Tim Van Ness

Facilitator · Orange, MA · he/him

Tim Van Ness is an actor, director, consultant, and educator who is also a trained Facilitator and certified Executive Coach.

He designs and facilitates training programs and unique processes for utilizing interactive theater as a tool for behavioral, cultural, and transformational change. A 35-year veteran of Playback Theatre, an improvisational form, he is also a classically trained musician and accomplished singer, songwriter, and performer. He has sung with highly acclaimed choruses on both U.S. coasts and has toured numerous times throughout Europe. He is also a former music teacher with Boston Public Schools.

Tim has led numerous successful workshops for clients in a variety of industries. In education, he has facilitated and coached current and aspiring K-12 and higher education leaders. With Inspiring Educators, his clients include World Teach, KIPP, SUNY, Boston Public Schools, Achievement First, Uncommon Schools, IDEA Public Schools, Bishop McNamara High School, Teach for America, Communities in Schools and the Lynch Leadership Academy.

In the private sector, his industry specialties include financial and professional services, healthcare, manufacturing and technology. In addition to serving as president of his own company, Van Ness & Co., Tim has gained invaluable experience in a variety of business and development positions. Notable roles include Assistant Director of Development at The Men’s Resource Center of Western Massachusetts and Principal Partner at DramaWorks InterActive, which he co-founded in 1997.

Tim received a Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) and a Certificate in Education from the University of Colorado, Boulder. He also holds a Certificate of Advanced Training, including 100 hours of psychodrama training, from the Centre for Playback Theatre.

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    “I had the pleasure of working with Tim Van Ness today and it was one of the best PDs I have ever been part of. Tim created a safe space where he truly developed our skills with care and challenge. This has changed my perspective on how to reach people as a leader through my experiences.”

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    “Tim was fantastic! His energy, knowledge, and authenticity made each session fun and informative. I will definitely be incorporating our discussions on storytelling and personal presence into my professional practice.”

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    “Tim was expert in the delivery of his the material and he did a particularly stellar job of making people feel safe and supported. This was most notable to me as some individuals who I know to be more guarded and reticent about sharing stepped up to deliver their story. ”

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    “Fantastic facilitator, he was able to read us like a book. Made training fun, interactive and very informative. ”

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    “Tim is very open, honest, and engaging. As our facilitator and coach, he pressed for more when appropriate, and held back when appropriate. The result was a powerful experience that took us all out of our comfort zones.”