MONICA KOLLER, MS
​FOUNDER

Photo by Amanda Norenberg

I am from San Leandro, the city that borders Oakland CA, where the sun shines and music plays loudly from passing cars. I discovered my true gift as a listener in elementary school and my passion for holding space for people to share diverse stories evolved into a commitment to deeply connect with people through counseling. I've had the privilege of providing diverse opportunities to connect- from hospice bereavement support to  community college advising- for over 15 years. 

I moved to Bellingham, WA in 2010, and enjoy advocating for social change and discovering creative new ways to truly see and honor one another. As a mother of two young children, I cherish family outings to the tidal pools at the marina and participating in family well-being conversations. I love my community, and am passionate about building relationships.
 
I believe that sharing our stories brings us together in unexpected ways. By unearthing our lived experiences, we discover the unique gifts we hold, common challenges we share, and new insights that help us see things through a different lens.
    
 What's your story? What are your hopes? I'm here to listen.

CLIENTS

I have had the honor of working with the following organizations to provide organizational & community support.

COLLABORATIONS

The following organizations and groups have collaborated with Connecting Community to build relationships in Bellingham!​

Baha'i Brilliant Stars children's program
Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth (BAAY)
Bellingham Food Bank
​Bellingham Unity Committee
Birchwood International Market
​BRUNA press + archive
Columbia Elementary Parent Teacher Association
​Gabriel's Art Kids
​Generations Forward 
​Kids and Race (Seattle)

Lydia Place
Mt. Baker Foundation
Sunnyland Elementary School After School Program
The Int'l Capoeira Angola Foundation Bellingham Study Group
Whatcom Community Foundation
Whatcom Early Learning Alliance
​Whatcom Family Community Network
Whatcom Human Rights Task Force
Whatcom Peace & Justice Center

COMMITMENT TO LIFELONG CO-LEARNING

How fun is it to learn new things? I love finding ways to gain new perspectives. Here are some of my favorite adventures in learning:

Masters of Science, Counseling Graduate 2010

Network of Opportunity for Childhood Well-being,
Family Champion National Cohort Member 2018-2020 

Policy Link Equity Summit, Co-Learner 2018

 StoryCenter, Facilitator Training Participant 2020

Othering & Belonging Conference, Listener 2019

REACH Center, Seattle Facilitator Training Assistant 2017

Decolonized Nonviolent Parenting Series Participant 2020

MLK Human Rights Conference, Presenter & Listener 2018-2021