2025 NOW Conference Coaches

Donna Vivar

UC Berkeley, Senior Advisor on Equity and Belonging

I currently serve as the Senior Advisor on Equity and Belonging in the Division of Student Affairs at UC Berkeley. With 20+ years in higher education, I am a dedicated professional who leads by serving students, staff, and faculty through an equity, inclusion, and belonging lens.

In my coaching practice, I consider the whole person—holding multiple identities within larger societal contexts and structures. I am also a student of somatic practice and am committed to helping people reconnect with their bodies, clarify what they care most deeply about, and find ways to center their...

Dina Venezky

Sparkling Leaders LLC, Founder

Dina Venezky, PhD, PCC, BCC, CPC, ORSCC, is a leadership coach who helps curious people make intentional changes.

As a mom, scientist, and founder, she partners with clients to reflect on how their strengths can lead to greater fulfillment in all areas of their lives. Her diverse background includes senior roles in communications at Smith College, Stanford GSB Executive Education, the USGS Volcano Hazards Program, and several startups, giving her unique perspectives from data analytics consulting, marketing, HR, and entrepreneurship.

Dina is trained in Energy Leadership,...

Krista Vaught

Frontier Design / RootedPath, Principal advisor, learning and talent development / Coach

Having served in various roles at large higher education institutions for the past 11 years, Krista is passionate about supporting higher education staff in figuring out what’s next in an intentional way. In coaching, Krista combines a blend of life design, strengths, and mindfulness approaches. She has made several pivots on her own career journey, including roles in journalism, law, executive support, academic programs, compliance, and learning and development, and she enjoys continually exploring ways to enhance meaning and fulfillment. Krista is passionate about creating learning and...

Amy Shuman

UC Davis, Executive Director, Staff Coaching and Professional Development

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 coach with the International Coach Federation. Amy is particularly passionate about leadership and empowering people to create a positive workplace culture by maximizing their strengths.

Amy's Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Communication, Competition, Maximizer, Significance, Focus

Iris Savage Dargan

DMP Coaching, LLC, Executive Coach, ACC

Iris Savage Dargan is a certified Personal & Executive Coach with eight years of experience empowering individuals and organizations to achieve success. Iris holds her ACC credential through ICF. As the founder of Discovering the Missing Pieces (DMP) Coaching, LLC, she specializes in leadership development, career and succession planning, goal setting, change navigation, and culture building. Iris creates a safe, confidential space for self-reflection and growth, and uses Positive Psychology strategies for meaningful, lasting...

Becky Sanchez

Goal Forward Coaching, Career & Leadership Coach

Becky brings a practical approach to coaching, helping clients focus in on the area that will have the greatest impact on their professional life. She supports them as they set goals, identify opportunities, develop action plans, and strategies to overcome obstacles.

Becky has spent her career in higher education, in various positions over 27 years, with 12 years in leadership positions, currently holding the role of Assistant Dean of Student Success where she has been coaching new managers and student support staff since 2021. She has experience supporting multiple teams of...

Linda Rhoads

UC Santa Cruz (Retired)/The Soul Spot, Executive Coach, PCC

Linda Rhoads, ICF-PCC, is an executive coach who partners with high-achieving professionals seeking to lead with clarity, confidence, and sustainability.

With over 20 years as an executive advisor and Chief of Staff within the UC system, Linda brings practical knowledge of complex organizations, politics, and change. Her training includes trauma-informed and Whole-Person coaching, with additional certifications in Wayfinder Coaching, Feminine Power Coaching, and Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging education through ICF-aligned programs.

She has coached leaders across...

Laura Reid

Resonant Living Coaching, Founder, CEO and Coach

I approach professional development holistically, exploring how careers, relationships, health/wellness and personal passions fit together. I’m fascinated by stories: not just our history or our aspirations, but the stories we tell ourselves every day (consciously or unconsciously), and how they can influence professional advancement.

As an International Coaching Federation PCC and Certified MentorCoach®, my approach synthesizes strengths-based coaching with positive psychology, and cultivates awareness around where people might be getting stuck. I partner with diverse clients from...

Monica Murarka

Amplify Yourself, Executive Coach, Somatic Embodiment Teacher & Leadership Facilitator

"Monica Murarka is an executive coach, team facilitator, and embodiment teacher for leaders. Monica spent 25 years of experience advising leaders across numerous industries on strategy, operations, talent, leadership, and organizational challenges. Her most recent corporate role was Head of the McKinsey Talent Network where she led a division of recruiters, career advisors, and coaches working with executives in career transitions. She founded a boutique leadership development firm, Amplify Yourself, providing executive coaching and somatic bodywork as well as facilitates culture change...

Daniel Moglen

UC Davis Health, Education Specialist

"Daniel Moglen, Ph.D., is an ICF certified coach and Education and Training Specialist at UC Davis Health's Clinical and Translational Science Center. He holds certifications from UC Davis's Coaching for Life and Work and Executive Leadership programs, plus a doctorate in Linguistics. Daniel has over 9 years of supporting PhD students, postdocs, and professionals through career transitions.

Daniel's coaching approach integrates design thinking, somatic awareness, and the TGROW model to help clients clarify values and navigate transitions. He creates a supportive space for exploring...