Mission
Periscope Theory empowers individuals, organizations, and coalitions to chart a course for success by applying a lens of innovation and systems thinking.
Vision
Our communities have the ability to seek solutions and realize the change necessary to cultivate the conditions where everyone is thriving, participating, and leading together.
History
Rebecca Toll and Erin Zimmermann met in 2012 while working at United Way of Larimer County where they reshaped the organization’s strategic direction and community impact framework. They collaborated with over 70 cross-sector partners on strategies that supported early childhood and school readiness, youth empowerment, graduation/post-secondary success, and workforce development. Through this work, they built expertise in leadership development, process design, and training/facilitation. Following their passion, Erin and Rebecca founded Periscope Theory, LLC in 2018 in order to continue working alongside organizations, coalitions, and communities to cultivate transformation and build resilience for the future.
Erin and Rebecca are complementary forces that form a dynamic partnership in which their sum is greater than their parts.
In addition to sharing a passion for community building, Rebecca and Erin share a love for The Wizard of Oz, a good glass of wine, and NPR.
Get in touch
We would love to hear from you! That’s why we offer free 30 minute discovery consultations to walk you through your needs, the scope of your goals, and your budget.
let’s chat! ▸
Consultants
Co-Founder
Erin Zimmermann
Erin is small but mighty with over a decade of nonprofit and volunteer management experience. Erin has extensive experience working on national projects focused on strategic planning, board development, public participation and inclusive community and systems change. Some of her highlights include developing corporate volunteer and engagement programs, launching cross-sectoring community impact initiatives, participating on a global project focused on high performing board and CEO partnerships, and facilitating equity-centered strategic planning processes for a variety of organizations. Erin is a United Way Worldwide Fellow; holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a M.S. in Counseling; and is committed to lifelong learning. Erin blends these foundations in her approach in working with organizations and understands the importance of active listening, trust building representing multiple perspectives and being relationship-focused.
Born and raised in Colorado, Erin continues to rediscover things she loves about Fort Collins. When she isn’t submerged in community change efforts, she can be found dreaming of her next vacation adventure, reading children’s books to Finn and Lily, or trying out new restaurants or breweries with her husband.
Education
UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX
M.S., School Counseling
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
B.A., Technical Journalism
Activities & Affiliations
United Way Worldwide Fellow Third Sector Associates
International Association of Public Participation
Expertise & Focus Areas
• Facilitation• Adaptive Leadership• Strategic Thinking • Collective Impact
• Board Development• Volunteer Engagement • Program + Organizational Development
co-founder
Rebecca Toll
Rebecca has dedicated her life and career to spanning boundaries across issues, geography, and sectors. Her portfolio includes business development and revitalization projects, securing funding for capital improvements and programmatic needs, strengthening state and local government partnerships, and leading organizational change management efforts. Rebecca thrives in complexity, seeking the opportunity to apply critical thinking skills and diverse perspectives to address long-standing challenges.
Rebecca has nearly 15 years of experience in organizational development, community-based facilitation, and cross-sector partnership development. Her practice primarily focuses on social justice issues related to public health and education for youth and families. Fulfilled by the service and company of others, Rebecca is active in the community where she creates valuable connections for others to leverage resources and experiences.
Education
REGIS UNIVERSITY
Masters, Nonprofit Management
UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
B.A., Sociology & International Studies
Activities & Affiliations
Colorado State University •Prevention Research Center •School of Social Work •Richardson Design Center
•Center for Lifelong Learning, Outreach, and Education •Extension, Family Leadership Training Institute
BIPOC Alliance Solidarity Team
Expertise & Focus Areas
• Facilitation • Collaborative Leadership• Strategic Thinking • Collective Impact
• Human-Centered Design • Social Justice Frameworks • Program Design + Evaluation
Collaborators
The Capacity Collective
The Capacity Collective: Seattle is an important part of our collective network. Our Seattle collaborators bring years of experience in data and organizational capacity building, community development, and evaluation. The Seattle team has worked with many various community organizations, government agencies, corporations and universities, giving us a powerful tool set to support you as your take your programs, organizations and communities to the next level.
Third Sector Associates
Third Sector Enterprises (Third Sector) is a collaboration of professionals who provide expert consultation and training services in the capacity building competencies. It is a “one-stop shop” of experienced and vetted consultants. These consultants know each other and work together on specific projects.