I was born and raised in London, UK, into a family of first and second generation Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe and the Middle East. I spent my early professional life deeply engaged in working with frontline community-based organizations primarily serving immigrant communities in London. My experience as a practitioner paved my way into the academic world as I learned the power of “praxis”, the deep integration of theory with intentional practice and reflection. My academic interests have always been guided by deeper, specific questions concerning how to foster our capacity as humans to create loving, vibrant communities that are committed to social justice and the higher good. This has led to my studying across the lines of many “disciplines”. I have a background in the fields of organizational development and training, anti-racism/diversity awareness, counseling & psychotherapy, intercultural communication.
For seven years I have been deeply involved in the field of social and emotional learning (SEL) through my leadership role at the Open Circle Program based at the Stone Center, Wellesley Centers for Women, Wellesley College. The Open Circle Program is a nationally recognized leader in the SEL field, fostering the development of safe, respectful learning communities in elementary schools by partnering with all adults and children in change processes guided by deep mindfulness.
I have also spent the last seven years teaching in the MA Program in Intercultural Relations at Lesley University, Cambridge, MA. My teaching has been focused on Identity, Culture and the Politics of Difference, Intercultural Helping Skills, Interviewing and Presentation Skills in Cultural Context & Teaching & Learning Across Culture and Nationality.
Formerly, I was on the faculty of the MA program in Counseling & Psychology at Goddard College, VT. I maintained an independent psychotherapy practice specializing in counseling lesbian and gay couples and individuals. I ran organizational consultancy practices in London, England and in Burlington, VT, where I specialized in systems change with human service agencies and community organizations.
Before coming to the USA in 1990, I worked in community organizations in London serving the needs of disenfranchised children, battered women as well as homeless, largely immigrant families.
My research interests have focused on the development of a dialogical model of organizational change called Team Inquiry that is based on narrative and systemic approaches to family therapy. I am now particularly interested in focusing on moving from the oral narration of story to the embodiment of story and its possibilities for deepening transformational work with individuals, groups and organizations.
I have a strong interest in the use of expressive arts in both education and organizational change work and have brought applied improvisational and arts-based activities into all of my professional practice. I am currently completing requirements for certification as a drama therapist.
I have a deep interest in spirituality in general and Jewish mysticism in particular. I am a graduate of a two-year training in Jewish Shamanic Healing, based on indigenous Judaic teachings. I’m interested in encouraging students to integrate knowledge from many wisdom traditions into their work in the transformational field.
I have a MA degree in Sociology & Social Policy from the University of North London, a MA Degree in Human Development from The Fielding Institute, Santa Barbara, CA, and a Ph.D. in Human and Organizational Systems from the Fielding Institute, Santa Barbara, CA.
My publications include:
Simons, S. (1997) Power, control and organizational silence: using team inquiry to engender multilogue in Human Systems: Journal of Systemic Management and Consultation. Vol 8,(3-4), pp.289-310
Simons, S. [1998] Searching for fritada in Sephardi and Mizrachi Women Write About their Lives. Bridges(1) Vol. 7.
Simons, S (1999) In the spirit of expanding the conversation in Working with the Stories of Jewish Immigrants to Israel. Dulwich Centre Journal No.4
Abell, E., & S. Simons (2000) How Much Can You Bend Before You Break? An Experience of Using Constructionist Consulting as a Tool for Organizational Learning in the Corporate World European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology. 9 (2), 159-175
My personal interests include a passion for participating in improvisational theater, stand-up comedy, partner dancing, meditation and chanting practice, and watching British soap operas on BBC America!
- Transformative
Studies
|
