February 2025 - ICF High Country Chapter Update

Marianna Henry, PCC
Jan 31, 2025
5 min read

President’s Message

February invites us to reflect on the principles that guide our work as coaches: human dignity, freedom of choice, and a deep belief in our clients’ capacity to live lives of authenticity and purpose. This month, we honor the resilience of those who have fought for liberty and justice, and we recommit ourselves to the ICF Core Values of equity, humanity, and inclusion.

As coaches, we hold space for clarity during uncertain times. We empower clients to make choices aligned with their values and to find agency amid complexity. As a chapter, we offer the strength of community when challenges arise. We elevate one another, create room for growth, and honor the dedication of our members and the meaningful work they do every day.

This month, I invite you to reflect:

How do you cultivate choice for yourself and for those you serve?
How do you balance stillness with action, calm with courage?
In what ways will you advocate for those whose voices are not always heard?

As we move forward, may we take to heart the words of Maya Angelou:

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.”

Wishing you a month of reflection, purpose, and action.

Marianna Henry

President, ICF High Country

Supporting ICF Los Angeles & Its Community

The ICF Western Region stands in solidarity with our colleagues in Los Angeles during this challenging time. Several chapters have expressed interest in offering support.

ICF Los Angeles is seeking trauma-informed, grief, and resilience coaches to provide pro bono coaching to both members and the broader community. Our Regional Director, April Summerford, is collecting names of chapters and individuals willing to assist.

If you would like to support this effort, please email april.summerford@coachingfederation.org.

Revised ICF Code of Ethics

Effective April 1, 2025

We are pleased to announce that a revised ICF Code of Ethics will take effect on April 1, 2025. This update reflects ICF’s continued commitment to the highest ethical standards and best practices.

The revision process spanned more than 15 months and included contributions from ICF members, credential holders, and stakeholders across the global coaching ecosystem. Additional details and resources will be shared soon.

Be Part of Coaching History

Together, We’ll Transform 30 Million Lives

2025 marks a milestone year for the International Coaching Federation as we celebrate 30 years of coaching excellence.

As part of this anniversary, ICF has set an ambitious global goal: to inspire and impact 30 million hearts and minds through coaching. Your expertise, presence, and commitment help bring this vision to life.

Join the yearlong celebration and learn more at: coachingfederation.org/about/30-years

February Chapter Events

February Speaker Event

David Cory, PCC

14 February 2025 | 12:00–1:30 PM (MDT)

David Cory, B.Ed., M.A., C.P.C.C., is a leadership development coach, trainer, and speaker specializing in emotional intelligence and its application to individual and organizational performance. He founded one of the first North American companies focused on emotionally intelligent leadership and has worked with leaders around the globe.

David’s speaking highlights include keynote presentations at Harvard Medical School and six Asia HRD Congress events across Bahrain, Brunei, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.

Session Topic: Many organizations are investing in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives and Psychological Safety. But how can leaders ensure these efforts truly succeed?

Join David Cory as he explores the intersection of DEI, Psychological Safety, Leadership, and Emotional Intelligence.

Learning Objectives:

Define DEI, Psychological Safety, Emotional Intelligence, and Leadership
Understand how these concepts interrelate
Identify practical next steps for creating inclusive, psychologically safe workplace cultures

CCEUs Eligible for 0.75 CC and 0.75 RD CCEUs from ICF

Coaches Connect

5 February 2025 | 12:00–1:00 PM (MDT)

Coaches Connect is designed to build relationships, deepen coaching skills, foster partnerships, and provide mentoring and support. These sessions offer space to connect, learn, and grow in both coaching and business development.

Cost: Free for members $10 for non-members

Facilitator: Kerri Sutey, ACCEvents Chair

Quarterly Huddle

24 February 2025 | 12:00–1:00 PM (MDT)

Quarterly Huddles are informal virtual gatherings designed to connect members with the board, introduce chapter resources, and offer opportunities to ask questions and get involved.

Facilitator: Janese CarstensMarketing Chair

NEW: Membership Spotlight Series

ICF High Country is excited to announce a new Member Spotlight Series launching in March.

This series will highlight the unique journeys, expertise, and aspirations of coaches within our community. Participants will be invited to complete a brief interview sharing their path into coaching and what drives their practice.

Spotlights will be published on a first-come, first-served basis. Watch your inbox for an invitation to participate.

We look forward to celebrating and connecting with you.

Honoring Inclusion and Connection in Coaching

February is a month of connection. We recognize Black History Month, honor cultural traditions, and reflect on the importance of belonging within our coaching spaces.

February is also Self-Check Month, a reminder that self-awareness is foundational to inclusive coaching. As coaches, our ability to listen deeply and examine our own assumptions shapes the environments we create.

This month, consider asking yourself:

Are we actively listening to diverse perspectives?
How are we challenging our assumptions to better support clients from different backgrounds?
Are we incorporating diverse voices and cultural contexts into our coaching work?
Are we creating spaces where clients feel a genuine sense of belonging?

Small, intentional actions can create meaningful impact. Through reflection and conscious practice, we strengthen our coaching community and our collective effectiveness.

Wishing you a month of pausing, reflecting, and deep listening.

ICF High Country DEIB

Volunteer Spotlight

Shamie Emerson

Volunteer Coordination Chair

Shamie Emerson brings a deep passion for service and connection to her role as Volunteer Coordination Chair. She has spent the past three years working as a personal and professional life coach and is also a certified ADHD coach, expanding her ability to support clients with tailored, practical strategies.

Her coaching journey began unexpectedly during 16 years of running a nail business from her home. What stood out most were not the services themselves, but the conversations and relationships built along the way. When continuing that work was no longer possible, Shamie followed the pull toward coaching, discovering it as her true calling.

Shamie specializes in ADHD coaching, working with clients of all ages, with a special credential for adolescents. Diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and raising children and grandchildren with ADHD, she brings both lived experience and professional insight to her work.

For 2025, Shamie has set an intention to deepen her spiritual practice through daily study, prayer, and meditation, allowing that inner work to shape both her personal life and coaching practice.

Stay Connected

States Served Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming

Our Foundation

Vision

Coaching is an integral part of a thriving society, and every ICF High Country member represents the highest quality of professional coaching.

Mission

ICF High Country provides programs, opportunities, and community to cultivate the growth of coaching and coaching professionals across our region.

Values Community

Community – Sharing knowledge and experience to grow together.

Inclusiveness – A safe, collaborative space that welcomes diverse perspectives.

Professionalism – Upholding the highest ethical and professional standards of ICF.