We’re Rebekah and Michael
Anima Speaks brings together our experience in education, leadership, coaching, and the everyday work of making a life. We help people inhabit their lives more fully—in their relationships, families, teams, and communities.
Through thoughtful conversations and hands-on, analog experiences, we make patterns visible, give complexity room, and help you discover what’s possible from where you actually are. You might begin with a particular question, a difficult transition, or one of our tools. Together, we find an accessible next move—and make room for what matters to you.
Michael De Pass
Lead Coach/Consultant/ COO
Michael helps people and teams make sense of complex situations, strengthen their relationships, and find practical ways forward. His work brings together leadership coaching, strategy, and a longstanding commitment to communities whose contributions have been undervalued.
Over more than a decade at the Center for Creative Leadership, Michael served as Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and led its K–12 education portfolio. Previously, he worked as a management consultant with McKinsey & Company and held research and leadership roles in international development.
Having lived in Liberia as a child, Michael became interested early in how identity, culture, and belonging shape our lives. That curiosity continues to inform how he works with individuals, teams, and communities navigating change.
Educational Background
Michael holds an MBA from Harvard University, a BA in Liberal Arts from the University of Virginia, and a Bachelor of Theology from Hope Bible College.
Rebekah De Pass
Founder/CEO
Rebekah helps people embrace “what is” and find new ways to inhabit their lives more fully. Her work brings together education, leadership coaching, and hands-on experiences that make patterns visible and open possibilities for change.
Across nearly three decades as a teacher, principal, and coach, Rebekah has pursued a guiding question: what helps people live courageously without leaving themselves behind? As a New York City principal, she received national recognition for leading a school turnaround in East Harlem. That experience continues to inform her work with people and organizations navigating complexity and change.
A nomad at heart, Rebekah finds inspiration in unfamiliar places, creative exploration, and the everyday discoveries of parenting. She and Michael now live in Thailand with their son, where family life is also fertile ground for developing Anima Speaks’ analog tools and experiences.
Educational Background
Rebekah holds an Ed.M. in Human Development and Psychology, with a focus on Arts in Education, from Harvard University; a BS in Early Childhood Education and Political Science from the University of South Florida; and a School Administration Certification from Baruch College. She trained as a Strategic Intervention Life Coach through the Robbins-Madanes Center.
Client Feedback
“Providing coaching services from Rebekah for everyone on my team (myself included) has transformed our outcomes and increased our social and task cohesion.”
— Nancy Kolas, Senior Manager, Customer Implementation“When providing feedback, they strive to make it clear, relevant, helpful, and inspiring. They understand the limited resources and time constraints and work efficiently to support busy clients.”
— Arun Dutt, Principal
“They have an amazing ability to connect what seems to be disparate thoughts and concepts into a sensical framework that produces results rapidly.”
— Erika McCoy, Senior Executive Director
FEEDBACK FROM EXECUTIVE COACHING PARTICIPANTS Lagos, Nigeria
“Michael and Rebekah are really experienced and practical coaches. They understand how culture evolves and what is involved.”
“The coaching they presented to our team about what we say and how we say it as leaders goes a long way to help us solve our problems in the midst of pressures and financial targets we must meet.”
“The coaching role-play Michael and Rebekah delivered highlighted my engagement style, which came across as apologetic and not wanting to offend. I now have the tools to balance empathy with accountability.”
“The content and presentations Rebekah and Michael deliver are well-dimensioned with appropriate life examples. No beating around the bush.”
“The mix of video and written content makes everything feel accessible.”