Welcome to the Boston Facilitators & OD Roundtable!

 MISSION: The BFR's purpose is to support facilitators, consultants and coaches in deepening their practice through workshops, knowledge sharing and reflection.  Members appreciate the kind of community we create — one shaped by curiosity, generosity, and genuine connection. Join us!
Looking for a Facilitator or a Consultant
 
for your next meeting or retreat -
or to help your team improve how they work together? 
 
FIND a Facilitator 

 

JULY 21, 2026

HONORING STORIES THROUGH PLAYBACK

  Join us for an engaging program of true storytelling by participants and Playback improvisation by Erin Curren. In this interactive session you will witness, and practice, deep listening combined with creative honoring using metaphor, embodiment, song, and more.


SHORT DEMO on Mis-Communication

  LEARN MORE

 
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
JEN COHEN
Jen Cohen Leadership



 Recently, two of my executive coaching clients shared that they had guided their teams through defining team values. Hearing them describe their experience made me realize that my greatest impact is helping leaders build the skills and confidence to lead these kinds of conversations themselves.
 
It also reminded me how much my own journey has evolved. About 20 years ago, I joined the Boston Facilitators Roundtable to grow as a facilitator. Soon after, I completed coach training and became ICF certified. Through BFR, I built confidence, experimented with new ideas, learned from exceptional facilitators, and built lasting friendships. I'm grateful to be part of this authentic community.
MELISSA HALSTEAD
Claria Partners




With three decades of experience in large and small global organizations, I have developed
a comprehensive understanding of effective leadership and management practices. 
Seeing the impact talented leaders and managers have when modeling company values
and creating an environment that is safe for employees is inspiring. Being that kind of
leader takes work. It requires intention, commitment, and a partnership that forces you to think differently.
My goal is to help others recognize what good leaders look like and understand where gaps may exist for them. I use my background in talent and development to support leaders to bring their best selves to the
work they do and the teams they lead.

 

 
LISTEN TO WHAT BFR MEMBERS VALUE ABOUT THE COMMUNITY:
  • "I think of BFR meetings as soul nourishment"

  • "BFR members are people who've walked the walk of personal change, built the skills and have come out the other side smarter, more compassionate, and willing/able to help others." - Dialogue Facilitator  
  •  
  • "Great community of practitioners: approachable, knowledgeable, and friendly" – Principal of Mediation, Consulting and Training Company
  • "A trusting safe environment"

  • "BFR is an intellectually diverse, generous and generative group of experienced colleagues" - Principal, Consulting and Strategic Planning company
  • "Incredibly insightful and generous colleagues"

  • "People willing to talk about their challenges and what they need help with"

  • "Experiential exercises with accomplished colleagues where we learn, try, debrief, and take something away to apply to our own client situations." - Corporate Physician Coach


Governance and Management

BFR is a nonprofit organization (501c6) registered in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, who are: Jan Sage and Matthias Mokros.  Sadie Rosethorn plays a vital role as VP of Programs.  Thank you to all of them for their service!  
 

Contact Abby Yanow, BFR President

Calendar of Events

HONORING STORIES THROUGH PLAYBACK (VIRTUAL)
07/21/26
Witness deep listening combined with creative honoring using metaphor, embodiment, song, and more - then experience the practice firsthand.

more info...

GROUP MENTORING PROGRAM for new OD or L&D Professionals
Coming Soon...
The purpose of the program is to provide a mentoring experience for people who are new to OD, L&D or facilitation, or other related areas.  Group mentoring will involve 3-5 people working together with a mentor on topics of interest to the mentees. The group is starting in June.  Let us know it you'd like to participate. 

more info...

BFR Culture


The BFR has a No-Marketing policy, which helps preserve the collegial culture we've built. Members ask we not market our OD/ Facilitation/ Coaching services to one another. Members may, however, promote their programs in the BFR monthly calendar, for which Anne Grieves solicits submissions every month by email. Thank you Anne!
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