Charles Colten-Director

With over 30-years of experience as an educator, Charles Colten has worked as a classroom teacher, school administrator, outdoor educator, exchange-program trip leader, house parent, coach, public speaker, and educational entrepreneur.

Colten received his Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and later went on to earn a Masters in Educational Leadership from Columbia University, a Wilderness EMT certificate, and currently holds the rank of 5th degree black belt in Aikido.

His experience in the field of education spans over three decades and crosses four continents. He’s worked with children and youth in schools (public, private, and international), and regularly teaches seminars and workshops for adults in academic and professional settings.

He is currently the Director of the Confluence Institute for Research, Communication, Leadership, and Education, and the Founder/Chief Instructor of Aikido in the Schools.

In these capacities, Colten has designed and delivered programs, informed by neuroscience research and positive psychology, and he currently teaches Leadership and Social and Emotional Learning through Aikido, Tai chi, Embodied Mindfulness, and Public Speaking.

Over the years, Charles has created several successful businesses and program offerings including Aikido in the Schools, Spanish for Medical Professionals, Zante Communications Consulting, and The Confluence Institute for Research, Communication, Leadership, and Education (CIRCLE).

He currently lives in the Willard Beach neighborhood of Portland, Maine with his wife and 7-year-old daughter.