partner for us to offer pro bono coaching, we would greatly appreciate your introduction.
Relationship Managers and ICF North Texas Representatives: Develop and maintain relationships with specific partner organizations and represent our chapter in the community.

The estimated time commitment is approximately two to three hours per month.

If you are interested in volunteering as a coach for a future pro bono coaching program, please complete this Alliance Coach Application form.

We do not have any active pro bono coaching opportunities at the moment, but we are developing new partnerships and expect additional opportunities soon. If you haven’t been selected yet, we are doing our best to find opportunities for you.

Please reach out to Sheryl Chacko sheryl@innovativeengage.com for more information.

All Texas Retreat and Conference
March 4 – 7, 2027

 

The All Texas Retreat and Conference, hosted by the Texas Coaches Coalition, is the premier statewide gathering created by coaches, for coaches. From March 4 – 7, 2027, coaches from across Texas will come together at the Omni Las Colinas for four days of immersive learning, collaboration, and community. Attendees will earn CCEUs while experiencing a dynamic keynote from Dr. Robert Biswas‑Diener, engaging workshops, coaching demos, hands‑on interactive sessions, and access to pre‑conference webinars that jump‑start the learning experience.

Interested in speaking at the event? Applications are open through September 15 to be a speaker, with opportunities to present a 60‑minute conference session or lead a free pre‑conference coaching webinar.

Interested in getting your business in front of this statewide audience? Consider being a sponsor—a great opportunity to connect with coaches, consultants, and business owners.

Whether you’re new to coaching or a seasoned practitioner, this retreat delivers fresh insights, practical tools, and meaningful networking

Learn more and register today!
www.TexasCoachesCoalition.org

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!

ICF North Texas LINC Overview


LINC groups are one of the most valuable ways members Learn, Interact, Network, and Contribute in small, special-interest groups designed to foster meaningful engagement among coaches at every stage of their professional journey.

What Are LINCs?
LINCs are member-driven communities built around shared interests, specialties, or developmental goals. They provide a welcoming, discussion-based environment where coaches can deepen skills, exchange insights, and build authentic relationships. As a core benefit of chapter membership, LINCs strengthen both professional capability and community connection.

Why Members Love LINCs
  • Targeted learning: Dive deeper into topics such as credential support, advanced mastery, business building, digital marketing.
  • Group Mentor Hours or CCEUs: Some LINC groups support credentialling requirements by offering group mentoring or CCEUS.
  • Collaborative connection: Engage with peers in a safe, supportive space that encourages multiple points of view.
  • Ongoing growth: Many LINCs include skill drills, demonstrations, guest speakers, and peer practice opportunities. 
  • Community building: Members expand their professional network while contributing their own expertise.
Explore the current LINC offerings on our website here and find the group that supports your goals and interests.

If you don’t see one that fits your needs, or have an idea for a new LINC, let’s chat.

For questions or suggestions, please Dara Rossi, Past President, at dara@workplace-joy.com.

ICF-North Texas Organization Sponsors


 


Learn more at simplygetclients.com




Learn more at SMU.edu


October Monthly Observances


Holidays and Observances:
  • October Monthly Observances : Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, LGBTQ+ History Month
  • October 10, 2026: World Mental Health Day
  • October 11, 2026: National Coming Out Day
  • October 25, 2026 : Daylight Saving Time ends
  • October 31, 2026: Halloween

Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events

Contact Information

 

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

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