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Blakely Smith

California (CA)

Career Development, Executive/Leadership

Blakely is an executive/ leadership coach who works with clients to embrace their unique leadership qualities to reach their goals. With a background in learning and development, Blakely specializes in Core Energy Coaching, which is a methodology focused on getting to the root (or “core”) of an individual's challenges by identifying and shifting inner thoughts, beliefs, and emotions that block a client's success. Blakely is a Certified Professional Coach through the highly-esteemed coaching IPEC (Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching). In addition, she is an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and holds a Master’s of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Cal State University. Blakely works with individuals who either are looking to optimize their current roles, or to successfully transition to a new role. She also coaches anyone who wants to take a deep self-assessment of leadership capabilities.

Jason Cochran

Maryland (MD)

Career Development, Executive/Leadership

Jason Cochran is an Associated Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation. As a coach, Jason has supported numerous clients through life changes, career development and leadership challenges. He draws upon over 20 years as a upper level manager in the U.S. government. Currently, he is the director of Western Hemisphere Operations (WHO) within the Foreign Affairs (FA) division of the Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). He as completed details as Director of Conservation Education with the Forest Service and Senior Director of Africa and the Middle East Operations in 2021. Prior to joining FAS in 2016, he worked for 13 years with the Peace Corps, holding high level leadership positions in Paraguay, Colombia and Panama. Additionally, he has designed and facilitated multiple team building workshops and other trainings. He is considered s an expert on leadership, management, team building, mentoring and navigating the federal hiring system. Prior to his government experience, he served as a Peace Corps Agroforestry Volunteer in Panama. He has a Master’s of Science in Agriculture degree from McGill University and undergraduate degrees in Biology and Psychology from the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, Minnesota, USA).

Dr. Barbara Wilson

Illinois (IL)

Life & Relationships, Career Development, Executive/Leadership

Dr. Barbara Ann Wilson journeys with people and organizations in linking intellect, passion and practice. She has extensive training and experience with organizations and systems to increase capacity, transform culture, and create resilient and sustainable opportunities. Barbara is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She is an adjunct professor at McCormick and Bexley Seabury Seminaries, an ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and Trauma-Informed for Faith Communities master trainer. She is a Qualified Administrator for the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) and Healthy Congregations Facilitator. She is ordained as an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC). Barbara also serves as the Director, Collaboration and Community Partnerships for the Presbytery of Chicago, Presbyterian Church (U. S. A.). She leads in building internal capacity to strengthen vitality and mission with congregations and community stakeholders. She holds B. A. and M.S. degrees in Criminal Justice and Justice Administration, respectively, and Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from McCormick Theological Seminary.

Jaqui Duvall

Connecticut (CT)

Life & Relationships, Career Development, Health & Wellness

Jaqui Duvall works as a spiritual, life, and health coach to help people live authentically and genuinely through defining and connecting with their inner spirit, to live a life of consciousness and intention. Currently, Jaqui works with veterans to help them reintegrate into civilian life and to make conscious decisions about how they want to live their lives moving forward. Jaqui’s education and training includes: Master’s in Consciousness Studies, 2012, University of Philosophical Research; BA Drama, 1982, San Jose State University; Certificate in HR Training and Development, 1989, UC Berkeley, Certificate in Empowerment Coaching, 2002, Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (IPEC; Certificate in Health Coaching, 2012, Duke University.

Amanda Duarte

Texas (TX)

Life & Relationships, Executive/Leadership

With over 20 years of international experience spanning Latin America, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, Amanda Duarte is a somatic coach that has honed her expertise in guiding individuals through significant professional and life transitions. Having undergone four career changes herself while adapting to diverse cultures and languages, she possesses a unique perspective and skill set to support others in their transformative journeys. Amanda is dedicated to help individuals to develop self-confidence and enhance emotional agility. Her coaching approach revolves around empowering individuals to break free from self-limiting beliefs and embrace their inherent strengths. Through her guidance, clients develop the necessary tools and strategies to overcome self-doubt and insecurity. By aligning actions with values and goals, they cultivate inner strength, enabling them to navigate challenges with confidence and grace. Emotional regulation is Amanda's area of expertise. Together, clients explore effective techniques and practices to manage emotions, fostering a sense of calm and clarity. They learn to assertively express themselves, even in challenging situations, transforming conflicts into opportunities for growth and constructive resolution. Outside of coaching, Amanda finds joy in her roles as a wife and mother. Having lived as an expat for 17 years, she considers home wherever she is with her family. She treasures her morning coffee ritual and considers regular exercise an integral part of her life. She is certified by the International Coaching Federation (PCC) and as a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC).

Hope Dolan

Maryland (MD)

Life & Relationships, Executive/Leadership

Hope is a well-traveled explorer of life who embraces new adventures and has a passion for helping others. She brings all her life experiences into being a coach. As a 20 year Navy veteran, she understands the challenges that individuals face with transition and change. As an individual who experienced triumphs and sorrows, she knows the importance of self-discovery and growth for continued personal improvement. As a coach, she partners with her clients on their journey to achieve their goals. Currently, Hope works as a leadership/life coach for a federal agency. She received her professional coach training from Georgetown University and is an Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University and a Master’s in Counseling from National Louis University.

Thomas Ellis

Massachusetts (MA)

Life & Relationships

Tom is a life and spirituality coach who enjoys working with a wide range of individuals. He has coached business executives, teachers, students, military veterans, members of the LGBT community, and basically individuals seeking to discover his or her true purpose. Tom helps people improve communication skills, develop healthy coping strategies for stress, and set and achieve goal. He incorporates humor, compassion, openness, and a directness that also holds his clients fully accountable for staying on track to reaching their desired goals. Tom got his coaching certification from the Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching (IPEC), after working as a conflict resolution specialist, a mediator, and a crisis counselor. His B.A. is in Human Studies from Bradford College.

Dr. Jennifer Dougherty

Nevada (NV)

Career Development, Executive/Leadership

Dr. Jennifer E. Dougherty is the founder and lead coach at Dougherty Coaching and Consulting. She has worked for organizations and leaders who want to change their culture, provide work-life balance for themselves and their employees, and increase teamwork, engagement, collaboration, and voicing because she is passionate about driving change and helping organizations and leaders be their best. As an ICF ACC and iPEC Certified Professional Coach (CPC), Energy Leadership Index – Master Practitioner (ELI-MP), and COR.E Leadership and Wellbeing Dynamics Specialist, Certified Professional in Training Management, Certified Denison Consultant, and Certified CliftonStrengths coach. She is passionate about helping leaders at multiple levels and organizations be their best versions. Dr. Dougherty has experience as an internal and external coach, leadership and professional development trainer, facilitator, consultant, and researcher. She hold a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership from Northeastern University. Also, she has a Master of Arts in Counseling and Educational As an ICF ACC and iPEC Certified Professional Coach (CPC), Energy Leadership Index – Master Practitioner (ELI-MP), and COR.E Leadership and Wellbeing Dynamics Specialist, Certified Professional in Training Management and Certified Denison Consultant. Dr. Dougherty is passionate about helping leaders at multiple levels and organizations be their best versions. She has experience as an internal and external coach, leadership and professional development trainer, facilitator, consultant, and researcher. She hold a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership from Northeastern University. Also, she has a Master of Arts in Counseling and Educational Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Mitzi Schawo

Georgia (GA)

Career Development

Mitzi Schawo is a US Navy-R Veteran (NMCB-17) and a mindset Strategist, Author, and Career & Transition Coach. With over 25 years in the business sector, primarily in human resources, she brings a score of experience and expertise from agriculture to oil field. Mitzi earned her Master's degree from Colorado State University-Global in 2014 (Organizational leadership: Strategic innovative and Change Management). Her father was in the US Army, as is her son. Her husband is a US Navy Retiree. She donates her time and skills to the Veteran's Administration and several Autism endeavors.

Marie Black

Maryland (MD)

Executive/Leadership, Career Development, Life & Relationships

Marie Black enjoys helping clients increase performance, harness their strengths, increase leadership skills, and improve quality of life. Marie’s formal coaching education was completed through the College of Executive Coaching, where she earned her credentials as an Advanced Certified Personal & Executive Coach (ACPEC). She is committed to empowering her clients through the coaching process and utilizes her certification as an ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC). Marie maximizes the value she provides to clients through her certifications in key personality and leadership assessments including Hogan, CliftonStrengths, and EQi 2.0 (emotional intelligence). She is currently active-duty Air Force and has a doctorate in clinical psychology. Marie has served in various leadership roles while on active duty.

Jim Yanker

Virginia (VA)

Executive/Leadership, Career Development

Jim Yanker is a certified leadership coach with over 30 years of experience in commercial, government, and intelligence communities (IC). Jim has a TS/SCI clearance and retired from the DoD/Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) at end-2020. YANKER COACHING - Build a Better Life, provides leadership, performance, career, and life coaching to a diverse range of individuals. Jim leads weekly Career Coaching Workshops (volunteer) and has facilitated Job Search Accountability Teams. Jim recently completed work with a government contractor in the IC, where he provided both individual & group coaching. After transitioning to government service in 2013, Jim made significant contributions to the DoD analytics team. His products received praise from a wide range of leaders, policy makers, and foreign intelligence partners. Jim is Membership Director (volunteer) at the Materials D.C. (a chapter of ASM Int’l. technical society). Prior to 2013, Jim was a global marketing executive with expertise in the commercial steel and specialty alloys industry. His experience included a post in the Netherlands where he was the international director, Asian and European operations. Jim received his MBA from UMD, and a BS in Metallurgy from PSU.

David Jennings

Washington (WA)

Career Development, Executive/Leadership

David is a professional coach and consultant with more than 25 years of experience in business and consulting. David works with individuals, teams, and leaders to help them identify their unique strengths and talents, align to purpose and values, define goals, and achieve progress towards their most important objectives. He enjoys helping people and teams become high-performing and capable of achieving amazing results. David has certifications from the Coaches Training Institute (CTI) and International Coaching Federation (ICF), and holds a B.S. in Engineering and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA).
  • Certified Professionals: Our coaches are credentialed through the International Coaching Federation or have equivalent training and certification(s) through a recognized and approved coaching organization. In addition, all coaches must have a minimum of 100 hours of coaching experience. Thus ensuring that you receive high-quality, effective coaching tailored to your specific needs.

  • Tailored to You: We match you with a coach whose experience aligns with your goals, ensuring that you receive coaching that speaks directly to your individual circumstances.

  • Diverse Expertise: Our coaches specialize in a wide range of areas, including career development, leadership, entrepreneurship, small business development, health and wellness, relationships, and personal growth.

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** Please note it is not important whether a coach is from your geographical location because all of our coaches coach by phone, video, or other electronic means (e.g. Skype, Zoom, Facetime, etc.).

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Meet Our Coaches

Guiding Veterans, Empowering Lives

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