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Jodi’s Story

 

Ever since I can remember I’ve been super interested in how people connect…how relationships are formed and sustained. At McGill University, I studied Communications and really started thinking about how we talk to one another, and more importantly, how we listen.

I used my communication skills on stage and pursued acting in Vancouver, having a blast. Yet, I started feeling a bit empty after a while, it felt like acting was only about ‘me’ and somehow that felt wrong. So, I started searching for a career that would really fulfill me, on a deeper level. At a dinner party, someone who knew me my entire life exclaimed, “Just become a teacher!” 

The lights went on.

In no time I found myself graduating from UBC and landing a full-time job with the VSB. For over ten incredible years in the public school system I taught acting, and more importantly character development. I’d developed heart-centred materials to guide my students toward self-knowledge and societal consciousness.

I then realized that I wanted to do more in education, to create my own curricula to teach to people of all ages. Year after year I’d introduce topics of bullying, discrimination, mindfulness and positive relationship habits to my classes and witnessed their vulnerability and personal growth.

I had to share what I learned with others. 

A dark cloud descended on society and cyberbullying started to take the lives of so many young kids, like Amanda Todd, and it hit me hard.  In their rooms! They’re not safe anywhere! – I’d yell to myself over and over again until I realized that I owed it to the world to put a stop to bullying. Knowing kids (and adults) I’d help build safer communities through healthier communication and fun group experiences to learn from.

Maybe I’d even save a life!

Since 2012, I’ve been creating workshops for teachers, students, and businesses on bullying. Naturally, I’ve expanded my topics to include mindfulness, self-care, social emotional intelligence, and team building through improvisation. 

Self knowledge and acceptance is a super power. With that information anyone can form more compassionate relationships and contribute to their communities in a vital way. It’s about connection, and we need it now more than ever.

I love getting out there and meeting educators, women in business, and young people of all ages and look forward to working with you!

Testimonials

I have worked with Jodi Derkson (Imperative Education), in the field of human connection, race awareness work, mindfulness, and teen problem areas in their digital world and I have always been so impressed with her knowledge, her passion and her ability to reach her audiences.
Heather Schuetze

Head of Personal Counseling, St. Georges School, Vancouver

Jodi somehow created an environment where all of us felt individually accepted and cared for. More importantly, she taught us to see others in our class through a lens of common humanity.
Tamarah Prevost

Future Lawyer

I am absolutely stunned by how fast things turned around for our daughter! A month ago we were considering pulling her out of school and now she sounds so happy and good! Whatever you did must have been right!
H

One on One Counselling, Vancouver, BC

This was an incredibly useful session. Very personal and genuine with a lot of useful, practical tips. Very much enjoyed the embracing who you are attitude. I feel like I have a tangible take-away!
Katie Berezan

Negotiation Workshop to Empower Women, Vancouver, BC

Jodi is funny, lights up the room, and is an excellent, lively facilitator!
Angela Convery

Negotiation Workshop to Empower Women, Vancouver, BC

After one session A has begun to use the tools Jodi taught her and is so much happier and engaging much better with her peers. She even handled a huge disappointment really well today. Jodi is incredibly intuitive and has a talent for quickly getting to the bottom line and helping the client own the solution.
M

One on One Counselling, Surrey, BC

Ms. Derkson always created a safe, fun and comfortable classroom environment for all students. From day 1, it was clear she was someone that could be trusted and confided in. She’s a caring, funny and good-hearted person.
Jeff Jacobson

Jeff Jacobson Company

S has been doing a lot better. Now that she has the tools from you she actually uses them on a daily basis. Even at home!! I see her so much stronger just in a few days after she met you for the first time. And her confidence! Wow!!! I’m so lucky to have met you. I really don’t know what I would have done. I would definitely recommend you to my family and friends!! I see the difference in her she’s very out spoken now where as she used to keep everything inside. Her bullies are afraid of her now which makes me so happy – she can stand up for herself. Thank you Jodi.
J

One on One Counselling, Surrey, BC

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