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About Skillsetter
Skillsetter is a web-based deliberate practice training system to allow learners to practice interpersonal skills anytime, anywhere. Our patent-pending software removes the barriers to deliberate practice and replaces them with asynchronous remote technology that helps educators to achieve higher impact in behavioral skill development.
Our mission is to improve human interaction in every field.
Skillsetter enables instructors and learners to focus on interpersonal and soft skill building, as opposed to just acquiring knowledge. We do so by evangelizing the deliberate practice of these skills, and providing innovative tools to support that goal.
Whether you’re teaching counseling students to be more effective listeners, managers to be better leaders, or healthcare professionals to be better communicators, Skillsetter has the flexibility and customizability to offer learners hands-on practice for skills learned in the classroom.
Core Principals
We champion deliberate interpersonal improvement in people.
Data-driven
Instructors get laser-like focus on the areas where each learner has room for improvement.
Outcome-based
Learners receive systematic and actionable feedback relevant to the skill being practiced.
Kaizen Approach
Learners can now practice, review and refine critical interpersonal and communication skills.
Science-minded
Skillsetter uses innovative tools to leverage the scientific skill building theory called Deliberate Practice.
Our Story
Skillsetter is based on over 30 years of research by our Chief Scientist Dr. Bruce Wampold of the University of Wisconsin. The interactive software platform revolves around the science of deliberate practice to improve therapist effectiveness and client outcomes.
Skillsetter was originally designed for classes teaching psychotherapy; including psychology, psychiatry, clinical counseling, MFT and social work, but we have since discovered this same training is beneficial to many other fields that require interpersonal and communication skills.
Meet the Team
Kurt Shuster
CEO & Co-Founder
Kurt has over 15 years of experience across a range of roles and industries, including software development, consulting, and management. He holds a psychology degree from the University of Victoria, a computer science degree from Queen's University, an MBA from Cambridge University, and a Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania.
Bruce E. Wampold Ph.D.
Chief Scientist & Co-Founder
Bruce E. Wampold Ph.D., ABPP, is Emeritus Professor of Counseling Psychology at the University of Wisconsin—Madison and former Director of the Research Institute at Modum Bad Psychiatric Center in Norway. He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association (Divisions 12, 17, 29, 45), is Board Certified in Counseling Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology, and is the recipient of the 2007 Distinguished Professional Contributions to Applied Research Award from the American Psychological Association, the 2015 Distinguished Research Career Award from the Society for Psychotherapy Research, and the 2019 Gold Medal Award for Life Achievement in the Application of Psychology from the American Psychological Foundation. His work is summarized in The Great Psychotherapy Debate: The Evidence for What Makes Psychotherapy Work (with Z. Imel, Routledge, 2015).
Stephan Wiedner
COO & Co-Founder
Stephan co-founded Skillsetter in 2016, bringing to the table a mixed set of skills and experience including business, technology, and coaching. Stephan is a graduate of the University of British Columbia Bachelor of Commerce program, having specialized in information systems. In addition to his career, educational, and entrepreneurial pursuits, Stephan is a dedicated husband and father of two beautiful children.
Radu Vlad
Chief Technology Officer
Radu leads and manages the creation and development of the online platform at Skillsetter. He studied Computer Science and Business at the University of Waterloo and has over 12 years experience as an entrepreneur and technical leader. Outside of work, he loves riding his bike, exploring new places, and delicious food and coffee.
Nicole Clark
Customer Success Manager
Nicole is Skillsetter’s Customer Success Manager and the one always ready to help you with any of your needs. While completing her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of British Columbia, she worked in the service industry for many years. Nicole’s role at Skillsetter allows her to exercise her passion for psychology and customer service. Outside of her role here, Nicole is also a professional dancer, and loves to spend time outdoors with her dog.
Olga Vasileva
Research Scientist
Olga is a social scientist with extensive training in psychology and linguistics. Bringing over 10 years of experience conducting experimental, observational, survey, qualitative and mixed-methods research in international settings, Olga develops and manages Skillsetter's research program. She holds a PhD in Psychology from Simon Fraser University, an M.A. in Educational Psychology from the University of Northern Iowa and an MA and BA in Linguistics and Intercultural Communication from the Herzen University of Russia. Olga is an active member of the research community and a Fulbright scholar. Outside of work, Olga enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Boaz Y. Saffer, PhD
Research Scientist
Boaz leads the research and development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Skillsetter and is passionate about using AI to enhance people’s interpersonal skills at scale. He brings over 10 years of experience as a quantitative researcher and psychotherapist to the position, including a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of British Columbia (UBC). Boaz’s research has been published in leading academic journals, presented at international research conferences, and has been funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the US Department of Defence, UBC, and UBC Psychiatry’s Institute of Mental Health. In his free time, Boaz enjoys swimming, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Renato Toth
Software Engineer
Renato is a Software Engineer at Skillsetter. He holds a bachelor's in Computer Science from the Federal University of Sao Carlos. His 11 years of experience gives him a unique perspective when it comes to developing software and designing innovative products. For him, building software is a work of craftsmanship and he strives to consistently improve his craft and deliver top quality products.
Ailison Carvalho
Software Engineer
Ailison is a Software Engineer at Skillsetter. He holds a Diploma in Development of Systems For The Internet from the Faculdade de Informática e Administração Paulista of São Paulo and a Diploma in Computing Studies and Information Systems from Douglas College of New Westminster. Developing reliable and state-of-the-art web applications has been his passion and commitment for over 10 years. In his free time, he trades programming challenges for tricks on a snowboard or skateboard.
Colleen Ten Have
Software Developer
Colleen is a software developer at Skillsetter. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Victoria, where she studied computer science and history. Outside of work, she loves plants, travelling, and spending time outdoors.
Emmy Clutchey
Front-End Developer
Emmy is the front-end developer and UX designer at Skillsetter. Graduating from the New Media Design and Web Development program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology equipped her with a wide variety of skills needed to pursue a career in working with her passion: visuals. In her free time, she enjoys creating art.