About Us

All successful businesses have one thing in common – excellent communication.

It is our mission at Communicate with CLASS to improve the quality of business relationships!

We do this through providing

• engaging
• believable
  
• practical
  
• effective
  
• instantly applicable
  

• We believe in you learning as much as you can about yourself.
• We believe in you learning as much as you can about the other person.
• We believe in listening completely.
• We believe in finding ways to respect one another and understand one another to the point of transforming your business relationships.
  
• We believe that these simple actions will transform your business, just ask our clients, they believe too!

"I just read your article on the Extravaganza email. I loved your "tips" part. You know those are all things that we know, but I think that we forget them or just think that people don't pay attention much if we're scanning the room or checking our phones. I'm definitely going to try some of these tips and focus more on the other person."

Serena Paredes, Account Executive, Staffing Partners, LLC

"I recently worked with Pamela Cournoyer who partnered with me to implement a multi-unit, complex intervention that addressed long-standing problems. Using a diagnostic approach that looked system-wide, we were able to identify core issues and long-term solutions. Throughout this process, Pamela demonstrated exceptional interpersonal skills; an uncanny ability to read people and adapt to the needs of different participants. She is skilled in designing facilitations that maximize impact with a flow in delivery that assures consistency and effective transfer of learning. In managing conflict, she builds partnerships that address the issues and move beyond them to seek understanding."

Pam M.K. Farmer, Ph.D., University of Oregon

"I just wanted to thank you so much for all your encouragement and coaching at the CPAO Crime Prevention Academy. I survived my presentation….and even felt good about it afterwards. I received some really good feedback from everyone on things I didn’t even realize I was doing... it was a very good experience for me."

Andrea Zielinski, Community Outreach/Volunteer Services Coordinator, Douglas County Sheriff's Office

"Fun, innovative, a very strong presentation." "Wonderful" "Great communication skills" "She was a great presenter" "Great, educational, and fun!" "Very informative and useful- presented in an engaging way" "Useful info, easy to understand, easy to enact" "I loved the energy! Examples/slides/handouts etc/all great!" "She is great and very down to earth!"

2009 PMI Conference Attendees

"It's evident that people are engaged in this training, from the questions they're asking and the fact that they are volunteering for role plays to the laughter and sharing around the room. You've obviously made this a safe and interesting learning environment."

Annette Leonard, Lane County Human Resources, Performance Development & Diversity

"Great!: A one hour session of beneficial...delivered the recognition, approaches and the "stop-take a real look" that are so often buried and re-buried due to overwhelming "busyness" of the day. Back to the basic(s) is soooooo refreshing! Thanks P & M."

Regan Mulvihill

"I really enjoyed our session... It was very helpful to learn a bit more about my operational style, my colleagues' styles, and how we can use this information to better develop our organization. It is so easy to put a group together, cross our fingers and hope for the best. With this new information and your encouragement, I expect our little group to really work towards better communication with one another. The awareness of each member's style will cause very important connections within the group as well as in other daily interactions. I know that we only tapped the surface but we are on our way! Thanks so much!"

Bereniece Jones, Cascadia Concert Opera

"Recently my company had the opportunity to attend Pamela Cournoyer's Management Series Workshop. Pamela truly understands people, her ability to understand a persons communication style and then teach a diverse group of people how to interact with others is amazing. I am better able to communicate with my employees, clients, vendors and even my own family. Our business and personal relationships have been greatly enhanced by Pamela's workshops. I strongly urge anyone who interacts with people to attend this class."

A2Z Computers

"Pamela is effective in making you think about how you present your ideas, thoughts and how you communicate in all aspects of your life. Truly life changing."

Michael Kemp, Northwest Greenways, LLC

On behalf of the Oregon State Fiscal Association (OSFA) Board of Directors, we would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation for your keynote and presentations at the OSFA’s Annual Conference.

Clay Flowers, President, Oregon State Fiscal Association

"Your pace is fast enough to keep people's attention but not so fast that you seem to be rushing through the material. I'm guessing that you have accurately pegged how long these trainings take to allow enough time for questions, reflections, spontaneous learning moments, etc."

Annette Leonard, Lane County Human Resources, Performance Development & Diversity

"I can say that if you meet Pamela and Michael, you will never forget them. Their dynamic approach to HELPING comes from a  servant's heart, and a desire to help. That kind of approach to business is needed today. Thank you Pamela!"

-Joe Brewer, Integracept

Great Speaker!

"You're really easy to talk to. But I guess that's what makes you good at your job, right? "

HuckFinn Creative

"You do such a nice job drawing out reflection from the group -- on body language, tone, approach, skills, analysis, etc. while utilizing reflection IN action with some of the role players as well as reflection ON action from the group at large."<

Annette Leonard, Lane County Human Resources, Performance Development & Diversity

"Her workshops have given me more confidence when working with other people as now I better understand what makes them "tick". I better understand all the aspects of my own style and how those aspects relate to the other behavior styles. I'm now able to approach difficult situations, such as a conflict, with a workable plan in place instead of fear. What a HUGE help this has been!"

Tammy Everall, Everall Design

"I came to the [Coffee with CLASS] meeting with a question in mind (about how to handle my interns), and not only did I come away with knowing what to do next, but also with an understanding of myself and the person at work I am dealing with. Great atmosphere and business comradery. It was a great chance to network and to get to meet you and Michael in person."

Mikayle Anderson

"I just love watching you present, like yesterday's speech, to see what you craft out of your creative soul. You have an efflorescent spirit that enlivens any situation. I so admire your playful and engaging interaction with the audience while delivering a message. You just shine!!"

Ruth

"...since then I've had a couple of other opportunities to train, and I think of your advice and example every time!"

Kathy Hyde, Executive Director, Utah Commission on Volunteers

"I so appreciate the fact that you use people's first names -- a personal touch that makes training more effective."

Annette Leonard, Lane County Human Resources, Performance Development & Diversity

"Pamela's workshops have provided me with the "missing links" as it pertains to working with others. I've learned how very important and necessary each behavior style is to make the world turn - and that not one is better or more right than the next."

Tammy Everall, Everall Design

"Pamela is a professional coach, trainer and mentor to me and many others. She is a superior communications specialist who transforms organizations and interpersonal exchanges one conversation at a time. Her leadership skills are absolutely incredible."

Mark Molina

“I was very impressed with all 3 of her sessions. I normally like to learn about technical areas and specifically chose Pamela’s sessions for ‘people skills’ growth. She was an excellent choice for the event and I’m glad you selected her.”

OSFA Conference

I like the interactive meetings!

"I don't think I've ever described a presentation as "suspenseful" but it was! Great ending! Yes, we need to expect expect expect it. Great job!"<

Dive In Designs

She was enthusiastic and fun. I liked that!

"Pamela's teaching on communication has been life changing for me professionally. After taking Pamela's seminar... I was able to communicate and connect with my clients with much greater ease. By learning my communication strengths and weaknesses I could clearly see what was working and what was not. By simply tweaking... I was able to change how I was being perceived.
I was finally able to approach a potential contact, connect with them immediately and subsequently, book them for a consultation. Thank You again,"

~Kathryn Gaines, CEO Systems

"Instead of getting hung-up on any problems that may arise, I can step back, access the behavior styles involved, and move toward a workable solution, honoring both myself and the others involved at the same time. The ramifications of this to my business has been extremely rewarding. For me personally, the best part was learning that I really am OK, and my qualities are as much needed to make the world work as everyone else's."

Tammy Everall, Everall Design

"Your session was rated one of the highest!  Congratulations. On behalf of PMI-Portland and the 2009 Conference Committee, thank you..."

Connie Plowman, Project Manager, 2009 Conference, PMI-Portland Chapter

"Before Communicate with CLASS I felt really lost. I was beginning to question my own sanity. I was having so much trouble making decisions and wondering if I was ever doing the right thing. I took the DiSC profile, and Pamela was able to validate my feelings. No longer did I have to feel trapped by own emotions, she helped me to embrace my individuality again."

Catherine Reid

"Dear Pamela,  Thank you for your time, energy and expertise in helping Tamarack move forward.  You did such an amazing job of guiding us and then leadng us through these meetings, and have renewed our hope and sense of possibility for the future.  Your invaluable contributions serve the emerging vision that will ensure Tamarack's well-being.  In gratitude."

Ann, Leslie, Sue - Tamarack Wellness Center

Great topic!

Practical, funny and inspiring.. Great way to start my day.

"I just wanted to say 'thank you' for having us LAVA folks over to your lovely office. You do SUCH an excellent job at running those types of meetings and helping keep everyone focused.

Shirley Kirkpatrick, OASIS Volunteer Program Manage

"Thank you for pushing me to [present in public]. Thank you for encouraging me that I could do it. And most of all thank you for all the extra time you put into our class. I really felt as though you wanted us to succeed."

Andrea Zielinski, Community Outreach/Volunteer Services Coordinator, Douglas County Sheriff's Office

A nice motivational boost

"I am so anxious to continue to exercise my new found tools. Thank you for giving of yourself and teaching us the wisdom of your experience and the program you work with. In many instances in my career I have been blessed to attend seminars that are designed to teach you one thing or the other about behavior modifications, etc. This one contained the most useful information for me, and I trust I can serve my organization better as an Eagle, and learn to better communicate with the individuals I work with... You are a dynamic and life giving person, and the gifts you give others are well received. Thank you for impacting my life."

Joe Brewer, US Air Force

"Now I understand just exactly what you do AND how well it is done by you. Thanks so much for all that you've done for me in this endeavor. You are a true professional and you helped to make the atmosphere in that room that we occupied as 'get things done' but with grace, love and an attitude that speaks for itself."

Judy Weiss, Thurston Christian Church

"For the past few months I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Pamela Cournoyer as a Coaching client. Pamela has shown me a new way of looking at obstacles in my life and by applying her techniques I have overcome years of fear and discontent. Pamela has always been there to follow up and encourage me as my life takes on new meaning and I am able to explore opportunities in my life that I had never thought possible."

Bob Rice - Eugene, OR

"Your presentation today was awesome! Very engaging for everyone, and gave us all something to think about. You are a star! ...Rock on!"

Sheila Craven

"Pamela brought positive energy and focus to our organization at a critical time of transition. She has a wonderful collaborative approach that encouraged us to define the outcome and identify the steps that would move us toward our goals."

With appreciation, Kelli, Options

"Pamela's work with our management team helped us get on track and come up with a structure that worked for us.  She also helped us have quality personal interactions, and all of these changes have had a lasting impact."

Heidi Schultz, RN, Riverstone Clinic Manager, Lane County

Meet Pamela Cournoyer, Your Business Relationship Expert

"You would think that someone with so much fire and passion for life would be in the middle of conflict, rather than helping you to manage it!"

Pamela is a nationally and internationally known communication consultant, facilitator, speaker and coach.  Pamela founded her company, Communicate with CLASS in 2004 and has since created a solid reputation in working with individuals and companies to improve their business communications training.

Known as the “Queen of Conflict Resolution”, her highly effective facilitation in intervention and training has been utilized by businesses and organizations as diverse as the Oregon State Police, the Tamarack Wellness Center and the Department of Justice in the Republic of Kosovo, where she coached and trained ethnically diverse groups and helped them overcome racial, cultural and gender divides.

Millions of businesses want better communication.

Is yours one of them?

Pamela is valued particularly in group settings where she has been called on to provide in-depth consulting and problem-solving for challenging situations. Her gifts in conducting effective organizational conflict interventions have provided measurable, lasting results.

Pamela’s skills go beyond the five national Master Trainer-of-Trainer Certifications that she holds. Pamela’s understanding of the natural nuances of communication in the workplace, coupled with her extensive background as a professional trainer, coach and facilitator have made her a catalyst for innovative ideas and problem solving approaches.

It’s time to act to increase the communication at your place of business. Call Pamela today to get started on what could be the most effective management step you take this year!

Meet Chantel Shelton, Your Business Image Expert

Chantel is a talented and competent young fashionista and "au courant" image consultant. She is currently an understudy of personal color and image consultant, Bernie Burson, who is also an active board member for the Association of Image Consultant's International. Chantel is in the process of acquiring numerous prestigious image-consulting certifications.

Communicate with CLASS is the perfect fit for Chantel because of her likeable personality and ability to work with just about anyone; she compliments the image that Pamela works with her clients on. Being Pamela's daughter also helps, because she was raised with the values and mission that Communicate with CLASS holds.

Chantel has the unique ability to walk into a clothing closet and separate the "ok" from the "wow". Her interpersonal skill set enables her to deliver the "this would be more flattering for you" conversation in such an empowering way, that her clients always sort their closets with relief and gratefulness.

Shopping with Chantel is transformational. Watch out, her love for shopping and enthusiasm for this sometimes tedious adventure can be addictive. Her discipline to purchase only what looks amazing on her clients will impress you.

The time is now to work with Chantel, before her certifications price her out of the local market!