Charles Colten-Director

Charles Colten’s experience in the field of education spans more than three decades and crosses four continents. He’s worked with children and youth in schools (public, private, and international), and regularly teaches seminars and workshops for adults in academic and professional settings. He has served as a classroom teacher, school administrator, outdoor educator, exchange-program trip leader, coach, public speaker, and educational entrepreneur.

Colten has a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, a Masters and Doctorate in Educational Leadership, a Wilderness EMT certificate, and the rank of 5th degree black belt in Aikido.

He is currently the Director of the Confluence Institute for Research, Communication, Leadership, and Education, and the Founder/Chief Instructor of Aikido in the Schools. In addition to his work as a consultant and an Aikido teacher, Charles is a faculty member at the Center for Creative Conflict Resolution, the NY State Judicial Institute, and the Qi Center.

In these capacities, Colten has designed and delivered programs, informed by neuroscience research and positive psychology, and he currently teaches Leadership and Social and Emotional Learning through Aikido, Tai chi, Embodied Mindfulness, and Public Speaking.

Over the years, Charles created several successful businesses and program offerings including Aikido in the Schools, Spanish for Medical Professionals, Zante Communications Consulting, and The Confluence Institute for Research, Communication, Leadership, and Education (CIRCLE).

He lives on the unceded land of the Wabanaki people (currently known as Maine) with his wife and daughter.