Michelle Rivera-Clonch Named Omega Women's Leadership Center Director

The Omega Women's Leadership Center (OWLC), a key initiative of Omega Institute, announced Michelle Rivera-Clonch, an educational leader in women's advocacy, as director of the OWLC. Rivera-Clonch, former director of the Women's Center at Western Carolina University and, most recently, Supporting Professor of Counseling for Rollins College's Graduate Studies, is a seasoned champion of women's leadership and conflict resolution.

"The OWLC is committed to helping women use their leadership to redefine power -- from 'power over' to 'power with' others," said Carla Goldstein, cofounder of the OWLC. "We're thrilled to welcome Michelle to the OWLC team, and to Omega. She brings with her a rich background in global women's leadership, personal development and academic planning. Her insight and expertise will be an attribute to the growth of our women's leadership program."

Rivera-Clonch joins Omega with nearly 20 years experience in higher education and nonprofit organizations. Career highlights include working as the founding faculty member of the Psychology Program at Antioch College and serving on the Board of Directors for Hope Springs Institute.

Rivera-Clonch has conducted in-depth research in South and Southeast Asia and co-taught topics such as mental health, gender justice, conflict analysis, mindfulness, and capacity building. In 2015, she was awarded a Rotary Peace Fellowship in Bangkok, Thailand, to study the fields of peace and conflict resolution.�

Rivera-Clonch received a PhD in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College. Currently, she serves as a National Board of Certified Counselors Foundation (NBCCF) Scholar Mentor for women of color doctoral students and as a Global Peace Index Ambassador for the Institute for Economics & Peace. Michelle recently moved from Orlando, Florida, and now resides in the Hudson Valley. She's an avid world traveler and enjoys spending time with her Boston Terrier, Molly.

Founded in 1977, Omega Institute for Holistic Studies is the nation's most trusted source for wellness and personal growth. As a nonprofit organization, Omega offers diverse and innovative educational experiences that inspire an integrated approach to personal and social change. Located on 250 acres in the beautiful Hudson Valley, Omega welcomes more than 23,000 people to its workshops, conferences, and retreats in Rhinebeck, New York, and at exceptional locations around the world.