- Marianna Henry, PCC
- Jun 1, 2025
- 7 min read
President’s Message
For many of us, June marks the true beginning of summer, with the warm sun inviting us to linger a little longer, reconnect, and recharge. June also reminds us there is strength in showing up as our full, authentic selves and creating spaces where everyone belongs. After a year of so much change in our chapter, this energy around authenticity, acceptance, and connection is what we hope to carry into the months ahead.
Late last month, we elected board members to serve through the remainder of the calendar year. I’m honored to continue as president during this transitional period until our new term cycle begins in January. I’d also like to recognize Melissa Steach, who is stepping down from her role on the board. Her visionary perspective helped us think more critically, creatively, and courageously.
Looking ahead, we will hold an additional round of nominations and elections in November to fill roles for 2026, so if you have been considering leadership, this could be your moment.
We are also embracing new ways to show up and connect as a chapter. Our new website and membership platform are now live. We have encountered a few hiccups, and we truly appreciate your patience as we smooth out the experience and find our rhythm in this new system.
As always, ICF High Country is committed to cultivating a coaching community where everyone is seen, supported, and celebrated. May the summer sun help you shine a little brighter, and may the colors around you remind you that you belong.
Marianna Henry President, ICF High Country Chapter
News from ICF and ICF High Country
Introducing Our 2025 ICF High Country Board
We are excited to announce our 2025 Board, serving from June through December. Thank you to all our volunteer leaders, both returning and new, for your commitment to growing our chapter and supporting the coaching community. With this incredible group at the helm, we are looking forward to an inspiring second half of the year.
2025 Board Chairs (June through December)
Marianna Henry, President
Kerri Sutey, Vice President
Valerie Davis, Treasurer
Jennifer Dougherty, Past President
Janese Carstens, Marketing
Kathryn Cecil, Membership
Kerri Sutey, Programs and Events
Lizzie Slater, Secretary
Usha Balakrishnan, Volunteer Coordination
Updating Your Profile for the Coaching Directory
The new website is live. By default, if you are a Chapter Affiliate, your location and a link to email you will appear with your name in the directory.
To change your display settings:
Log in to icfhighcountry.org
Select Member Area
Below your login information, you will see your personal information and profile settings
Renewing Membership
Membership for ICF High Country is connected to your ICF Global membership. When your ICF Global membership lapses, your Chapter Affiliate status with us will also lapse.
To stay up to date:
Watch for renewal emails from ICF Global
When you sign up or renew, make sure you have selected ICF High Country as your Chapter Affiliate
Not sure whether you are a Chapter Affiliate or when your membership expires?
Go to coachingfederation.org and log in
Select My Account
Select Membership Information
Questions? Contact the membership team at membership@icfhighcountry.org
New Learning Spotlight
ICF Converge 2025 | October 23–25, 2025 | San Diego, CA
Registration opens in mid-June. Get ready to connect with some of the brightest minds and boldest hearts in coaching, the ones who challenge you, inspire you, and help you level up. This year is extra special as we celebrate 30 years of ICF and 30 years of coaching excellence together.
ICF Global will send an email notification when registration opens. You can also sign up for notifications here: coachingfederation.org/converge-event-notification
What is ICF Converge?
ICF Converge is the premier coaching event and a transformative opportunity to spark new ideas and unlock fresh perspectives.
When you attend, you can:
Expand your knowledge with tools, strategies, and research that elevate your practice
Connect with coaches from around the world and grow your professional network
Learn from industry leaders and thought partners
Join meaningful conversations that challenge your thinking and deepen your work
More information: coachingfederation.org/community-events/events/icf-converge
International Coaching Week Wrap Up
International Coaching Week Wrapped Up with Impact
Coast to Coast Pro Bono Coaching Challenge
There were 193 committed coaches from around the world who served 742 clients during this year’s Coast to Coast Pro Bono challenge. Our chapter contributed 34 hours, serving 29 people.
Thank you to everyone who participated. You made a real impact by sharing your talents with others.
Matching for Impact
Following our ICW panel event, The Coaching Impact on Organizational Growth, we launched an experiment to help match organizations with coaches.
If your organization is interested in exploring how professional coaching can support leaders and teams, fill out this form to be paired with a qualified coach.
If you are a coach who would like to be matched with an organization seeking coaching support, complete this form.
Please consider sharing these forms with anyone who may be interested.
Calendar of Events
We want to acknowledge that our transition to the new StarChapter platform has not gone as smoothly as we had hoped. We are currently experiencing technical issues that are preventing members from registering for upcoming events, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or frustration this may have caused.
Despite these challenges, we are excited about the programs planned for June and July, and we do not want you to miss out. While we work to resolve the platform issues, both programs will be free and open to everyone.
To reserve your spot, please email programs@icfhighcountry.org.
June Chapter Events
Monthly Coaches Connect
June 4 at 12:00 PM MST (Last one for the summer)
Join us as we build relationships, deepen coaching skills, create partnership opportunities, and give and receive support, mentoring, and guidance.
To register, email programs@icfhighcountry.org.
Preparing for the ICF Exam
with Uta K. Rohde (Workshop)
June 6 at 10:00 AM MST
This 3-hour workshop explores what to expect on the ICF Exam and how to prepare, including the “being” and “doing” qualities that support success.
Cost: $75 for joint training
The Art of Working Through Life: Making Sense of a Multifaceted Career Journey
June 13 at 12:00 PM MST
Dr. Melissa Steach will lead a thought-provoking discussion on the challenges and opportunities of multifaceted career paths.
To register, email programs@icfhighcountry.org.
Help Us Grow Our Social Media Presence
Please follow us on our platforms and engage with our posts. Likes, comments, and reviews help more coaches find our community.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Spotlight
What Do Pride Month and Juneteenth Have in Common, and Why Should You Care?
At first glance, Pride Month and Juneteenth may seem like separate commemorations for different communities. Look more closely, and you will see a shared thread: both honor the struggle for freedom, dignity, and the right to exist fully and safely in one’s identity.
Pride Month marks the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in June 1969, when LGBTQ+ individuals fought back against police harassment and criminalization. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were informed of their emancipation, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Both observances remind us of a deep truth: the human spirit refuses to be erased.
These themes show up in personal stories too. When difference is punished, people learn to hide. When belonging is protected, people can breathe, heal, and thrive.
Pride Month and Juneteenth are not about guilt. They are about awareness. They invite each of us to consider what kind of world we want to help build: one where difference is punished, or one where it is protected and celebrated.
The world is better when all people are safe, seen, and valued. We all have a role in making sure no one ever has to prove they deserve to belong.
Membership Spotlight
Janine Wittwer
What inspired you to become a coach, and how has your journey evolved since then?I’m a professor of Mathematics, and one of my greatest joys is helping students build self-confidence and navigate career decisions. When I discovered there was an entire profession dedicated to this kind of guidance, I enrolled in coach training to better support my students. I fell in love with the process and expanded my coaching practice beyond academia, offering coaching alongside my teaching career.
What is your coaching philosophy, and how do you help clients achieve meaningful transformation?My philosophy centers on authenticity. I believe people thrive when they embrace who they truly are rather than conforming to external expectations. I help clients discover their authentic selves and support them as they evolve into who they aspire to be. Many people carry limiting beliefs from upbringing and social narratives, especially women. My role is to help clients recognize outdated beliefs and develop new perspectives that open doors to greater opportunity and fulfillment.
What’s one piece of advice you would share with other coaches? Rely on your intuition. Textbook questions will only get you so far.
How do you continue to grow as a coach? I’m currently enrolled in The Neuroscience of Change, exploring how coaches can leverage neuroscience to support deep transformation. We have focused on accessing whole-body intelligence to move through barriers to change. Since applying these practices, clients have reported meaningful breakthroughs.
What do you love most about being part of the ICF High Country community? The community is welcoming and supportive. I feel comfortable bringing questions or concerns, and someone is always willing to help. Our guest speakers have been fabulous, and I have learned so much.
Learn more or connect LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janinewittwer/
This is the fourth month of our Member Spotlight Series. Watch your inbox for an invitation to participate in a brief interview and share your story. Spotlights are published first come, first served.
Stay Connected
Follow us on social media and reach out anytime at admin@icfhighcountry.org.
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
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.
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