I create actionable processes for groups to transform
As a facilitator, I work in partnership to shape inclusive, creative, and efficient group processes that honor the contributions and strengths of all participants, while fostering connection, trust and consensus among participants. Together we will break daunting tasks into manageable steps. I am committed to practicing racial equity principles in all my work.
Facilitation Offerings
My customized facilitations support groups in creating purposeful change and impact.
Speciality Areas
My facilitation experience spans across multiple sectors:
Nonprofit Organizations
Local Government
DEI & Social Justice
Small Business
Public Arts Engagement
Fundraising and Donor Organizing
What is facilitation?
Why a chrysalis?
Feedback from Partners
Efficient, Engaging & Effective
Hilary helped us plan the initial meetings to get our Haw River Trail Steering Committee off to a good start. Her facilitation kept us on topic and using our time efficiently. She effectively used breakout groups and asked the right questions to get active participation by committee members and to focus us on developing goals, objectives, and next steps.
Gretchen Smith, Haw River Trail Steering Committee and President, Friends of Lower Haw River State Natural Area
Insightful & Inspiring
Hilary’s insightful, calm, and accomplished style helped us connect deeply with our work and with her. Her facilitation sessions, designed to our specific needs and audience, support individual participation and encourage group collaboration. She has inspired us to think more critically and boldly!
Melissa Driver Beard, Executive Director of CORA Food Pantry
Beneficial Over a Year Later
Hilary was instrumental in supporting our internal equity committee to identify shared language and goals and advance this work in our social services agency. She is organized, creative, and a good communicator. We have continued to use the tools she helped us develop and find them beneficial over a year later.
Director, Chatham County Department of Social Services
Beyond Quick Fixes
Going far beyond quick fixes, Hilary cultivates deeper work that reshapes team dynamics in meaningful ways for the long term by centering relationship building, empathy, and justice.
Jacob Boehm, Chef and Owner of Snap Pea Creative Dining
Thoughtful & Thorough
Hilary worked with our Advisory Committee to help them define success and explore how they want to work together. She had lots of good energy, and led a thoughtful and thorough meeting that kept members engaged. Everyone contributed and we realized how well we can work together
Chatham County Parks & Recreation
Excellent Communicator & Outstanding Facilitator
Hilary worked collaboratively with our leadership team to design a full day working staff retreat. The participatory retreat was inclusive of all voices, involved individual and collective work, was well paced, and had fun ice breakers. She helps us understand and appreciate each other’s work and responsibilities as we developed an organizational work planning process. She delivered all of this in Spanish seamlessly. Hilary is an excellent communicator and outstanding facilitator. We can’t wait to work with her again!
Ilana Dubester, Executive Director of The Hispanic Liaison of Chatham County
Encourages Participation & Collaboration
Hilary is very effective in facilitating diverse groups of stakeholders—moving them forward toward shared goals by being well organized, respectful, and inspiring. Hilary’s communication and analytical skills and pleasant demeanor encourage maximum participation and productive and collaborative outcomes.
Dennis W. Streets, MPH, MAT, Former Executive Director of the Chatham County Council on Aging, Former Director of the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services.
Hilary Pollan Facilitation 