With gratitude, River ❤️ by Vanessa Kuran

franceshonsinger — 2024-01-19 18:15:08 UTC

Wishing you all the very best in your future, River. God bless you. ~ Warmly, Frances

loribender — 2024-01-19 18:30:57 UTC

I am sending you warm hugs your way. May your future goals and memorable moments be joyful as you move forward to new things. Thank you for all that you have done, and will continue to do for SelfDesign. ♥ - Lori Bender

anastasiahangemanole — 2024-01-19 19:37:12 UTC

What a gift you are to this community River. You have been a mentor to many, including me, and I am so grateful for the learning and guidance you have provided me with, both directly and indirectly. I also consider you a friend and I look forward to connecting in person when I am in Nelson.

rubypayne — 2024-01-22 18:28:53 UTC

River, I am so grateful for the connections we have had. I've benefitted greatly from your wisdom and example. Thank you for the gift of your attention, your generosity, and your warmth over the years. I am more rooted, having had you in my life.

River

danielledunnmorris — 2024-01-22 18:49:00 UTC

Hi River...Although we have not been close friends I have always appreciated your loving view of teaching and observing Learners...May you continue to spread your golden views to whomever you meet....

Take care

Danielle Dunn-Morris

River

amberpapou — 2024-01-23 16:42:25 UTC

I want tp extend my heartfelt gratitude and admiration to you. You have been a beacon of inspiration, guiding and enlightening many people in our community - and especially me. River, you embody the spirit of SelfDesign - your wisdom and insight have shaped what our organization is today and what it will be in the future! Thank you!!!

nikki_kenyon — 2024-01-23 21:19:27 UTC

River, you interviewed me at Collab so many years ago and then again as vice principal and in between then and now we have had so many amazing moments. I so appreciate your grounded approach to supporting those around you to dive deep into SelfDesign waters. You leave a legacy of love and wisdom. Thank you!

2024-01-23 21:59:47 UTC

Dear River, I will never forget the day Sergio and I met you and Brent in your home and jammed ideas and shared inspiration. Thanks for your years of wisdom, conversation and excitement for interesting ideas. I wish you the absolute best with this next phase and look forward to connecting soon. with heart, Amber

Love. Love. Love. Namaste, Nancy

2024-01-26 03:49:44 UTC

River, you have played such an important role in the lives of so many people over the past 20 years. From a personal perspective, you were my mentor when I first joined SelfDesign. Your guidance, kindness and support then and now have made a significant impact for which I am extremely grateful. It has been my pleasure to work with you over the years and I look forward to keeping in touch and having our heartfelt conversations. Thank you, Karen

2024-01-26 05:16:42 UTC

2024-01-27 05:17:46 UTC

I have always appreciated your words of wisdom, and the deep serenity and calm that could be experienced when listening to you talking. Thank you and all the best in your next chapter of life adventures - JulieM.

Onto your next big thing...

2024-02-02 01:57:42 UTC

Thanks for all you have done for SelfDesign. No doubt there will be another adventure for you around the corner.

Good Luck!

Kathy R.

2024-02-02 02:25:06 UTC

I’ve always loved our chats and our collaborations ❤️. Thank you for your deep listening, warmth, generous spirit and ability to hold space in this online environment. I am happy to hear that you will be ‘around’ in your new role and I look forward to seeing you again soon. ~ Rana

Sending heartfelt best wishes

janicegreen — 2024-02-02 04:24:08 UTC

River, I am filled with gratitude to have been connected to you and your work over the years. Your VOICE is such a grounding, calming, regulating piece for me in my work in so many ways! I love your calm wisdom, your honesty, your deep thinking and your humour. I treasure all of our interactions as they help to guide my work. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. I am hopeful we will cross paths again and I look forward to that.

Thank you for everything! Janice

Thank you River.

vanessakuran — 2024-02-02 08:22:27 UTC

River, your unwavering commitment to the foundations of SelfDesign, and your steady voice in ensuring we remain true to our roots is so invaluable. Wishing you a wonderful transition from your working life to some leisure activities you enjoy! I am a lucky one in that I can pop over for a visit with you in Nelson 🙂 ❤️ Vanessa

2024-02-02 13:51:52 UTC

River, your heartfelt work over the years has created and shaped the very core of SelfDesign. You have gently planted your seeds of wisdom and patiently tended them in all of us since the beginning of SelfDesign, so that hopefully we can do our best to carry on your profound work. River, I wish you some lovely new adventures and I am so glad to hear that we will still feel your presence in SelfDesign here and there as you support some special projects. ❤️

All the best wishes to you, River ❤️

Janet

Thank you, River, for sharing your wisdom, inspiration and guidance with us for so many years. I'm so glad that you will still be present with us in a new role. With love, Joanne

2024-02-02 16:04:19 UTC

Thank you for holding space for the vision that Brent had for SelfDesign and also adding your wisdom as the program has continued to evolve and grow. I have valued your presence and the things thst I have learned from you, especially in that first alpha cohort of the MA program. With gratitude...Abbie

2024-02-02 16:05:16 UTC

2024-02-02 16:16:52 UTC

Dear River, wishing you peace, contentment, and continued good health in this next chapter of your life journey. Thank you for the immense contribution you have given to SelfDesign; so glad to hear you will continue to be a presence. How fortunate are we...Kathy Koep

2024-02-02 16:26:10 UTC

River

I feel so grateful that we were able to spend some time together at last year’s local labs. You have inspired me on many professional and personal levels. It has been an honor to navigate this SelfDesign Path with you. This is not farewell as I hope that we will connect on future projects and if not then I look forward to an in person visit in Nelson or on Salt Spring.

With heartfelt gratitude and best wishes,

Corinne

Gratitude

sherilucas1 — 2024-02-02 16:30:33 UTC

River, what an extraordinary gift you are. Your kindness and warm wisdom have been a guiding compass many of us have come to look forward to (and rely on). I have felt deeply touched and inspired by you on numerous occasions over the years❣️ I could listen to you forever! Thank you for always steering us with such a calm, love-filled manner - I so appreciate your unwavering commitment to our core values. Much love and light to you as you head on to new things. I’m super-dee-duper happy to hear that we’ll still be blessed with a little ‘River-fix’ every now and then. Warmly, Sheri

Warmest Wishes

2024-02-02 16:32:45 UTC

River, thank you for your calm, grounding voice and holding of SelfDesign philosophy. I wish you all the best with your special projects, as well as more time for connection and care for yourself. 🌷🎉 Scotti

2024-02-02 16:33:20 UTC

River: your warmth, wisdom and generosity of spirit has made such a deep impression on me as I've come to know SelfDesign. You've made such an impact on our community and the people in your life, and I'm sure you will continue to do so as you move forward! Thank you. - Eden

2024-02-02 16:39:46 UTC

Your warmth, wisdom, and serenity have been such a gift. Your vision of SelfDesign and the Path course opened my eyes to a more compassionate way of being in the world and of relating with my kids. It's definitely made me a better parent. Thank you!! I wish you much happiness in this next chapter of your life. - Tricia

River <3 Thank YOU for sharing your gifts with the world. Your mentorship has expanded & deepened my world. As a result, my children & my SelfDesign families have benefitted. We are grateful for you. Envisioning you creating what you want & need in this new chapter of life. <3 Lovingly, Sherri Pepin

2024-02-02 16:42:03 UTC

Hi River,

2024-02-02 17:14:24 UTC

Thank you for all of the inspiration over the years. I will never forget your calm and relaxing voice in the Path program which helped me get grounded not only as an LC but as a parent as well.

Best wishes on your future,

Doug

In celebration of you, River

2024-02-02 17:32:22 UTC

River - I believe that the meaningful and dedicated contributions you have made to shaping and guiding us on this learning journey will forever reverberate. You have so embodied this work that even during this time that you step forward into a new chapter of your life, those of us who have been lucky enough to know you have acquired a River voice in our hearts and minds. Similar to the voice a parent uses with their child that becomes their inner voice, I feel that you have provided all of us with a kind, gentle, and present inner voice as life long learners. Thank you for everything! I wish you so much nourishment and laughter and adventure and peace and rest and whatever fills you as you embrace what's next for you. Much love, Anita

2024-02-02 17:55:37 UTC

Dear River, it has been a privilege to learn from your wisdom for so many years. Your generosity of spirit, gentle kindness, and mentorship are gifts that have helped me become a better person. I wish you all the best things as you move into the next chapter of your life. ~Shelly D

Gratitude!

2024-02-02 17:58:53 UTC

Thank you, River, for embodying elderhood with grace. When I think about the experiences I had walking the spiral during SDGI residencies - with you leading us through the reflections, we did a lot of work with our memories. During those exercises so many years ago, I reflected on influential mentors in my past educational and life experiences. If I were to walk the spiral again, I am certain you would be standing in my mind's eye, graceful and patient as you model wisdom. Thank you! I hope you have some fun planned for the next turn around the spiral. With love, Clarissa

2024-02-02 18:00:50 UTC

River, I only had the opportunity to connect with you a couple times, however your genuineness, passion, and free spirit was so beautiful. It was evident that there was such thoughtful alignment between what you believe and who you are - such integrity and depth. Wishing you every possible happiness in the next chapter!

Mara

A River runs through it

2024-02-02 18:19:41 UTC

You've had a profound effect on SelfDesign over the years, River, and I'm glad you're not leaving us completely. I enjoyed listening to your wisdom at collabs and appreciated you sharing that you understood my bad jokes :) I hope you enjoy and make the most of the increase in free time you will have; you deserve it!

Dave D

River - I have long been impressed with your peaceful, calm spirit. I have been lucky to learn from you over past 20+ (!) years as you've beautifully shared and embodied the philosophy of SelfDesign. I hope your new path offers you the spaciousness and rest you are so deserving of. Much love, Tracey

2024-02-02 18:39:42 UTC

With love and gratitude

2024-02-02 18:46:02 UTC

You and Brent are the reason I am here with SelfDesign as I resonated deeply with your wisdom and values of how to support children. I have SO much to thank you for. I wish you the very best in what lies ahead for you and a blissful time for rest and connection:)

With love and gratitude, Tina (LC K-9)

River, I feel very blessed to have met you and Brent as selfdesigning has changed my life and that of my family! I will always remember your wisdom shared in your beautiful, calm voice through the Path course. God bless you on the rest of your path. 💚 Judy (LC K-9)

2024-02-02 18:58:23 UTC

2024-02-02 19:06:14 UTC

Thank you for your contribution to this wonderful organization. And for holding space for the vision of an education that is learner led. My son flourishes in this school because of the foundation you and Brent laid for learners. ❤️

Notes from our Community Convo

vanessakuran — 2024-02-02 19:17:41 UTC

2024-02-02 19:18:19 UTC

May the road ahead bring you nothing but joy, satisfaction, and continued success. Your influence will resonate in our hearts and within SelfDesign. With gratitude, Julie

2024-02-02 19:18:50 UTC

I'm so grateful to have met you River. You are such a light in this world. I feel very lucky that I got to interview you about the philosophy of SelfDesign back in 2018 and interview you for the SelfDesign video back in 2019. I've appreciated all of our emails back and forth over the years and I'm so glad we're neighbours in the Kootenays. You have made an impact on my life and so many others. I look forward to continuing our connection and having tea one day soon in Nelson! - Karen K

Thank-you for your guidance River

2024-02-02 19:20:04 UTC

wishing you the best in what the future entails...

River... where to start!

2024-02-02 19:31:53 UTC

It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know you over the last few years, and more so working together on the Spaces project. What I've learned about you is... you are one of the most gentle and thoughtful people I've ever known! Working on the archive project with you was amazing as I got to see all the work you've done for the last 20 years at SelfDesign. I'm writing this while listening to everyone tell stories about you and the impact you've had on everyone at SelfDesign is really special! I wish you all the best as you enter this new chapter in your life and I'm thrilled to hear you will still be working with SD in some capacity! River thank you for being you! - Michelle Sim

Karaoke

vanessakuran — 2024-02-02 19:49:15 UTC

Karaoke

vanessakuran — 2024-02-02 19:49:47 UTC

vanessakuran — 2024-02-02 19:51:22 UTC

River

2024-02-02 19:55:44 UTC

I appreciate so much what you have brought and shared with us over all these years. I have learned so much and want to thank you for expanding and broadening my understanding in so many domains. Wishing you all the best as you venture forth into this new chapter. With gratitude, Kathryn

2024-02-02 20:07:02 UTC

River... I am so grateful for you, for all of your energy, efforts, love, sweat and tears that have fallen into SelfDesign over the years; you certainly do leave a legacy of wisdom.

I am glad to know you will be around within a new role and I look forward to seeing you in the future.

Shari xo

2024-02-02 22:22:37 UTC

It is with gratitude for your calming, soulful, and joyful presence, and excitement for what is yet to come in your next chapter, that I wish you a wondrous leap forward. I'm going to take you up on that outdoor adventure idea!

With love, Fonda

I will never forget....

2024-02-03 00:43:51 UTC

HI River, it's Chris Cheng here.

I wish I could have been there today but I just wanted to say that I'll never forget my first days in SelfDesign. How welcome everyone made me feel, especially you. Everytime I saw you at a Collab, you would give me a hug. I think that's a rare thing for teachers. But then, SelfDesign is rare. You and SelfDesign has been instrumental in my gradual recovery from a traumatic experience and to this day, I can't find another organization whose people are so kind and wonderful to work with. You, and they, have taught me the true meaning of being an educator. I wish you all the best in your new journey and thank you, for everything.