We’re excited to share some great news from the Office of the Ombuds!
Our Director, Lisa, has recently earned a significant credential that will enhance the way we serve our graduate students, staff, and faculty here at UT Knoxville. In May 2025, Lisa completed the NeuroLeadership Institute Level 1 Brain-Based Coaching program, a comprehensive training designed to give coaches the tools and knowledge to apply neuroscience principles in coaching conversations. This program is grounded in how the brain learns, motivates, and adapts to change, helping coaches like Lisa empower individuals to develop new skills, habits, and behaviors.
Shortly after, Lisa received certification as an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) from the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the leading global body for coaching professionals. To achieve this credential, Lisa completed 68.5 hours of training, 100 hours of coaching practice, and 10 hours of mentor coaching over several months. Additionally, she successfully passed a coaching performance evaluation and the ACC exam. This certification is a strong reflection of Lisa’s expertise and dedication to fostering growth in the people she works with, and the communities she serves.
Why This Matters for Ombuds Work
For those unfamiliar with the history of ombudsing, the role traditionally centers on conflict resolution. However, over the years, our office has evolved, using data-driven insights to adapt our services to the shifting needs of the Volunteers we serve. As we work to support graduate students, staff, and faculty through moments of tension and uncertainty, we’ve increasingly recognized that these experiences can spark growth, new ideas, and creative problem-solving—whether or not conflict is present.
The addition of coaching to our approach gives us even more tools to support individuals who may feel “stuck” or overwhelmed by challenges. Coaching can be especially useful in navigating the complexities of modern academic life, where challenges may not always present themselves as straightforward conflicts. By offering Brain-Based Coaching, we can empower individuals to break through their barriers, find clarity, and move forward in ways that lead to positive change.
Expanding Our Services: Team Coaching
But that’s not all. At the end of the Brain-Based Coaching program, Lisa was invited to participate in the Brain-Based Team Coaching (BBTC) program, which she has just completed. This is a highly specialized, ICF-accredited continuing education program through the NeuroLeadership Institute that focuses on coaching teams to reach their potential. Lisa was personally invited to join the BBTC program through her program mentor from the Level 1 program, a unique opportunity that builds on her previous training.
This additional professional development in team coaching will allow us to expand our offerings even further. Starting this fall, the Office of the Ombuds will be rolling out Team Coaching as a service for groups looking to enhance collaboration, manage tensions, and improve overall team dynamics. Whether you’re a faculty team, a student organization, or a departmental group, Team Coaching can help guide your group through challenges, facilitating better communication and a more cohesive working environment.
Looking Ahead
These new certifications are part of our ongoing commitment to improving the support we offer the UT community. By expanding our services to include coaching, we’re giving our community the tools to manage challenges proactively, fostering an environment of growth and development rather than just focusing on conflict resolution.
We’re incredibly proud of Lisa’s accomplishments and excited about how these new services will contribute to the work we do every day. Stay tuned for more updates as we roll out Team Coaching and continue to refine how we support individuals and teams across campus!
For more information:
The NeuroLeadership Institute Level 1 Brain-Based Coaching program