MenLiving Facilitators
Each MenLiving Facilitator brings unique life experiences and expertise to their role creating a diverse and rich learning experience within the MenLiving community. Explore our Facilitators’ profiles below.
Each MenLiving Facilitator brings unique life experiences and expertise to their role creating a diverse and rich learning experience within the MenLiving community. Explore our Facilitators’ profiles below.
Executive Director
Email: todd@menliving.org
Phone: 773-251-6344
Todd is the Co-founder and Executive Director of MenLiving and is the host of Zen Parenting Radio, a top-ten kids and family podcast on iTunes.
Todd is a life and leadership coach for men and is certified through 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership, Tony Robbins Core 100 Life Coaching Program, and certified instructor for the Institute of Heartmath. Todd is a member of The Mankind Project, a staff member for the New Warrior Training Adventure, and a blogger for The Good Men Project. Todd is married to Cathy and are the parents of three wonderful daughters.
Zen Parenting- https://zenparentingradio.com/
Todd Adams Coaching- https://toddadamscoaching.com/
Board Member
Email: frank@menliving.org
Phone: 312-925-9935
My own personal development story began when a dear friend lent me a book on yoga. That book opened my eyes to a whole new perspective and world of possibilities. Since then, I’ve been embarking on a journey of self-discovery and exploration of mind, body and spirit.
I started my first men’s group in 2008 during a particularly challenging period of life…the dissolution of my first marriage. This was my awakening to the power and value of having a circle of support…hence, the 1st iteration of MenLiving was born. I’ve been facilitating support, connection and purpose for men through retreats, one-on-one’s and group meetings ever since.
My coaching sessions are unique in that they incorporate the elements of Air (breathwork) and Earth (being in nature and grounding).
While each session is customized to align with the individual’s preferences and abilities, my clients are open to and can expect an integrated body and mind experience. My sincere belief is that many of our limitations and imbalances can be positively impacted by the immersion into these proven and powerful channels.
I’m experienced in working with all men’s topics, particularly parents of young children, divorcees, and those interested in cultivating a practice of “presence” and self-compassion.
Frank founded his first men’s group in 2009 after the realization that traditional means of supporting, challenging and connecting men weren’t readily available. In 2012, with current co-founder Todd Adams, MenLiving evolved into what it is today. He has been leading and learning from the men’s group experience ever since. Frank is also a member of The ManKind Project and staff member of the New Warrior Training Adventure. He’s been organizing and leading both co-ed and men’s weekend retreats since 2011. Part of his vision for MenLiving is to one day bring some of the self-awareness and emotional intelligence tools he teaches now to a younger generation of men.
Email: mike@leaderchampions.com
Phone: 312-925-9935
Mike grew up in the Chicagoland area and now resides in the Siskiyou Mountains of Southern Oregon, where he lives in community and is part of the back to the land movement. He is a long-time student of Brene’ Brown, Tony Robbins, Simon Sinek, and hosts a weekly podcast on personal growth called Embrace Growth.
Email: etreese@gmail.com
Phone: 312-925-9935
Heart-centered, mission-driven! Dad of 4 Daughters and Initiator of Men. My mission is to create a safe and healthy world by leading with consciousness, with vulnerability, and with grit.
Email: jasonsamatas@sbcglobal.net
Phone: 312-925-9935
A long-time Chicagoan, Jason now lives in a part of the country he’s always dreamed of living: near the mountains. Just outside of Boulder, CO, Jason now enjoys all that living in the West provides, although he will always have Chicago in his blood.
Board President
Email: Shaun@menliving.org
Phone: 312-925-9935
For the last 30 years, I have engaged individuals in personal and professional development. My approach? I listen and am curious. I ask lots of questions. I will suggest ideas and practices and help you maneuver through this work, but I am just the guide.
Shaun grew up in New England and graduated from the College of the Holy Cross. He has been in the Chicago area since 1986. He is a father of three and has been married to his wife, Lisa, since 1993.
For over twenty-five years, Shaun was engaged in a variety of corporate and entrepreneurial businesses. He now dedicates his time to non-profit initiatives serving in board leadership and volunteer positions for multiple organizations. Shaun currently serves as the MenLiving’s Board President, Board Vice President for the PiEproject and Treasurer for Learning to Be Human.
In 2012, Shaun was introduced to the transformational practice of yoga. Moved by the philosophy and the power of the practice, Shaun trained to guide others and has been leading yoga and meditation classes since 2014.
Board Member
I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect with other men and engage in meaningful conversations on a regular basis. There was a time when my normal way of dealing with pain and struggle was to stuff it down or manage it alone. I decided years ago to make changes by way of self discovery and actively seeking healthy relationships. I found MenLiving along my journey. Through the organization, I’ve established incredible bonds with other men. These men have been my sounding board and support. We’ve laughed and cried together. We’ve also made time to just have fun.
I’m excited every time I join a meeting and see a new face or two. It’s rewarding to hear men describe hope and connection when they check out at the end of their first meeting. As I continue to make progress in my own growth, I welcome the chance to be a part of other men’s support.
When you attend a meeting that I facilitate, you’ll find I’m an open and empathetic man who’s not afraid to dive right into vulnerability or discuss serious topics while knowing when to bring levity to the room. Let’s connect soon!
Andre is school counselor for Joliet Central High School. He received his bachelor degree from North Central College and his Master’s degree from Lewis University.
Phone: 312-925-9935
Operations Manager
Email: patrick@menliving.org
Phone: 312-925-9935
Patrick McKenna is MenLiving’s Operations Manager, where he helps our organization grow, thrive and connect with other likeminded professionals and groups.
Phone: 312-925-9935
Tony is a midwesterner who grew up in MN, WI, and lived in Chicagoland for the last 25 years. He is married with 2 boys in high school.
Phone: 312-925-9935
Email: mitchekr136@gmail.com
Phone: 312-925-9935
As a facilitator I am eager to grow and learn alongside anyone seeking to be the best version of themselves. MenLiving has been a safe space for me to take off my mask, step into my vulnerability, and take ownership of my feelings and actions. This is the same type of space I will aim to create in the meetings that I lead.
Kyle is a father of two children and has been married since 2009. Prior to the pandemic, he was on the verge of losing his family due to his victim mindset and inability to take ownership of his own feelings. Meditation practice, self compassion, devotion to personal growth (both cognitive and real life application), and friendship/connection through MenLiving has given him a new outlook on life.
Email: mikerosen13@gmail.com
Phone: 312-925-9935
Mike leads the weekly Separation/Divorce support calls. As a divorced father of 3, he understands the benefit and value in creating and sharing a space with other men who are experiencing the same thing. Although he has no formal training in social work or therapy or counseling, he aims to help men feel supported along the process, wherever they may be, due to whatever circumstances. Divorce and separation can be a lonely, painful, frustrating, sad, and isolating process, one that doesn’t need to be traversed alone.
Phone: 312-925-9935
Board Member
Email: michael@menliving.org
Phone: 312-925-9935
The journey I’m on is that of the alchemist. I’m not interested in transforming iron into gold, though, nor am I searching for a fountain of youth. What compels my quest is the alchemy of the soul. How might a man’s baser elements be transformed into a nobler essence? What are the philosopher’s stones that can help him achieve so great a work? One of them, I’m convinced, is true friendship—a substance I’ve found in MenLiving.
Phone: 312-925-9935
Email: woodinshawn@gmail.com
Phone: 312-925-9935
Shawn became a MenLiving member is 2021. He left New York for a journey that eventually brought him to the Sunshine State. After many, many years with a dearth of close male friendship, MenLiving provides him a place to forge authenticate connections with men. Shawn and his wife Chero, along with their son and daughter, live and meditate in Florida. He published his novel, Father, Son, Broken Spirit, in 2022—a book he began in over 20 years ago and finally has the courage to release into the world.
Phone: 312-925-9935
Email: bplitgen@gmail.com
Phone: 312-925-9935
I have been a member of Men Living for 2.5 years. I’m a Chicago native, married, and a father to 2 girls. I came to Men Living seeking connection, and I’ve gotten that and so much more! I seek to support men by creating a space for them to feel seen and heard.
Phone: 312-925-9935
Each meeting, we choose a different impactful, consequential, and thought-provoking topic that gets us talking about things that matter and could lead to change within us or the world around us. Here are example past topics: