Hi, I’m Barb Pedersen.
I’m a group process facilitator who helps people talk openly, listen deeply, explore perspectives, and make decisions that move their work forward. For more than thirty years, I’ve had the privilege of guiding groups toward clarity, connection, and meaningful action.
I love this work.
Every session reminds me of the power people have when they come together with intention, curiosity, and respect. Helping groups reach well‑supported, practical decisions is not just my profession — it’s my passion.
Education & Certification
I bring over three decades of experience working with nonprofit associations, governments, and corporations across Alberta and Canada. Before founding my facilitation practice in 1994, I spent sixteen years as a Recreation, Parks, and Culture Manager, supporting communities and organizations in planning, development, and collaboration.
My academic foundation is a BA with Distinction in Recreation Administration from the University of Alberta, supported by extensive training in facilitation, public participation, adult education, and leadership development. I’ve trained in methods such as Technology of Participation, Appreciative Inquiry, Open Space, Dynamic Facilitation, The Skilled Facilitator, and The Art of Hosting Conversations, and I continue to expand my learning through ongoing professional development.
My Approach
My approach is grounded in curiosity, clarity, and genuine respect for the people in the room. I design processes that help groups talk honestly, explore perspectives, learn by doing, and make decisions they can stand behind. Every session blends focus, fervour, and fun — creating an environment where people feel engaged, supported, and ready to act.
Core Values
My work is guided by values that shape every session: creativity and innovation, inclusion, professionalism, openness, and respect for individuals and communities. I believe in relationship building, practical solutions, and collaboration that strengthens teams and organizations.
Principles
I follow the professional principles of the International Association of Facilitators, including creating collaborative client relationships, planning effective group processes, and sustaining a participatory environment. I help groups reach useful outcomes through structured, inclusive methods. Above all, I model a positive, grounded attitude.
Why I Facilitate
From my earliest experiences in 4‑H, leadership programs, and community work, I learned how powerful it is when people come together with purpose. Those early moments — planning youth meetings, speaking in public for the first time, watching community members shape their own future — showed me that groups can accomplish extraordinary things when the right conditions are created. Facilitation became the natural extension of everything I loved: helping people connect, communicate, and collaborate.
My biggest “aha” moment came during a facilitation training session when I realized the methods I had been using instinctively for years had names, structure, and a shared philosophy. In that instant, I knew I had found the foundation for my life’s work. Facilitation lets me combine curiosity, clarity, and compassion to help groups talk honestly, think deeply, and make decisions that matter. I feel privileged to do this work every day.