Brian D. Crisp, a native of Western North Carolina, brings a rich background in education and systems thinking to his work. His journey has seen him serve schools, universities, and churches across the United States, Italy, and Germany for over thirty years. His primary focus has always been on creating sustainable and just communities through a systems approach that examines individual, cultural, and structural dynamics. Brian's approach is rooted in a deep understanding of historical analysis, power arrangements, and persuasive narratives, empowering people and institutions to be agents of change in their communities.

His academic journey includes degrees from Furman University, Southern Seminary, and Vanderbilt University. After his tenure as a curriculum consultant in the Municipal Schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, Brian has consistently emphasized the importance of creativity and care in systems approaches for sustainable outcomes in educational and nonprofit environments.

In 2009, he returned to North Carolina, founding Crisp Consulting + Coaching. His work has assisted countless families and students in navigating the education system, helping individuals realize their dreams and potential, and guiding churches, nonprofits, and companies in reaching their organizational goals.

Brian currently resides in the Raleigh-Durham area, North Carolina, where he actively fosters community through equitable principles and practices.

Chris Nichols’s upbringing was as diverse as his professional journey. He was the only child of a career Air Force officer father and a speech therapist mother, moving to California, New York, Arizona, Oklahoma, before settling in Satellite Beach, Florida, south of Patrick Air Force Base, where he spent his formative years.

As a highly accomplished attorney, Chris has always been drawn to conflict resolution and the defense of the rights of victims. He attended Wake Forest University, where he graduated with honors, and Wake Forest Law School, where he was a frequent finalist in the mock trial and moot court competitions and was initiated into the Order of the Barristers and Inns of Court.

His professional achievements include being recognized by Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, but his favorite award is the New Lawyers' Mentor Award.  As a trial lawyer, he specializes in educating jurors, mediating disputes, and working in adversarial conditions.

He has led a 3,000-member non-profit, served on multiple boards, and consulted on policy and government affairs, passing state legislation. Chris is also a trained Ombudsman and a winning high school coach. He brings these experiences to businesses and non-profits to help them understand who they are and to align their internal systems to their external goals.

His philosophy is grounded in pragmatically listening to people's stories and helping them understand and narrate a new direction in their lives.