The Leadership
behind
Team Leadership Results

The Essential Factor for Quality

Of all the factors that contribute to quality in training programs, leadership is paramount. As one of a handful of Ph.D. practitioners of this approach in the nation, Dr. Jon Johnson has spent his entire professional career acquiring the skills for a leadership role in communications training and experiential learning. The staff of TLR is no less committed to professionalism in these areas. Aside from specific preparation in experiential education and safety training, all have career backgrounds in management and organizational development areas. These degreed trainers all bring with them maturity, integrity, and a strong commitment to teamwork. Perhaps most important, all have a keen sense of what is required if positive behavior change is to take place.
 

Founder/Owner

Jon A. Johnson, Ph.D. served as a Navy pilot in Vietnam after college, then went on to a career in education that led to a Ph.D. in experiential learning (Texas A&M, 1986). His professional background includes fifteen years as (alternately) a special education teacher for troubled teens, an administrator for a "YMCA without walls" and a department head (Adventure Therapy) in a private psychiatric hospital. Jon is a graduate of the Outward Bound schools. Perceiving the growing demand for experiential team building, he joined together with family members and several close associates to establish Team Leadership Results, LLC. in 1992. Aside from his ownership interest, Jon is involved in all facets of operations and marketing for TLR. In 1999, he began working as a professional graphic recorder for meetings and team conversations. He serves on the board of City Year San Antonio and is the current president of the Texas Experiential Ropes Association. He is a member of the leadership faculty for the Center for Professional Excellence (College of Business) at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Jon leads campfire singing, is fluent in Spanish, and holds a current wilderness EMT card.
 

Associates

Stanley E. Thomas, (col. USA ret.) - Stan's background includes 30 years of experience in various leadership positions in the military. This experience involved operations, personnel management, teaching, and command, including running two army installations. Stan holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Arizona (1973). He pursued post-graduate work in modern American history at the University of Missouri at Kansas City (1975). He is a graduate of the Army War College (1985), and completed executive management training at the Kellogg School of Management (1991). He is also a member of the Texas State Board of Orthotics and Prosthetics. He is a member of the University of Texas at San Antonio's Center for Professional Excellence Leadership Faculty where he blends outdoor experiential work and cafe dialogue strategies for Executive MBA and undergraduate students. In TLR, his work as a facilitator/conversationalist has enabled corporate executive groups to move quickly beyond personal agendas and into substantive outcomes.

Michael A. Bryant holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and is currently working on a Masters of Administration with emphasis in Organizational Development from the University of the Incarnate Word. Mike has trained throughout the United States and Mexico, leading small and large teams, while at the same time learning valuable lessons in team dynamics and professional development. His extensive background includes over twelve years with AT&T's corporate training and global customer services divisions. Mike is originally from Spain and is fluent in Spanish.

Anna Erickson-Wise has a terrific love for people that drives her fascination for the respect and genuine teamship that comes from experienced based learning. Anna has worked creating and implementing programs in ministry to youth and their families; she is an ordained Presbyterian minister. She has a BS in Nutrition from Whitworth College and a Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary.

Jennifer (Jennie) L. George followed her attainment of a BA in Management from Pace University (Pleasantville, NY) with four years of sales and marketing with UNUM Life Insurance Company of America. Her degree, coupled with insights into task management and team interactions within a corporate culture, provide a foundation for her work with TLR. Jennie has also worked with children as a teacher, counselor, and coach. As a woman athlete, she has skills in a variety of team and individual sports. Her experiences have taught her that people of all ages can learn from each other.

Mary Elizabeth Jones earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Her broad interests combined with an ardent desire to serve others led to her choosing a major in Interdisciplinary Studies for Elementary Education with a focus on health. She acquired a strong preference for being outdoors from a childhood spent tagging along after her outdoorsman father. Mary is the youngest member of the TLR staff, having begun her work with the company during her college years. After graduation Mary realized that her certification as a Challenge Course Facilitator offered her an opportunity to make a contribution to others through the powerful medium of experiential learning. Mary believes that mastering the art of facilitating growth in others promises to be a rewarding career goal.

Cherie W. Kassinger comes to TLR following a 26 year career in the Central Intelligence Agency. Within the agency she served as a manager, an executive officer, and a corporate trainer, specializing in interpersonal, leadership, and team skills. Her numerous overseas assignments have taught her to adapt rapidly to new situations and cultures. In addition to her work with adults, Cherie spent seven years working with youth groups on communication and team skills. She holds a BA in Management from National Louis University.

Deborah Alonzo Napier received her BA in Education in 1980 and a M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision in 1981 from Trinity University. She holds a specialization in Physical Education and endorsements in Kindergarten and special Education. Her background includes diverse teaching and administrative experiences both in the United States and abroad. Most recently, Deborah served as an elementary school principal in the North East Independent School District of San Antonio. She has received training through Project Adventure, Outward Bound, and Team Leadership Results, and has presented at state and national education conferences.

Pete O'Conner is a professional educator working as an experiential learning specialist for the North East Independent School District. He has a broad background leading both student and teacher groups in experiential challenge training programs. His BA from Incarnate Word College is bolstered by extensive post-graduate training from the LTD group, Experiential Therapists, Inc., the Boy Scouts of America, and the Southwest Center for Experiential Education.

Arthur R. Ortiz brings to TLR his experience working with diverse groups from corporations to universities to "at-risk" children using rock climbing, backpacking, river trips, and the challenge course to increase communication, develop trust, improve relationships and inspire self growth and awareness. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Kiniseology/Sports Management with a focus in Outdoor Leadership from the University of Texas at San Antonio, plus an Associates Degree in Business from Kemper Military College. Art is a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) Pacific Northwest Branch and is a certified Wilderness First Responder from the Wilderness Medical Institute of NOLS. He studied and instructed Tae Kwon Do for nine years and holds a black belt. Art was a paratrooper in the U.S. Army attached to a special Operations unit in Ft. Lewis, Washington before being diagnosed with leukemia and is a seven year survivor. He has been with the TLR staff for the past five years and is a member of the Safety Committee.