Who is Els van Steijn?

Els van Steijn (1969) graduated from the Hotel School, The Hague. There, she learned the essentials of professional management, hospitality and achieving objectives in a world where contrasting interests can play a role. Further development came in the years that followed, thanks to a variety of positions in the service industry: management roles, leading major change processes, project management and concept development. Els has been working as team trainer, coach and constellation facilitator since 2002. Common feedback about her work includes:

• She knows how to trigger people and provides energy in a calm way.
• She gives clarity to complicated issues. Which gives control.
• She identifies sore points and get to the essence of issues.
• Her manner of giving feedback means that people can accept it while still maintaining their own self-worth. This creates insight into blind spots.
• Results are visible quickly.

In 2008, Els established her own coaching practice. She has been able to guide hundreds of clients in their personal and professional growth. Thanks to the power of word-of-mouth, she now has a blooming business.  

Freedom, quality, growth and integrity are a number of her values. As a result, she has obtained all relevant professional qualifications and continues to develop based on this solid foundation. Since 2016, she’s been able to add ‘author’ to the list trainer, coach and constellation facilitator. The book, ‘The Fountain, Find your Place’ has provided support for many people. Often, it’s an eye-opener.

In her private life, Els likes to spend her time actively (work-outs in the gym and (mountain) walking), travelling (from local to far away, from primitive to luxurious), reading and enjoying the good life with family and friends.

THE TEAM

Els’ team consists of independent professionals who provide coaching and constellation sessions from their own practices under the Els van Steijn flag, and a team of flexible personal assistants who take care of the practical side of things so that the coaches and constellators can focus fully on their clients or teams. As I (Els) can't fulfill all the requests for coaching and constellations I have found coaches and constellators that I trust completely, regard as equals and learned how to apply the metaphor of ‘The Fountain’. With diverse backgrounds, they act as all-around coaches based on their wide range of experiences.  While you can always express a preference, it might be that due to scheduling, you will be able to start quicker with one coach instead of another. A coaching process allways consists of six individual, one and a half hour talks as well as participation in a constellation day. 

From left to right: Carina Mathot (personal assistant and online business manager), Ilse Brommersma (coach, trainer and family constellator), Carlijn Kuenen (coach and family constellator), Paul van den Brule (coach and family constellator), Pieter Gilhuis (coach and family constellator), Dillian Brantjes (personal assistant), Lindsay de Beijer (personal assistant), Margreet van Steijn (family and organizational constellator), Sietske Banda (family constellator), Sara van de Venne (family constellator), Stéphanie Lacroix (family constellator), Christophe Van de Vorst (trainer, coach and family constellator), Bart Zwinkels (family and organizational constellator), Stefan van der Heijden (family constellator), Dennis Buist (Coach, trainer and family constellator) and Aaron Herschberg (Family and organisation constellator, trainer and team coach).

CARINA MATHOT

Personal assistant (online) of Els and the team
Website | LinkedIn

Carina’s (1978) mission is helping ambitious entrepreneurs by taking work off their hands. As the daughter of an entrepreneurial family, she understands what needs to be done and when. She has an eye for detail and flawlessly picks up when things need to get done. By helping free up their time, she does what she is best at while making sure that the other person can focus on doing what he or she is best at. With extensive business experience working at leading brands, she knows how to strike the right tone and organises what she needs to. You can contact her directly when sending an email via the website. She is the invisible force that is vital to the success of every company.

ILSE BROMMERSMA 

Coach, trainer and family constellator
Website | LinkedIn

As an independent entrepreneur, Ilse (1977) has a practical approach, zest for life, and in-depth knowledge of her field, all of which are the result of her upbringing and education at the Hotel School Maastricht. She has extensive experience as a (leadership) coach & trainer in organizational, team and personal development. Ilse also guides partners jointly and separately in their coaching questions regarding their relationship. She can identify where the lever is in order to permanently break through a (systemic) pattern. Lovingly and honestly, she holds up a mirror and stands beside you while offering support, practical tools, maybe even a tickle, or metaphorical ‘push’ if need be. Ilse lives the fountain in words and actions.
Area: Texel, Limburg and Belgium 

CARLIJN KUENEN

Coach and family constellator
LinkedIn

In her current role as a trainer and coach, independent entrepreneur Carlijn (1983) knows how to connect the daily affairs of organizations to being human. By combining her business degree from Nyenrode University with a postgraduate study in coaching and numerous courses in the field of professional communication, she is able to act on ‘first things first’ while paying attention to the proces needed to end the hindering patterns in life. She understands that every person takes their family system and any possible traumatic events that happened with them in their daily lives. She ensures that you are able to summon your own strength in yourself (and in your body). With her warm and open personality Carlijn is able to ensure an atmosphere of safety and trust that is needed to reach the core of the issue.
Area: Rotterdam & surroundings

PAUL VAN DEN BRULE

Coach and family constellator
LinkedIn

Paul (1971) has been working in Learning & Development for over 20 years. From trainer/coach to director at a well-known Dutch training agency. And for a number of years he is an independent entrepreneur. Always looking for ways to increase impact. Connector of hard and soft; both from experience and his way of looking at the world. Paul has the fine quality that he can effortlessly combine lightness and depth. He knows how to create trust and space so that you dare to look at yourself and your family system and feel where and why the energy isn't flowing. Honest, empathetic and sincere. He puts his finger on the sore spot in a warm way. In his spare time he likes to wander in nature on a surf board, bike, snowboard or hiking boots. Outside, with room for discovery, is what makes him happy.
Regions: Utrecht, South Holland and North Brabant

PIETER GILHUIS

Coach and family constellator
Website | LinkedIn

Pieter (1982). As the youngest of 4 children, taking his own place has preoccupied him from an early age. This has been the blueprint for the work he does now. He has worked as an independent trainer/coach at the intersection of people and organization. His passion is to give people insights into, and awareness of, their place in (obstructive) systemic patterns. So that (more) zest for life and healthy relationships can arise. With yourself, the other and everything else. People experience him as a warm and accessible personality. Sometimes confrontational or with the necessary humor and always within a familiar setting. He is an expert by experience in the field of finding your place and how the Fountain can be of value. Because of this (life) experience, his sensitivity and the necessary training in the field of organizational and human development, he quickly sees through systemic patterns. Pieter is married and father of 2 daughters (twins) and a son. He likes to be outside hiking or mountain biking. Or he is hut-touring in the mountains of Switzerland.
Regions: Utrecht, South-Holland en North Brabant.

DILLIAN BRANTJES

Personal assistant of the team
LinkedIn

Dillian (1976) has more than 20 years of experience as a (executive) secretary in several branches. She started as an independent entrepreneur because she wantw to develop herself further and use her qualities more broadly. With her hotel school background, Dillian needs half a word, tackles matters quickly and works in a structured way. Dillian takes over all kinds of work for the team and, together with Carina, is the driving essential force behind the scenes. In her spare time, Dillian volunteers for various charities.

LINDSAY DE BEIJER

Personal Assistant of the team
LinkedIn

As an independent entrepreneur, Lindsay (1981) offers support to other entrepreneurs with a beautiful mission: To make the world a little more beautiful in their own way. Making people feel seen and heard was in her mind from an early age and was further developed through her education at the Hotelschool in Leeuwarden. Due to a major change in her personal life, Lindsay came into contact with systemic work. She didn't let go of it since and it helps her, gently but determinedly, to take life to the fullest. Lindsay wishes everyone the healing effect that finding your place gives . Loving, enthusiastic and with an open mind, Lindsay supports the team from her unique place.

MARGREET VAN STEIJN

Family and organizational constellator
Website | LinkedIn

Early in her career, Margreet discovered she had a natural talent for striking the right strings with her clients. This became the common thread in her work. With a well-developed intuition and curiosity, she always manages to get to the essence and place it in the spirit of the times in a meaningful way. She does not stop challenging until the core is reached. Since her MBA at Nijenrode, Margreet (1967) has over 25 years of experience in various commercial and innovative management roles in business. Among others, she worked in formula development, marketing and brand strategy at Albert Heijn, Picnic and Wehkamp. Since 2018 she is independent and helps organizations such as ANWB, Terre des Hommes and various retailers with the Why and their essence of being. Her style is connecting, powerful and clear with the right attention to what is going on and really matters in the undercurrent of the organization. She has completed the family and organizational constellation training at the Institute for Systemic Work (IVSW). Margreet enjoys every time the potential of constellations to get to the core of an issue. Whether these are questions in the personal sphere or for leaders and organizations. Constellations are always a valuable way to achieve true transformation. Margreet loves hiking in the mountains, loves to read, and gets excited about everything concerning Art Nouveau. And she is Els' older sister (yes, it runs in the family).

SIETSKE BANDA

Coach and family constellator
LinkedIn

What could be better than letting the new generation go through life less burdened? Through her own fate, Sietske (1984) has found her mission in guiding children to find their own place in the family system. Making parents more aware of the pull that children feel to care for their parents is inextricably linked to this. By becoming a widow at a young age and caring for her son alone during her pregnancy, Sietske has experienced for herself how quickly a child can take off to take care of a parent. The power of a family constellation can help a child land in his or her own place again and thus live his or her own life. Working with people and children has always been Sietske's focus. Giving direction by providing insight is something that gives her energy. After studying Pedagogical Sciences at the Radboud University of Nijmegen, she worked for many years with children and parents in the care and education domain. Starting as a practitioner, Sietske has naturally developed as a leader. As director of a people-oriented organization, Sietske became increasingly aware of the systemic laws that influence how a company and its people function. Following the SIOO training 'Dealing with group dynamics' has further strengthened the awareness that every person brings his or her family system to work. Seized by this, Sietske subsequently trained as a family constellator at the Institute for Systemic Work (IVSW). Sietske is able to touch people deeply with her calm and powerful energy. She is open, curious, and at the same time she guides you to the essence of life, where it may flow and it may go well. Regions: Utrecht and Arnhem.

DEMI KEPPEL

Coach and family constellator
LinkedIn

"What is mine and what's from the other person? It's a question that occupied Demi (1996) from a young age. Having experienced her parents' divorce as a 9-year-old, Demi knows better than anyone what it is like to be "ascended" into the fountain. As a child, she unconsciously (out of love and loyalty) carried more than what belonged to her. Since she stands in her own unique place and allows everyone else in her family system their own place as well, life flows for her. With that sparkling life energy within her, it has become Demi's personal mission to contribute to the growth and awareness of others. She has been doing this for years, after studying psychology with a specialization in systemic work, working with children and parents in divorce situations at Villa Pinedo. She also gives leadership programs and training courses on personal development to adolescents and young adults. A few years after completing her studies Demi took the Family Constellations course at the Institute for Systemic Work (IVSW). People describe Demi as knowledgeable, honest, thorough and connecting. She has both feet on the ground and uses her strong intuition as strength. With her warm energy and compassion, Demi immediately knows how to create a safe atmosphere in a group. Her core value 'quality' forms the basis for everything she does. Demi is naturally able to see someone in their totality and to accept what they bring, regardless of their background or destiny. She dares to 'turn other knobs' in order to break patterns in daily life. From a natural flexibility she looks beyond the symptoms and always works with what is going on in the undercurrent in a (family) system: that which you can face or let go of in order to develop into the most beautiful version of yourself.
Regions: Nijmegen area and Amsterdam.

SARA VAN DE VENNE

Family constellator
Website | LinkedIn

Sara (1982) is the third daughter in a family of four and has three children with her husband. In her pursuit to be the best mother, wife, employee and friend, several years ago more and more important values disappeared for Sara, such as quality and personal development. She changed course and took a training to become a certified sleep coach and started her (children's sleep) coaching practice. From her indefatigable curiosity, her passion to learn and the ambition to use her full potential, she followed various trainings. A coaching program with Els changed Sara's view on everything. She was fascinated by The fountain and touched by the reflection on her own place in it. That is why she took the course Family Constellations at the Institute for Systemic Work (IVSW). This gave Sara insights into how the systemic approach and how working with constellations can bring you to the core. How the place you occupy in the fountain and the ascending into it hinders you and burdens future generations. And how you stand in your own rightful place. Sara quickly sees through obstructing patterns, knows how to put her finger on the sore spot and is able to pinpoint the movement needed to stand in the right place in the fountain. Clients describe her as a warm, pleasant personality, where you quickly feel at ease and really dare to take steps. She is a good listener, asks the right questions and holds up the mirror to her clients at the right times. When Sara is not working, she enjoys sports, traveling and social activities.
Regions: Utrecht and Nijmegen area.

STEPHANIE LACROIX

Coach and family constellator
Website

With over 12 years of experience in the field of people and organization, Stéphanie (1985) has a keen sense of what goes on between the lines; she looks beyond reason and hears more than what is being said. Through training in coaching, mindfulness and hypnotherapy she came in contact with systemic work, after which she completed the training in family constellations at the Institute for Systemic Work. It is her mission to make more people aware of the unconscious: the influence of the family system and the wisdom of the body. Like no other, she knows how to make it right for yourself, by standing in your place in The Fountain, facing your own destiny and traumas and processing emotions on a rational and physical level. Stéphanie's style is described as warm, safe and non-judgmental. Stephanie knows how to translate the influence of family system dynamics in a practical way to daily life. In a clear and loving way, she gives insight into where things are not flowing and guides you in taking your steps towards your place in De Fontein. In her free time, she enjoys going out with her husband and children (2017 and 2019) or with friends and discovering beautiful places. She likes to be in nature (in the woods or on the moors) and also likes to be on or in the water (sailing, swimming, supping).
Regions: Utrecht, Amsterdam and 't Gooi.

CHRISTOPHE VAN DE VORST

Trainer, coach and family constellator
Website | LinkedIn

“Never arrogant, always to the point”. With over 10 years of experience in training and guiding people and organizations, Christophe's (1982) approach can described as: no-nonsense, manageable and experience-oriented. He knows how to get both people and organizations moving so that it can flow at all levels. Christophe works with people, teams and organizations that consciously want to grow to their right place in the Fountain. "I see you!" It means so much more than 'watching people'. It means people and organization grasp their undercurrents. Christophe therefore gets to work with the essence and takes his participants along in the process of thinking, feeling and doing. This flow goes beyond mere insight, it brings people and organization in process to their own natural movement. From 'storming' to 'performing' with the heart on the relationship, and hard on the content, the dynamics can flow on a deeper layer. With his great passion for improvisation theatre, he also knows how to bring the necessary humor and 'lightness' into his trajectories. With the important value: connection, quality and result, you can be sure of a safe foundation during the growth process in which participants can and may be themselves.
Regions: Belgium and the Netherlands

BART ZWINKELS

Family and organization constellator
LinkedIn

"Working together towards movement" Bart (1982) has extensive experience in guiding people and organizations that consciously opt for growth. Based on equality, he creates a safe environment from which space evolves to get started with the 'natural flow' of the Fountain. Bart gets his satisfaction from actively mobilizing people and organizations so that they own more firmly their place in the Fountain. Early in his career, Bart discovered that he likes to collaborate soulfully to be more meaningful in his support. With important values such as quality, integrity and equality, and his warm personality and calm energy, he creates a safe base and working environment. At the Institute for Systemic Work (IVSW) Bart took courses in family constellations and organizational constellations. Thanks to his sharp analysis and extensive expertise, he is very well able to understand in depth organizational structures. As a result, Bart makes the dynamics and undercurrent in organizations visible and he can put the 'switches under water' properly, creating room for growth and results. With 20 years of experience as a financial advisor and financing specialist, Bart is able to advise people and organizations on multiple levels. In his spare time, Bart enjoys precious moments with his family. Together with partner Ellen he has three sons. Besides football, running and other sports activities, he likes to go to festivals with friends.
Regions: Utrecht and South Holland.

STEFAN VAN DER HEIJDEN

Family constellator, trainer and freedom warrior
LinkedIn

"Freedom of movement is created by feeling your obstacles and strengths"
With over 13 years of experience in the development of people and organizations, Stefan (1987) knows exactly what is needed to be able to in your own place. Early on, Stefan went on a self-examination because he felt different from others. At times his sensitivity got in the way. As a counter-movement to this, he unconsciously taught himself patterns such as 'adjusting' to others, 'perfectionism', and living like a 'walking head'. He sees these patterns as both helping and hindering in life. And so, as a soldier, he was literally able to sacrifice himself, in the good sense, for a better world. In 2016, he decided to transform from 'surviving' to 'living', by letting go of old patterns and an image that no longer served him. Stefan was able to stand in his own place by feeling patterns and inhabiting his body.
Stefan works as an independent entrepreneur and guides people and organizations in their development from his essence of 'sensing obstacles and forces for freedom of movement'. This experience and his sensitivity are now his strength and with this he knows what it takes to find your authentic place. He is convinced that you can be the person you want to be every day, provided you are willing to choose for yourself and look at what wants to be seen in you. He quickly sees through the cause of 'the pattern' that prevents you from fully enjoying your (work) life.
In his free time he lives his values freedom, adventure, growth, quality, connection and health. As a family constellator, he creates a familiar foundation that is characterized by vulnerability, connection, strength, thoroughness, lightness and fun. He stands by your side and guides you to your place so that you can walk into the full life.
Region: North Brabant and North Holland 

DENNIS BUIST

Coach, trainer and family constellator
Website | LinkedIn

Dennis (1986) has been working for over 10 years as a coach, speaker and writer in his own practice in Amsterdam. He also regularly organizes events with themes such as: connection / relationships, conditioning from your youth and processing old pain. His intrinsic interest in the functioning of humans and therefore also himself has occupied him from an early age. Due to his personal experience with adoption and subsequently an eventful childhood, he approaches complex themes not only from the perspective of expertise, but also from life experience. He explains complicated topics in a clear way. Honest and clear communication is important to him, but he does so in a respectful manner. After his studies in philosophy and behavioral sciences, Dennis experienced that simply understanding his themes was not enough to break through his old patterns and mechanisms. By feeling consciously, you can let it go. From the heart to the head and not the other way around. He knows how to create trust, safety and space so that you dare to admit your own honest story. He gets happiness from creating something beautiful, but can also be very happy with small things. He likes to spend his free time with his wife and son. Often outside on the beach and in nature; walking, swimming or playing.
Region: Amsterdam

AARON HERSCHBERG

Family and organizational constellator, trainer and team coach
LinkedIn

After completing his law studies at Radboud University, Aaron (1988) started working in the business world. Over the past 10 years, he has mainly focused on developing people and organizations in various roles.
As a child, Aaron grew up in a family with strong characters, an environment of perseverance when things get difficult and in which reason prevailed over emotions. Professionally, he has learned how to operate in a complex business environment in which many interests play a role and many goals have to be achieved. Both environments in which taking responsibility, acting rationally and putting your shoulders to the wheel were valued and encouraged. Partly through systemic work, however, he has become much more connected to his own feelings (world) and he has learned to only take responsibility when it makes himself and the whole stronger. 'What is mine and what is the other person's?' is the question Aaron asks again and again.
The essence of what Aaron brings is movement. Where there is or may be movement, he feels like a fish in the water. And where it's stuck, he likes to shake things up. It is precisely this essence that makes Aaron capable of making a big impact. Always with a curious attitude and with an eye for people and the results to be achieved. In his spare time he likes to participate in all kinds of different sports (from tennis to fitness and martial arts). He also enjoys reading, cooking and taking city trips. He lives more and more from his core values: freedom, discovery and connection.
Region: Rotterdam and surroundings

WHAT ELS DOES

Individual coaching (for both personal and work goals), team coaching, executive coaching, family constellations, organizational constellations, masterclasses and lectures about group dynamics and systemic work, facilitating the collaboration of merged departments, organizations or management buyouts.

TESTIMONIALS

• 'Els has a warm personality and lots of coaching experience. Els has played an important role in the preparation of my Mount Everest expedition. She knows how to get the best out of people and does this with practical tips and empathy. The good thing about Els is that you always leave feeling good about yourself.’ Niels van Buren, successful climber of Mount Everest in 2016.
   
• 'I travelled an extraordinary path with Els as an exceptionally strong, welcome and honest navigator. Els managed to simplify my complex questions and make them tangible. At the same time, Els provided me with many tools. This has enabled me to gain countless insights, become more powerful and learn to trust in myself should I once again be faced with an important crossroad.’  - D.R. from Amsterdam.
   
• 'In consultation with Els, I set out a course of six sessions during which we addressed my personal and business side, aimed at achieving my learning goals. This led to the development of new skills, but also to new insights. Because I dared to confront myself, challenged by Els, I’ve for example learned what my true norms and values are. This has provided a strong framework for my daily tasks as director within local government. Els also had me look at things from a different point of view than I was used to, and I went in search of things that inspired me and I found meaningful. I see this as a very welcome gift from my coaching programme with Els.’ - H.L.
   
• 'Thanks to Els’ coaching my life has literally started flowing in the ‘right’ direction again. As constellation facilitator, Els has a keen sense of what is going on at a deeper level (or levels). Consequently, unconscious patterns became visible to me. With her transparent imagery and guidance, the puzzle pieces of my life came together. It suddenly became clear to me why I did things the way I did, and I regained the freedom to choose my own path. With her warm, accessible and direct approach, Els has given me life-changing insights, both relationship-wise and professionally. It’s an experience I’m pleased to share with others, and think everyone deserves.' - C.K. from Rotterdam.
   
• 'I always managed to handle setbacks and problems and resolve things myself. Until my business wasn’t going well anymore and I was unable to turn things around. In dialogue with Els, the reasons quickly became clear. Practical solutions automatically presented themselves. Els’ clear and pragmatic approach has helped me rediscover my own path in my business and private life.' - E.B. from Haarlem.
   
• 'The journey I went on with Els has been an invaluable experience for me. It made me more conscious. It taught me how to be true to my core self in everything I do, more gentle and reliant on my intuition.  Thanks to Els, there is now an even stronger and most of all shinier version of me. - D.C. from Amsterdam.
   
• This thorough coach put me back on track following an unhealthy relationship. Through the ‘Fountain Principle’, Els provided me with insight into old ‘sore points’. Something that my sons are now benefitting from. The ideal combination for me was individual coaching and participation in a constellation day. Els leads such a day professionally and creates a relaxed atmosphere. Since then, many things have become clear to me, meaning I am more self-confident. Els is fantastic. Full stop.' - N.H. from Amsterdam.