I’m not sure how many people could say they made a career choice at birth! But since I was born in the middle of an earthquake that measured 7.1 on the Richter scale, it does seem fitting that I’ve made a career paying attention to how individuals, families, organizations, and communities deal with the emotional reactions that come before, during, and following crises or catastrophic disasters. As a certified traumatologist, licensed counselor, executive coach, and artist, I do my best to offer support and insight based on professional experience and my personal passion for this work; and I’m dedicated to understanding the human experience as a participant and as an expert, especially in the wake of a disaster.In recent years, I have been truly privileged to be called to extend my services in response to events like the World Trade Center attacks of 2001, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Indonesian tsunami, The Samoan Quake and Tsunami, and several Pacific Northwest wildfires, and more. From these experiences I developed a field-tested methodology that helps real people manage real crisis and real emotions. The system facilitates organizations, small and large, to balance emotions and productivity, while acknowledging the connection between human emotions and the demands of keeping businesses running. I call the system Emotional Continuity Management. And that is the basis of my most recent book – The Cost of Emotions in the Workplace. It is the culmination of years of experience in a wide variety of venues and situations. Hopefully it offers a strong message of advise to CEOs and other senior leadership professionals that human emotions left unattended, can turn into something so serious it can catastrophically influence the bottom line as well as people. I show that this type of thinking – to protect people AND the bottom line -- is the new normal for top end companies, and that it can no longer be the sole domain of a small group of well intentioned “psychology” types to manage. Everyone needs to be on board. These are intense times that require serious support. If you read my book, and I hope you do, keep in mind that I can custom design a training program for your company. I have a long list of references of clients where I have conducted trainings to individuals and teams, private and government agencies, small private mom-n-pop companies and large corporations. Your team might want to have some help, but might not know how to get that help from you without stirring up what I call, an “emotional tornado.” I have a Doctorate in Health Education and a Masters degrees in Applied Psychology and Expressive Art Therapy. My work as a public speaker and trainer, author, consultant and educator continues be called for by top companies and industries. Academically, I've been adjunct faculty at a number of colleges, including Washington State University, and contributed original research in the area of Psychosocial Dynamics of Families with Pediatric Illness, Tools of Trauma Management for Emergency Care and Health Care Delivery professionals, and the Use of Quantum Poetry for Trauma Management. I have volunteered and been trained by the National American Red Cross as a Disaster Mental Health provider and National Diversity Instructor, and have been consulting directly with military families and service members in all branches of the United States Armed Services on a number of military bases since 2007. My goal is not to impress you with credentials without offering you something of value, something you can use, something that will help your life, something that will have meaning to you. So, take a look at my website and other works. My books on Amazon include Emotional Terrors in the Workplace: Protecting Your Bottom Line, Dr. Vali's Survival Guide: Tips for the Journey, Preparing a Go-Bag, and a growing number of plays, musicals, and children's titles.Send me an email. Check out my blog and website. Like my Facebook page. Let me know if I can help you, your family, your company, your organization or your community continue to be safe and productive.