About our Team

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 divides her coaching practice between coaching project managers and coaching clients from all walks of life who struggle with anxiety and phobias. Ruth graduated valedictorian in her JD class. She also earned her Master of Science in Economic Theory from the London School of Economics. Her book, “Be a Project Motivator: Unlock the Secrets of Strengths-based Project Management” is published by Berrett-Koehler. Her mission is to partner with others to create positive change.

Sarah Roberts – Trainer and Connection Executive - is a Certified Master Coach (CMC), Certified Executive Coach Specialist (CECS), and Certified Coach Trainer through the Center for Coaching Certification. She is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and active member of the International Coaching Federation and the Association for Talent Development (ATD). Sarah is CEO and founder of Clarity Matters Consulting LLC dedicated to improving the lives of health care and government leaders through self-assessment, team training, workshops, individual, and team coaching. As a state Medicaid executive Sarah was committed to ensuring public health care access and equity until retiring in 2015. She continues her commitment for equity and access to public services through consulting, strategic planning, and facilitation. She combines her lived experiences with the latest best practices to create connection and growth in her clients. Sarah holds a Master of Health Administration from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Michigan State University and is certified in DiSC and 5 Behaviors, EQi-2.0 (emotional intelligence), and C-IQ (conversational intelligence).

Sarah's Schedule

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!”

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 anPCC 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!

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!”

Elena Hedoux – Trainer - is a Certified Master Coach through the Center for Coaching Certification. Currently she is working in one of the leading European international public policy 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.

Jill Wilk – Trainer and Coach Support– 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. In her company, Jill Wilk Consulting, she specializes in coaching for career development and career transition. Additionally, she provides coaching services for several coaching networks devoted to emotional wellness. 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 businesses and with individuals, helping them 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.

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.

Maravi-Melendez-Davis – Continuing Education Trainer / Diversity and Equity Trainer - is a Certified Master Coach (CMC) through the Center for Coaching Certification. She founded C-Vantage Advisors LLC for lifelong learners looking to understand what makes them (and others) tick; building non-judgmental, self-observing abilities to identify and sustain patterns of behaviors that are working while recognizing and transforming habits. As a member of ICF, an empowerment coach, and a FIVE LENS People Development Practitioner, Maravi uses creative coaching and assessments to advance the relational aspects of leaders, influencers, groups, and teams with sustainable high performance in mind. Maravi is a Drexel University alumna, holds a master's degree in Educational Administration and is certified as a Human Resource Professional (SHRM-CP) through the Society for Human Resource Management. With a background in teaching, facilitation, and administration, Maravi has a profound interest in providing coaching and consultancy services in the education space to ensure teachers, staff, administrators along with their communities of students and families feel empowered to build and sustain a culture of excellent, productive relationships rooted in a mutual dynamic of sharing so learning progresses.

Susanna Theo – Continuing Education Trainer and Coach Support - 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 – Coach Support - 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 – Coach Support - 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 – Coach Support - is a Certified Master Coach through the Center for Coaching Certification and a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Over the last decade she has developed her passion for coaching through leadership positions and training deployment in the aerospace and medical device industries as well as in volunteer non-profit organizations. She enjoys working with professionals seeking fulfillment and joy in in their everyday lives both personally and professionally as well as supporting them taking their careers to new heights. In addition to coaching certification, she is a Certified Quality Manager/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) and Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). She holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Janine Sunday – Coach Support - 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.

Kelly Brennan – Coach Support - is a Certified Master Coach with the Center for Coaching Certification. She is a licensed Massage Therapist and an Instructor of Massage Therapy for more than 20 years. She is passionate about helping others to feel better and improve their mobility and overall well-being through massage therapy. Kelly actively helps students develop their own passion for the healing arts through training to become a licensed therapist. Because Kelly is passionate about helping others, she has found alternative methods for helping people in more ways than massage. She is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist (Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy in Tampa, Florida), transforming negative, false self-talk into positive, strong belief in self. She enjoys helping people to identify their goals, recognize possible obstacles, and creating strategies for achieving their goals. Kelly’s mission is to help others get from where they are to where they want to be.

Tracy Prunty – Coach Support - 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.

Pandora Ray – Business Development - 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® CMC, MCC, Certified Coach Trainer- 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.