The History

ESP™ was created to meet the social etiquette education needs of individuals, schools, groups and businesses. ESP is a subsidiary of JDWC (Jon D. Williams Cotillions, Incorporated), a national organization founded in 1949 and has instructed over 250,000 students in the art of dance and social etiquette education.

The prototype for the ESP program was developed for the United States Air Force Academy in 1994 and has become a mandatory course for the cadets on an annual basis. Its objective: to properly train the cadets in social etiquette protocol, preparing them for their future diplomatic roles in representing our nation.

The importance of social skills in the business and social arena is increasingly evident. Continually more schools, businesses and organizations are recognizing the need to provide training for their future leaders, to set a precedent in sense and civility.

ESP Staff

Katherine A. Mason
Director. Katherine has been a director with the Jon D. Williams Cotillions since 1994. Her education in International Business from the University of Colorado, and her work as assistant to the Chief of Protocol for Governor Romer during the World Economic Summit of the Eight, have added an international perspective to the organization. Her experiences include travel to six continents and over 25 countries. Katherine also holds a Marketing degree and heads up our graphic design team, which produces the ESP publications, as well as the JDWC newsletter, Communiqué. She directs our public relations department with regular appearances on local news broadcasts and KNUS - Success Radio, a local talk radio program. Recent projects include the design and implementation of Cotillion Classics, our new line of clothing and educational products for children found exclusively on our website.

As Executive Director of ESP (Executive Social Presentation), Katherine has been speaking and instructing etiquette courses on a national basis since 1997. In addition to directing social programs at the USAF, she maintains an extensive knowledge of wine etiquette. Recently, her projects include corporate seminars for AAMSE (American Association of Medical Society Executives), BIG (Blacks in Government), Focus Ministries, Marriott Hotels, Pikes Peak United Way, Denver University, and the University of Colorado. She was privileged to be the key note speaker for the Kappa Delta Leadership Conference, The National Charity League and several different debutante groups nationwide.

Shelley C. Sutton
Director. Shelley has been with the Jon D. Williams Cotillions for over 13 years. In addition to instructing cotillions, she oversees administrative responsibilities within JDWC. Shelley is also a presenter for ESP (Executive Social Presentation) and the team leader for research and development. Shelley attended Marietta College in Ohio and finished with a degree in Psychology from University of Southwestern Louisiana. Mother of three, her volunteer work has included the Junior League, Rocky Mountain Adoption Exchange, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and Girls, Inc. Recently, her projects include corporate seminars for ING Re, Pikes Peak United Way, Marriott Hotels, and Metropolitan State College. In addition, Shelley instructs social programs for cadets at the USAF on etiquette and dining.

Annabel Day
Director. Annabel begins her training with ESP following an extensive internship and work as a student instructor for the last six years. Graduating Magna Cum Laude from Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies and an emphasis in Theatre Arts. In addition, Annabel has her Preliminary Multiple Subject Ryan Teaching Credential through Pepperdine's Seaver College Program. While at Pepperdine, Annabel participated as an Inter-Club Council Representative and Choreographer for the Pepperdine Dance Company, Dance in Flight. She was awarded both the Sweepstakes and Producer's Awards for the University Production Songfest in 2004 where she was recognized for outstanding choreography, direction, and overall presentation. Annabel was recently acknowledged in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities 2005, she is a Delta Gamma alumna, and a member of the Kappa Delta Pie Education Honors Society.