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Author: Jess Lawrence, Director I am proud of myself, but more so of those who have helped me build this national consulting business. Without the advice of colleagues, mentors, and advisors, we wouldn’t be here. Without the staff I have hired, both consultants and employees, I wouldn’t have the capacity (or skills) to do what we do!  Over the course of the next few months, you will see those experts, supporters, and advisors highlighted in social media posts, on our blog, and Read ▸ about Twenty Years of Support & Guidance –  Paige Gott of Tidewater Consulting LLC

The first of a four-part systems simulation webinar series was very successful! Michelle Thornton from Berea College in Kentucky shared how she uses the Systems Thinking, Systems  Changing™ simulation with her college students. She shared stories about how effective the simulation is when teaching pre-service educators how to navigate or even lead change in school settings.  Michelle shared, “I really like using it [Systems Thinking, Systems Changing™] with my Foundations class Read ▸ about Webinar Reflection: Testimonials from the Field; Why Use the Systems Simulations

To celebrate the 20th Anniversary, Director Jess Lawrence will be highlighting key partners, clients, projects, and resources throughout her twenty years in leadership of Cairn Guidance. As we celebrate 20 years of Cairn Guidance, I’ll be highlighting key partners, projects, and pivotal moments that shaped my leadership journey. One of those moments happened long before Cairn Guidance officially began. In 2003, I was hired at the Oregon Department of Education as the Health Read ▸ about 20 Years of Cairn Guidance: A Moment That Changed My Trajectory

During this banner 20th Anniversary year for Cairn Guidance, we are offering a 4-part series of FREE webinars around our Systems Simulations. Each has a different topic/focus, and the first two have invited guests that represent higher education, Departments of Education, non-profits, and consultants. We hope you’ll join us for these short sessions to learn more about the what/how/why of our games for change management in K-12 education and communities. If you miss one, don’t Read ▸ about Free Systems Simulations Webinar Series

By: Jess Lawrence, Director  As I reflect on the past 20 years of Cairn Guidance, I am astonished by the journey. I founded Cairn Guidance, originally Bogli Consulting for the first five years, in 2006 after taking a leap of faith and leaving the Oregon Department of Education. At the time, I stepped into consulting with a half-time HIV Prevention project, working twenty hours a week. Within six months, I had contracts across Oregon. Looking back at my records, I worked with 11 clients that Read ▸ about Cairn Guidance Celebrates 20 Years!

We are thrilled to announce that Donna Franklin, Director of Health Services at Clarkston School District in Washington State has been selected as the recipient of Cairn Guidance’s annual 2025 School Health Leadership Award. This award highlights an Education Leader who demonstrates prioritizing the health and well-being of student and staff health. They see the link between health and education. Their dedicated work helps create healthier systems, policies, programs, and Read ▸ about Celebrating Excellence in School Health Leadership: Donna Franklin

Author: Sterling Ta'Bon, Healthy Schools Manager & National Cadre Coordinator This year's Dove Self-Esteem Project (DSEP) Cadre Retreat, themed "Pride in the Vibe DSEP 2025," empowered our cadre trainers to effectively share comprehensive lessons while exploring body confidence and self-esteem through historical perspectives. This highly anticipated annual retreat brings together educators, counselors, and administrators from across the country, each serving as their state's local Read ▸ about Dove Self-Esteem Project Cadre Retreat 2025: “Pride in the Vibe”

Author: Sterling Ta'Bon, Healthy Schools Manager & National Cadre Coordinator at Cairn Guidance Structure Behavior: Imagine you are given your very first pet, a puppy named after your favorite candy bar. This puppy will become the reflection of the environment you create for them such as protection, nutrition, and attention. As the puppy develops, they easily associate your presence with one that brings great benefit. Their perception of you is based on thousands of behaviors and Read ▸ about Building Better Systems: What a Puppy Can Teach Us About Change