Irasha Talifero

Gwendolyn (Irasha) Talifero

Council Leader

What is Council? ​​Council is an age-old practice that involves bringing people together in a circle to bear witness and share authentically. Participants agree to speak one-at-a-time, sharing their personal stories and experiences, rather than opinions, and listening non-judgmentally while others do the same. Sharing and listening to universal stories about love, loss, fear, triumph, challenge, hope and other experiences enables participants to recognize that, despite our many differences, we have much in common.

​By fostering attentive listening and authentic expression, Council builds positive relationships between participants and neutralizes hierarchical dynamics formed by the inequality of status, race, or other social factors. It supports a deep sense of community and fosters recognition of a shared humanity and interconnectedness. It enables individuals to give voice to their stories, develop mutual respect, cultivate a compassionate response to anger, defensiveness, and violence, as well as strengthen emotional health and resilience.

EDUCATION

  • AA- New Mexico State University- Studies in Criminology, Forensics and Sociology

  • Moorpark Community College- Humanities

  • Associate of Arts Degree 1984- Ventura Community College- Journalism and Agriculture

  • Fashion Design Graduated 1986- Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising

APPOINTMENTS

  • TMC (Trainers Mentor Circle) – Center for Council, Ojai Foundation, Circle Ways –2018 to present

  • Elder Council- Ojai Foundation – 1998-2019

  • Sweat Lodge Council- Ojai Foundation- 1998-2019

  • Elder- Celebrate Life Organization- 2010 to present

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

  • 2019. Talifero, Irasha. Council One Training. California City State Prison. California City, California

  • 2017-2019. Talifero, Irasha. Council One Training. Valley State Prison. Chowchilla, California

  • 2017. Talifero, Irasha. Council One Training. Wasco State Prison. Wasco, California

  • 2017. Talifero, Irasha, Council One Training. California Correctional Institution. Tehachapi, California

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

  • Facilitator of Youth Groups & Adults/ Ojai Foundation

  • Council Facilitator

  • Rites of Passage (High School students)

  • Team Building

  • Nature Hikes

  • Outdoor Education; Ocean and Land

  • Story Telling

  • Naturalist at large- Celebrate Life

  • Spirit Guide

  • Council Facilitator

  • Rites of Passage

  • Team Building

  • Interpretive Hikes

  • Teaching primitive living skills

  • Outdoor Education; Ocean and Land

  • Council Trainer- Center for Council

  • Council Facilitator

  • Council One- 16-hour course training

Group Building

  • Teacher & Counselor- Atrium School, Ojai CA

  • Counseling students and families

  • Chaperone and teacher for out of country tours

  • Creative Writing

  • Fashion Design

  • African Dance

  • Herbology

  • Music

    Substitute Teacher- Oak Grove School/ Rock Tree Sky School