transformative circles

What is a Transformative Circle?

Transformative Circles is a monthly, one-hour virtual sanctuary hosted by Sherry MacKay and Tarana Patel. It is a purpose-built Third Space—a neutral ground for discovery that exists outside the daily pressures of the classroom and the home. In this space, we move beyond the role of "expert" to practice the art of holding space. This means walking alongside one another with a commitment to deep presence, respecting the diversity of ideas, and creating a secure "container" where authentic self-awareness can flourish.

The Experience: Holistic Self-Discovery

To help you find your ground and reconnect with your inner voice, we weave together contemplative and embodied practices designed to welcome the soul:

● Somatic Grounding & Breathwork: We begin by settling the nervous system, using the body and breath to move from the "doing" mind into a state of "being."

● Reflective Journaling: Quiet intervals for writing allow you to process thoughts and witness your own unfolding narrative without external judgment.

● Soul-Based Exercises: We use creative and intuitive prompts—poetry, imagery, and metaphor—designed to bypass the analytical mind and tap into deeper layers of identity.

● A Container for Self-Reflection: By holding space, we allow you to find your own ground and source your unique strengths for personal and professional growth.

Our Core Pillars

Rather than a traditional workshop, our circles are defined by three foundational principles:

● Respect for Diverse Ideas: We believe that the richest discovery happens when we honor different perspectives. The Circle serves as a leveler, ensuring every voice is valued without the need for consensus.

● Witnessing Over Fixing: In alignment with the power of holding space, we provide an environment where you are seen and heard, not "corrected" or "coached."

● The Third Space of Discovery: We facilitate an emergent environment—one where we let go of control to see what arises naturally through dialogue and shared inquiry.

What Happens in the Circle?

This virtual, dialog-based shared space is an opportunity to engage in quiet reflection and embodied practices. Together, we explore the questions that matter:

● Who are we as educators in today’s world?

● How can we cultivate the self-awareness needed to meet today’s realities?

● How do we build a community of support that values witnessing over judging?

Who is it for?

This gathering is for educators who seek a brave space to reconnect with themselves. If you are looking for a community that prioritizes safety over performance and discovery over instruction, this space is for you.

About the Facilitators

Sherry MacKay and Tarana Patel are longtime collaborators and friends whose work centers on personal growth and teacher well-being. They have presented independently and jointly through TESOL, LARAEC, and other ESOL organizations and schools. As teacher trainers and consultants, they provide professional learning for educators in the U.S. and internationally, emphasizing reflective practice, care, and connection.

Interested? Please fill out this REGISTRATION FORM.

Fee: Transformative Circles is a donation-based gathering designed to foster a sense of commitment among participants. Google Pay, Venmo, and PayPal are accepted.