ABOUT US

Vanita Bellen's career began in Canada in the field of Quality Management just as the LEAN/Process Improvement movement was gaining momentum in North America. Equipped with training and experience in systems theory she transferred that background to Human Resources and Organization Development. 

Vanita went on to serve in leadership roles in home care, hospice, hospitals and at the health system level. As a healthcare executive she was recognized for her work in transforming cultures, re-engineering systems and implementing shared leadership models.

In 2013, Vanita transitioned to a career as a coach and leadership consultant, receiving her training from the internationally recognized coaching school, Newfield Network. Working across industries she now develops creative leadership programs for leaders at all levels. Vanita specializes in coaching executives, physicians and healthcare professionals looking to increase their influence and impact. 

A lifelong learner, she augmented her coaching skills with studies in neuro-science for leaders and positive psychology. In 2017, Vanita was selected to become a member of Forbes Coaches Council and is featured regularly in Forbes Expert Panels. She enjoys writing about leadership and has been featured in the Organization Development Network's Practicing OD journal, Training Industry and Coaching World.

Vanita is an administrator for the Myers Briggs Type Inventory (MBTI) and Change Style Indicator, is certified in the Center for Creative Leadership’s 360-degree tools, and the AIM process for leading change. Additionally, she is certified in the SMART resiliency program. She is an engaging speaker and facilitator, and teaches at the post-graduate level at the University of Denver. She also serves on the Advisory Board for the HealthCare Management program at University College, representing the Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Organizations concentration.  

Vanita holds Bachelors degrees in Science and in Business Administration from the University of Manitoba in Canada and a Masters in Health Sciences from the University of Toronto.  As a volunteer, she served on the board of the non-profit organization, Earthlinks, dedicated to ending homelessness and she donates her time and skills to non profits through Catchafire.  

Anu has over 35 years of experience as a business owner, lawyer, mediator, coach and spiritual director. She supports individuals in the helping professions, such as law and healthcare, to move through and grow beyond personal and professional challenges. Her expertise allows her to coach, consult and mentor individuals and organizations from a wide range of backgrounds.

Anu has bachelor’s degrees in Law and in Science from the University of Manitoba. As a legal practitioner she was drawn to peaceful and collaborative approaches and earned a Master of Laws in Alternative Dispute Resolution from the prestigious Osgoode Hall Law School at York University in Toronto. She went on to become a pioneer in the way family disputes are resolved in the legal system. She has collaborated on and mediated many workplace, injury and family disputes.

Anu trained at the Deep Coaching Institute, a school certified by the International Coaching Federation. She augmented her education with training in conflict coaching, counselling and spiritual direction. She has studied and worked with the Enneagram, a highly effective personality typology and transformational tool, for over 20 years. Anu has taught conflict resolution and collaboration to legal, mental health and financial professionals. She has also taught at the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law and for the Law Society of Manitoba bar admissions program.

Her service to the legal profession includes chairing the Family Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution sections of the Manitoba and Canadian bar associations. She serves as a board member of Collaborative Professionals of Canada. She also serves as a Bencher (board member) of the Law Society of Manitoba and is on its Discipline, Wellness and Equity committees. She has served on its Complaints Investigation, Competence, and Practice and Ethics committees. Anu has contributed to the journals of the Canadian and Manitoba bar associations and the International Association of Collaborative Professionals and to The Lawyers’ Weekly.

Anu is active in the community, having served on the boards of many non-profit organizations, such as the United Way and the Canadian Legal Action and Education Fund. She is currently a council member of Prairie Jubilee, a school for spiritual formation and direction.