Coaches

Coaching Style: A four-time Emmy-nominated journalist, former high school English teacher, and author, Pat brings a nurturing style to her coaching relationships. This style, inherited from her former roles, reassures and supports her clients, helping them achieve their goals.

Expertise: Communications, journalism.

Pat Arnold, the chief communications strategist for a consulting practice that serves small business and nonprofit clients, has a deep-rooted passion for helping others. Her work as an outplacement coach for managerial, executive, and C-Suite clients in marketing and communications, particularly those impacted by corporate restructuring, is a testament to this. She also finds great joy in working with young people launching their professional careers.

With a master’s degree in broadcast journalism and a bachelor’s degree in English, she is not just a professional but also a dedicated volunteer. Pat sits on the board of the Male Mogul Initiative and volunteers with numerous organizations, including AARP Illinois, the Mayor Harold Washington Legacy Committee, Women Employed, Toastmasters, and the DuSable Park Advisory Council. Her passion for voluntarism has been recognized by Today’s Chicago Woman, which named her one of “100 Women Making a Difference.”

Pat is past vice president of the Chicago Association of Black Journalists, the founding president of the Twin Cities Association of Black Journalists, and a Golden Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Coaching style: As a trauma-informed coach, I hold space for talented folks so they have the opportunity to slow down and listen to their innermost wisdom. I help folks gain clarity, (re)claim their agency, and identify aligned action as they are ready.

Expertise: Public Health; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Government; Non-Profit; Healthcare; Entrepreneurs; LGBTQ+; Latine; Life + Work Balance; Communicating with Confidence, Job Interviews; Leadership Development; Mindfulness; Networking; Navigating Change; Career Transitions; Trauma-Informed Coaching; Burnout Mitigation; Confidence Building; Neurodivergent;

Professional Bio: Simon Andrade (they/them) has a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, with a career spanning 12+ years of experience in Public Health and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). They’ve worked in non-profits, municipal and state governmental agencies, member associations, and academic institutions across the country and globally. Simon is a queer, Latine, non-binary person living with a disability, born and raised along the US/Mexico border in El Paso, TX.

Coaching Style:  Andy’s style is a blend of mindful and developmental. I focus on helping people to become more self aware, seek fulfillment, and shift their current thinking process.

Expertise: Tech Sector.

Andy Banicki is a seasoned HR professional with over 15 years of experience as a global HR Business Partner and Leader. Andy has experience in CPG and fast-paced high-growth start-up tech companies. He has worked for PepsiCo, Google, HERE Technologies, and Mural, and  Zip Recruiter. Andy is passionate about helping people figure out what makes them find their passions and how to work more in their “zone of genius.” Andy has a Master’s of Human Resource Management and Labor Relations from the University of Illinois.

In his free time, he coaches and teaches
workout classes. He enjoys travels/hikes and it an avid reader and learner. He believes he can learn something from everyone finds purpose in being of service to others. 

Coaching Style: Renee has a very friendly and empathetic coaching style and loves helping people at all stages of their careers figure out “what they want to be when they grow up”.

Expertise: Healthcare, Consulting, Resume Review.

Renee Begy has more than 25 years of experience in talent with a focus in the healthcare and consulting industries at firms including McKinsey, ZS Associates, Sg2 and Huron. In her role at McKinsey, Renee worked with senior level executives to help them navigate career transitions in the healthcare industry. In addition, Renee spent several years with her own recruiting firm, Principal Talent Group.

Renee has a BA in Mathematics and Anthropology from Oberlin College and an MBA from Kellogg.

Coaching Style: Steve strives to encourage clients to realize how to maximize their potential in all their job/career search endeavors and activities and fully supports their development throughout the process as it unfolds.

Expertise: Operations and Management; People with Disabilities Interviewing preparation, job offer evaluation and negotiation strategy.

Steve Brandl has an extensive background as a Chief Operating Officer with law firms in many major U.S. markets. His experience includes providing leadership and management in all facets of law firm operations including candidate recruitment and hiring, evaluation of potential merger candidates and incorporation of merged firms, organizational and diversity program development, training, compensation, and Human Resources management.

Steve left the workforce about six years ago due to a stroke that has resulted in partial arm and hand paralysis and holds a special interest in working with clients with physical disabilities and/or health issues. He holds a BA in Anthropology & Religion from Columbia University in New York. Steve completed his ICF certification through Coach Academy International in 2023 and is an ACC Coach. He operates his own business, SJ Brandl Coaching & Consulting, coaching lawyers and law firm and law department C-Suite occupants primarily, in addition to volunteering his time with CTC.

Coaching style: 

My coaching approach is grounded in empathy, curiosity, and the Co-Active belief that every person is naturally creative, resourceful, and whole. I want you to feel brave and empowered to be your bold, authentic self.

I draw on nearly 30 years of professional experience to help you access your own clarity and wisdom. I believe that each individual is wholly capable, complete, and able to determine their own right answer.  

Expertise: Technology, Career Transitions, Leadership Coaching, Executive Coaching, Women in STEM fields

Andrea is the Founder of Valora Leadership, a Career and Leadership coaching practice. Prior to founding Valora Leadership, she spent nearly three decades in technology roles across various industries.

Andrea is a Co-Active trained coach with bachelor’s degrees in French and International Studies from Miami University, a Master of Science in Information Systems from Northwestern University, and an Executive Leadership Coaching certificate from Harvard University. She has been recognized as one of Crain’s Chicago Notable Women in STEM and received the Woman of Impact award from Women Impact Tech. She is active in the Professional Women’s Club of Chicago and various technology networking groups in Chicago.

Coaching Style: Dianna’s coaching is warm, empathetic, and empowering, creating a supportive space for clients to explore their goals. She combines active listening with guidance to help clients gain clarity and navigate career transitions. She is passionate about helping clients discover their strengths and leverage them into career moves.

Areas of Expertise: Positive Psychology, School Psychology & Career Transition

Stages: Discovery & Planning

Professional Overview: Dianna is a Certified Positive Psychology Coach specializing in life, family and career coaching and a course facilitator with Wholebeing Institute for their Positive Psychology Coaching Fundamentals course. 

Dianna started off her career as a school psychologist working with elementary & middle school aged children. She transitioned out of the paid workforce to become a stay-at-home mother and then later returned to the workforce as a facilitator of personal renewal groups for mothers and positive psychology coach.

Dianna holds a B.A. in Psychology from Trinity University and a M.A. in School Psychology from Texas State University. She received her Positive Psychology Coaching Certification from Wholebeing Institute in 2020. She is also a Renee Trudeau & Associates-Trained Personal Renewal Group Facilitator.

Coaching Style: Lucien is an empathetic coach who supports clients in their career change.

Expertise: LinkedIn, online application systems and networking. Human Resources and Project Management.

Lucien Derosena currently serves as a Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant for Salo, a Korn Ferry company. He has a decade of experience working as a Recruitment Specialist and HR Consultant. During this time, Lucien has been a dedicated volunteer, working as a Mentor with the Leader Shop, and Volunteer Mediator with Chicago Center for Conflict Resolution. Lucien holds an MPA from DePaul University and a BA in Political Science from UIC.  Lucien works with clients in the Discovery phase and provides his expertise in LinkedIn, online application systems and networking. 

Coaching Style: Tim is a strategic partner with his clients to engage in an aggresive job search.

Expertise: Discovery, Career Change and Networking. Higher Education. Entreprenuership.

Tim Conway embraces the process of transition. He affectionately refers to the varied rebound stages as “personal reinvention” (albeit sometimes volatile). As a Career Coach, Tim encourages others to believe that “America is the home of second (and third) opportunities.” He is ready to assist peers to secure a career that fits.

Coaching Style: Jerry has a collaborative, informal style which attempts to build trust and listen carefully to the clients current situation and how he might provide some resources, coaching, and/or interventions to help them resolve their issues or move forward in a job search.

Expertise: Career Services, Higher Education, journalism, marketing. Resumes, Cover Letters, LinkedIn.

Jerry Donahue has deep and extensive career service work experience in higher education, including the University of Michigan College of Engineering, Indiana University, Northwestern University, as well as Moraine Valley Community College, St. Norbert College, Canisius College and the University of Detroit. He has held career services positions for the Midwest Association of Colleges and Employers, SHRM, and several regional career consortia in New York, Wisconsin and Michigan.

Coaching style: Anne employs a holistic approach, considering how all parts of a client’s life may influence their work and goals.  Her calming and thoughtful style creates a supportive, non-judgmental space that fosters the introspection and clear perspective clients need to move forward.

Expertise: Life and Career Transition, Marketing; financial services, packaged goods, higher education

Anne is a professionally trained and ICF certified coach (ACC) with a passion for helping clients navigate life and career transitions with confidence and clarity. 

With over 30 years in corporate environments, from financial services and consumer goods to higher education, Anne brings a wealth of experience.  As a leader in marketing and advertising, she honed her skills in building strong client relationships and gained a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing professionals seeking greater fulfillment or a new direction.  

Anne’s path to coaching was deeply personal.  Early in her career realizing her original path was not aligned with her true passions, she pursued an MBA to build a successful marketing career.  Over time, she found immense fulfillment in mentoring and coaching others through their transition and goal setting.  Her perspective was further sharpened by a major health challenge which highlighted the critical importance of resilience, self-care and community.  These transformative experiences inspired her to dedicate herself to helping others find their authentic path and thrive.

Coaching Style: Sarah’s coaching style is empowering and strengths-based: she helps clients uncover their unique talents, align goals with values, and turn aspirations into actionable strategies. Balancing creativity with practicality, Sarah helps clients connect the dots, uncover new possibilities, and move forward with confidence.

Areas of Expertise: non-profits, career transition, health and wellness

As a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach with a background in creative entrepreneurship and professional development, Sarah brings a holistic and collaborative approach to career coaching. She helps clients navigate transitions with clarity, resilience, and purpose—whether pursuing a new role, redefining their path, or seeking greater fulfillment in their work. Sarah believes that change is easier to navigate when tackled with a partner, and she works with clients at all stages of their professional journey, from those entering the workforce to individuals preparing for a career pivot or encore chapter.

Sarah’s journey into health coaching followed a decade as Creative Director and Owner of an event design and wedding planning firm. While pursuing her health coaching certification, she served as Managing Director for a regenerative performing arts non-profit, further strengthening her leadership and organizational expertise.

Sarah earned her BFA in Interior Design from the Rochester Institute of Technology and completed her health coaching training at Duke Health & Well-Being. Drawing on her diverse background, Sarah partners with individuals, organizations, and communities to foster resilience, creativity, and purpose in both work and life.

Coaching style: Ruth’s coaching style is down-to-earth, focused, and infused with a touch of humor to keep things fun and motivating.  As a certified positive psychology coach, she enjoys helping individuals achieve their best by tapping into their strengths, skills, knowledge, resources, and values. 

Expertise: Career transition, strengths identification, interview preparation and confidence-building, leadership/executive coaching, cultivating well-being and personal-professional balance.

Professional Bio: Ruth is a former public sector leader with three decades of practical, real-world experience in management, strategic and business planning, public policy, organizational development, and process improvement. She mostly recently served as Deputy Director of a transportation agency with over 400 employees and an annual budget of more than $100 million. Prior to that, she was the agency’s Business Operations Manager responsible for managing all business functions including strategic and transportation planning; finance and budgeting; information technology; and communications and customer service. Her multifaceted career has also included roles as a project/program manager, environmental steward, and computer programmer at Caltech’s cosmic ray physics lab. She has an MBA from the Drucker School of Management and is certified as a Positive Psychology Coach by the Wholebeing Institute. 

Coaching style: Practical, structured, kind, human-focused, and thought-provoking, utilizing ICF Core Competencies

Expertise: Industries including retail, manufacturing, contact centers, health insurance, financial services, consulting, and non-profit organizations, as well as companies of various sizes and stages of growth. 

Christine is a career and leadership coach with 2 decades of experience internally supporting individual contributors and leaders through growth, change, and career transitions. She has progressively built her career from the ground up to senior leader in Learning & Development and Talent Management. With her passion for learning and growth, she helps her clients find clarity, connection, and confidence in their careers. 

Christine brings deep insight from designing many development and performance programs across a wide range of industries, organizational maturity stages, and stakeholders. She has a master’s degree in organizational Learning & Human Resource Development. She has completed multiple levels of ICF-accredited training and has her Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential. Her coaching adheres to ICF ethical standards and confidentiality guidelines.

She is a Sessional Lecturer at the University of the German Federal Armed Forces in Munich, Germany. Previously, she was an Education Coordinator for the BMW Group in Munich.

She has a University Diploma in International Business and Cultural Students from the Universitat Passau and was a visiting PHD at the University of Victoria. She is a member of the International Coaching Federation. She is fluent in English, German and Russian.

Expertise: Software, Networking, Personal Presence

David Kaiser, PhD, is a former academic, who had a terrible time finding a “real job” after completing graduate school, he made every mistake in the job-hunting process, sometimes several times. He had to learn the skills and self-confidence to dig out of this mess, and he can help you do so too.

Dave would go on to work as a Translator for the FBI (Russian), to have his own business, and to find his way into team leadership within Software Engineering, working Blue Cross of Illinois (HCSC), Daugherty Business Solutions, and Omni Federal.

Coaching Style: Georgia enjoy working with clients across all three phases. Each phase presents unique opportunities for growth, and her versatility allows her to tailor her coaching style to meet each client’s specific needs, whether they are just beginning their journey, strategizing their next steps, or actively pursuing their goals.

Expertise: A certified DISC Styles Consultant, she leverages advanced psychological methodologies and data-driven strategies to optimize training effectiveness, strengthen team cohesion, and maximize individual performance. Technology, healthcare, education, finance, marketing, supply chain, sustainability. Also, those in creative fields, including content creators and entrepreneurs starting new businesses. She also enjoys working with special populations such as recent graduates, women, older individuals, and veterans transitioning to civilian roles.

Georgia Katsianis, PsyD, MBA, CPCC, is a distinguished Talent Acquisition and HR professional consultant and an expert career coach with over twenty years of comprehensive experience spanning academia, corporate, finance, and technology sectors. She is a passionate educator and teaches HR, Business, and Career Development courses at DeVry University.

Georgia is also the visionary founder of Career Development Savant, LLC., a premier recruitment firm specializing in finance and technology that provides exceptional career coaching services.

Renowned for her career development, leadership coaching, and talent acquisition expertise, Georgia adeptly guides individuals through complex career transitions and conflict management. A certified DISC Styles Consultant, she leverages advanced psychological methodologies and data-driven strategies to optimize training effectiveness, strengthen team cohesion, and maximize individual performance. Georgia has a remarkable track record of coaching and supporting over 424 individuals in successfully securing new job opportunities.

Coaching Style: David uses a comprehensive approach to understanding a client’s previous work experiences by asking open-ended questions. This helps him to determine if they are transitioning to a new field or refining their skills to re-enter a desired career path. He delves into assessing the client’s personality, identity, and how they are perceived professionally. In addition, he inquires about their skills, values, and interests outside of work to uncover their passions and where they invest their time. These questions yield valuable insights into their energy and focus and help identify their most suitable work environment. This straightforward diagnostic technique aids in understanding the client’s needs.

Expertise: He understands various economic sectors/ industries and specializes in helping technical professionals and veterans improve their resumes, LinkedIn posts, and presentation skills.

David Kloak is a Leadership Executive Coach and Organizational Consultant focusing on helping leaders and career professionals develop their leadership capabilities.  Prior to that career, David served for 29 years as Principal Advisor, U.S. Pacific Command, for the U.S Navy where he consulted and coached military commanders and senior executives regarding unit morale, religious affairs, and leadership development; evaluated performance for over 350 people; supervised 6 staff members; and managed up to $250K budgets. In 2012, he retired as a decorated Captain to pursue a Ph.D. His areas of specialty include organization development and change management, performance management, hiring and talent management, multicultural training and program development.

Coaching style: Gabi brings a friendly and relationship-driven coaching style centered on active listening, thoughtful guidance, and helping others navigate career questions and transitions with confidence. 

Expertise: Technology, manufacturing, Human Resources, early career discovery, networking, resume writing

Professional Bio: Gabi Koren is a seasoned HR professional with experience as an HR Business Partner and HR Manager. She is passionate about helping others recognize their strengths, unlock their potential, and identify steppingstones to reach their goals. Gabi holds a Master’s in Human Resources Management from Rutgers University and Bachelor of Business Administration (Management) from the University of Iowa. She also holds certificates in Event Planning and Leadership Studies from the University of Iowa and is a Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP).

Outside of work, Gabi is actively involved in the Chicago community as both a theatre patron and volunteer usher. Her inclusive and outgoing personality has also led her to host game nights, lead a local Chicago book club, and volunteer within her community.

Coaching Style: Dale’s coaching style is inspiring, practical, and strengths focused. He helps you discover your full potential and takes you from good to great by guiding you to leverage your strengths, build confidence, and develop skills that matter in real life. Every session is personalized, encouraging, and action-oriented, blending positivity, empathy, and real-world strategies. With Dale, you leave feeling motivated, empowered, and ready to achieve more than you thought possible.

Expertise: Discovery, Strengths assessments, networking

Bio: Dale Lasky is an award-winning educator and Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach dedicated to helping professionals unlock their full potential. With more than 25 years of experience in teaching and leadership development, Dale empowers individuals and teams to build self-awareness, social-awareness, and well-being. As a coach, he approaches professional growth like a sports team, helping the entire team get better, one player at a time, and transforming good talent into high-performing, purpose-driven professionals.

He has been married to his lovely wife, Francine, for 26 years, and together they have three children who all share a great sense of humor. Dale loves to travel, play board games, participate in sporting events, and explore world history, anthropology, and strategies to get better at work and in life. He stays healthy by hiking in nearby forest preserves with his 18-pound vest for extra resistance and challenge, combining fitness with reflection and mindfulness.

Expertise: Human resources, finance, consulting, healthcare, commercial real estate. Resume writing, interview prep, networking, strength and value identification, career pathing.

Coaching style: Linda is trained in brain-based coaching strategies that focus on understanding how the brain learns, motivates, and adapts to change to facilitate profound and enduring transformations in the lives of others. Grounded in research, the evidence-based strategies drive positive change, empower individuals to navigate obstacles, gain insights, and embark on a path toward sustainable personal and professional growth. She helps individuals understand their values and strengths to identify new career opportunities, while guiding them through the process for closing any potential skills gaps.

Linda has almost 30 years of human resources experience.  She has experience in all areas of HR including benefits, compensation, learning and development, recruiting, and hr business leadership. She is currently the Senior Director of Leadership, Development and Careers at R1 RCM where she is responsible for all programming and resources for leadership and professional skills as well as for helping associates own and manage their career paths.  She previously worked in Career Services at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business where she partnered with companies in financial services, energy, government, chemical, non-profit, and agribusiness and helped them design and refine their recruiting efforts. She also worked with students pursuing jobs in these industries on their career search efforts. Outside of work, Linda is the mother of two high schoolers and is active in volunteer efforts.  She currently volunteers with Nourishing Hope, the Rita Hayworth Alzhiemer’s Gala, and works as a therapy dog team with her Australian Labradoodle, Tilly, through Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy. 

Coaching Style: Lauren listens carefully and asks thoughtful questions to determine the most impactful support and resources. She works with clients to co-create solutions to challenges and provides direction so clients move forward with confidence. As a neurodiverse individual, Lauren offers tailored strategies to help neurodiverse clients make progress in their job search and define criteria for their ideal roles.

Expertise: Consulting Sector, working with Neurodiverse clients.

Lauren Marder is an accomplished Talent Management and Development professional with a demonstrated history of improving performance through organizational development solutions and leadership coaching. She has extensive experience partnering with stakeholders to achieve business success, creating strategy, designing and developing solutions using systems and design thinking, and implementing them with change management and continuous improvement.

Lauren coaches neurodivergent individuals for career success, both on the job and during job transition. She also consults with companies to implement practices that value and support a neurodiverse workforce. Lauren holds an MA in Business Education, HR Management & Organization Development from the University of Minnesota and is a Co-Active Coach through the Coaches Training Institute.

 Coaching style: When I first meet a client we discuss their job search strategy and I ask them what they would like to work on together.   If they aren’t sure then I provide them with a menu (resume, networking, job search, interview prep including answering behavioral interview questions, tough interview questions and what questions they may want to ask).  If they get an offer then I provide support in responding to the offer.  I also encourage clients to set weekly goals so they can feel good about their search as they make progress to obtaining the desired opportunity.  If a client is uncomfortable with networking, I strongly encourage them to reach out anyway as they will find the networking easier the more they do it.

Specialties: Pharmaceutical Sector; Business Development; Working Internationally; Networking and Interviewing

John has had a passion for helping those seeking employment and career change for many years. After finding himself ill-equipped for this job search after working for the same company for 20 years, he developed his job search skills through a company sponsored professional outplacement service as well as a program similar to that offered by Career Transitions Center. Subsequently, he started up two Job Support Groups (one in Illinois, one after he moved to NJ) which he ran for over 10 years. He continued to provide career coaching support after his subsequent move to NY. Great personal satisfaction was derived from helping others achieve their career goals and find meaningful employment. Twice he experienced the trauma of job loss and looking for a job while unemployed, so he can identify with those in a similar situation. He retired from Pfizer, Inc. in 2019 as VP Business Development after a 42-year career in the pharmaceutical industry, which included overseas living assignments in Hong Kong and Singapore. Prior to joining CTC, John was a Career Coach at Career Resource Center Lake Forest, which ceased operations in 2023.

Coaching Style: Lynne is a results-oriented coach. She combines deep listening with actionable insights to help individuals identify their strengths, navigate challenges, and confidently pursue new career opportunities. Her coaching focuses on building practical, long-term solutions tailored to each individual’s personal and professional goals.

Expertise: Strategic Operations Consultant, Mentor

Lynne McDonnell brings over 25 years of experience in guiding individuals and organizations through transformative change. She’s worked most recently as a Partner for Kearney (global consulting firm) and a Transformation Operating Partner for a PE firm. She has extensive expertise in defining talent strategies and capabilities requirements, not only from her own leadership roles but also from understanding the hiring practices of numerous Fortune 500 clients. This insight allows her to offer valuable perspectives to job seekers, helping them align their skills with market demands and navigate the hiring landscape. 

As a coach for individuals seeking new jobs and careers, Lynne is passionate about empowering people to discover their potential and successfully transition into meaningful roles. She thrives on helping others gain confidence and clarity in their career paths. Lynne enjoys playing guitar in her spare time, and spending time with friends and family.

Coaching style: Reflective, deep listening, and direct

Expertise:  Technology, DevOps, Financial Services, Project Management. I specialize in supporting professionals who are navigating the complexities of being in the middle. Coach and client work side by side to help you rediscover your strengths, values and capabilities, shedding expectations of others, so you can thrive, achieve your dreams, build resilience to the future and serve others fully with the mind, body and heart.  

Professional Bio: 

I have been in corporate leadership for 13 years in technology roles, supporting finance and telecommunications industries, community building, and mentor programs. I supported mentoring programs with the Women in Cable Television (WICT) organization and volunteered as an organizer for DevOpsDays DC. My passion for people, lean coaching, personal development, leadership, and collaborative movements like the DevOps and Open Source communities led me to pursue professional coaching.

Along this journey I have recognized one common denominator that unlocks success.  It is the people, relationships and interactions with each other in life.  Especially and most importantly the relationship we have with ourselves.  We will walk down the path together helping you to see and unlock the strengths you have within to achieve your dreams.

Coaching Style: Mike uses his expertise as a recruiter to assist clients in revising resumes and LinkedIn profiles to make them compelling to hiring managers.

Expertise: Resumes, LinkedIn, Working with a Recruiter.

Mike Munger is a Sr. Client Partner with Digital Information Systems, a global managed services and staffing firm with 86 offices worldwide. Mike has 13 years’ experience in the staffing industry, previously managing a recruiting team and now focused on service delivery for McDonald’s Corporation, Allstate Insurance, The CME Group, and Advocate Aurora Healthcare. Through partnership with HR and hiring teams at his clients, Mike works to understand hiring needs and market potential candidates. Mike is approaching his 6^th year as a volunteer coach at CTC and enjoys making resumes stand out through content creation, interview prep, career discovery exercises, and offer negotiations in his one-one meetings.

Expertise: Stress management, Human Resources, interview preparedness, job offer evaluation and negotiation strategy

Eileen Murphy is a certified Stress Management and Health & Wellness coach who leverages 20 years of Human Resources experience to help clients develop effective strategies for managing workplace and career stress. Her extensive HR background spans all facets of the field, including recruitment, talent management, and Total Rewards.
Eileen holds a master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and practices what she preaches by actively managing her own stress. She incorporates mindfulness, movement and nutrition into her routine to help keep a flexible mind and body.
Outside of coaching, Eileen enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, and unwinding with a good TV show. A lifelong learner, she’s always exploring new ways to support her clients on their journey to career wellness.

Coaching Style: Don wants to get to know a client as a person and understand their job search objectives. His goal is to help them find a new role that is rewarding personally, professionally and a good fit for who they are in terms of type of company culture, immediate supervisor, and hopefully a role that will offer career and skills growth. He focuses on helping them become more effective and building self-confidence in selling themselves (in a job search, a client is the “product”, and recruiters/companies are the “buyers”).

Expertise: Creating compelling brand statements, networking, interviewing, CARs. Professional Services; Networking, Marketing, compensation, writing/editing

Don Nemerov has served as the managing Director for FGMK, LLC since 2014. His expertise in executive compensation and leadership spans 30 years. He has authored multiple publications on the topics of compensation and long-term incentives. 

Don holds a BS in Economics from the Wharton School and an MA in industrial Relations from the Carson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.

In addition to his corporate work, Don is an active volunteer who has served as an Admissions Alumni Interviewer at the University of Pennsylvania for the past ten years and served as a career coach for the Career Resource Center for nearly seven years. Don is particularly skilled at working with clients in the Planning & Action phases of transition, as well as providing H.R. perspective and insights to their job search. 

Coaching Style: Nnenna’s coaching style is collaborative, insightful, and down-to-earth. She helps clients build awareness, challenge assumptions, and gain clarity about what matters most so they can navigate career transitions with confidence and take strategic, practical steps forward.

Expertise: Healthcare sector, customer experience, consulting, applied research, personal and career transitions, career pivots across industries, navigating organizational change

Professional Bio:

Nnenna Okeke, PhD is a healthcare strategy consultant and leadership and career transition coach with more than 15 years of experience spanning the healthcare, technology, and public health sectors. She specializes in helping individuals and organizations navigate complexity, translate insights into action, and move through periods of change with greater clarity and confidence. Her professional experience includes roles at Health Care Service Corporation (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois), Meta, and the American Medical Association. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.

Grounded in a collaborative, down-to-earth approach, Nnenna enjoys partnering with clients to clarify their goals and values, explore possibilities, and identify career opportunities that align with their strengths and aspirations. She brings both strategic perspective and practical support to the career exploration and job search process, helping clients leverage transferable skills, strengthen their professional narratives, and navigate career transitions with confidence. She is particularly passionate about helping people uncover new possibilities and take purposeful steps toward meaningful work and a more intentional life.

Coaching Style: Jen loves helping individuals discover and lean into their potential, define their values and goals, and emerge from career transitions with confidence and clarity.

Expertise: Training and Development, Change Management.

Jen Pasquale is a culture consultant, strengths nerd, and energetic facilitator with 20+ years in training and development. As a Certified Strengths Coach and Master Certified Professional Coach, Jen uses her corporate training, change management, and psychology background to support her clients.  Jen lives in Northern Virginia with her husband of 18 years, their two high schoolers, and two ginger tabby cats. 

Coaching Style: Supportive, strengths-based, and practical. I help clients clarify their goals, identify transferable skills, and build confidence through structured guidance, reflective questioning, and real-world strategies. My approach blends HR expertise, adult-learning principles, and inclusive coaching to meet clients where they are and help them move forward with clarity and purpose.

Expertise: Career exploration and discovery, resume refinement, LinkedIn optimization, interview preparation, networking strategies, inclusive hiring insights, early-career development, emerging-leader coaching, military veterans and spouses, justice-impacted talent, individuals with disabilities, and job seekers navigating complex or non-linear career paths.

Professional Bio:  As the Founder and CEO of National Workforce Solutions, LLC, I lead a consulting and learning practice dedicated to strengthening talent pipelines, advancing career readiness, and supporting organizational growth. My business provides strategic workforce development solutions, leadership development, instructional design, upskilling and reskilling programs, eLearning course creation, and workforce readiness training that expands access to opportunities for diverse and underrepresented communities. Through NWFS, I partner with organizations across industries to design scalable learning experiences, build inclusive talent systems, and implement evidence‑based strategies that help people and organizations thrive.

I am a workforce development strategist, educator, and learning designer with a master’s degree in Adult Education from DePaul University and ongoing Doctoral studies in Organizational Leadership. My background spans organizational training and development, career coaching, inclusion strategy, and global consultancy work supporting clients across corporate, nonprofit, education, healthcare, government, and community sectors. I hold the SHRM CP certification, a Diversity Management Certification, and credentials as a Certified Meditation Coach, which deepen my ability to integrate mindfulness, resilience, and well-being into leadership development and workforce readiness programming. My work centers on helping individuals build the skills, confidence, and clarity needed to navigate an evolving labor market while helping organizations develop, optimize, and operationalize talent strategies that drive measurable impact.

Coaching Style: Maurie believes in helping job seekers understand factors that contribute to a new role. He also believes that people need confidence building as they navigate through their career journey and loves helping others bring out their best in interviews. Maurie loves to share his insights from his experiences as a hiring manager, internal recruiter, and as an external recruiter.

Expertise: Accounting; Recruiting; Business Development; Nonprofit.

Maurie Richie has a love for helping others progress in their career. He is originally from Chicago, and is Director of Secondary Partnerships at OneGoal. Maurie holds a B.S in Accountancy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Public Administration from National Louis University. He has worked in various accounting roles with increasing responsibility in areas such as auditing, financial reporting, and financial analysis. He made a career transition from accounting to human resources and worked as an external and internal recruiter for accounting, finance, and education roles. He also gained experience in business development and partnership maintenance.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Maurie has also completed acting, improv, and stand-up classes at Second City and voiceover classes at Acting Studio in Chicago. Maurie has a French bulldog Beau who will be more than happy to join his virtual coaching sessions.

Coaching Style: Bobbie enjoys working with clients in all stages of career transition, especially those interested in expanding opportunities and navigating challenges in their current work setting. With authenticity and compassion, Bobbie offers a practical approach and a comfortable space for growth and transformation.

Expertise: Healthcare sector, insurance, and higher education. Resumes, Networking, Interviewing.

Bobbie Renaldy brings over two decades of experience in talent management, leadership development and career transition to her coaching practice and extensive experience in the health care space.  She is certified through the University of Texas at Dallas and the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and holds a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SHRM-SCP) designation.  In addition to her private practice, she serves as a Fellow Coach with BetterUp.

Expertise: Discovery/career exploration, human resources, resumes, networking, LinkedIn profiles.

Coaching Style: Kristin is passionate about helping clients recognize their strengths, make empowered decisions, and take bold, purposeful steps toward meaningful and fulfilling careers. Her approach is collaborative and personalized, designed to ensure that each client leads the way and shapes the career and life they truly want.

Bio: Kristin Simon is an ICF-certified career coach with an MBA and extensive human resources experience spanning major corporations across financial services, manufacturing, retail, and food service—including organizations like TD Ameritrade (now Charles Schwab), Electro-Motive Diesel, Nordstrom, and Unilever Food Solutions.

Kristin works with clients from a wide range of industries, backgrounds, and experiences, helping them overcome roadblocks, clarify goals, and take actionable steps toward their next career move. Drawing on her own background with multiple career transitions, she provides practical guidance and empathetic support that shapes her unique coaching approach.

She views career transitions as pivotal moments for clients to own their potential and shape the paths they want to take. Through her practice, she supports both the practical work—including resumes, interviews, networking, and LinkedIn—and the mindset work, including clarity, confidence, and accountability, enabling clients to move forward intentionally.

Coaching Style: Harry  helps others navigate the discovery phase with a spiritual but practical approach.

Expertise: Tech Sector; Consulting; Human Resources.

Harry Soursos is a Talent & Organization expert operating at the intersection of HR, Business, and IT. As a Principal Director at Accenture Management Consulting over 19 years, he helped top tier companies primarily in the high tech/software industry navigate complex change and maximize human capital. He specialized in digital-cloud-HR transformation, talent management, org development, L&D, HRIS, and change management. His passion lies in creating a positive employee/customer experience.

He holds a BA in Psychology from Northwestern University, is fluent in Greek and French, and recently obtained his Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Project Management Professional (PMP), and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certifications. Being in transition himself, Harry can help others navigate the discovery phase with a spiritual but practical approach.

Coaching Style: Hayley is empathetic and supportive. She seeks to support clients in their career exploration and job search.

Expertise: Communications, Associations; healthcare

Hayley Trowbridge is a Communications Specialist III for the American Medical Association, where she engages audiences across the health care ecosystem through multiple content channels that explore the role of the AMA’s data assets in reducing burden, facilitating interoperability, advancing health equity and driving the future of innovation in patient care. Her professional background also includes tutoring/education, marketing and communications and event planning.  Hayley has a rich history of volunteer work with Chicago Area Runners Association, Girls on the Run, Nourishing Hope, and Trash People of Logan Square. Hayley holds a Master of Arts in Literature and Culture from Oregon State University and a BA in English, Art History and French from Lafayette College in Pennsylvania.

Coaching style: Rebecca’s dream job is to help you find yours. Through a curious, collaborative approach, she empowers clients to build careers that align with their values and unique strengths. Rebecca uses a sense of humor to create a relaxed environment where clients are free to be authentic, dream big, and question assumptions. Having been laid off twice in her career, she leads with empathy, an emphasis on self-care, and a strong belief in clients’ entitlement to an identity and sense of self-worth outside of their work.

Expertise: Nonprofit sector/social impact, think tanks, performing arts, tech, security-cleared positions, consulting, human resources, fundraising. Résumés, cover letters, elevator pitches, interviews, bouncing back from reductions in force, work-life integration, early-career professionals.

Rebecca Voulgarakis is a Career Advisor and Employer Relations Manager serving the Computer Science and Information Systems program at National Louis University. Prior to joining NLU, she built a successful career in human resources and recruitment, helping employers secure, retain, and develop talent. During Rebecca’s seven years in Washington, DC, she was a consultant and HR specialist for some of the nation’s top nonprofits, including GlobalGiving, DoSomething.org, and, most recently, the International Food Policy Research Institute. A Chicagoland native, Rebecca is thrilled to be home—now, she uses her insider knowledge of the hiring process to help others navigate it.

Rebecca holds a B.A. in Dance and Business Management from Mercyhurst University, a J.M. in Legal Risk Management and HR Compliance from Florida State University, and a Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification. In her free time, you can find her reading, dancing like nobody’s watching, hunching over a cup of tea and a puzzle, or exploring local comfort food and hidden gems.

Coaching style: Sarah is a supportive and strategic thought-partner and champion for her clients, helping them build confidence in their innate abilities, turn obstacles into opportunities, and clarify future direction and goals. She creates a warm, welcoming space to ask questions, make mistakes, be vulnerable and creative, and learn new things.

Expertise: Healthcare, Higher Education, Non-Profit, Learning & Development, Career Transition

Bio: Sarah Wagener is a career development coach, trainer, and instructor. Over the course of her 15+ year career, she has worked in non-profit organizations, universities, K-12 schools, and healthcare companies managing learning & development programs, teaching classes, and advising and coaching thousands of people in developing leadership and professional skills in pursuit of their career goals. Sarah builds authentic relationships with clients across ages, identities, sectors, and experiences. With her theatre and improvisation background, she values enthusiasm, creativity, partnership-building, and agility. A lifelong learner, Sarah centers cultural humility and reflective practice in her work as a coach and brings a can-do attitude to all that she does.

Sarah has a bachelor’s degree in drama and English literature from Washington University in St. Louis, a master’s degree in public health from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a Mini-MBA in Healthcare from the University of Arizona. She is a proud AmeriCorps alum, a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), and is currently pursuing Co-Active Coach certification.

Coaching Style: Sherry provides encouragement, support, and inquiries to boost confidence and motivation to achieve career goals

Expertise: Healthcare
Private Equity
Non-Profit.

Sherry Woodry provides leadership and team coaching, facilitation and training to business leaders and teams all over the world.  She leverages the breadth and depth of her experience to help leaders grow and execute organization results.

For over 25 years, she held a variety of senior human resource leadership positions in industrial and financial services businesses. Her experience includes global strategic business partnership roles with large employee populations in several geographies. Her consulting practice focuses on leadership and team coaching, leadership development, training and facilitation.

Sherry holds a Professional Certified Coach qualification from the International Coaching Federation, holds a master’s certificate from Fielding Graduate University in Evidence-Based Coaching and graduate of Coaches Training Institute. She is a certified practitioner of Birkman and Hogan leadership assessments.

Sherry has a strong commitment to volunteerism and has served on nonprofit boards and volunteers at Fourth Presbyterian Church, CTC and Executive Service Corp of Chicago.