About
Council is a skill that can help improve communication within groups and communities. It is our mission and vision to bring the council practice to a diverse variety of people all over the world. By teaching and practicing more peaceful communication, these skills can extend to the outside world, helping to make the world a more peaceful place.
Meet O’Kawai
O’Kawai / ka·why / Kin is a non-binary professional whose work encompasses education, council facilitation & training, naturalism, and art. Her academic background includes a BA in Sociology from San Jose State University, where she was a member of the women’s basketball team. She furthered her professional development by earning a DEI certification from Cornell University.
O'Kawai's career demonstrates a lasting commitment to community and education. She spent five years as a behavioral therapist for children with autism before transitioning to outdoor education in 2009 with Celebrate Life, an organization where the practice of council is central. This experience was instrumental in shaping her path as a dedicated council facilitator/trainer and ceremonialist.
For over a decade, O'Kawai has been instrumental in teaching and facilitating council circles. Her work has reached diverse settings, including schools, professional development programs, and youth outreach initiatives, often in collaboration with The Ojai Foundation. Most recently, from 2022 to 2025, she held the position of Director of Education at Topa Institute, focusing on youth educational programs, council training, and ceremonial practices. O’Kawai's commitment is to bring the practice of council to communities globally.