Meet the 2024 Coaches

Alani is a terrorist/spy/human trafficking career supervisory special agent and former senior Pentagon bodyguard to a top DoD official. All while 5’3”, a female, Latina, and young-looking. Imposter syndrome galore. Now she coaches around the topic to help aspiring world changers shed fear...Read more about Alani Bankhead (she/her)

I help clients find their direction, map their course, and be equipped to have authentic career pathways and an impact on people’s lives. I serve as a thinking partner with you in career planning, project conceptualization and implementation, goal-setting and accountability, and discerning...Read more about Amanda Swain (she/her)

Amy is a certified executive leadership coach whose purpose is to energize transformation. She combines C-level experience and perspective with her values-based coaching approach to guide client growth. Amy blends coaching, mentoring, and consulting to meet client needs and preferences....Read more about Amy Kelly Lauer (she/her)

Anne Amis (ACC, Founder of Wild Visions Coaching) is a seasoned leadership and life coach with over 20 years of experience as a nonprofit executive. After decades of feeling stuck herself, Anne’s passion is supporting clients to get "unstuck" - to see beyond their limiting beliefs and to...Read more about Anne Amis (she/her)

I have extensive experience working with people in career development, transitions, leadership development, culture, personality, team dynamics, and high performance.

My coaching involves deep listening, critical questions, transparency, assessments, and analysis, using a Whole-...Read more about Bernadette Han (she/her)

I am an experienced people manager and career coach. In addition to leading an annual mentoring program for my organization, I am responsible for managing cross-organizational training, and professional development, facilitating strategic planning, emotional intelligence and diversity...Read more about Carol Huang (she/her)

As a certified health and wellness coach, Caroline has been helping driven working moms break through chronic exhaustion and move toward well-being, no matter their life’s demands. Coaching with Caroline is an opportunity to alter the beliefs that aren’t serving you, grow your unique...Read more about Caroline Goodwill (she/her)

I am a technologist turned coach with 25 years of experience leading teams in fast-paced environments. As a coach, my focus is on partnering with you to identify limiting beliefs and behaviors, create new habits and patterns, and develop a clear vision for your future. I can help with a...Read more about Chanda Dharap (she/her)

Chris Wilson is a TEDx speaker, 2x author, entrepreneur, and coach. He's an ex-Helicopter and Aircraft Maintenance Engineer with over 14 years experience. He's passionate about helping the next generation impact the world. He focuses on career/executive coaching.

Chris is a Co-...Read more about Chris Wilson (he/him)

A Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF) for over 8 years, I work with individuals and teams who want to discover or deepen what fulfills them. No matter where you are in your career journey, you have a choice about who you are being while you are...Read more about Christine Barnes (she/her)

Pivot & Flow Career Strategy was founded three years ago with the mission of helping individuals and teams re-discover the purpose, flow, excitement, and energy of work they love. As the lead career strategist & coach, and Certified Sparketype Advisor (CSA), Cori teaches proven...Read more about Cori Caldwell (she/her)

Diane G. Lang is an experienced executive coach who has coached leaders in higher education and K-12 settings. As a DEI strategist, she is experienced with coaching for equity and antiracist liberation, including goal setting, cycles of inquiry, and identifying and establishing action...Read more about Diane Lang (she/her/ella)

Diny Chen is an ICF-certified coach who brings curiosity, energy, commitment, and thoughtfulness. She is deeply invested in partnering with clients from diverse backgrounds to unlock their full potential and fulfillment. Her professional experiences span across the design, technology, and...Read more about Diny Chen (she/her)

CTI Co-Active trained leadership and executive coach with over 750 hours of professional coaching hours and 120 hours of coaching training. Also a seasoned wilderness sherpa and minimalist backpacking instructor. Based in Berkeley CA.

2023 impact highlights:

Emma is a Latina with a PhD in Biomedical Engineering, former software consultant and COO of an e-commerce startup. She is a professional somatic coach certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) as an Associate Certified Coach (ACC). She trained at InviteChange and the...Read more about Emma Pineda Fortin (she/her/ella)

Erika Reynolds has been leading and coaching teams and individuals since 2002. Erika has coached a wide range of leaders from high-achieving student leaders to Executive Directors. Erika is passionate about coaching women in leadership positions to live in alignment with their purpose in...Read more about Erika Reynolds (she/her)

In May 2023, I received a Certificate of Organization Coaching (COC) from the University of British Columbia. I have accumulated 100+ hours of client coaching, so am in the process of getting my ACC credential.

Outside of coaching, I have 25+ years of professional experience in the...Read more about Farhana Currimbhoy (she/her)

Having been in a corporate job for over 25 years, I am now enjoying the path of following my passion to Coach people to explore their full potential. As a credentialed ICF PCC, ICF ACTC coach, and EMCC Senior Practitioner, I feel empowered by my corporate experience and coach training to...Read more about Fiona Bhattacharya (she/her)

An International Coaching Federation (ICF) - certified professional coach, Gavan has more than 15+ years of experience coaching senior level executives and emerging leaders across all sectors on developing leadership and career management strategies for success. She helps you connect to...Read more about Gavan Ambrosini (she/her)

Inga Bielinska is MCC ICF, EIA Senior Practitioner, team coach (ICF ACTC and EMCC ITCA), business trainer, mentor coach and ESIA coach supervisor.
She works globally with clients who undergo change, both organizational and individual, struggle with managing remote and culturally diverse...Read more about Inga Bielinska (she/her)

Who is Janell Essence, WPCC?
A Certified International Whole Person Professional Coach. Certified under Master Coach Feroshia Knight's Whole Person Coaching program, accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

Credential Verification
...Read more about Janell Johnson (she/her)

As an experienced career counselor at Berkeley Career Engagement, I am here to guide you through the career development process with empathy and support. My goal is to help you gain clarity, identify your next steps, and achieve your full potential in your professional life. Read more about Jen Racklin (she/her)

I love working with people who identify as highly sensitive, working in complex professional environments. I hold space to expand ideas, be heard, seen, understood, challenged, validated, and celebrated. I illuminate the innate wisdom that only you have to achieve your goals. I see you as...Read more about Jennifer Coffey (she/her)

Mental Fitness Coach Joan Kling guides first-time people managers from daily struggle and self-doubt to self-confident, successful leaders who make a difference.

Joan Kling has more than 35 years of local government experience - 20 years in Code Enforcement leadership where she fine...Read more about Joan Kling (she/her)

Joyce Talag is a life and leadership coach who has coached diverse clients across the globe – primarily in North and South America, Asia, and Europe. Her mission is to help them thrive as they make an impact on the communities where they live, work, and move. She takes a whole-of-life and...Read more about Joyce Talag (she/her/siya)

Karen Retardo empowers immigrant women of color to conquer self-doubt, fostering confidence and courage. Drawing from her journey as an immigrant, Karen offers empathetic, heart-centered support, helping others achieve their aspirations. Embracing uncertainty and steering through tough...Read more about Karen Retardo (she/her)

With over a decade of dedicated service at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), Katherine is a proud alumna with a degree in Communication, reflecting her passion for effective communication and interpersonal skills. As the Talent Acquisition Supervisor in UCSB's HR Talent...Read more about Katherine Abad (she/her)

I specialize in reducing stress and boosting well-being through a blend of cognitive science and creative coaching techniques. With over a decade of experience and a PCC credential, I offer a nurturing and engaging coaching style that encourages personal exploration and practical skill...Read more about Katie Kanowsky (she/her)

Higher education is unlike any other employment setting. I enjoy supporting academics and professionals who navigate the complexities of this setting through a range of question-based tools and resources. I attended a higher education-focused ICF accredited coach training program, and am...Read more about Kimberly Hale (she/her)

Krista Dahl Kusuma is a coach, mentor, consultant, president, and founder at Experience First Consulting, which she founded to nurture the potential of leaders at all levels, creating purposeful transformation. She has helped hundreds of people multiply their talent, work smarter not...Read more about Krista Kusuma (she/her)

Kristen Hecht has 15+ years of experience in leadership development consulting, coaching, and workshop facilitation. She has provided organizational, team-based, and one-on-one services to non-profit organizations, private foundations, membership associations, and academic institutions....Read more about Kristen Hecht (she/her)

As a highly sought-after Life Coach specializing in Work/Life Balance and Life Skills training, I’ve developed step-by-step coaching modules and curricula in various areas of counseling and human development. I conduct 1:1 sessions, small groups, and seminars both in person and virtually...Read more about LaKedra Brown

Laura Paradise is a certified life coach who specializes in career transitions, interview skills and self-esteem. Laura was trained at CTI and the Strozzi Institute. She works holistically with her clients, using her background in somatic coaching to strengthen presence, awareness of body...Read more about Laura Paradise (she/her)

Laura Woody, LCSW, is the owner of Connections Coaching and Consulting LLC. Leaning on her 20 years of experience as a social worker, supervisor, and leader in the non-profit realm, Laura approaches coaching with empathy and humor, keeping a non-judgmental and supportive stance. Laura has...Read more about Laura Woody (she/her)

I guide people to move more consciously through life experiences.

I believe that you are whole, complete, and have all the wisdom within you. My job is to present you with inquiries to continuously realign you with the wise, loving, and truest part of yourself. I hold a safe space...Read more about Ling Ling Phung (she/her)

Lisa Harris has 20+ years of experience advising university international students from all over the world. Whether navigating phases of cultural adjustment or complicated immigration application processes, her adroit communication skills as well as her calm, knowledgeable, and light-...Read more about Lisa Harris (she/her)

As a Success Coach, Lisha works with high-achieving millennials who have a history of success and have recently been promoted into a more senior role or are seeking to make that happen. Working together, she helps them navigate those transitions with less stress and more joy, in ways that...Read more about Lisha Davidovits (she/her)

Lynne Mueller is an executive leadership coach dedicated to empowering and championing her clients toward meaningful, thriving careers and fulfilling lives.

Her NA leadership experience includes various general management posts at a broadcast television affiliate, film and video...Read more about Lynne Naomi Mueller (she/her)

Manuela has over 20 years of experience in helping professionals be successful in their lives and careers. Her work experience spans Strategy Consulting at Bain & Company, Product Management and Strategic Development at a successful Silicon Valley start-up, and Executive Director of...Read more about Manuela Pauer (she/her)

I'm a trained career and life coach who is passionate about other humans. My career as a coach started when I organized a boot camp for women in tech and evolved from individual guidance to empowering group participants. My approach is both Client-Centered and Strength-Based: I practice...Read more about Margarita Akterskaia (she/her)

I am a certified ACC professional career and life coach. I am also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I work as both a coach and therapist. My coaching experience has focused on supporting social impact professionals and folks going through career transitions. I bring warmth, empathy,...Read more about Marisa Singer (she/her)

Melanie is a CPCC and ACC certified coach, also trained in ORSC. She has an extensive background in mentoring individuals and leading teams in the medtech and life science spaces. While her specialty is to help moms reconnect with themselves and build lives beyond family care, she is...Read more about Melanie Harris (she/her)

I am a PCC-certified Executive Coach with nearly 2,000+ hours of 1:1 and group coaching experience. Previous to becoming a full-time coach, I spent 15 years leading teams and large-scale marketing initiatives in the corporate world at companies like Facebook/Meta and ModCloth and I bring...Read more about Meredith Benedict (she/her)

Michele is a dedicated Executive/Leadership Coach with extensive experience coaching individuals across all levels of the organization. She has broad experience as a designated leader and change management consultant, with expertise in team building, leadership development, and...Read more about Michele Smith (she/her)

My name is Minea Herwitz and I am an ICF certified coach and the Director of Marketing on the Board of the ICF San Francisco Bay Area Coaches chapter. I believe in (and have experienced) the power of coaching to help people move toward goals and think beyond what they can achieve alone. As...Read more about Minea Herwitz (she/her)

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My coaching is aimed at improving focus, performance, and happiness. I've partnered with new grads, mid-career high-performers, non-profit leaders, and executives. I'll help you identify what you want next in your career, address...Read more about Molly Heekin (she/her)

I am Nayely Duran (she, her, hers), a dynamic professional life and leadership coach committed to unlocking the inner genius within you. With over 8 years of experience and a certification from the International Coaching Federation, I’m passionate about bringing a transformative approach...Read more about Nayely Duran (she/her)

As a Certified ACC Leadership Coach, I bring over 30 years of business leadership to global companies. With an approach that is dynamic and always relatable to the real challenges of business, I tell it as it is, to enable leaders to quickly get to the heart of the matter. Each person I...Read more about Nile Rowan (he/him)

I have quit lucrative "perfect" jobs, moved without plans, and prioritized creating a life of purpose, rather than finding it. I happily work full-time as a Senior Community Manager at a higher-education software company and enjoy the harmony of my work in building communities and coaching...Read more about Paige Dahlman (she/her)

Preeti Khare holds an MBA, MSA from Central Michigan University, USA, and is an ICF-PCC internationally certified coach. She is a sought-after keynote speaker, corporate trainer and a transformational executive and leadership coach. Preeti is also the State President of WICCI coaching...Read more about Preeti Khare (she/her)

An accomplished CEO with over 25 years in healthcare and entrepreneurship, Rainbow leverages her extensive experience in financial and operational experience in leading private and government sectors earning her and the individuals she works with success and accolades. Trained at UC Davis...Read more about Rainbow Brockenborough (she/her)

Rayner Jae Liu is an Integral Coach®, inclusion strategist, and systems theorist who offers 360° perspectives in service of life. With 10+ years of experience creating breakthroughs in inclusion, education, and leadership development, Rayner helps individuals, from students to CEOs, find...Read more about Rayner Jae Liu (he/him)

I am Richa Chadha, an ICF-credentialed PCC Coach specializing in Leadership coaching with a profound focus on Mental Fitness and Transition. Whether you're navigating complex leadership challenges, aiming to enhance mental resilience, or undergoing significant transitions such as job...Read more about Richa Chadha (she/her)

Sam thrives on empowering others to achieve their full potential. She brings 14+ years of experience across Professional Coaching, Talent Development/HR/People, and Business Operations in the Technology space.

She has led regional Coaching teams for over 10,000+ Tech Professionals...Read more about Samantha Dias (she/her)

As an ICF-certified coach, I work with individuals, groups, and teams to align personal values with professional goals. Starting from a place of curiosity, I surface a client's desires for the future, co-creating a vision to guide their path.

Leveraging deep listening skills,...Read more about Sara Benson (she/her)

Sheila Riordan, ACC, SPHR, is an Executive Coach who came to coaching following a successful 25-year career in Human Resources. Sheila’s path from HR to coaching emerged from coaching that she received which broadened her thinking about what was possible. She discovered a career path that...Read more about Sheila Riordan (she/her)

I'm Sheri Holt, currently serving as a Principal Value Engineer at Cloud Software Group. I hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Georgetown University and an MBA from NYU Stern. Currently, I'm pursuing certification to become a Career and Leadership Coach through CTI (Co-Active...Read more about Sheri Holt (she/her)

Shwetha is an ICF ACC coach who has partnered with CXOs, Vice Presidents, Functional Heads, Senior and Emerging Leaders, and Entrepreneurs across BFSI, Retail, consulting, and Technology domains. She is an alumnus of XLRI Jamshedpur with over 10+ years of experience in banking and retail....Read more about Shwetha Sivaraman (she/her)

I am an ADHD Coach based in the San Francisco Bay Area. My personal journey with ADHD, coupled with a background in Tech Sales, has equipped me with a unique set of skills to guide individuals toward realizing their full potential. I offer a strong, encouraging voice rooted in gratitude...Read more about Stephen Hodgson (he/him)

I have been coaching for over 5 years with 2 coaching certifications as a Certified Co-active Professional Coach and certified as a Christian Life Coach. I work with people from various beautiful ethnicities, professions, socio-economic statuses, and genders. I believe the best in and for...Read more about Tana Inskeep (she/her)

Fifteen Years of international experience in personal development, and for the past decade has been at the forefront of Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy and Customer Experience, specializing in data management, SaaS solution development, leadership development, and training.

...Read more about Tierney Powers (she/her)

I have over 20 years of experience coaching employees, leaders, and executives in a corporate setting, and have recently established my own practice where I continue to support each individual’s self-development and growth, wherever they may be in that journey. I specialize in transitions...Read more about Wendy Carmody (she/her)