Trainer Biography

 

YVONNE FREITAS MCGOOKIN

As a leader, trainer, consultant, and coach, Yvonne Freitas McGookin is in the “development business”.  For over fifteen years, she has worked with nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies to develop staff, managers, and their organizations so that they can recognize and achieve their fullest potential and desired outcomes.  Yvonne is passionate about learning and creating stronger, more sustainable communities.

Currently, Yvonne serves as the Director of Staff Development & Retention for the YMCA of Greater Seattle.  In addition, she engages in independent consulting and career coaching projects.  Some of Yvonne’s previous leadership roles include: Human Resources Manager for the Compass Center in Seattle; Human Resources Manager for the Christian Science Center in Boston; and Director of Human Resources Management and Manager of Information Technology Training for the Massachusetts Public Defenders agency. 

Yvonne has served on the faculty and as an academic advisor for Cambridge College School of Management.  She taught courses and workshops in management, leadership, communication, human resource development, and research methods.  Most recently, Yvonne taught career development classes at Bellevue Community College.

Yvonne holds a Master’s degree in Education, with an emphasis in Organizational Development and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.  She has a certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), is a qualified administrator of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI), and is trained in the use of Dependable Strengths®.   She received professional coaching training at the Academy for Coach Training.  Yvonne is an active member of many professional associations, including the American Society for Training and Development, National Career Development Association, Organizational Development Network, and the Society for Human Resources Management.

An ardent supporter of the local and global community, Yvonne actively volunteers with several organizations.  Currently, she is the President of the Board for the Executive Services Corps of Washington where she also provides volunteer consulting support to area nonprofits and educational organizations.  She served as a Lead Volunteer delivering training and supporting the recent Seeds of Compassion events.  During the winter months, Yvonne serves as a volunteer snowshoe instructor for OutdoorsForAll, a local nonprofit helping people with disabilities.  In 2005, the Seattle City Club recognized Yvonne’s passion for civic/community involvement by naming her one of the “Voices and Faces of Seattle”.