Every facilitator on our team holds certification from the Creative Arts in Improvisation network and brings real-world professional experience to every workshop.
High-tech marketing & sales leadership
Co-founder of CSz Portland and former Executive Director of CSz Worldwide. Patrick spent 13 years in high-tech sales and marketing before bringing improv to the corporate world — his first client was Apple in 1989. He holds an MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is co-author of Jill and Patrick's Small Book of Improv for Business.
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Arts leadership & education direction
A 23+ year veteran of the CSz network, Rick has served as Education Director in Los Angeles and Artistic Director in Seattle. Now leading CSz Portland, he brings deep experience coaching performers and facilitating teams across industries.
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Leadership development & team consulting
With 20+ years of experience performing and teaching improv, Shannon has facilitated workshops for NASA, the City of Austin, and teams across the country. Her background bridging creativity and strategy helps leaders improve communication, build emotional intelligence, and foster genuine collaboration.
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Speech-language pathology & theatre
Co-founder of CSz Portland with a 30+ year career in both improvisational theatre and speech-language pathology. Ruth's clinical expertise in how people communicate brings a scientific foundation to every workshop — she understands connection at both the interpersonal and neurological level.
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Coaching & relationship dynamics
A performer, coach, and facilitator with nearly 30 years in improv, Tiffany previously directed CSz Sacramento. She specializes in helping teams get out of their own way — building spontaneity, authentic connection, and the kind of support that makes collaboration feel natural.
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Improv education & curriculum design
A fixture of the Portland improv community since 2002, Betse teaches and performs at festivals across North America and Europe. As a Certified Applied Improvisation Architect, she designs curriculum for both classrooms and corporate settings. Her teaching style emphasizes connectedness and emotional presence.
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Academic research & published author
Fulbright Scholar, Portland State University professor, and author of three books on applied improvisation. Theresa is one of the foremost practitioners of Keith Johnstone's impro system, with articles published in The Guardian and American Theatre. She brings global perspective from facilitating on four continents.
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Technology, writing & data analysis
Author of 40+ books and 60+ LinkedIn Learning courses, Curtis started his career at MITRE Corporation before joining CSz Portland in 1995. With 1,200+ improv shows under his belt and a background in data analysis and technical writing, he connects with analytical teams in a way few facilitators can.
LinkedInCAI stands for Creative Arts in Improvisation, a professional certification program for applied improv facilitators. It's the industry standard for ensuring facilitators have the training, experience, and methodology to deliver professional-grade workshops.
Executive Practitioner — the highest level. Advanced facilitation skills, extensive experience, and demonstrated expertise in applying improv to professional settings.
Senior Practitioner — significant facilitation experience and training, with demonstrated ability to design and lead workshops independently.
Practitioner — foundational certification demonstrating core competency in applied improv facilitation methods.
Book a discovery call and we'll match you with the right facilitator for your team's needs.
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