Coach Education
Coach education is designed and delivered to build competence and maintain ethical standards in the coaching profession. Coach education involves professional training, certification and other forms of high-quality professional development.
Coach Education
Dr. Mann completed the accreditation process with ICF and is now an approved Continuing Coach Education (CCE) provider. The approved program is called “The Hidden Gifts of Estrangement” which is eligible to award 17 core competencies and 13 resource development CCE’s. Dr. Mann is now opening The Coach Approach Training Academy to further offer coaching education.
This learning program equips individuals experiencing estrangement with tools, interpersonal skill-building resources and ideas so anyone can consider new ways to relate to the people they love. The specific weekly outline overview is provided upon registration.
That is a strange title!
The Hidden Gifts of Estrangement may sound like a strange title when estrangement, I can attest, is an extremely agonizing experience. Estrangement creates anguish, ambiguous loss and other difficulties. So, why in the world would I include the word gifts?
I don’t know about you, but in my life, I have received some gifts that I frankly didn’t like, and I don’t think I am an ungrateful person. One gift comes to mind that when I unwrapped, I had to ask myself what in the world was he thinking?
I was a newlywed. My sweet husband knew I liked Winnie-the-Pooh and we didn’t have much furniture, let alone rugs. He bought me a colorful hook rug set for an 4 x 5 rug. Adorable idea, yes; but picturing myself sitting and hooking a rug, thread by thread, into a waxy grid, was unfathomable.
At first glance, my husband’s gift seemed to show he may not have had any real idea who he married! He loved me, there was no doubt, but did he know me? After some reflection, I realized his gift was a combination of all his practical wishes for warm feet on a cold floor, as well as providing me time to sit, relax and enjoy the process of making something homey. It is worth mentioning how precious the images of Winnie-the-Pooh were on the instructions. Eventually, I could understand what he thought would make me slow down and learn new skills, for my benefit.
I had to really search for anything positive that could be found in the first birthday present my husband gave me as a newlywed. I had many ideas of what I wanted, and of course, would have preferred to control what I could, but that wasn’t in his plans. He never asked me what I wanted and I had to come to accept what I was given.
The Hidden Gifts of Estrangement exist, but it is potentially going to take a very long time to uncover one or some. The first of my twelve hidden gifts of estrangement, time has revealed, is self-awareness. The second is learning to adapt to circumstances that are completely out of my control, especially circumstances I do not like. I have a long list of hidden gifts, but no doubt this is because I have been living through many of the impacts of estrangement for over a decade.
The program is being offered every Tuesday from 10AM – noon OR 6-8PM; starting June 9, 2026; until July 28, 2026. The Hidden Gifts of Estrangement has similar content as SMILE AGAIN, except more time is devoted to exploring each topic thoroughly. One hour per person, for individual coaching, is also included in tuition.
Distance learning became online learning once technology survived the threat of Y2K as the world turned to the year 2000! Anyone else remember Y2K? In 2005, Dee Dee was asked to design an online graduate degree in organizational leadership for Norwich University. After a time-consuming, lengthy, detailed and rigorous approval process with the university curriculum committee, the master’s degree was approved to enroll qualified applicants.
Several hundred highly impressive individuals enrolled and graduated with this unique graduate degree; the first online graduate program offering a course in emotional intelligence. These are verifiable facts, not false claims. Dr. Mann remains in contact with numerous alums who are delighted to support her launch of this new coach academy. WATCH as alums share their experiences and celebrate with Dee as The Coach Approach Training Academy opens May, 2026.
ICF
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is an important accreditation provider and educational resource for coach professionals seeking to earn distinguishing credentials. The ICF has become a highly credible and reliable source of a significant body of knowledge about coaching best practices. The ICF website appears incredibly detailed, which can also be interpreted as cumbersome. Thankfully, the ICF also offers email and phone support to answer questions.
As you spend time learning to access the layers of helpful content on www.coachfederation.org, you can also access the ICF’s core competencies. These core competencies are the foundation of ethical coaching practices.
Students enrolled in The Coach Approach Training Academy will receive assistance as you navigate the ICF website to understand how to earn their ACC status. Our orientation, courses and mentoring will provide the necessary educational programming so you will hopefully feel confident applying for the ACC credential with the International Coaching Federation.
Faculty, Mentor Coaches and members of our administrative staff are here to help you better understand the additional tasks required to earn your ACC credential, from the ICF, once your Coach Approach Training Academy coursework is successfully completed. Always feel comfortable to reach out to Dr. Mann directly at contact@drddmann.com. Thank you for being part of our learning community.
MCC
Dr. D. D. Mann is a Master Certified Coach. The ICF website (www.coachfederation.org) describes a Master Certified Coach’s experience level as Expert. The MCC credential is issued, after an extensive and rigorous process is successfully completed, including verifying the completion of 200+ hours of coaching education and over 2,500 hours of coaching experience, over many years.
The MCC is described as highly experienced and skilled with a master level of coaching proficiency focused on transformational and impactful coaching. A Master Certified Coach is expected to create profound, lasting results for clients. These leaders can attest to Dr. Mann’s lasting impacts.
The ICF website also describes MCC credentialled coaches as highly experienced coaches who specialize working with complex clients. MCC coaches are masters of the craft as well as mentors and leaders in coaching. After 30 years as a coach, educator, leader and trainer, Dr. Mann is now focusing all her expertise on launching The Coach Approach Training Academy. The CAT Academy is applying for Level One accreditation in the weeks ahead.
Summary: The International Coaching Federation issues several credentials for coaches to show their long- term commitment to their profession; whether coaching skills are learned for continuous improvement in employment excellence or individuals work as professional Coaches. The three tiers of professional coaching with the ICF begin with the ACC (Associate Certified Coach). After completing additional coaching educational hours and more direct coaching experience, coaches may apply for PCC (Professional Certified Coach). The highest level of ICF accreditation is the MCC (Master Certified Coach) credential. Credentials require renewal every three years.
Smile Again
Smile Again – it can happen – a Mother’s Journey of Estrangement – is described here in a long-form video and here as a short-form video. The program is offered for four weeks, starting Wednesday, May 13, 2026; in the morning OR evening: either 10AM – noon OR 6-8PM as WEEK ONE.
If you are not available during the weekdays, WEEK ONE is also offered Saturday, May 16, 2026 either 10AM – noon OR 6-8PM. Each person may attend one class per week.
WEEK TWO is Wednesday, May 20, 2026; in the morning OR evening, 10AM – noon OR 6-8PM. WEEK TWO is also offered Saturday, May 23, 2026 either 10AM – noon OR 6-8PM.
WEEK THREE is Wednesday, June 3, 2026; in the morning OR evening, 10AM – noon OR 6-8PM. WEEK THREE is also offered Saturday, June 6, 2026 either 10AM – noon OR 6-8PM.
WEEK FOUR is Wednesday, June 10, 2026; in the morning OR evening, 10AM – noon OR 6-8PM. WEEK FOUR is also offered ten days later on Saturday, June 20, 2026 either 10AM – noon OR 6-8PM. Reminder: Each person may attend one class per week.
SMILE AGAIN – it can happen – a Mother’s Journey of Estrangement – offers an overview of Dr. D. D. Mann’s proprietary tools, interpersonal skill-building resources and ideas so anyone can consider new ways to relate to the people they love. The specific weekly outline overview is provided upon registration.
Mentor Coaching Practicum
Mentor Coaching is offered in two main ways. Mentor coaching is included in the tuition and coach education program during The Coach Approach Training Academy course “The Core Fundamentals of Coaching.” Mentor coaching curriculum focuses on the ICF core competencies and how to integrate these essential competencies into our coaching practices. This mentor coaching allows faculty and peers to observe coaches demonstrate application of what they are learning in class and as a coach, from their work with clients. Mentor coaching also offers class discussion about the coaching process and outcomes. Challenging scenarios will be presented to provide comprehensive preparation for the ICF requirements that address areas of excellence and improvement. These are the dates for mentor coaching, as part of the core practicum, of The Core Fundamentals of Coaching course – Mentor coaching (core practicum) is Wednesdays from 6-7PM EST (Vermont) on June 17, 24; July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and August 5, 2026. Separately, mentor coaching is also a requirement of coaches seeking ICF accreditation. Each coach is responsible for paying for the Mentor Coach they hire; generally, at a rate of 200/hour. The ACC requirement for mentor coaching is ten hours of mentor coaching over three months. Each coach is responsible for paying their Mentor Coach directly. This additional mentor coaching is not included in The Coach Approach Training Academy.therapy
Whether you read articles on LinkedIn, Substack or know therapists, there seems to be a trend that therapists are increasingly transitioning to becoming a coach. Maybe this is happening because of insurance constraints or licensing restrictions? Whatever the motivation, Dr. Mann is ready to welcome any therapist to The Coach Approach Training Academy for coach education.
A great place to start is by applying to join the Track Two group of the Core Essentials program. This program is designed to contrast therapy from coaching and other professions like psychiatry and consulting. Track Two is being offered Wednesdays; October 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2026 and November 4, 11 and 18, 2026 from 6-8PM. These are two-hour classes.
If this learning inspires enrollment in the Core Essentials program, apply to join the first mentoring practicum being offered Wednesdays; December 2, 9, 16 and 23, 2026 and January 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2027 from 6-7PM. These are one-hour classes.
Then, join the 2027 Core Essentials classes, not yet posted. If you bring four people with you, Dr. Mann is willing to tailor dates, if possible, for special class offerings. This offer may not be realistic, yet, it could be possible if we can make the dates work. Reach out to Dr. Mann at 802-343-1062 or contact@drddmann.com
Franchise
Dr. Mann is working with copyright and intellectual property lawyers to form a franchise. This will likely involve a fee to license all proprietary materials. Once the franchise model is completed, a coach would be on a clearly defined, strategic path to better understand the many facets of estrangement.
Also, coach education providers may want to be a part of the franchise model so they can add rigorous and real estrangement programs to their coaching practice. Why take the time to build a coaching model about estrangement when you can license the proprietary materials instead? Dr. Mann is familiar with how to replicate and scale curriculum to build out content aligned with your coach education philosophy. She has worked in curriculum development for twenty years. She designed learning organizations for numerous Fortune 500 companies. She also wrote a master’s level program for a NEASC accredited university.
The franchise experience will also provide coaches 1 on 1 coaching, with Dr. Mann, to help content creators design specialized estrangement programs. The topic of estrangement is complex and has broad implications for health and well-being, considering the shocking statistics (coming out of verified research) that as of 2020; one in four families is experiencing some form of estrangement. This is an epidemic and more coaches ought to become familiar with the many facets of estrangement.
Call Dee Dee at 802-343-1062 or email contact@drddmann.com to get on her waiting list for the estrangement content franchise. The franchise model is expected to be offered early September 2026. The website will be updated if any unexpected delays occur. Thank you for your interest.