Mariana is a dedicated educator and leader with a passion for empowering individuals to thrive amidst challenges. With a background in pedagogy and education from Catholic University, São Paulo, she specializes in Paulo Freire's critical thinking education and adaptive leadership. Mariana has over 15 years of diverse professional experience, including serving as a Principal in São Paulo, a teacher trainer in Mozambique, and a director for community development in Tel Aviv. In the United States, she has worked as a trainer, consultant, and faculty member, and currently serves as a leadership educator and adaptive learning facilitator at the Kagen Leadership Group, empowering leaders across the country.

Doris holds a Master’s of Public Administration Degree  as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Behavioral Science from Penn State University.  Doris has over 20 years of professional experience in Pennsylvania’s children’s public mental health system working at both the state and county levels. Currently, Ms. Arena is employed through the DHS Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services as the Transition Specialist focusing on issues related to youth and young adults transitioning to adulthood.  Coaching and leadership development is area of passion for Ms. Arena.  Her desire is to assist individuals and organizations in achieving transformation and system change through coaching and leadership development.

Ace is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations achieve their best. With over 25 years in education as a principal, coach, and teacher, Ace earned his coaching certification in 2000 and established a practice focused on personal and organizational transformation.

Following the loss of his daughter to suicide in 2012, Ace expanded his work to include mental well-being and suicide prevention, collaborating with organizations like the State of Washington Department of Health and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

In 2019, Ace joined Washington’s Health Care Authority to manage a federal grant aimed at improving mental health services in schools and fostering therapeutic care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he and his team developed leadership and coaching programs to address mental health challenges and foster cross-agency collaboration.

Known for his enthusiasm, integrity, and insight, Ace’s coaching style builds trust and fosters meaningful change. His mission is to "put windows in silos," aligning perspectives to create lasting impact.

Mark B. Durgin holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice from York College of Pennsylvania, focusing on Parole and Probation.  Mark has over 20 years of professional experience in Pennsylvania’s child-serving systems, working with youth and families at a county level.  Coaching and leadership development has been a focal point for Mark. This has resulted in a collaborative effort of system partners and family members trained in delivering the Coach Approach to Adaptive Leadership around the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

Julie East, SHRM-CSP, ACC, is a seasoned HR professional and executive coach dedicated to guiding leaders to their fullest potential. With expertise in HR consulting and team coaching, she specializes in strategic leadership development. Julie holds certifications from CoachDiversity Institute and The International Coaching Federation. With experience spanning Fortune 500 companies like Gap Inc. and Amazon, as well as family-owned businesses, Julie brings diverse perspectives to her work. She holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Oklahoma State University and certifications from the University of California and Johns Hopkins University. Active in her community, Julie serves on the board of Baltimore non-profit Paul’s Place and volunteers with SHRM National.

Shannon has worked in both the public and private sectors to support children and families as they navigate confusing and at times difficult systems.  Shannon was the first director of The Youth and Family Training Institute in Pennsylvania. After eight years of working for the Institute, Shannon was recruited to the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services where she served as the director of the Bureau of Children’s Behavioral Health Services. Shannon used her time in state government to develop systemic, transformative changes designed to disrupt archaic mental health systems.

In addition, to her work with Early Intervention and Technical Assistance (EITA) Shannon provides support to PA HEAL-a trauma project, The Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Task Force, and the PA Partnership’s State Leadership and Management Team. 

Jeanne Frantz has over 20 years of experience in human services and infant/early childhood mental health consultation. She has worked with children and families in clinical research and parenting programs at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, and Pennsylvania Hospital, where she led the revitalization of a community-based parenting support center and built a sustainable, locally recognized program. Jeanne holds a bachelor’s degree from Yale University and a master’s degree in Clinical Developmental Psychology from Bryn Mawr College. As a Coach Approach Associate, Jeanne has seen firsthand how capacity building and organizational change can start with a single coaching conversation. She is also the mother of two children, including a son with learning disabilities.

Mary Garrett is a Certified Presence-Based Coach and Licensed Social Worker with 25-years-experience working in non-profits, education, and government.  She is also an experienced facilitator and trainer. Most of her career has been focused on impacting how individuals and  systems support the well-being of children, families, and communities.  She has coached recognized leaders in non-profits, government,  faith-based organizations, youth and young adults, and parents to focus their intentions and realize their goals.  Mary Garrett Itin holds a B.A. from the University of Virginia and a Master in Social Work with a concentration in Administration and Leadership from the University of Washington.  Being outdoors and maintaining a regular meditation, yoga, and pilates practice are central to her ability to remain present, centered, and joyful. Her true loves are her husband, son, dog, and her treasured extended family and friends who live throughout the United States.

Anne holds a Masters in Special Education from Lehigh University and an Ed.D. in Educational Psychology from West Virginia University focusing on School Mental Health, and Whole Child Instruction. She is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.  Anne has over 26 years of professional experience in Pennsylvania’s and Florida’s Education and Human Service Systems. She has worked with school districts, community partners, youth and families at a local and state level.  Coaching, School Mental Health, and systems change in schools/communities has been a focal point for Anne. This has resulted in several initiatives to support the creation of healing-centered, positive climates in school districts/communities across Pennsylvania.

Jasmine Martinez has extensive experience in behavioral health, working as a Behavioral Management Specialist, Milieu Counselor, and Program Director before becoming a Certified Peer Counselor. As a wife and mother of four, three of whom live with chronic illness, behavioral health challenges, and special needs, Jasmine has spent over a decade navigating and advocating within the behavioral health system.

Currently, she serves as Assistant Director for A Common Voice | C.O.P.E. Project and as CLIP Administration Family Liaison, merging family voice with leadership expertise. She is an active member of the CLIP Parent Steering Committee and collaborates with families, system partners, and providers across Washington State.

A co-valedictorian of the WA System of Care Kagen Leadership Fellowship, Jasmine applies Adaptive Leadership principles in both her personal and professional life.

Diane Michel has over 30 years of experience serving children, families, and vulnerable populations through roles in government, private nonprofits, and as the CEO of her own businesses. She began her career in 1988 as an owner-operator of a family child care home and later worked as a case manager, trainer, and regional manager, mentoring child care providers and supporting families in need.

In 2003, Diane joined the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to provide direct benefits to individuals and families, and in 2012 she returned to the child care field, ensuring safe and healthy environments for children statewide. Currently, Diane works with the Office of Children, Youth, and Families in Pennsylvania, combining her professional expertise with her personal commitment to supporting children and families.

Outside of work, Diane is a “guardian grandma” to her grandson Davyn and his German Shepherd Max. Since 2014, she has also pursued her passion for personal growth and wellness, working as a lifestyle coach, public speaker, and fitness enthusiast.

Valarie has 20 plus years of experience in children’s behavioral health policy, program development and implementation of innovative best practices. Valarie is also a parent with lived experience in raising her neuro-diverse son. She is a leader in Pennsylvania’s System of Care at the state and local levels which reflects her commitment to improving child-serving systems, with a strong focus on expanding family member and youth leadership and peer workforce opportunities. 

Prior to her career in children’s behavioral health, Valarie was a practicing attorney specializing in commercial real estate and low- income housing development. Valarie is also a trained professional coach and is passionate about supporting individuals in their personal and professional growth. Ms. Oulds holds a B.S.W. in Social Work and a Juris Doctorate from Temple University.

With over 44 years as a social worker in the behavioral health field in national, state, and local settings, Sherry Peters is currently adjunct faculty at Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development and an independent consultant certified as an Instructor in both Youth Mental Health First Aid and the Coach Approach to Adaptive Leadership.  Sherry is a senior consultant with the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) and continues to have a leadership role with the Pennsylvania Community of Practice on Trauma including leading an effort to adapt a national trauma curriculum for use with Peer Specialists and other providers.  Sherry also serves as a subject matter expert on Pennsylvania’s K-12 Threat Assessment Technical Assistance and Training Network project.

Jim holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a focus on Accounting from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. Jim has spent most of his career working as a Business Manager for Health & Human Service organizations, both for-profit and not-for-profit. Jim enjoys working from the inside-out and assisting organizations to be thoughtful, efficient, as well as, effective in their business practices. Jim has a strong focus on organizational behavior as well as a love and dedication to the use and education of technological resources. As a Coach Approach associate Jim is able to draw upon his experiences in Business Management to navigate the world of inquiry, support and listening to understand.

Barb has been a leader in Washington State's System of Care since 1987, coordinating support for multi-system children and their families. She later took on a statewide role to coordinate the Children’s Long-Term Inpatient Programs. After years of cross-system work, she transitioned to a statewide supervisory position in Child Welfare. Barb has extensive experience in developing and implementing policy, services, and programs at both state and regional levels to benefit children, youth, and families. Even after retirement, her commitment to supporting system efforts continues as a Certified Coach Approach for Adaptive Leadership Trainer, and she is currently training with the Washington State Health Care Authority. Barb is dedicated to leadership development and coaching, fostering a common skillset and understanding to achieve sustainable system change.

As a dedicated parent of two daughters, Janice has navigated the complexities of mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges that have impacted my family. For over a decade, Janice actively advocates for her daughter, collaborating with various Systems of Care, including educational, peer support, and medical networks across federal, state, and regional levels.

Through this journey, she became a Washington State Certified Peer Counselor and has achieved certifications in numerous relevant areas such as Crisis Awareness and Communication in Peer Support, 8 Dimensions of Wellness, and The Coach Approach to Adaptive Leadership. Additionally, Janice is a WA SOC Kagen Fellow and a CCIS-II Crisis Responder, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to support others in similar situations.

Rebecca is a dedicated leadership coach with a strong commitment to empowering individuals living with chronic conditions to lead fulfilling, purposeful, and joyful lives. She recognizes the profound impact of meaningful dialogue, the importance of celebrating achievements, and the value of fully experiencing emotions. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a coaching certificate from Georgetown University. Additionally, she is a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory, with a keen interest in discussing the nuances and challenges associated with working across diverse backgrounds. Currently, Rebecca resides in Washington, DC with her husband and their cat, Petey.

Lisa has over 25 years’ experience working in a variety of leadership positions in the nonprofit, human service field. She has provided leadership and direct operations management in a variety of programs, services, and settings in Southeastern Pa, including clinical programs, Juvenile Justice residential settings, and family peer support focused programs. Lisa provides consultant leadership support to Family Run Organizations in Pennsylvania and in Maryland.

Lisa has used her energy, passion and skills to help support programs and systems move towards trauma awareness, as well as becoming family and peer focused and driven. Workforce development and leadership coaching and training has been woven into her work throughout her career. 

Lisa is a PA Licensed Social Worker. She received her Bachelors from Temple University and Masters in Social Work from Bryn Mawr College. Lisa is a psychotherapist, leadership consultant and personal coach as well as a certified instructor for the Coach Approach for Adaptive Leadership and  a Coach Approach Associate.