top of page
Expertise

  • Behavioral Science, Personal Transformation, Transformative Learning

  • Change management, Transformative change

  • ​Adult learning, Executive education

  • Leadership and Global Leadership

  • Entrepreneurship, Management Sciences

  • International education, Cross-culture education

  • Wellness, Mindfulness, Nutrition, Yoga

Available to serve on doctoral research committees or consult as a subject matter expert

NEW PUBLICATION  

In this book chapter, Dr. Ensign introduces a new, groundbreaking Transformative Experience Model and provides a step-by-step roadmap to guide us through the process of personal transformation.

 

The Transformative Experience Model can be used by individuals, teachers, coaches, and consultants to better understand how we experience disorienting situations and how we can use cognitive dissonance as a catalyst to transform our perspectives.

Order Here!

The Transformational Coaching handbook is a welcome and much-needed addition to the literature of the field.
- Francine Campone, Ed.D., MCC

Publications
Ensign, T. (2024). The Transformative Experiences Model for transformational coaching. In K.O. Akouris & A.E. Emond (Eds.), Transformational Coaching: An Evidence-Based Guide. Fielding University Press.

Ensign, T. (2021). When Archived Research is the Dataset: Reflections on a Qualitative Content Analysis Study. In Y. Tolstikov-Mast, F. Bieri, & J. Walker (Eds.), Handbook of International Leadership Research. Taylor & Francis.
 
Ensign, T. (2019). Triggers of transformative learning in global leadership development: The Disorientation Index. In J. S. Osland, M. E. Mendenhall, B. Sebastian Reiche, & B. Szkudlarek (Eds.), Advances in Global Leadership (Vol. 12). pp. 125-150. Emerald Publishing.

Ensign, T. (2019). The seed of transformation: A Disorientation Index. ProQuest.

Ensign, T., & Schmieder-Ramirez, J. (2018).  The making of a Ph.D.: A case study at Pepperdine University. Journal of Global Leadership, 6, 249-296.
 
Ensign, T. (2016). Preparing students for a global world: A summary of Braeburn’s International Peer-to-Peer Program. Journal of Global Leadership, 4, 20-30.
Conference Presentations & Scholarly Service
Journal of Transformative Education (2024–present)
  • Consulting Editor, Editorial Board
     
Indiana Institute of Technology Ph.D. in Global Leadership Immersion Conference (Fall, 2025)
  • The Neuroscience of Scholarship: Priming Your Body and Brain for Academic Writing
  • Dissertation Derailers: What You Need to Know and How to Avoid Them
     
Indiana Institute of Technology Ph.D. in Global Leadership Immersion Conference (Spring, 2025)
  • Expand Your Global Mindset with a Independent or Faculty-Led Global Practicum​
    ​
15th Biennial International Transformative Learning Conference (2024)
  • Co-Chair and Judge for the John Mezirow Transformative Learning Award
     
Indiana Institute of Technology Ph.D. in Global Leadership Immersion Conference (Fall, 2023)
  • Preparing Students for a Global World: Developing Global Skills in a Virtual Community of Practice via an International Peer-to-Peer Program
  • Introduction to Executive Coaching
     
Indiana Institute of Technology Ph.D. in Global Leadership Immersion Conference (Spring, 2023)
  • Leading and Lifelong Learning in the Digital Age
 
National Association for Study Abroad (NAFSA) Global Conference (May, 2022)
  • Transformative Learning to Foster Study Abroad Outcomes
 
14th Biennial International Transformative Learning Conference (2022)
  • Co-Chair and Judge for the John Mezirow Transformative Learning Award
     
Pepperdine University - PhD in Global Leadership and Change Program (January, 2022)
  • Guest Speaker - Learning Theory and Design
     
Indiana Institute of Technology Ph.D. in Global Leadership Program Curriculum Committee (2021)
  • Developing the Organizational Leadership Track - Courses and Curriculum
     
Pepperdine University - PhD in Global Leadership and Change Program (November, 2021)
  • Guest Speaker - Strategic Management and Change
     
Indiana Institute of Technology Ph.D. in Global Leadership Immersion Conference (Fall, 2021)
  • Secrets of Dissertation Success

Indiana Institute of Technology Ph.D. in Global Leadership Immersion Conference (Spring, 2021)
  • Writing Workshop - Getting Started on Your Dissertation
 
Indiana Institute of Technology Ph.D. in Global Leadership Program Curriculum Committee (2021)
  • Organizational Leadership Track
  • Global Practicum
     
Indiana Institute of Technology Ph.D. in Global Leadership Immersion Conference (Fall, 2020)
  • New Research In Global Leadership Development: Intercultural Competence
  • Casual Cafe: How to Start a Consultancy Practice
     
National Association for Study Abroad (NAFSA) Region II Conference (2020)
  • Wellness Session Leader
     
National Association for Study Abroad (NAFSA) Global Conference (2020)

Indiana Institute of Technology Ph.D. in Global Leadership Immersion Conference (Spring, 2020)
  • New Research In Global Leadership Development: Triggers of Global Leadership Development
  • Independent Global Practicum Information Session
     
International Leadership Association (ILA) 22nd Annual Global Conference (2020)
  • Publication Peer Reviewer (3 papers)
     
Indiana Institute of Technology Ph.D. in Global Leadership Program Curriculum Committee (2020)
  • Global Practicum
     
Journal of Transformative Education (2020 – 2023)
  • Publication Peer Reviewer

Indiana Institute of Technology Ph.D. in Global Leadership Program Curriculum Redesign (2019)
  • Independent Global Practicum
     
National Association for Study Abroad (NAFSA) Region II Conference (2019)                                                                 
  • Wellness Session Leader
     
Pepperdine University Career Services – Doctoral Retreat for Leadership Studies Students (2019)
  • Co-designed and co-facilitated Three Day Residential Career Conference
  • Wellness Session Leader

Columbia University Teacher’s College - International Transformative Learning Conference Attendee (2018)
 
Academy of Management – Eastern Conference (2018)​
  • Presenter: Ensign, T. & Fawzy, C. (2018) Trouble at TechCo: The Influence of Emotional Intelligence & Organizational Climate on Decision Making. Teaching Case Study & Instructor Manual
     
Academy of Management – Eastern Conference (2018)
  • Conference Chair: Research in Human Resources Track
  • Publication Peer Reviewer (6 papers)
     
Arizona State University - Eradicating Poverty through Energy Innovation Conference (2018)
  • Panelist: Socio-behavioral Considerations with Energy Innovation in Developing Countries
     
Academy of Management – EMONET (Emotions in Management) 11 Conference (2018)
  • Publication Peer Reviewer (3 papers)
     
Academy of Management – Eastern Conference (2017)
  • Presenter: Ensign, T. & Ensign, R. (2017). Preparing Students for a Global World: Developing Global Skills in a Virtual Community of Practice. Presentation of research & experiential exercise simulation.
     
Pepperdine University Graduate Research Symposium (2017)
  • Presenter: Ensign, T. & Schmieder-Ramirez, J. (2017). The Making of a Ph.D.: A Case Study at Pepperdine University
     
Academy of Management – Eastern Conference (2017)
  • Publication Peer Reviewer (3 papers)
Grants
  • Association of International Educators (NAFSA) Grant Recipient (2019)
  • Pepperdine University Research Symposium Grant Recipient (2017)
  • Arizona Job Training Grant Beneficiary (Multiple 2013 – 2015)
  • Fort Lewis College Grant Recipient for Business School Myers Briggs Assessments (2012)

Sign up to be notified of retreat dates, special offers, and resources!

​​

We will never share or sell your information.

Current Students & Clients:

Screen Shot 2020-10-31 at 11.32.00 AM.pn

Tonya Ensign is an entrepreneur, educator, and author focusing on 

the applied science of personal transformation. She serves clients and students globally.

©2025 Tonya Ensign, Ph.D.

bottom of page