The Athena Group
Consultants
- Kristen Barton
- Steve Byers
- Anthony Campbell, PhD
- Christina Zhong-Wen Chang
- Emily Grantz
- Stacy Hirsch
- Paul Horton
- Tevin Medley
- Claudia Rodríguez
- Crystal Wade
- George Zeno
Kristen Barton
PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
Kristen is a coach, professional facilitator, and consultant. Her key focus areas include leadership development, team development, workplace culture, and wellness. Kristen’s vocational passion is centered on helping people grow and develop, increase their personal agency, and work towards better self-leadership. She enjoys seeing the positive impact that individuals and groups can have on organizations and systems when they commit to becoming compassionate and human-centered. She has over 20 years of experience in the private and non-profit sectors as a leader and change agent. Kristen brings grounded presence balanced with lightness and humor in all her work.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE/RESULTS
- Leadership Development
- Leadership Coaching
- Wellness
- Workplace Culture Change
- Team Development
EXPERIENCE / SELECTED PROJECTS
- The Athena Group, Collaborator, 2021- Present
- Call For Culture, Lead Consultant & Culture Strategist, March 2023 – Present
- KB Collaborations, Principal, 2022 – Present
- Washington Permanente Medical Group: Kaiser Permanente, Leadership Development Manager, 2018 – 2021
CREDENTIALS
- M.A., Counseling Psychology, University of Colorado, Denver, CO
- B.S., Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
- Certified Integral Associate Coach, Integral Coaching Canada
- Prosci® Certified Change Management Practitioner
SELECTED CLIENTS
- Purdue University Northwest
- Kaiser Permanente
- University of Washington
- Purdue University Northwest, College of Business, Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld Law Firm, Sitecore
- Communities in School, Rainer Health & Fitness, and HomeSight
Steve Byers
PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
Steve has 20 years of experience working with teams and leaders, and in convening important conversations in communities and organizations. He has designed and facilitated conversations in culturally diverse communities and organizations on such topics as racism and fair policing, employment and recreation for people with disabilities, access to health care in rural communities, and strengthening families to prevent child abuse and neglect. He also trains people to do this work, thus building capacity in the community. Steve works with teams and leaders to improve performance, strengthen working relationships, and increase team member well-being. All his work with teams includes effective conflict engagement practices.
He has presented multiple interactive workshops at various conferences in the last 15 years, including Elevate Early Learning (Tacoma), In2:InThinking Annual Forum (Los Angeles), Pegasus Systems Thinking in Action conference (Boston & Seattle), and the Nonprofit Leadership Conference (Grays Harbor, WA).
Steve is a graduate of the Organization Systems Renewal program at Seattle University. He is an experienced “Art of Hosting” facilitator and trainer. He designs and teaches workshops and courses for organizations and academic institutions. Steve recently began hosting virtual “Gatherings” on behalf of A Human Workplace, an organization dedicated to increasing love and decreasing fear in workplaces.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE/RESULTS
- Facilitation
- Leadership Development
- Organizational Development
EXPERIENCE/SELECTED PROJECTS
- WA State Department of Social & Health Services, Behavioral Health Administration Leadership Development Program. Provided leadership development services for managers and supervisors. (2023- 2024)
- University of Washington Professional & Organizational Development- Currently teaching a one-day systems thinking course twice a year. (2017- present)
- PULSE (Partnership for Undergraduate Life Sciences Education) SW- Co-designed and co-facilitated 3-day workshop for 30 university life sciences professors seeking to change the way they teach. This project builds on 5 years of similar work with PULSE NW in Seattle. (2018)
- Department of Social & Human Services- Co-designed and co-hosted a one-day Art of Participatory Leadership workshop for the Financial Services Division. This work included coaching an internal leadership team to build capacity; this team repeated the workshop on their own with another group of employees. (2016)
- Black Alliance of Thurston County & Olympia Police Department- Co-facilitated community conversations about racism, bias, and fair policing for 90 community members. (2014, 2015)
- South Sound Parent to Parent- Designed and facilitated multiple stakeholder conversations and staff workshops on team skills, culture change, and conflict. (2016 – 2019)
- St Mary’s College of California- Taught systems thinking in the graduate Leadership Studies Program. (2009 – 2019)
- King County Library System- Designed and facilitated a systems thinking workshop for the current leadership development cohort and the senior leadership team. (2018, 2019)
- Washington State Department of Agriculture – Collaborated with WSDA staff to create a systems map (causal loop diagram) and presentation showing the two narratives shaping Bill 1114 Food Waste Reduction Act of 2019. (2019)
- DSHS/BHA/Child Study and Treatment Center -Designed and facilitated two-day leadership retreat that included an introduction to systems thinking. (2022)
- Housing Kitsap – Designed and facilitated a leadership retreat that included an introduction to systems thinking. (2022)
CREDENTIALS
- Master of Arts, Organizational Design & Renewal, Seattle University
SELECTED CLIENTS
- Department of Social & Human Services
- Washington State Department of DSHS/BHA/Child Study and Treatment Center
- Housing Kitsap
- King County Library
- St Mary’s College of California
- South Sound Parent to Parent
- Black Alliance of Thurston County & Olympia Police Department
- PULSE (Partnership for Undergraduate Life Sciences Education) SW
Anthony Campbell, PhD
PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
Anthony Campbell (he/him) conducts human-centered work at the intersection of his analytical and interpersonal skillsets. His passion for authentic engagement, whether with individuals or groups, is guided by his formal training as a qualitative social scientist and over 15 years working as an analyst, researcher, and university professor. Anthony has partnered with local governments, state governments, community-based organizations, and nonprofit organizations throughout the United States. These partnerships have encompassed work for topics ranging from stakeholder engagement, municipal autonomy, housing affordability, and process reengineering. As a researcher, Dr. Campbell designed and implemented large scale research projects investigating how groups experience and understand nuanced phenomena like community, gentrification, and participatory engagement. Anthony successfully leverages his lived experience and formal training to work across sociocultural boundaries with authenticity, compassion, and professionalism.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE/RESULTS
- Process & Program Improvement
- Community Engagement
- Data Analysis & Collection
- Research & Evaluation
EXPERIENCE/SELECTED PROJECTS
- The Athena Group, Partner (2021-present)
- International Right of Away Association, Online Education Coordinator (2020-2021)
- Tennessee State University, Assistant Professor of Public Administration (2016-2020)
- University of Nebraska Omaha, Research Assistant, and Instructor (2009-2016)
- City of Tamarac, Florida, Management Analyst (2006-2009)
CREDENTIALS
- PhD, Public Administration, University of Nebraska Omaha
- MPA, University of Louisville
- BA, Political Science, Francis Marion University
- LEAD graduate, University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service
- Brown University’s Swearer Center for Community, Scholarship, and Action
SELECTED CLIENTS
- South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity
- The Evergreen State College
- King County Housing Authority
- International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
- Washington Digital Equity Forum
- Platte River Recovery Implementation Project
Christina Zhong-Wen Chang
PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
Christina (she/her) is an equity and strategy consultant based in Seattle. She leads workshops, facilitates retreats, coaches leaders and speaks about building and sustaining inclusive and equitable work environments at universities and non-profit organizations across the country, committed to helping organizations build systems of belonging.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE/RESULTS
- Training, Organizational Development, and Consulting
- Public Speaking
EXPERIENCE/SELECTED PROJECTS
- The Athena Group, Subcontractor, 2022 – Present
- Christina Chang Equity Consulting, LLC, Principal, 2018 – Present
- North Seattle College, Faculty, 2019 – Present
- University of Washington, AVP Advancement Operations, 2012 – 2018
- University of Washington, Director, Finance & HR Advancement, 2003 – 2012
- University of Washington, Policy Analyst, Budget Office, 2001 – 2003
CREDENTIALS
- 20+ years experience
- BA, Georgetown University
- MPA, American University
- PhD Candidate, Antioch University
SELECTED CLIENTS
- WA State Department Commerce, Community Economic Opportunities division
- Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area and Alaska/Washington
- University of Massachusetts, Amherst Foundation • American Cheese Society
- University of Denver Advancement
- UC Office of the President Equity & Sustainability
- UCSF Development & Alumni Relations
- University of Cincinnati Foundation • Association of Fundraising Professionals
- Council for the Support and Advancement of Education (CASE)
- Harvard University Development and Alumni Relations
Emily Grantz
PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
Seasoned facilitator and program manager with a proven track record of facilitating engaging and impactful meetings. Expertise in guiding teams through lessons learned initiatives, large-scale process mapping, and continuous improvement efforts. Skilled in Gracious Space, anti-oppressive, and Liberating Structures facilitation styles.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE/RESULTS
- Process Mapping
- Program Management
- Facilitation
EXPERIENCE/SELECTED PROJECTS
- The Athena Group, Collaborator, Present
- Harborbridge Consulting, Sr Program Facilitator and Coach 2024-Present
- Functioning Workplace Consulting, Facilitation Lead 2022-Present
- Sound Transit, Program Manager 2018-2023
- Boeing, Project Manager 2016-2018
CREDENTIALS
- MLIS, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- BA, Mills College, Oakland, CA
- Certified Scrum Master, Six Sigma Green Belt, Value Stream Mapping Workshop Leader, and certified in Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe 4.0)
SELECTED CLIENTS
- Sound Transit
- Boeing
Stacy Hirsch
PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
Stacy Hirsch is a certified coach, mediator, facilitator, and organizational wellness consultant with over 25 years of experience in fostering inclusive leadership, resilient teams, and mindful workplace cultures. She believes that human-centered approaches are the key to creating environments where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued—leading to authentic engagement and sustainable success.
Stacy’s work is grounded in the principles of trauma-informed practices, mindfulness, and intercultural awareness. She supports individuals and organizations in navigating complexity with empathy, presence, and clarity—empowering them to cultivate trust, navigate conflict, and drive meaningful change. By integrating evidence-based strategies with deep listening and a commitment to equity, Stacy helps leaders and teams build cultures of belonging, well-being, and shared purpose.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE/RESULTS
- Employee and Leadership Coaching and Training
- Culture, Team Building, and Conflict Mediation
- Equity Coaching
- Group and Individual Intercultural Assessments and Coaching
- Focus Groups, Listening Sessions
- Restorative Practices, Mindfulness, and Well-Being
EXPERIENCE/SELECTED PROJECTS
- Training includes Mindful Living at Work, 8 week curriculum, Implicit and Explicit Bias, Intercultural Competence, Planning for Resilience: Neurosomatic Engagement Skills at Work, Leading with an Equity Lens
- The Athena Group, Partner, Present
- Hirsch Center for Functional Medicine, Trauma-Informed Coaching, Program Director, 2010-2018
- More Voices, LLC, Owner & Principle, 1997-Present
CREDENTIALS
- Masters of Environmental Studies, Emphasis on Human and Health and the Environment, The Evergreen State College, Olympia, Washington
- BS in Geography, Environmental Studies and Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas
- Intercultural Development Inventory Administrator (IDI)
- Certified Mindfulness Teacher (CMT-P) | International Mindfulness Teachers Association
- Certified Mediator | Thurston County Dispute Resolution Center
- Certified Narrative Coach | Moments Institute | Duke Professional Coaching Program
- NARM Complex Trauma Practitioner
SELECTED CLIENTS
- WA Behavioral Health Administration
- Washington State Labor and Industries
- Port of Seattle
- Washington State Investment Board
- Washington State Office of Independent Investigations
- Washington State Finance Housing Commission
- Washington State Department of Health
Paul Horton
PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
- Organizational change professional with 25+ years of leadership-level experience working with state and local agencies, institutions of higher education, Tribal, and non-profit clients
- Supports organizations at the level of strategic direction, team performance, effective communication, and crisp decision-making
- Works with groups to help them become more adaptive, while building and sustaining a culture of trust, mutual respect, and on-going learning
- Grounded in both a theoretical and a practical understanding of systems thinking, organizational theory, and group dynamics
- Specializes in using dialogue-based, participatory approaches to build social capital and improve organizational outcomes
- Skilled at facilitating meetings where there is a high degree of difference or divisiveness
AREAS OF EXPERTISE/RESULTS
- Facilitation
- Strategic Planning
- Organizational Development
- Leadership Development
- Leadership Coaching
EXPERIENCE/SELECTED PROJECTS
- The Athena Group, Partner, 2013-present
- Adjunct faculty, the Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA, 2010-current (Masters in Public Admin Program)
- Principal of Paul Horton Consulting Group, LLC, 2009-2013
- Director of Sustainability, David Evans & Associates, Inc., 2007-2009
- Co-founder & Executive Director, Climate Solutions, 1998-2007
CREDENTIALS
- Masters, Leadership in complexity & Strategic sustainable development, Blekinge Institute of Technology, Sweden
- BA, The Evergreen State College
- Certificate in Sustainable Business, Pinchot (formerly Bainbridge Graduate Institute)
- Certified 5 Behaviors Personal Development and 5 Behaviors Team Development trainer
- Certified CoResolve: Deep Democracy for leaders trainer (DD is a facilitation methodology for engaging conflict and working with differences)
SELECTED CLIENTS
- South Puget Sound Community College Foundation
- The Evergreen State College
- Washington State Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC)
- Seattle Psychoanalytic Society & Institute
- South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity
- City of Lacey
- King County Office of the Ombuds
- Room One
- King County Office of Law Enforcement Oversight
Tevin Medley
PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
Tevin Medley (he/him) provides Program evaluation and monitoring as well as Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) training, facilitation and consulting that meets a variety of needs for organizations of all sizes. Tevin is driven by a passion for people. This passion was magnified while doing social research in Australia and Germany. He provides consulting on complex DEI concepts such as: implicit and explicit bias, harm accountability and transformative justice, pre-equity and anti-racism (PEAR), targeted universalism, and equity focused strategic planning.
In his interaction with large multinational and small local organizations, he feels a duty to ask tough questions that nudge us towards a more equitable global community. His lived experience, professional background, education, and ability to translate needs into appropriate action inspires the people he works with and permeates every project he undertakes.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE/RESULTS
- Community Engagement
- Facilitation
- Strategic Planning and Program Evaluation
- Change Management
- Program Management
- Leadership Development and Coaching
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
EXPERIENCE/SELECTED PROJECTS
- The Athena Group, Partner, present
- Medley and Todd-Roberson Consulting LLC, CEO 2017-present, WA
- LifeWire, Housing Stability Services Manager 2019-2022, WA
- United Nations Volunteers, Policy Pillar Intern, 2017, Germany
- Program Evaluation and Survey designer, 2017, Australia
- Axe Capoeira, Community Engagement, 2011-2016, AZ
CREDENTIALS
- Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Qualified Administrator
- Master of Policy and Applied Social Research, Macquarie University, Marsfield, New South Wales
- Bachelor of Arts, African and African American Studies, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
SELECTED CLIENTS
- Puget Sound Partnership
- The City of Lacey
- Nisqually Indian Tribe
- Washington State Parks
- Washington state Departments of:
- Health
- Transportation
- Commerce
- Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC)
- YWCA Passage Point
- University of California
- University of Washington
- University of Oregon
- Roosevelt Alumni for Racial Equity (RARE) Board of Directors
Claudia Rodríguez
PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
Claudia’s approach is deeply grounded in her unwavering belief in social justice and values rooted in equity, cultural and linguistic sustainability, and the power of relationships and connections. These principles shape how she approaches systems change, capacity building, and community engagement. Her focus is on uplifting, supporting, and centering historically, systematically, and structurally underserved, underrepresented, and disadvantaged communities, ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, learning abilities, and perspectives are not only included but empowered.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE/RESULTS
- Bilingual Facilitation
- Language Acquisition Process
- Education
- Community Conversations
- Capacity Building
EXPERIENCE/SELECTED PROJECTS
- The Athena Group, Collaborator, Present
- Supporting Partnerships in Education & Beyond –2020 – 2023
- North Thurston Public Schools, Educator/Interpreter – 2019 – Present
- Saint Martin’s University, Office of International Programs and Development – 2018 – 2020
CREDENTIALS
- MEd, ESL/ELL, Saint Martin’s University
- Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education, Saint Martin’s University
- Associate of Arts, South Puget Sound Community College
- MEd, ESL/ELL, Saint Martin’s University
- Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education, Saint Martin’s University
SELECTED CLIENTS
- Puget Sound Educational Service District
- Superintendent of Shelton School District
- Saint Martin’s University
- North Thurston Public Schools
Crystal Wade
PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
Organizational development specialist with 7+ years of experience in partnering with leaders and staff members to build great teams, develop strategic and operational plans, and increase their efficiency and effectiveness in business processes to better serve staff, stakeholders, and customers.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE/RESULTS
- Strategic Planning
- Process Improvement
- Organizational Development
- Project Management
EXPERIENCE/SELECTED PROJECTS
- The Athena Group, Partner, Present
- WA Employment Security Dept (ESD), Product Planning & Performance (PPP) Division, Org Development Specialist (Lean Leader), Mar 2020-Jan 2023
- WA Dept of Labor and Industries (L&I), FSPS Division, Org Development Analyst (Management Analyst), Oct 2017-Feb 2020
- WA Dept of Labor and Industries (L&I), HR Division, Org Development Analyst (Management Analyst), Jan 2015-Oct 2017
CREDENTIALS
- BA, Business Administration, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Speed of Trust Foundations, WA Dept of Enterprise Services (DES), Graduated June 2022
- Human Centered Design, WA Employment Security Dept (ESD), Co-Led Instruction February 2022
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification, University of Washington, Tacoma, WA, Achieved February 2019
- Prosci Change Management practitioner certification, Achieved July 2018
SELECTED CLIENTS
- WA Employment Security Department (ESD)
- WA Dept of Labor and Industries (L&I)
George Zeno
PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
George is a social ecology practitioner who combines his lived experience with formal knowledge of academia, business intelligence, and the wisdom of community to co-create collective action for a more equitable, just, and sustainable future. His work involves bridging and weaving power holders to community, corporate, and civic engagement opportunities while fostering social and civic responsibility through emergent learning, strategic planning, impact delivery, and upstream systems transformation. George integrates academic theory, design innovation, partnership development, and grassroots thinking to co-create community-centered, equity-focused learning journeys to build the capacity of institutional effectiveness and personal development.
A career developed through a co-creative approach of business development, system innovation, community resource development, and restorative justice, George’s work and purpose have been centered on creating strategic sustainable solutions for leaders of business, local and state agencies, tribal governments, and community-based organizations. He’s led community-driven strategic initiatives to advance youth development, Native sovereignty, Black wellbeing, population health and health equity, post-secondary access and achievement, workforce development, civic literacy, participatory democracy, and diplomacy.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE/RESULTS
- Community Engagement
- Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Restorative Justice
- Community Resource Development
- Philanthropy
EXPERIENCE/SELECTED PROJECTS
- The Athena Group, Consultant, (2023-Present)
- Pacific Lutheran University, Assoc Vice President for Advancement (2020-2023)
- New Creole Consulting, Principal (2017-2023)
- PATH, Chief Global Philanthropy Officer (2017-2019)
CREDENTIALS
- BA, Social Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
- Certificate, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace, Muma College of Business, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
- Social Impact Scholar, Skoll World Forum, Oxford University, Said Business School, Oxford, England
SELECTED CLIENTS
- YMCA of Greater Seattle
- Pierce County
- Sno-Isle Library
- Puyallup Tribe