Jim Coates was introduced to NVC in the early 2000s by his younger son. He has completed numerous trainings including the Parenting Immersion Program with Inbal Kashtan, a therapist support group and retreats with Miki Kashtan, the Bay NVC Leadership Training program in 2011, and the Bay NVC Living Peace Retreat and Immersion Program in 2017. He began assisting the Immersion Program in 2019, and enjoys sharing the power of connected presence that NVC offers. Jim leads practice groups and has offered introductory classes. Retired from the UC Berkeley Music Department, he is enjoying redefining his life.