About Our Team

Cathy Baskin – Trainer - is a Certified Master Coach through the Center for Coaching Certification and certified in EQ-i 2.0/EQ 360 assessments. She is also a PCC credentialed member of the International Coaching Federation. Cathy is a Leadership Coach and is the owner of Aspirations Coaching Services, LLC. She has Executive and Leadership Coaching experience with fortune 500 companies, non-profits, and the federal and public sectors. She has over a decade of leadership experience in the federal sector as an Acquisition Professional. Cathy has earned her M.S. in Contract and Procurement Management and B.S. in Technology & Management from University Maryland University College. Cathy is passionate about helping leaders develop and grow professionally and personally. She believes that great leaders inspire greatness from others, and get great results!

Jill Wilk – Trainer and Coach Support – is a Professional Credentialed Coach (PCC) through International Coach Federation, Certified Executive Coach Specialist (CESC), and Certified Master Coach (CMC) through the Center for Coaching Certification. In her company, Jill Wilk Consulting, she specializes in Executive & Team coaching specializing in focus, motivation, and solution strategies. After 20 years in Human Resources both in Director and VP level internal positions and as an outside consultant, she has found her true passion in coaching; partnering with clients in diverse businesses helping clients discover their own "lightbulb" moments. She holds a Master of Science degree in Human Resources Management and Organizational Behavior from Golden Gate University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication and Theatre from University of Washington.  Find her at jillwilkconsulting.com or linkedin.com/in/jillwilk/

Dr. Phildra Swagger – Trainer - is a Certified Professional Coach through the Center for Coaching Certification, completed an additional 60 hours of coach training, and is a member of the International Coach Federation. Dr. Swagger’s career spans 30 years as an educator and executive, with experience in nonprofit management, procurement, and training. She earned both her MBA and Ph.D. from the University of South Florida. Dr. Swagger effectively uses her time to coach entrepreneurs and consult with organizations to overcome challenges, increase productivity, and generate business growth. Phildra loves working with people and personifies her personal and business motto “combining our expertise to maximize yours!”

Elena Hedoux – Trainer - is a Certified Master Coach and a Certified Coach Trainer through the Center for Coaching Certification. She is also an ACC credentialed member of the International Coach Federation. Elena is currently working in one of the leading European international public organizations where, in addition to her managerial job, she is the head coach of the internal coaching program. In coaching she focuses on individual, team, leadership, and organizational development. Elena holds master's degrees in psychology and pedagogy. She has studied in Russia, the United States, Spain, and France. She also gives lectures at different universities. Her working languages are English, French, Spanish, and Russian.

Maravi-Melendez-Davis – Coach Trainer / Diversity and Equity Trainer - is an ICF Associate Credentialed Coach, a Certified Master Coach, a Certified Executive Coach Specialist, a Coach Trainer, and a Continuing Education Trainer through the Center for Coaching Certification. As the owner and managing partner of C-Vantage Advisors LLC, she is a multi-certified practitioner leveraging processes, tools, and techniques of integrated coaching and development programs—POSITIVE INTELLIGENCE® and FIVE LENS People Development—to connect, support, and empower clients experiencing change and growth shifts: moving from feeling stuck to being adaptable, moving from making unconscious decisions to creating conscious choices and/or moving from ineffectiveness to high performance. Maravi is a member of the International Coaching Federation using rapport, thoughtful questioning, and assessments to help clients in their curious, creative, and courageous discovery work. She is a Drexel University alumna, holding a master's degree in Educational Administration and is certified as a Human Resource Professional (SHRM-CP) through the Society for Human Resource Management.

Genaro Torres – Spanish Trainer - is a Certified Master Coach (CMC), a Certified Coach Trainer (CCT) with the Center for Coaching Certification, and a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Genaro is the founder of GTC in the United States and Virtus in Mexico. Both companies collaborate with leaders in organizations in the United States and Latin America. He is a bicultural business consultant with a proven track record of success. Genaro is the author of the Book "DO" 道 The Path of Continuous Growth, an Amazon Best Seller in English and Spanish plus both earned the Award Winning Author by the International Latino Book Awards. Genaro has a Master of Science Degree in Systems Thinking Engineering and Planning (graduated with Honors), and studied Industrial Engineering at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Genaro is currently studying top management at IPADE Business School with two of the most prestigious international business schools through their International Advisory Committee: Harvard Business School (United States) and IESE Business School (Spain). He has taught in the San Diego Community College District and has been Chair of the Mentor Program at the Association for Talent Development in San Diego.

Genaro's CPC Schedule and Genaro's CMC Schedule

Ruth Pearce – Trainer - is a Certified Master Coach and a Certified Coach Trainer through the Center for Coaching Certification. She is also an ACC credentialed member of the International Coach Federation. Ruth has a long career in complex international project management, with experience in financial services, state government, non-profits, and education. She is certified by the Project Management Institute as a Project Management Professional (PMP).

Ruth loves to coach groups and individuals and is most often asked to coach those who are struggling to prevent or recover from burnout. She experienced it herself in 2016 and that started her journey into coaching.

Ruth has spoken about various topics to more than 50,000 project managers around the world. She is the instructor for three LinkedIn Learning courses for project managers on Mindfulness; Burnout, and Project Motivation and she has another in production about Building Bravery as a project manager. More than 50,000 people have watched her courses to date! In 2018, Ruth’s book Be a Project Motivator: Unlock the Secrets of Strengths-based Project Management.

To find out more about Ruth check out her LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-pearce-projectmotivator

Gaby Alvarez-Pollack – Trainer - is a Certified Master Coach through the Center for Coaching Certification and is a PCC credential member of the International Coaching Federation. Gaby holds an MBA in Organizational Development from Universidad Iberoamericana and is a Certified Professional (CPTD) in Talent Development by The Association for Talent Development (ATD). Gaby is a learning/training expert and for over 20 years her passion for learning, growth, and strategy has helped individuals, teams, and organizations achieve success by finding the perfect combination of personal meaning and business results. She founded GS&L Consulting in 2015 Since then, GS&L has focused on Experiential Learning and Coaching specifically designed for Personal/Professional Development, Team and Culture Improvement. Gaby’s mantra is “Be the best you want to be!”

Bijou Attey – Trainer - is a Certified Master Coach through the Center for Coaching Certification and a member of the International Coaching Federation. Bijou often meets people who struggle with choosing the right path or staying motivated in reaching their goals. She uses techniques in creativity to help clients identify and push past their barriers and build new perspectives to achieve the life that they want. Bijou holds a master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from University of Bologna in Italy and has studied in the USA, Canada, and Spain. Bijou’s passion for supporting individuals in their personal and professional development is the foundation for her coaching work, both pro-bono and paid. She is currently making her break into the training and development field, with the goal of improving the way that organizations support people in their development. Bijou lives in Ghana and is actively working with the Center for Coaching Certification to establish an ICF chapter in Ghana, to make coaching accessible to Ghanaians at all levels. Her working languages are English, Italian, and French.

Laura Masters – Continuing Education Trainer / Science of Positivity Trainer – is a Certified Professional Coach through the Center for Coaching Certification, a Certified mBIT Coach through mBIT International, and a member of the ICF. Laura is the owner of The Masters Company for Learning, Inc. where she has 25 years as a learning specialist and coach for adults and children of all ages. Laura works with her clients to build success and empower individuals of all ages to create dynamic and expansive lives. Laura has studied neuroscience since 1992 and her coaching, teaching, and seminars are researched and grounded in cutting edge neuroscience. Laura earned her Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Alberta, Canada and specializes in teaching the neuroscience behind learning, handling stress and anxiety, and creating authentic happiness. As a coach and trainer, Laura's mission is to inspire others to grow and create the life they want.

Susanna Theo – Continuing Education Trainer and Connection Team - is a Certified Master Coach through the Center for Coaching Certification.  She has over 18 years of experience as an international entrepreneur, trainer, and workshop facilitator.  Susanna specializes in business communication and conflict resolution.  She enjoys working with every individual and group through an interactive upbeat approach constructively guiding them to take their next step forward for achieving long-term success!

Beth Donovan – Connection Team - is a Certified Master Coach and a Certified Wellness Coach Specialist through Center for Coaching Certification. She began her journey to becoming a health / weight coach after moving 100 pounds closer to her right size. Beth changed her size be over 230 pounds healthier in a way that is practical and easily manageable. Beth has been mentioned in magazines, books, interviewed in podcasts, written about in newspapers, and gone on to start her own coaching business. She brings over 9-years of coaching experience and her unique perspectives to the team. She is passionate about helping people and animals. She truly wants to help people feel empowered so that they make positive choices and are their happiest selves.

Teri McGraw – Connection Team - is a Certified Professional Coach and a Certified Master Coach through the Center for Coaching Certification. Teri is also certified as a Qualified Family Mediator through Effect Services, LLC, and the founder of Center for Quality Coaching, LLC. As an alumni from Clemson University with a B.A. in Psychology and Business, Teri continued her master studies in pastoral theology, counseling, and coaching. She spent 20 years as a director of education and continued working in education enhanced through the value of coaching. She has served as a speaker for both schools and churches with her love and value of coaching and being coached. She is presently using her training, wisdom, experience and positive motivation for coaching while assisting in the Center for Coaching Certification.

Kris Liebau – Connection Team - is a Certified Master Coach (CMC) through the Center for Coaching Certification and a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF).  As the founder of Action & Ease Leadership Coaching, Kris is most known for supporting engineering managers and executives propel themselves and their teams forward with her innovative, 2-part coaching program that empowers them to identify the most valuable actions to take to grow themselves, lead with ease, communicate effectively, and guide their team to reach their potential.  She holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Janine Sunday – Connection Team - is a Certified Master Coach with the Center for Coaching Certification. She holds a BA in communication from UNC-Chapel Hill. Janine is the owner of Lean Into Change, a consulting and coaching business that uses her 15 years of experience helping medical professionals find new communication tools and use them in daily interactions with patients and staff. She is also an awarded singer and actress in the DC metro area with mastery in lyric interpretation, as well as a gifted voice teacher. Janine runs Lean Into Change and a parallel coaching practice for people in the performing arts industry, many who are finding new ways forward due to the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic. As a coach, Janine is able to use her ability to interpret words, body language, and vocal inflection to effectively connect with clients. Her mission is to compassionately guide and collaborate by leaning into challenging transitions to find a new way toward balance. She believes that everyone is capable of greater awareness and the courage to make positive changes that will enlighten every facet of life.

Tracy Prunty – Connection Team - is a Certified Professional Coach with the Center for Coaching Certification. She works in the public school system as an Occupational Therapy Assistant working with special needs students, teachers, staff, and parents. Tracy is a life-long learner and enjoys investigating new ways to enrich lives through changing habits and improving communication.

Akshatha Raghunath – Connection Team - is a Certified Professional Coach through the Center for Coaching Certification. Akshatha is the founder of Workship Global where she provides coaching services for Business/ Executive and Leadership. She is a seasoned professional with 16+ years of work experience as an entrepreneur, behavioral skills trainer, and workshop facilitator. Akshatha helps individuals and corporations with learning new competencies to enhance their careers. Additionally, she is a professional emcee / model for social media ads, marketing films, and events. Akshatha holds a bachelor's degree in Commerce, and she is certified in Business English Communication from the University of Cambridge. Her passion is to empower people through coaching and help them achieve their goals successfully. The vision of Workship Global is to transform people's life personally and professionally by utilizing knowledge & skills resulting in the overall development of society.

Pandora Ray – Connection Executive and Group Coach - is a Certified Master Coach (CMC) and Certified Executive Coach Specialist (CSS) through the Center for Coaching Certification. She has a tenured career in both the private and not-for-profit sectors serving in a variety of leadership and operational management roles at the senior level. Known for her facilitation skills she works to encourage groups and individuals in clearly defining desired outcomes before advancing to solution mode. Pan is a Mills College alumna, holds two Masters degrees in Organization Design and Public Health and is certified as an Action Learning Coach through the World Institute for Action Learning. She has a profound interest in coaching and the value it provides in the personal and professional environment. Her focus is on embracing change, working passionately, and making the space in which we work and live a better place.

Alisa Atkinson McDonald – Connection Executive - is a Certified Master Coach (CMC) and Certified Executive Coach Specialist (CECS) through the Center for Coaching Certification. Alisa also works with business owners to assist them with strategic business planning, innovative marketing, and financial strategies through the Small Business Technology Development Center (SBTDC). She founded Renew Your Perspective LLC to help diverse clients tap into their strengths and explore their perspectives and options to achieve their goals and priorities. Alisa is a University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill alumna, holds a Masters degree in Business Administration from University of North Carolina - Charlotte (UNCC) and is certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute (PMI). Alisa’s unique experience as an executive leader at Fortune 100 companies, along with her mindset as a professionally trained coach, entrepreneurial spirit and passion to help others grow makes her a phenomenal coach.

Jane McCarthy – Connection Executive - is a Certified Master Coach (CMC) and Certified Executive Coach Specialist (CSS) through the Center for Coaching Certification and a member of the International Coach Federation. Jane is the CEO and Chief Brainstormer at JaneSTORM. Her thirty-year career at Verizon and as a volunteer lead at the American Cancer Society served as her foundation for transformational coaching for life and business, workshop facilitation and public speaking. Jane is known for bringing positive energy and curiosity to every relationship. She is an intentional listener and draws out individuals and groups with empathy, compassion, and humor. She has a proven track record in public speaking, non-profit fundraising, and event planning. Jane’s high energy and bountiful ideas have contributed to her success as a program implementer and team/community interface. The JaneSTORM mission is to clear your mind clutter through thought provoking, creative and purposeful collaboration. She empowers her clients by using the six Cs of Transformation: Confidence; Client Base; Curiosity; Clarity; Commitment and Client Feedback, plus the bonus C: Celebration.

Pete Liska - Information Management - is a Certified Professional Coach and Certified Business Coach Specialist presently working with the Center for Coaching Certification. He graduated from The Citadel with a MS in Project Management, retired from the US Air Force, and most recently was working as a defense contractor in the Charleston, SC area. He brings management, training development, technical, and social media skills to us in support of our expanding programs and company growth.

Cathy Liska, the Guide from the Side® MCC, Certified Coach Trainer, CCE Trainer, Connection Team, Connection Executive - CEO/Founder of the Center for Coaching Certification is a Certified Coach Specialist and Certified Coach Trainer plus an MCC credentialed member of the ICF.  She is recognized internationally in coaching, training, conflict management, and facilitation. Cathy is a sought-after trainer and coach, drawing on her 30 years of experience in business ownership and management. Cathy certifies others to coach in her ICF-approved coach training programs and provides mentor coaching for those seeking a credential with ICF. Her personal mission statement is “People.” Cathy is known for her positive attitude and inspiring success plus training and coaching that empower others to achieve the results they desire.