The antidote to ‘adulting’? Purposeful play.

Unlock creativity—no permission slip needed.

Our Mission at Creative Recess

At Creative Recess, we help mid-career professionals and educators ditch burnout culture through rigorously playful frameworks.

Because curiosity—not crunch time—is the real secret to innovation.

CURIOSITY

Rekindle ‘what if?’ thinking with prompts that actually feel fun.

PLAY

Rigorously playful tools to dissolve fear, not morale.

CONNECTION

Build community to make growth collaborative (and way less lonely)

“From the classroom to the boardroom to the heart—I help you show up ready.”

READY FOR SCHOOL

Preparing for the classroom—and beyond. For students, early-career professionals, and career pivoters:

  • College & Grad School Prep: Leadership development, application strategy, and navigating academia as a first-gen student.
  • Workshops & Curricula: Custom programs for universities (e.g., Leading with Purpose, Leadership in Diverse Societies).
  • Academic Coaching: Overcoming setbacks (like my 1.0 GPA comeback) and building resilience.

READY FOR WORK

Thriving in—or reimagining—your career. For professionals, teams, and organizations:

  • Career Transitions: Coaching for pivots, promotions, or leaving toxic workplaces (informed by my shift from academia to solopreneurship).
  • Leadership Development: Keynotes and workshops on authentic leadership, IDEA, and social change (topics I’ve taught at Iowa State, UC Irvine, and beyond).
  • Consulting: Tailored strategies for nonprofits, boards, and teams.

READY FOR LIFE

Leading from your whole self. For individuals and communities:

  • Identity & Resilience: Coaching for LGBTQ+ professionals, people in recovery, and those navigating health challenges (rooted in my journey as a gay, HIV+ man in recovery).
  • Creative Recess Retreats: Facilitating spaces for healing, storytelling, and redefining success.
  • Community Dialogue: Certified dialogue facilitation to bridge divides.

Disclaimer: I’m not that kind of doctor—my Ph.D. won’t help you with medical advice, clinical diagnoses, or treating mental health conditions. As a certified coach and facilitator, I focus on goal-setting, leadership development, and personal growth, not therapy. That said, I’m a fierce advocate for mental healthcare and am happy to collaborate with your providers or refer you to trusted professionals. Let’s keep the ‘creative’ in Creative Recess—and the ‘recess’ ethically grounded.