Certified Trainer Spotlight: Kari Hanson

May 19, 2023

As part of our “Certified Facilitator Spotlight” series, TimeSlips is excited to introduce and connect you to individuals doing work in the field of creative aging from many walks of life, different places around the globe and myriad vocations to highlight the breadth of work being done. This week, we are introducing you to Kari Hanson! Kari is a Certified Trainer, and the former Program Manager for our NextGen program. We are so excited to welcome her back to the TimeSlips team!

TimeSlips:  What is your role with TimeSlips?

Kari: I am a Certified Trainer 

TimeSlips: When did you first become involved?

Kari: I started working full time for TimeSlips in 2018 working to launch the school and teacher programs that would support teachers and students integrating TimeSlips/intergenerational service learning into their curriculum. 

TimeSlips: What is your favorite memory of using TimeSlips?

Kari: Just a few months into the job, I was invited to see the culmination/celebration of a big artist residency in a care community in Kentucky. There was an experience for guests that included walking around from room to room and watching different parts of a (sort of Peter Pan/Wendy/Neverland-type) story unfold. In one room guests were invited to participate in “flying lessons.” I just remember looking around at my colleagues, some of whom I was just meeting for the first time in person, flapping their wings and dancing and laughing. It really solidified that I had found the right community of people.

TimeSlips: What made you decide to return?

Kari: I had to step away during the pandemic because I had a baby and wasn’t comfortable sending him to daycare. I tried for a few weeks to return but found it was just too difficult to balance life with a newborn at home and work. I was incredibly sad to leave. But as he is starting to get a bit older now and I find myself with some bits and spurts of down time, I welcomed the offer to come back on a very flexible basis. I have missed the team and the creative work they inspire.

TimeSlips: How do you hope to use TimeSlips going forward?

Kari: I’ve always been kind of a behind the scenes person. I like to be the support, the cheerleader, the teacher, the mentor. I hope to continue training and encouraging and troubleshooting and highlighting the amazing ways people use Timeslips all over the world!

TimeSlips: Do you have a favorite Beautiful Question?

Kari: When I was full time with Timeslips, I worked with my colleague Elaine Maly on a very special TImeslips project that turned into the creation of a book! It all started with the question: “If you could have a super power, what would it be.”