Kathleen M. Edwards
Kathi Edwards is an independent consultant, writer, and facilitator specializing in creating more effective learning environments and strategies. She is passionate about all aspects of learning, from developing and implementing high-level strategy, to ensuring subject matter experts (SMEs) have the knowledge and skills they need to facilitate learning effectively whether face-to-face or virtually. Ultimately, everything she does is focused on those who matter most: the learners.
Kathi's unique expertise in transforming the effectiveness of SMEs who lead learning opportunities is frequently sought by national and international organizations in a variety of fields. In demand as an engaging speaker and facilitator, she is a frequent content leader for ASAE and ASTD on topics related to effective learning and working with/coaching subject-matter experts. In addition to facilitating the Training Certificate Program, she developed and leads, several times per year, the three-part webinar Essentials of Coaching SMEs to Facilitate Learning, part of ASTD's ongoing Essentials of.... webinar series.
As part of her ongoing commitment to effective learning regardless of the setting, Kathi is a qualified lead assessor for the American National Standards Institute's (ANSI) Certificate Accreditation Program. The program is based on ASTM E2659-09, Standard Practice for Certificate Programs, which is an American National Standard.
Kathi speaks and writes extensively on learning practice and strategies: for clients, in her blog, the Learning Evangelist, and in a volunteer capacity for professional organizations. She is co-editor and a chapter author for the book Core Competencies in Association Professional Development, 2d edition (ASAE, 2011), and contributed 22 of the ideas in the book 199 Ideas for Enhancing Learning Experiences (ASAE, 2011).
Prior to launching her consulting business in 2003, Kathi spent 25 years working in a variety of capacities for five distinctly different trade and professional associations. For a majority of that time she was responsible for development, implementation, and evaluation of professional development programs.