When Hannah Tomeo attended ToP® Facilitation Methods training earlier this year with HueLife, she didn’t expect it would become a tool she’d use nearly every day. But since returning home, she has applied the methods across a wide range of projects, helping rural youth, elders, educators, and healthcare leaders create community-driven solutions.
In her role at Washington State University, Hannah coordinates programs that support rural students, in pursuing pathways to healthcare careers. Each community she works with brings its own unique strengths, priorities, and visions for the future. “I knew there would be differences,” Hannah says, “but I didn’t realize how different the goals and resources would be from one community to the next.”
The structured facilitation tools gave Hannah confidence to guide conversations without prescribing solutions. “I was nervous at first, especially sitting with leaders and elders I’ve looked up to my whole life,” she shares. “But ToP gave me a way to help them pull their own ideas forward, rather than feeling like I had to have all the answers.”
One standout moment involved a tribal youth council, where teens brought energy, honesty, and insight into what their community needs. Using the facilitation methods, Hannah was able to help them organize their ideas and co-design a youth-led program that’s in the development process.
“It’s been incredible to see how quickly youth can identify what’s missing, brainstorm solutions, and build something that’s sustainable”
Beyond her work at WSU, Hannah has even applied facilitation tools in her personal life, including organizing her own bachelorette trip. “It worked amazingly well to get everyone on the same page,” she laughs.
Ultimately, Hannah sees facilitation not just as a skill, but as a way to serve her community. “This work has taught me that leadership isn’t always about standing up front. Sometimes it’s about stepping back and helping others discover their own solutions.”
