About Caitlin Faas, Ph.D.

My Philosophy: From Achievement to Integration

My path to leadership development has been shaped by a lifelong pursuit of understanding how humans grow, followed by a profound realization: true success isn't found in a title, but in the quality of our connections and our ability to adapt.

Like many high-achieving leaders, I spent years driven by external validation—pursuing advanced degrees, securing tenure, and climbing the administrative ladder. While I achieved the milestones, I discovered that relying solely on "brain mode"—constant analysis and strategic overthinking—wasn't a sustainable path to fulfillment or effective leadership.

This realization led me to develop metawareness: the ability to step back and observe our own mental and emotional patterns in real-time. By integrating this capacity with a deep understanding of human development, I’ve learned how to move beyond rigid, individualistic strategies and lead from a place of presence and collective impact.

A Full-Circle Journey in Ohio Education

I am a proud Ohio educator at my core. My journey began as an undergraduate education major, driven by a desire to make a difference in the classroom. While my career path eventually led me to a Ph.D. and a career as a tenured professor and Department Chair, my heart remained in the practice of leadership on the ground.

Today, as an Executive Director in a K-6 environment, I bridge the gap between high-level developmental theory and the daily realities of school leadership. I don’t just study resilience and organizational health; I practice them every day. This "full-circle" experience allows me to bring a rare depth of wisdom to both my school community and my private clients.

How I Work: Systems, Parts, and Growth

Whether I am leading an organization or coaching an executive, my approach is grounded in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and developmental psychology. I help leaders understand the different "parts" of themselves—the high-achiever, the analyzer, the protector—so they can lead from their most centered, compassionate Self.

I specialize in helping leaders and organizations:

  • Develop Metawareness: Cultivating the "internal observer" to move from reactive stress to purposeful flow.

  • Navigate Complexity: Using developmental insights to lead through organizational change and uncertainty with grace.

  • Foster Collaborative Success: Shifting from individual achievement to what many call the "Wellbeing Economy"—where success is measured by collective health and psychological safety.

  • Bridge Communication Gaps: Turning challenging interpersonal dynamics into opportunities for authentic connection and rare beauty.

Professional Foundations

  • Executive Director: Leading K-6 education with a focus on holistic development and community resilience.

  • Ph.D. in Human Development & Family Sciences: Providing a rigorous scientific foundation for my leadership frameworks.

  • Former Tenured Professor & Department Chair: Expert in institutional leadership, grant writing, and academic oversight.

  • Certified Life Coach & IFS Practitioner: Specializing in helping high-achievers move from burnout to sustainable, heart-centered impact.