The Cool Spring Center Core Team |

John Berkley, Senior Team Leader/Facilitator
John has been sharpening people’s Competitive Edge in the business field as a consultant, facilitator, and coach since 1984. Through his work with over 100 groups each year, John has collected and developed hundreds of simple, effective, and easy to use tools and models to help people with leadership, communication, decision making, problem solving, team dynamics, and personal development.
John has planned and facilitated customized trainings with organizations including: Bank of America, Wachovia, BB&T, Bell South, AT&T, Sara Lee, GMAC, Ingersoll-Rand, and Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. John is a graduate of Rice University, with a BS in mechanical engineering and has a coaching certificate through Duke University.
John has been sharpening people’s Competitive Edge in the business field as a consultant, facilitator, and coach since 1984. Through his work with over 100 groups each year, John has collected and developed hundreds of simple, effective, and easy to use tools and models to help people with leadership, communication, decision making, problem solving, team dynamics, and personal development.
John has planned and facilitated customized trainings with organizations including: Bank of America, Wachovia, BB&T, Bell South, AT&T, Sara Lee, GMAC, Ingersoll-Rand, and Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. John is a graduate of Rice University, with a BS in mechanical engineering and has a coaching certificate through Duke University.

Core Beliefs:
- A thousand-mile journey begins with the first step, so let's go for a walk!
- A healthy sense of adventure is necessary to truly live.
- "Moderation is for monks. Take big bites out of life." ~ Robert Heinlein

Kristie Darling, Program Director
As the program director for Cool Spring, Kristie helps clients define and pinpoint the goals they want to pursue. She continually evaluates quality and effectiveness. She believes that the most effective work begins with a partnership. Her background as executive director of the Union County Community Arts Council and her work in fundraising for Arena Stage in Washington DC, combined with business skills in programming, facilities and special events management provide Kristie with valuable perspectives into goal-oriented planning. She is also owner and manager of Big oh! Balloons.
As the program director for Cool Spring, Kristie helps clients define and pinpoint the goals they want to pursue. She continually evaluates quality and effectiveness. She believes that the most effective work begins with a partnership. Her background as executive director of the Union County Community Arts Council and her work in fundraising for Arena Stage in Washington DC, combined with business skills in programming, facilities and special events management provide Kristie with valuable perspectives into goal-oriented planning. She is also owner and manager of Big oh! Balloons.