Fred has been learning and teaching NVC since 1999. Along the way he earned a PhD in Psychology addressing the reactive basis of violence and how empathy promotes peace and accountability. Additionally, Fred was instrumental in creating and directing the Oregon Prison Project (OPP) that currently offers classes in four Oregon adult facilities, one post-release program, and one youth authority facility as well. Fred also started and grew Rose City NVC, a Portland area teaching organization currently offering NVC classes to individuals, organizations, couples, families, and businesses in Oregon. Fred is currently retired from both OPP and Rose City NVC in order to work with those struggling with the symptoms of psychological trauma, veterans with PTSD, prisons systems that want to establish and grow NVC programs, and those wanting to create cooperative community. Along with Liv Monroe, Fred offers an annual NVC retreat at Breitenbush in early June.