Connie Lundgren
About Connie
Connie's educational life includes LPN,
BA in counseling, MA in Social Work and a PH.D. in Social Work. Connie has
worked and lives in Seattle, Washington.
Connie has been described as someone
who's Spirit is able to deal with adversity; as flexible, patient and very
gentle. And at the same time as some one knows how to teach presenting the
ideas assertively, open and clear. Nijole Liobikiene who came from Lithuania to celebrate her, explains that people in
Lithuania fell in love with Connie because of her true love, respect, and
value for people.
Connie has several children and
grandchildren. We were able to meet with several of them at her celebration
and saw Connie carrying one of the little grandchildren on her lap as she
drove her wheel chair to the celebration dinner.
Satir Connection
Connie met Virginia in
1979 and continued to go to workshops and trainings every time she was able
to do so. She has been able to combine her knowledge of child development
with the Satir Growth Model, and to adapt this for teaching parents and the
community.
Connie has worked and presented
workshops and seminar to many groups and agencies such as: Department of
Social and Health Services; Child Protective Service; Catholic Community
Services; King County Family Court;, Guardian at Litum and Child Haven.
Connie joined Avanta in 1986, that
same year she worked with the starting Northwest Satir Institute. She served
as the first President of the Institute. In both groups she has helped with
the training as well as volunteering with both organizations (Avanta and
NSI) to do such work as mailing, set up data base, assisting with fund
raising, and being a link with other organizations.
Connie has taught Satir in Lithuania
five times. It was at one of those training that Nijole met Connie. One of
Connie's adaptability was tested when one time her suitcase did not arrive
and she "made do". As others reported she just adjusted and went about her
teaching as if having just one dress was the way to be.
Even at this time, when she has less
energy due to health issues and in a wheel chair, Connie continues teaching.
She taught at Antioch University (where Nancy Macdonald is adjunct faculty);
as consultant at the Asian Counseling Center in Seattle, and volunteering
when she can to once a week to help fourth grade students.