Our Approach
The Chromatic Elephant Approach
Chromatic Elephant is all about action and “putting in your reps”. Change comes from building a tolerance to being uncomfortable and acting on what it takes to heal. We believe that through authentic connection to self, community and culture we can do the work that it takes to heal and stop the brutality of white body supremacy.
Our Story
Our Story
Resmaa Menakem and Tyler Reitzner are experts in the field of trauma and its impact on individual and communal health. Their mutual drive to see movement towards healthier communities for everyone has led to a bond in action in the form of Chromatic Elephant. They are bringing the racialized elephant in the room in an authentic way through tough conversations.
Tyler Reitzner
Podcast Co-host
Trauma-Informed Advocate, Trauma-Responsive Consultant, Trainer, Facilitator and Community Organizer
Tyler Reitzner is a husband, a father and an impassioned advocate for everyone’s right to thrive. In long-term recovery from Developmental Trauma, that includes PTSD and substance use disorder, Tyler has put his experience in branding and networking to use in the field of behavioral health. His professional life, his recovery and his lived experience have given him a deep understanding of the influence adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have on our abilities to work, to grow, and to have authentic relationships throughout life. He provides training and consulting services to help other professionals apply trauma-responsive insights to the work they do.
Tyler is an Associate Director of Learning with Alia. He is the former Executive Director of MN Trauma Project, an ACE Interface trained Presenter, MSSA Board Member and a trainer of Child Advocacy Studies Training (CAST) through the Mitchell Hamline School of Law Cohort.
Tyler and his wife Bethany are happy parents to two boys, Logan and Lucas. They live in Eagan, Minnesota.
Resmaa Menakem
Podcast Co-host
Healer, Author,
Trauma Specialist
Resmaa Menakem is a visionary Justice Leadership coach, organizational strategist and master trainer. To help Justice leaders really realize their potential in the areas of Equity & Racee, Resmaa created cultural somatics which utilizes the Body & Resilience as mechanisms for growth. Resmaa is a dynamic and fully engaged justice leadership coach who is dedicated in partnering with leaders whose intention is to assist others in leadingbetter lives and organizations. Resmaa is passionate about coaching those courageous leaders who dedicate their lives toward making the world a better place.
As the founder of Justice Leadership Solutions, a Justice Leadership consultancy firm, Resmaa Menakem dedicates his expertise to “coaching justice leaders through civil unrestand restlessness; justice leaders who feel isolated; and for those who sense that their voice is unsupported and feel somewhat cynical but who still have the fire and desire for change and creating justice for all.” Resmaa is an accomplished author of three books; My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies, 101 Tips for Emerging Justice Leaders, and a powerful book on conflict in relationships titled Rock the Boat: How to use Conflict to Heal and Deepen Relationships.
PODCAST
#1 CHROMATIC ELEPHANT PILOT
Resmaa and Tyler explain the mission behind Chromatic Elephant and why understanding the context of the impacts of racism is so important.