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)

Amy is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach and a leadership advisor with over 20 years of experience in the tech industry, including leadership roles at companies such as Google and TikTok. Most recently, she led a global PMM team of 30+, and brings a deep passion for people...Read more about Amy Chou

Amy Shuman serves as the Executive Director of Staff Coaching and Professional Development for the Division of Student Affairs at UC Davis. She has a master's degree in leadership from University of the Pacific, is a Gallup advanced certified Strengths coach, and a professional certified...Read more about Amy Shuman

She’s a Mindset & Limitless Abundance (Manifestation) Coach and also The Host of ‘The Limitless Show’. She’s also a Speaker & a Corporate Trainer/Facilitator. Not only that now she’s ready to don the hat of a yoga teacher as well and help people bring yogic lifestyle into their...Read more about Anshu Todi (she/her)

Think of me as your partner who “turns on the light” at your core and illuminates the drivers toward and away from your goals. Remarkable results come from cultivating intuition, seeing patterns, and experimenting with new actions!

For 30 years, I have coached coaches and leaders in...Read more about Carole Berkson-Ross (she/her)

I am passionate about reducing burnout, eliminating imposter syndrome, supporting introverts as they realize their leadership potential, and helping all leaders clarify their vision and goals. My coaching style is empathetic, and I celebrate clients’ values, choices, and identities while...Read more about Carrie Siegel

Chris Wilson is a rare blend of aviator, entrepreneur, and career thought leader.

He’s spent over 14 years as a Commercial Helicopter Pilot and an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. He’s accustomed to working in high-stress and high-pressure environments in the most remote parts of Canada....Read more about Chris Wilson

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, ICF certified, healing centered, executive coach. Having coached educational leaders in higher education and K-12 settings. As a DEI strategists, she is experienced with coaching for equity and antiracist liberation, including goal setting, cycles of...Read more about Diane Lang

Diny Chen is a 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 find fulfillment in their careers and life. Her professional and leadership experiences...Read more about Diny Chen

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 somatic coach, specializing in working with multicultural leaders and entrepreneurs so that they can lead with confidence and ease. She holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Tulane University. Her experience ranges from software consultant to COO of a mission-driven e-...Read more about Emma Pineda Fortin

Erika has over 20 years of experience leading, training, and coaching high performing teams and individuals to successfully manage large scale transition and change. Erika has coached a wide range of leaders from high achieving university students to executive directors, and she is...Read more about Erika Reynolds

Hi, I’m Farhana, and I would be thrilled to be your coach! My purpose comes to life when I support clients like you — whether it’s for professional or personal development, setting meaningful goals, gaining clarity or addressing the challenges that stand in the way of your full potential....Read more about Farhana Currimbhoy

Fiona Gomes Bhattacharya, PCC — Executive Coach, Mentor Coach, Certified in Hogan Assessments, DISC, and Gallup Strengths

Fiona Gomes Bhattacharya is a seasoned Executive and Leadership Coach, credentialed by the International Coach Federation as a Professional...Read more about Fiona Bhattacharya

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 transformation partner for mid-career professionals who are seeking to break free from burnout, design purposeful careers, and thrive in life while making an impact. As a solo parent and immigrant who pivoted careers in her 30s, Joyce deeply understands the stress and...Read more about Joyce Talag

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)

As a proud Communication alumna with over a decade at UC Santa Barbara, I serve as Talent Acquisition Supervisor in HR, leading a team of three recruiters. With experience in coaching and program development, I’ve helped individuals across diverse departments grow their careers. I am...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

Dr. LaKedra L Brown is the CEO and Owner of DBL Connections, which umbrellas her pride and joy, Epiphany516. She is a highly sought-after life coach, business consultant, forensic expert and therapist. She is currently working on...Read more about LaKedra Brown

Laura Paradise is a certified life coach with a career niche. She helps people navigate job changes, whether charting a new path, landing a position or working on a promotion. A former nonprofit fundraiser, Laura is skilled at getting in front of people and getting support for worthy...Read more about Laura Paradise

Laura Woody, ACC, CPCC, LCSW, is a coach, consultant, and the founder 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...Read more about Laura Woody

Ling Ling Phung’s coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every individual possesses innate wisdom. Through a blend of somatic practices, mindfulness, and mental fitness training, she guides clients to transform limiting beliefs, foster compassionate self-dialogue, and cultivate...Read more about Ling Ling Phung

Lisa Harris has over 20+ years experience advising international students and 5+ years experience advising military/veteran/dependent students. Lisa currently works at Palo Alto University, a school of psychology and counseling for mostly graduate students. Previous to PAU she worked as an...Read more about Lisa Harris

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

Lynne is an executive coach with 15 years of experience in executive development and leadership coaching, preceded by 20 years in leadership and general management roles.

With a global and career long perspective, she has a first-hand understanding of the responsibilities,...Read more about Lynne Naomi Mueller

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)

As a seasoned program management executive, mentor for 20+ years, and coach, I focus on supporting clients in career, leadership, or career advancement by tailoring support to establish clear objectives, overcome obstacles, and execute strategies for enduring strength.Read more about Melanie Harris

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

Michele Smith is a skilled Executive and Leadership Coach with extensive experience coaching individuals at all organizational levels. With a background as a leader and change management consultant, she excels in team building, leadership development, and guiding leaders to align...Read more about Michele Smith

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)

Molly Heekin is an accomplished leadership advisor and development expert, committed to fostering growth and driving meaningful change for individuals and organizations alike.

As a board member for the Desert Foothills Leadership Academy and Friends of Pinnacle Peak...Read more about Molly Heekin

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)

Nitin leads an Integral leadership coaching practice anchored around an individual's determination to realize their full potential. He loves to have deeply authentic conversations with people that wake them up to their mission in life. He helps people live in alignment with their values....Read more about Nitin Garg

Paul leverages his 25+ years of experience in learning, leadership, consulting, and coaching to help you bring your vision to life. His career was built on consultative thought leadership focused on creating an impact on people, culture, and results.

Throughout his career, Paul has...Read more about Paul Briley (he/him)

I’m a positive, creative, and insightful PCC certified coach, author, and empty nester with over 30 years’ experience in startups, nonprofits, and corporate leadership at all levels, from front line to C-Suite. I’m passionate about helping people live their most authentic life by knowing...Read more about Peter Dudley

Rachel Ostroy has an M.S.Ed. in Psychology and is a certified professional coach (CPCC, ACC, and CPQC). She is trained and certified in multiple modalities including Co-Active Training and Positive Intelligence. Rachel creates a safe, non-judgmental space to help her clients navigate life’...Read more about Rachel Ostroy (she/her)

Over a decade of leadership coaching experience, I have honed my skills in empowering individuals to reach their full potential. My background blends a robust academic foundation, DBA, MBA, & ACC in organizational leadership, with 10+ years of ACC experience in people management,...Read more about Rashmi Sharma (she/her)

Reshmma Gulati is an accomplished coach with over two decades of professional experience spanning Operations, Sales & Marketing, and Customer Service. She is globally recognized for her contributions as a Coach, Thought Leader, and Advocate for Positive Change, having received the...Read more about Reshmma Gulati

Rosanne Lurie, MS, has worked nearly 25 years in higher education and enjoys helping individuals learn about career options, find roles and contexts that are aligned with their values, identities, and interests, and develop their job search skills. Her advising style is informed by...Read more about Rosanne Lurie (she/her)

I'm Sandra, a professional certified life coach, executive and leadership coach, and a mental health and wellness coach (including certifications in cognitive behavior and acceptance and commitment therapies). My passion lies in helping others reach their full potential. My coaching style...Read more about Sandra Shurtz

I am Shayna Zhang, an English/Chinese bilingual life coach based in America. With a background as a content creator and TV show host, I bring a unique blend of media industry insight and life coaching expertise to my clients. I am pursuing professional coaching certifications from the Co-Active...Read more about Shayna Zhang (she/her)

As a Professional Development Coach, I bring decades of experience in operations management and leadership across diverse industries, such as live events, video production, and non-profit consulting. My expertise is developing and delivering programs prioritizing diversity, equity,...Read more about Shelly Bennett

Shweta Shukla is an Executive Coach, Philanthropist, and currently works as Director, People Business Partner, and Location Lead with Mastercard based at their San Francisco, United States, Office. Shweta holds post-graduate degree in Gender Studies along with Human Resources. In the last...Read more about Shweta Shukla

Sibel is a Master Certified Coach (MCC) through the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
She brings over 25 years of experience and a wealth of resources from her extensive training and education to each client. Her travels around the globe, genuine curiosity, and love of diversity...Read more about Sibel Babacan (she/her)

With over a decade of coaching experience, I am passionate about collaborating with individuals across diverse backgrounds and industries. Currently pursuing certification from The Institute for Integrative Intelligence as a Certified Professional Integrative Coach, I am wholeheartedly...Read more about Tamika Smith-Anderson (she/her)

Greetings! I'm Tanesha :)
I'm thrilled about the opportunity to partner with you, helping you to achieve your goals, make your unique impact, and live your life Full Out.

Driven by values like creativity, freedom, joy, and making a difference, I discovered my passion for coaching...Read more about Tanesha Moody (she/her)

After 11 years in higher education, I spent nearly 8 years at the Center for Creative Leadership, immersed in the world of leadership development and coaching. In addition to my training with CCL, I completed the 104 hour coach training with the CoActive Training Institute and am a board...Read more about Valerie Ehrlich (she/her)