“After coaching with Christina Merkley, all I can say is, ‘Wow!’ If you haven’t noticed, there are coaches EVERYWHERE. It’s not easy to know if they are a good match or not. But because Christina is so entrenched in the Law of Attraction in a very real and human way she was able to reflect and shift my energy unlike I’ve ever experienced before. (And she does while keeping her sense of humor which is one of my key values.) I learned that when you are in emotional alignment, it’s easy to live the life you want. Everything after that just flows… What a freeing experience!”

- Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero, Red Hot Copy, Van Nuys, CA

“Coaching with Christina was truly a life-changing experience. I was stuck at the time and the Shift-It Process helped me to understand what steps to take next so I could move forward and reach my goals. Not only do I still use my maps on an annual basis for my personal and professional planning, I recommend her services and products to my clients all the time because I know they will benefit from such a visual coaching experience. The maps just make the growth so much more concrete and more effective. Thank goodness Christina does what she does!”

- Sheri McConnell, Sheri McConnell Companies, San Antonio, TX

“I’ve employed Christina Merkley as my coach on-and-off since 1998. Six months after she led me through a vision exercise where I imagined myself on the cover of a magazine, the real thing happened when I made it into Java World. Since then I’ve been covered in MIT Tech Review, The NY Times, Popular Science, and Motor Magazine and was nominated for a 2003 Corporate Award sponsored by the World Tech Network. Yeah, you could call this work effective! Now I’m working with her again to take it up to the next level.”

- Tim Clark, VP of Engineering / Director of R & D, VTTI, San Francisco, CA

“Awesome! That is the one word that describes the services that Christina has provided for me. Since I started working with her as my coach, I’ve bought my partner out to gain full ownership, have been stabilizing my growing business with improved systems (and growing profits) and have taken more time out for the fun things in life (golf, fishing, Vegas!). When i first heard about her and this visual stuff, i was skeptical and wondered if it was ‘blowing on tea leaves’. Not now, I’m a true believer. The graphics bring clarity and focus and give me a high level map of my corporate direction. I highly recommend her and her Shift It! Process to anybody who is serious about success and defining (and getting!) what they really, really want.”

- Robert Kemp, CEO, Raging Creations Ltd / ZenMed.com, Victoria, B.C.

“Christina has an incredible process … great for individuals, business partners and married couples (I’ve worked with her in all three ways). She creates a ‘mind map resume’ … helps you figure out your talents, skills, values and goals. She’s helped draw out my own vision, helped me create a clear vision for my company, worked with my managers and worked with my wife, Marvelee and I to create our family vision. She brings out the essence of what is really going on … making things crystal clear and breaking it down to who is doing to what, when and where. Concise, clear, empathetic and engaging.”

- John Papaloukas, President, Villages Pizza, Victoria, B.C.

“My husband John and I have worked with and known Christina for the last fifteen years. We have worked with her as business owners, individuals and as a couple. Christina helps people communicate and creates a non-intimidating, safe, positive environment to help understand oneself and others better. Keeps you focused and moving forward. We’ve recommended her to other entrepreneurs, family and friends. She’s professional, compassionate, intuitive and knows what she is doing.”

- Marvelee Papaloukas, Entrepreneurial Couple, Victoria, B.C.

“A gifted and intuitive listener and facilitator, able to draw out what is useful from the past, present and hopeful future. Eclectically and timely trained in personal and organizational development, she can take you safely as deeply as you want to go.”

- Bill Faust, Faust Consulting, Sausalito, CA (formerly Director, Motorola University Executive Education and Leadership Development, Chicago IL)

“Christina’s graphic method helped me get clear on my accomplishments and the areas in my life that brought me the most enjoyment. I really tapped into the fact that I needed a much more creative outlet for work. In the year since working with her, I’ve totally transformed my life. I hung up my business-consulting hat, moved back home to North Carolina and opened my own home decor store. Working with Christina was a pivotal stepping stone in my life.”

- Phyllis Roberts, Owner, Dragonfly Home Decor, Asheville, NC

“I really enjoyed the retreat spent drawing out aspects of my personal life and businesses. I have consistently reviewed the collages, charts and book to keep me on track with my dreams and plans. It is SO much better than a typical coaching session; it is a VISION QUEST with Big Results. I want to say to anyone desiring focus, a clear visual picture of your life, efficiency and a fun process … Christina is a master at extracting your passions, directions and challenges to create an effective visual map for true direction and massive results”.

- Dr. Mark Robson, Chiropractor / Professional Speaker, Kody Care Chiropractic Center, Victoria B.C.

“I’ve hired Christina Merkley on and off for the last seven years, primarily for personal coaching and partnership facilitation. She’s seen me through two sad, but amicable, business partnerships dissolutions. Christina’s smart and intuitive (although I generally hate using that word!). A natural solvent … boiling disparate personalities to get to the pure, essential content of what needs to be done, by when, by who. Good at making things quantifiable and tangible.”

- Paolo Salvagione, Owner, Swift Engineering, Sausalito, CA

Julie Halsey, Manager, Leadership Development, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, CA “I’d say about 75% of the visioning work I did with Christina in ’99 has come to fruition (new career direction with a substantial increase in salary, increased responsibility and respect, closer relationships with family, more opportunities to travel for work and pleasure and many material objects (new car, wardrobe, etc.)). She’s my ‘discovery guide’ … helping me define and accomplish the things that matter to me. I just flew up to do some more work with her (July 2003), as new goals are emerging and my desire to integrate my material and spiritual sides is becoming stronger. My Shift It! Retreat was profound and seeing Victoria B.C. for the first time was an added bonus. I’ll be back.”

- Julie Halsey, Manager, Leadership Development, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, CA

“The mini retreat that I did with Christina was very motivating. She helped me get my ideas out of my head and organized onto paper. When I need inspiration and a bigger picture view, I pull my charts out to get re-inspired and keep going in the direction I have set out for myself. I’ve also shared my maps with my girlfriend and they’ve really helped me communicate to her what is important to me, both professionally and personally – what I’m in the process of creating and why this is so important to me. As an entrepreneur this kind of support and clarity is invaluable.”

- Will Hassinger, Stainless Steel Engineer & Sculptor, Wilbilt Inc., Mill Valley, CA

“Christina is truly a gifted facilitator; intelligent, talented and her spirit is so gentle. Her time has come of age … I believe her process of coaching/facilitating/recording others to awareness and success in their personal/professional realms is a cutting edge learning opportunity!”

- Cathy McKenzie, Faculty, Royal Roads University, Leadership & Training MA Program, Victoria, BC

“This morning was great!!!!! You have got to start taping these rampages of good feelings … thanks for my Focus Wheel map.

You are truly amazing and I think that adding LOA to what you already did so well just took your skills up into the stratosphere.

You are right. Personal coaching is your perfect calling now. Any chance I have, I will recommend you my dear! Bisous”

- Ghislaine MacPherson, Teacher/Parenting Leader, Victoria B.C.

“How has the last year been for me? It has been a 360 degrees head spin thanks to Christina. A year ago I had a vague idea of where I wanted to go in life, but I didn’t know how to get there. Christina has believed in me since day one. Her SHIFT-IT process made me clarify what my dream really is and helped me figure out that with the correct approach, I could get there. With our coaching calls I have been able to move my dream towards reality, step-by-step. I have never been so excited about where I am headed and am actually enjoying the process of Law of Attraction to get there!”

- Matt Ashdown, Ashdown Conditioning & Training and www.juniorattractors.com / The Gratitude Dance, Victoria, B.C.

“My SHIFT-IT Process was an enlightening and moving experience. Graphic Coaching is a very powerful tool. I now have a much clearer concept of my goals and my plan on how to achieve them”

- Alan Pasemko, President, Theme Management Group, Victoria, B.C.

“Christina’s ability to create a relaxed and healing space to access my thoughts and feelings was monumental. I am grateful for her helping me to see my Big Picture”.

- Magdalena Blatchford, Owner, Olympic Inspiration Healing Therapy, Victoria, B.C.

“Christina’s non-biased approach allowed me to review my life and define reachable, step-by-step goals … which we are continuing to break down into even more doable steps each week on our coaching calls. I wish I had gone through a SHIFT-IT Retreat a long time ago! I really enjoy her listening, the one-to-one attention, and that we got to work down on the beach for part of my retreat!”

- Anyck Turgeon, Oracle, Redwood Shores, CA

“Christina graphically captured my life’s emotions, experiences, and desires that helped me pictorially see my past, present and wished for future. As a developing graphic facilitator, my SHIFT-IT Retreat not only helped with my thinking about my own practice and life but gave me the opportunity to witness Christina’s work and techniques up close — I loved it so much that I have built a gorgeous retreat room in the Santa Cruz mountains, so I can do Graphic Coaching work with others”.

- Patricia Jocius, Emergency Preparedness Consultant / Graphic Facilitator, Sunnyvale, CA www.dealingwithdisasters.com

“I found Christina to be a highly skilled and enthusiastic coach. It was such a powerful experience to have my history map drawn out and the visioning paid off quickly, as an unexpected raise happened within weeks! Her method is unique, non-threatening and incorporates love and gratitude as keys to greater success in life … helped me free stuck areas in my life … and the charts continue to act as clear reference points for my life and work goals.”

- Bob Alexander, Office of the Premier, Victoria, BC

“Can’t say enough about this remarkable woman and my coaching experience with her. I loved being able to actually visualize my own internal processes, to give them shape, form and color. She was a gentle guide, pushing me along just enough, mapping out in front of my eyes a holistic pattern and purpose for the next few years. This becomes, I think, a manifestation of some kind, bringing together my conscious and unconscious thought processes. I’ve already referred three of my close friends.”

- Kathy Evans, Poet, Teacher, former Board Member of California Poets in the Schools, San Francisco, CA

“Before I consulted with her, I was facing both personal and professional challenges — I knew I had to do something but the fear of failure blinded me. Her process helped me shift my attitude and create reality-based plans, which I’m in the process of implementing. When things get tough I use the charts we created to remind myself where I am going and why. Without her help I would not have dared step out for my dream. Now I know I am on my path to a fully lived life.”

- Kimiko Bokura, Health and Beauty entrepreneur, Santa Cruz, CA

“I commissioned Christina to help me create a “transformation plan” for my life. Within six months I manifested a new house, ended an unsatisfying relationship, negotiated a more flexible schedule to have more time with my son, aannnddd started meaningful volunteer work that feels like it may open into a whole new career path. Holy #*!”, this stuff is powerful. The only thing left is the wedding on the beach!”

- Terri Eardley, Associate Investment Advisor and Mom, Victoria BC

“I first saw Christina in action when I was in the midst of a grueling residency in pursuit of my Master’s degree in Leadership & Training. Her work of capturing our thoughts with graphics fascinated me. I decided to work with her personally. She’s very professional, yet personable enough to help me dig deep into my thoughts quickly. The completed maps and charts are an ongoing source of accountability and inspiration. This activity is not for the faint of heart; it is serious head and heart work that creates an artful masterpiece that either inspires or haunts you, depending on how fully you respond to its call.”

- Steve Doerksen, Church & Community Youth Worker / Worship Leader Whiterock, BC (Royal Roads University, MA Leadership & Training candidate)

“I engaged Christina after a cross-country relocation, to help me get my bearings and get support for my new life. She’s an empathetic, intuitive coach and her graphic approach is very, very cool. I could literally see the various areas of my life begin to fall into place. There is a palpable energy to the charts we co-created, like a magnet to keep my “inner compass” pointed in the direction of my dreams. She’s really onto something with this innovative way of working!”

- Annie Chase, Computer Programmer & Hypnotherapist, Santa Rosa, CA

“Christina coached me into clarity, and forward movement, in life and in my business coupled with a new level of understanding of what makes me tick, and how the Universe and I work in synchronicity! Thank you Christina for being so kind and helping me get clear of the things that were in my way…I use your Flip It technique everyday! My business is positively booming now, and I am convinced it would be stalled if we had not worked together. Life is a lot clearer these days, and I have your guidance to thank, you are a truly gifted coach. In Gratitude!”

- Viki Viertel, The Business Buddha, www.thebusinessbuddha.com

“I engaged Christina for her 2 day Shift-It! Retreat because I desperately wanted to find my way through a quagmire of ideas and options. Christina expertly helped me to create a GRAND VISION for my life and an action plan of specific, doable steps. I’m now working with her as my ongoing “manifestation coach” and am thrilled with my progress. She compassionate, caring with sensitive information and has great skills – including humour!”

- Amaiah Popadynec, Owner, Firefly Holistic Massage, Victoria, BC

“She’s an alchemical soul who knows what is real and what counts. Exquisitely sensitized and sharply attuned she literally drew out my essence – revitalizing, encouraging and motivating me to use my gifts as a springboard, and not lean back. When we give our all, the dream comes true.”

- Marsha Dawson, Intuitive Counselor, San Raphael, CA

Leadershape Consulting & Coaching, Whistler, BC “To sit in the chair and observe, think, sense and feel the experience in a similar fashion to what my future clients would experience contained great value to me. I never realized the power of the process until I was literally in the thick of it – surrounded by Christina’s coaching and thought provoking moments – part way through I felt a ‘flow’ in which pieces of information that previously weren’t clear to me came ‘clunking’ into place.”

- Darlene Samer, Independent Consultant, Leadershape Consulting & Coaching, Whistler, BC

“What can I say. Christina has an incredible knack with people. Working with her has been a fun and enjoyable journey. Since our time together, I am simply amazed as to what has transpired: healing with siblings, a new baby, large changes in my employment and career structure. My ‘new life’ is fuller, happier … I’ve made big shifts by coming to peace with my past. Thank you for the journey Christina!”

- Ainslie Lowe, Full time Mom living the life I desire

“Christina looks for and helps you identify your strengths so you feel empowered and confident. She helps you to appreciate your past successes, identifying where you are now in the present, and helps create a bridge into your future. She has a friendly, caring disposition that provides a sense of safety and containment while you consider new possibilities.”

- Anne Alperstein, Therapist/Author, Vancouver, B.C.

“Inspiring ability to draw out hidden desires, extremely creative, creates an easy, relaxed environment in which to work. Helped me draw on my strengths. Helped me focus on what I need to do to get where I would like to be professionally. Helped me look at possibilities … things I may have otherwise not thought about. Easy going. Extremely worthwhile experience. Looking forward to a follow-up. Christina is a caring and compassionate individual.”

- Beverly Davis, Dental Industry Consultant and Workshop Leader, Vancouver, B.C.

“I started my work with Christina by coming for a half day SHIFT-IT Retreat and I emerged over a year later as a mentee and apprentice. Having witnessed the power of Graphic Facilitation in my past corporate work, I was thrilled to have this insightful methodology used on just me and my life — my life’s story mapped out in all its glory right in front of me with my newly emerging dreams and aspirations. Christina coached me as I transitioned from leaving a hierarchical, toxic corporate job into self employment … and through the journey of re-accrediting as a nurse. I’ve also been lucky enough to shadow and assist her in corporate work and workshops and regularly recommend her to business colleagues and friends alike. I am hooked on graphics!

- Terry Ogilvie, Facilitator, Registered Nurse and Independent Consultant, Victoria, B.C.

“In SHIFT-IT Weekend Intensive moves one through ‘stinking thinking’ to bright possibilities and inspiring dreams. It’s a fun, safe and very, very useful workshop. Loved the demos, binder, vision boards, the flow of the process, the focus on Law of Attraction … and of course, the maps! I’ve taken it twice and brought friends with me.”

- Sharon Hoyland, Gov’t Ministry Coordinator/Trainer/Facilitator, Vancouver, BC

“My HR Director and I came for customized training in July 2006. I had been creating more opportunities to use graphics in my work but had encountered a confidence and skill barrier. To that end, Christina is an excellent teacher and coach. She has a solid base of organizational development, systems thinking and integrating graphics. I loved the engaging “at the wall” practice, the practical tips and effective how-to’s. Her studio is a wonderful learning lab. With her help and continued inspiration I’m using my skills in greater ways. I highly recommend working with Christina in both a coach and teacher capacity.”

- Haley Green, Training & Development Dept., Edmonds Community College, Lynnwood, Washington

“Christina’s graphic facilitation work takes coaching to a new level of expression and connection with clients. I just attended a local workshop she hosted (after reading her article in the CTI newsletter) — truly a valuable way of expressing ideas and working with clients. One of the most interesting courses I have ever taken. The sky is the limit as to how I will be applying graphics to my practice. I’ve already had two very successful experiences with clients using what she taught me, and it’s only been two weeks since the workshop!”

- Shannan Brown, ACC, Coach, Campbell River, BC Canada

“What a powerful way to shift my life into a state of achievement rather then staying in a dreaming or aspirational state. Its tough but rewarding work – come ready and willing to grow.”

- Lisa Morgan, Change Management Consultant, Calgary AB

“Great coach. Positive & encouraging coaching style. Lovely location. An adventure in learning. 2 days of focused attention – Christina broke her methods down for me into manageable pieces and segments. I left with greater confidence in my ability to become a successful graphic facilitator. Within days of returning home I had completed three of my action steps to move my business to the next level and gotten just the results I intended.”

- Sue Keely, Graphic Facilitator, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.A.

“The whole session was excellent. Well thought out, good pacing, good mix of talk and hands on, useful resources – and Christina was very encouraging and helpful. She also provides post-workshop coaching and has shown a real interest in her students’ progress. Great to have a generous pro like her here in Canada. My confidence is growing and I’m stepping out as a graphic recorder and facilitator. Exciting!”

- Avril Orloff, Graphic Recorder, Vancouver, British Columbia

“I’ve had two experiences with SHIFT-IT in the last 6 months. I’ve fully manifested my first vision already – it actually started to really form in just two months time. Cute new place to live, clarity and commitment around education next steps (I’ve jumped into college again at 38 – am getting A’s! and am also going to California for Yoga certification), and I attracted a terrific guy – who was living across the street from me, but didn’t appear until after SHIFT-IT. Spookily amazing!”

- Wendy Crowther, Overseas English Teacher (Korea) integrating back home after a decade abroad. Victoria, BC

“Thank you so much for the most excellent training. I learned so much. The one-on-one time with you to draw on your vast experience with graphic recording and especially graphic facilitation – priceless. I learned so much AND came home with a product that I can use right way. My clients are going to be thrilled when I show them what I can do for them thanks to my training with you. Put me down for your graphic recording bootcamp session in the spring and, I’m referring you to my colleagues!”

- Judi Adams, Adams & Adams Consulting Inc., San Diego. USA

“Working with Christina is the best investment I’ve made in myself. I needed a life-coach who held me accountable, asked the hard questions and encouraged me to look at the life I really want to create. Christina did this and so much more. Her graphic applications gave me an insightful snapshot of where I’d been and where I’m going. I regularly implement her “Take action Plan” and focus on the top three priorities in my life to achieve maximum satisfaction. Christina skillfully guided me through her process and my life has truly shifted for the better. So far I’ve changed my mindset about personal health and have dropped 6 pounds. Plus, I am regularly attracting business contacts that not only increase my visibility but also increase my profitability. If you do one thing for yourself, make this it!”

- Lisa Manyon, Professional Copywriter and Consultant, www.writeoncreative.com

“Christina, this has been a life changing weekend – brought me the Law of Attraction tools I have been looking for to assist me in my evolutionary process. The visual materials were very powerful and knowing I had The SHIFT-IT Retreat Kit to return to again and again, made me relax and not worry that I had to ‘get it all and get it now’.”

- Kerry Chalmers, Realtor, Salt Spring Island, BC

“After 2.5 days I have a clear vision for my future and the tools, skills and resources to attract it. The location, group members, graphic work, the safe space – all were wonderful. I so appreciate your SHIFT-IT process as I now have the scaffolding I need to expand into my Future Self. I am leaving my SHIFT-IT Weekend Intensive completely inspired.”

- Terry Ash, Facilitator/Inter-cultural Communication Consultant,
Port Townsend, WA

TRAVELED FROM THE UK — WORTH EVERY PENNY!
“I traveled from the UK to work one-on-one with Christina and it was worth every penny. The power of seeing my life and beliefs drawn out of me — no room to hide because I created the picture of the new direction I want. There is a clear process and journey when you work with Christina and if you are committed to really shift your life you can expect amazing results in a short period of time. I’ve revamped my diversity consulting business – re-designed my website, offerings and pricing structure – to serve the populations I like best. I’ve signed up for her Manifestation Mastermind which I expect to be another life changing programme (starts after my Caribbean vacation – more time spent there was part of my visioning!). – I can’t wait. Thanks Christina.”

- Sonya Welch-Moring, Diversity Coach/Consultant, London, UK
www.coachingcultures.com