Dr. Donna (Dee) Holstine Vander Valk

Instructor, Speech

Donna (or ‘Doc’ to her students) teaches public speaking, delivery techniques (across and with all technologies), and storytelling, as well as professional speaking, facilitation skills and anything else related to the intersections of Oral Communication and Leadership. Her work spans over three decades, and her students can be found all over the world, contributing to their communities and professions with passion and purpose.

She is the Founder of Valkyrie Communications Inc., as well as Raconteur Spoken Arts Studio, and has trained, coached, spoken, facilitated, and consulted all over the world. Holding a PhD in Education (Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning), an MEd in Leadership Studies, and a BA in Drama, as well as Associate, Licentiate, and Fellowship diplomas in Speech Communication from Trinity-Guildhall, London, UK., she is an internationally-certified Professional Coach, specializing in Performance and Leadership. She regularly writes and speaks on empowering voice through authenticity, clarity, and accountability, and she trains individuals, teams, and leaders to bring their fullest selves to their communication behaviours and choices, telling their stories and helping shape the future. She is most interested in creating legacy through giving others the power to speak in ways that are impactful, engaging, and memorable.

And - can you tell? - she loves to laugh (that’s called a ‘Duchenne Smile’, and you can learn all about it as one of her students!)