Thought Design is a playground for thinking.
Our Mission
Our Core
Our Space
Our Team
I’m Denise, and I’m so glad you’re here.
When I think back on founding Thought Design, it really was an experiment. I had invested so much time learning about the mind and studying the various components that help adults learn. What I really wanted to know was, if all the pieces could be brought together to create the ultimate learning experience, would it transform businesses and lives? Thus, Thought Design, an ideology and a space crafted around the alchemy of the cognitive and creative mind, was born.
Our work has a strong emphasis on the brain science behind human interactions, which sets us apart in our industry. We don’t just teach strategies; our mission is to help teams and leaders see beyond systems and design how they think.
We often say, “You can’t change something you don’t see.” The influence of systems and culture can cause issues that aren’t even recognized because we’ve never been taught to look for them. At Thought Design, we teach you how to see. From learning to identify your own patterns of being to understanding what is taking place within a fellow co-worker, we help you notice, pause, and then choose an effective response that meets the need of the moment.
The greatest paycheck for us is seeing an individual or team learn to tap into the potential they’ve always had and begin to truly thrive. We’ve witnessed it happen again and again, but the magic of such moments never gets old.
We care a lot about psychological safety.
It might sound like a heavy term, but psychological safety is simply about creating a culture of intentionality, awareness, and emotional health so human relationships can thrive.
In such a space, all parties and personalities have an equal opportunity to communicate, contribute, and grow. This makes for a fulfilling and effective work environment that can carry over into the rest of life. Everything we do comes back to a foundation in this.
We're honored to be trusted by incredible companies.
You are so welcome here.
Our space is like a mind lab—the optimal environment for growing healthy thoughts. Every single aspect has been designed to foster creativity, self-discovery, communication, and human connection. We hope you love it as much as we do.
Denise McClennen,founder of Thought Design.
Veteran executive coach and thought leader, Denise McClennen, has dedicated her career to helping individuals solve their own dilemmas, create a roadmap for their own lives, and make a unique contribution to the world. Denise founded Thought Design in 2013 to give physical space to her dream of leading high-performance thinking programs for the high-level thinkers in her classes.
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Denise has made the design of powerful learning experiences her life’s work, and when that work meets people who are ready to learn how to think deeply, act courageously, and take some risks along the way… well, that’s the dream. That’s Thought Design.
Specializing in neuroscience, vertical development, and complexity, Denise has worked with organizations across the world. She holds certifications with Fearless Organization (FOS Psych Safety scan), Tilt365 Positive Influence Predictor, NeuroLeadership Institute (Certified Coach), Enneagram (Train-the-Trainer), E-Learning Instructional Design (USC Irvine), DiSC, Conscious Leadership Coach, Imposter Syndrome Institute (Associate and Certified Coach), Cynefin Foundations, The Neuroscience Academy, Growth Edge Coaching/Growth Edge Network, and Bar-On Emotional Intelligence Assessment and is a Member at The American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) and The NeuroLeadership Institute.
Denise leads her team at Thought Design in developing unique learning experiences to generate insight and inspire better thinking. Her passion for the success of others manifests itself in the halls of Thought Design, where high-potential people learn to do what it takes to be their best selves!
Denise and her husband split their time between their home in Rockford, Michigan, their houseboat in Douglas, Michigan, and a home in Punta Gorda, Florida, gravitating towards the best weather for each of the seasons. In addition to her professional career, she is a mother to five adults and grandmother to seven growing-so-fast kids, who also help her decide where she spends her free time.
Tara Colvin, partner at Thought Design.
A lifelong learner, leader, innovator, and relationship-builder, Tara Colvin discovered Thought Design first as a client before joining as a partner and COO in January of 2022. Tara’s background in education and accounting may have directed her career path, but it is her enthusiasm for the infinite possibilities of fellow inspired humans that fuels her own vision: for the world around her—people and processes, buildings and board meetings, clients and corporations—to overcome their mental roadblocks and reach their full potential.
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Tara found kindred spirits within the walls and whiteboards of Thought Design, and she brings her expertise to courses in psychological safety, time and priority management, strategic planning, communication, and leadership development.
Tara earned her bachelor's degree in accounting at Davenport University and a master's degree in educational studies at Johns Hopkins University. She spent her early career guiding dozens of schools and at-risk students through the maze of the public grant process. During this time, Tara embraced her love of coaching individuals and teams through obstacles and wrote an e-book as a coaching companion—Harmony: Better Than Work-Life Balance.
Tara is a fierce proponent of building relationships within communities to foster the well-being of all. In addition to her time in education, Tara has offered her gifts in several volunteer positions within her community, including over 20 years serving with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance.
Tara lives in Grand Rapids, where she finds joy in being a dedicated dog mom to her beloved chocolate lab, Emmett, and in spending as much time as possible with her nieces and nephew. Her enthusiasm for transformation doesn’t stop with people and organizations; she loves a good home improvement challenge!
Cathy Henkenberns, instructor & educator liaison.
Trainer, coach, and brain science aficionado Cathy Henkenberns, Ed.D joined the Thought Design team in 2023. She brings 40 years of experience in education as a trainer, coach, principal, and director of schools. Her career experience fostered a passion for the power of mentors and investing in the growth of people.
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Cathy specializes in developing leaders and creating effective teams, and we are thrilled to bring her energy and experience to Thought Design.
Cathy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education from Mount St. Joseph University (formerly College of Mount St. Joseph), a Master of Education in Sport Science from Ashland University, and a Doctorate in Education from Central Michigan University with a dissertation focused on first-year principal transition and the impact of mentoring. She is also a certified CaPP Institute Personal Development Coach.
Cathy is excited to teach this generation of learners new ways to approach teamwork, collaboration, relationship building, and mentoring. Her curiosity and ability to connect ideas help our clients find clarity and create plans to achieve their goals!
Cathy lives in Colorado and enjoys hiking and time in nature to center her soul.
Chef Liz, culinary expert.
With over 15 years in the Grand Rapids culinary scene, Chef Liz Kahny brings her vast expertise and love for food to the Thought Design team. Her journey began as a cake decorator in a local grocery store, sparking a passion that led her to earn a Baking and Pastry Certificate from GRCC Culinary School. From pastry perfection to full-scale catering, Liz has worked across nearly every facet of the food service industry, with a particular focus on creating memorable culinary experiences.
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Liz’s enthusiasm for sharing her knowledge shines in our cooking classes and catering events, where her warm, community-focused approach creates a welcoming space for all. When she’s not crafting something delicious, you’ll find Liz embracing life with her two young sons, Jude and Miles, enjoying time outdoors, or at home with her family and cats.
Carly Ream,executive support specialist.
“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going” – Beverly Sills
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Carly does not shy away from tough work and enjoys stewarding others through the same. At the heart of her interest is seeing community members come together around shared missions and values, which brings joy to her every day.
When not supporting Thought Design projects and writing initiatives, Carly enjoys spending time with her family, which includes two young boys deeply involved in school sports, a loving husband who supports her wild ideas, a needy dog, and a dog-like cat. Recently her interests include backpacking and home improvement projects, both of which she spends most of her free time planning for.
Jeana Merrills,culinary concierge.
“I love helping people have an amazing time”
Jeana is a self-proclaimed “foodie” who watches every cooking show and truly enjoys helping others create memories while having a great experience. In her role as Culinary Concierge at Thought Design, she is able to bring both of these passions together in the kitchen.
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From the moment a client reaches out to discuss a cooking class or event, Jeana is there along the way to create the exact type of experience a guest is looking for. She’ll even take photos and help groups while they are cooking! Jeana truly loves when guests leave with smiles on their faces, somehow having turned a structured process into a playful and fulfilling experience.
Jeana’s background as an office manager, and before that working in the court system, help her see the big picture and find joy in the everyday. When Jeana is not curating a phenomenal cooking experience for groups, she is camping, loving up on her fur friends, and wishing she were in the mountains.
JJ Fox, guest relations manager.
Living by the Disney philosophy of “make every moment a magical moment”
With over 26 years of leadership in the recreation industry, JJ has led teams on the importance of customer service. She strives to create better experiences in both her work and personal life, and enjoys bringing these skills to Thought Design.
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Over the years, JJ has witnessed others transform their lives through physical health and wellness, and now is focusing her work on the brain science of self-development. She notes that being part of a positive culture is extremely important.
JJ gained a strong work ethic from her father who taught her how important it is to believe in your future and most importantly to believe in yourself. She enjoys meeting new people and seeing them grow into stronger individuals physically and mentally. When not in the office, JJ enjoys boating, going for walks and spending time with her family.
Emily Stephen, marketing specialist.
As the Marketing Specialist at Thought Design, Emily thrives behind the scenes, supporting the team in delivering transformational leadership development and team-building experiences. Deeply aligned with Thought Design’s mission, Emily believes in the power of meaningful work. She values being part of a company where every effort contributes to helping leaders and teams grow, connect, and succeed.
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Emily’s journey into marketing began with her background in photography, where she learned to capture and tell compelling stories. Over time, her adaptability and love for problem-solving naturally led her to roles that combined creativity, strategy, and a knack for wearing many hats. Whether she’s coordinating campaigns, designing materials, or jumping in wherever needed, Emily takes pride in ensuring her team can focus on creating memorable experiences for clients.
When she’s not working, you’ll find Emily embracing her adventurous spirit—riding bicycles, motorcycles, and anything else with two wheels. She’s also an avid cook, puzzle enthusiast, and camper, always seeking ways to recharge and spark new ideas.
