MONICA KOLLER, MS
​OWNER & MAKER

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, where I held space for friends to share their innermost feelings. My passion for listening to diverse stories evolved into a commitment to truly 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 a decade. 

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 advocacy 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
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

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

Policy Link Equity Summit, Co-Learner

StoryCenter, Facilitator Training Participant

Othering & Belonging Conference, Listener

REACH Center, Facilitator Training Learner

Decolonized Nonviolent Parenting Series Participant

MLK Human Rights Conference, Presenter & Listener 2018-2021