Staff
In order to ensure our work is truly reflective of the needs of our clients, our team members are selected for their expertise as well as their diverse identities, abilities, and backgrounds.
During the past 30 years Kavi President Lisa Stokes Nicholas has worked with domestic and international organizations serving multiple sectors including: advocacy; arts; behavioral health; education; early childhood; faith communities; food security; health care; hospice; IDD; government; security; sustainable energy; technology; transportation; and travel.
With 98% of its business coming from referrals or returning clients, Kavi unites diverse stakeholders behind sustainable initiatives that strengthen organizational capacity, create more equitable and inclusive workplaces, and strengthen governance leadership and oversight.
Serving private, public, and non-profit sectors ranging in size from $250K - $250B, Lisa’s experience spans transportation, information technology, health and human services, education, advocacy, and the arts. She has led more than ten dozen nonprofit, government, and social enterprise strategic restructuring efforts to ensure long term sustainability and growth including multiple party strategic mergers, acquisitions, partial-interest divestitures, collaborations, and alliances.
Lisa has a Bachelor of Art in Visual Arts from the University of Wisconsin, a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix and a certificate in Sustainability Management from Cambridge University. A mother and grandmother, Lisa resides in the Boulder, Colorado area.
Chantalle’s background is in relationship-building, cross-sector collaboration, change management, governance, and negotiation. With experience working at the state level with counties, tribal nations and communities, federal agencies, foundations, and nonprofits, she has developed deep expertise of ensuring the voices of people affected by change are at the center of decision-making so that together, mutually beneficial solutions are reached. She brings to Kavi Consulting Services her experience of managing nearly 100 state boards and commissions, leading state-tribal consultations, facilitating community listening sessions, and researching and implementing policy changes. Chantalle understands processes and combines research with her knowledge of community engagement to create actionable plans for improving systems and services.
Chantalle feels a kindred connection to nature, from the tiniest snail to the giant bristlecone pine trees. After evacuating her family from forest fires numerous times and backpacking through that burn scar, she dedicated her career to environmental justice. She believes everyone deserves clean air, fresh water, healthy food, and access to a good life. Chantalle is a nourisher, an adventure-seeker, and will not hesitate to make snow angels in fresh powder.
Chantalle has a Master of Public Administration with a nonprofit organizations’ concentration from the University of Colorado Denver and Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and Women’s Studies from Kansas State University. She is LEAN Process Improvement Certified, a Certified Nonprofit Professional, and participates in the Colorado Change Leader Institute. She is an Everything DiSC Authorized Partner and Certified Trainer and a certified Leave No Trace Trainer. Chantalle’s committed to challenging systemic injustices as a founding board member of the Sand Creek Massacre Foundation so that we may learn, remember, and heal together. She brings that commitment to Kavi’s work with environmental partners to identify opportunities to meaningfully address systemic injustices while transitioning to net zero.
Susanne is a certified Expert Virtual Assistant who brings a human touch to administrative processes. She has over 30 years of experience in the medical field as an ophthalmic technician, clinical manager, and leading/conducting FDA clinical trials. Susanne brings to the Kavi team an understanding of how important it is to get the details right - while maintaining flexibility and kind communication. She’s passionate about helping organizations that make a positive impact on people’s lives.
Susanne resides with her husband in the Umpqua Valley, Oregon, where she feels at home among the beautiful trees, mountains, and rivers of the Pacific Northwest. In her spare time, she enjoys curling up with a good book, baking and cooking, spending time with her kids and grandchild, and brewing her own vanilla. She’s always up for a quick drive over to the coast to dip her feet in the Pacific Ocean.
Kavi Partners
Kavi Consulting Services partners with a broad network of consultants in order to adapt the resources we bring to your organization.
