Who We Are

WHO WE ARE
Our Team
Our clients describe us as thought partners, confidants, sages, innovators, and connectors. We listen closely to collaboratively identify solutions and share evidence-based best practices to inspire leaders and maximize organizational effectiveness.
We use our Caring Leadership Behaviors™ daily, whether we are discussing ideas, projects, challenges or deciding on the best approach to move forward as a team. Practicing selfawareness, curiosity, empathy, deep listening and decisiveness guides our path forward.

MANAGING PARTNERS

MS, MBA, FAACVPRRead Bio
Dorothy Sisneros
MS, MBA, FAACVPR
Connecting people, creating energy and inspiration to accomplish exceptional results
Dorothy is devoted to harnessing the power of effective teams to support organizational and individual excellence. She brings leadership experiences in healthcare and education to guide leaders to engage the wisdom of employees. Dorothy is passionate about connecting people and capitalizing on their individual strengths. She moves people and ideas to excellence, focusing teams to meet their goals and transforming complex ideas and processes into positive outcomes.
Dorothy has collaborated with numerous organizations on system-wide initiatives as an internal leader and as a partner and consultant during her career with hospitals, physician practices, clinics and higher education in the community college system. She coaches leaders, teams and organizations using proven teaming methodology developed by Thunderbird. Dorothy has been a business owner for over 20 years and has held senior level positions as SVP of Client Services, SVP of Engagement Strategies, District Director of Executive Talent and Succession Planning, Department Chair/Faculty member and as Director of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
Dorothy has been a speaker/presenter at state, regional and national conferences in Healthcare and Education. She has co-authored articles and written chapters in books. Most recently, she and several colleagues authored a chapter in Appreciative Leadership: Building Sustainable Partnerships for Health.
Specialties:
- Executive and Leadership Team Development
- Executive Coaching
- Team Coaching
- Teaming
- Facilitation
- Talent Management
- Organizational Dynamics
Certifications, Education and Achievements:
- B.S. in Education, University of Arizona
- Master of Science, Adult Fitness/Cardiac Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse
- M.B.A., University of Phoenix
- Founding Fellow of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Certified Everything DiSC Workplace® Facilitator
- Love + Leader Designation

PhD, RN, NE-BC, NBC-HWCRead Bio
Amy Steinbinder
PhD, RN, NE-BC, NBC-HWC
Committed to high reliability organizations and just cultures
Amy is devoted to creating safe work environments that support patient care delivery. She brings proven leadership experience in healthcare organizations with special emphasis on achieving and sustaining magnet designation, executive coaching, and employee engagement. As a coach, she leads large-scale change, cycles of innovation using advanced design principles that create ownership and sustainability.
Amy coaches healthcare leaders, staff, and physicians individually and in their teams. She has worked with over 15 organizations in pursuit of Magnet designation of Nursing Excellence and in each case, Magnet designation was achieved. She has served in a number of leadership capacities including Service Excellence Administrator, Patient Safety Officer, Senior Director of Nursing Systems, Director of Professional Practice, and Organizational Development Consultant. She had responsibility for patient experience, leadership development, quality improvement, root cause analysis, instructional design, and Magnet redesignation. She has held leadership roles in Banner Health System, Language of Caring, Kindred Healthcare and TRC Healthcare.
She has authored articles and book chapters to advance the field of nursing and clinician leadership excellence. Most recently, she co-authored Achieving Uncommon Results through Caring Leadership for Nurse Leader.
Specialties:
- Executive and Leadership Development
- Team Coaching
- Strategic Planning and Implementation
- Creating High Reliability Organizations and Just Cultures
- Designing and Implementing Cycles of Innovation
- Leading Organization Change
- Teaming
- Process Improvement and Evaluation.
Certifications, Education and Achievements:
- BS in Nursing, Bowling Green State University, OH
- MS in Nursing, University of Arizona
- PhD in Nursing, University of Colorado
- National Board Certified in Health and Wellness Coaching
- Integrative Health Coaching
- Executive Coaching
- Assessment Based Certification (Magnet)
- Board Certified Nursing Executive
- Patient Safety Officer
- DISC and Emotional Intelligence
VICE PRESIDENTS

M.Ed., B.M.EdRead Bio
Nathan Bachofsky
M.Ed., B.M.Ed
Community building through inclusion, collaboration, & creativity
Nathan Bachofsky (He/Him) has spent the past 10+ years as a music educator in private and public education where he has worked with students spanning grades PK-12. Nathan’s programs fostered a spirit of community, collaboration, creativity, and excellence. As a school leader he has served as department chair, sat on building and district leadership teams and committees, and held an executive position with his local teacher’s association. As Vice President of Learning & Innovation, he oversees Thunderbird’s programming and is an active facilitator and presenter. Nathan is passionate about relationships, community building, creativity, and the power of music-making.
Specialties:
- Curriculum & Learning
- Facilitation
- Team Development
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Recovering & Fostering Creativity
- Community Music Making
Education & Credentials:
- Master of Education in Educational Leadership, Ursuline College
- Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Baldwin Wallace University
- ToP Facilitation Methods
- Ohio Professional Teaching Licensure: P-12 Music
- Responsive Classroom Training
- Google Certified Educator (Level 1 & 2)

B.A., M.ARead Bio
Kevin Monaco
B.A., M.A
Kevin Monaco is the VP of Communications and Creative Design with Thunderbird Leadership Consulting in Phoenix, AZ.
Kevin Monaco is an experienced educator, coach, composer and artist. He began his career in independent education where he taught beginning to advanced levels of Spanish, served as a faculty advisor, and chaired the Department of Modern and Classical Languages. He worked to develop curriculum and department policies, oversaw the accreditation process, evaluated teachers, and aided with the hiring and professional development of staff. In 2018, Kevin left the traditional classroom and started his own private Spanish coaching business and began to pursue his passion for music recording, songwriting and the Healing Arts. Kevin has training in Reiki and is passionate about helping others foster and harness their own creativity and intuition.
Passion & Experience:
- Team Building and Leadership
- Curriculum Development
- Hiring and Evaluation
- Institutional Accreditation
- Personalized Learning
- Mentorship and Advising
- Spanish Linguistics and Hispanic Cultural Studies
- LGBTQ+ Issues
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Songwriting / Composition
- Videography / Media Design
- Healing Arts
- Reiki and Energy Work
- Mindfulness and Meditation
- Recovering and Fostering Creativity
Specialties:
Leadership and leadership development, mentorship, individual and organizational attentive communication, individual and organizational coaching and self-mastery
Conducts workshops, webinars and retreats, engaging people in actualizing their highest level of personal and professional performance and satisfaction
Certifications, Education and Achievements:
- Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, Ohio Wesleyan University
- Master of Arts in Spanish, Cleveland State University
- Curso de Español (Lengua y Cultura), Universidad de Salamanca
- ACFTL Spanish Proficiency & Assessment Training
ASSOCIATES AND EXECUTIVE COACHES

MC, ACCRead Bio
Fred Amador
MC, ACC
Fred has served as a coach, counselor, facilitator and mentor in higher education for over 20 years. He has extensive experience in coaching mid level managers, directors and administrators working in Fortune 500 companies, higher education, human resources and non profit settings. Fred is passionate about helping his clients live into the possibilities they see for their life.
Specialization:
- Coaching new and seasoned leaders.
- Utilizing clients’ strengths and identifying opportunities for growth
- Providing companies with stronger, more effective leaders who are ready to hit the ground running
Certifications, Education and Achievements:
- Associate Certified Coach (ACC) International Coaching Federation
- Team Coaching Certificate: Living Systems Team Coaching, Adler Learning
- Master of Counseling Degree, Arizona State University
- Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Arizona State University
Email: famador@thunderbirdleadership.com

BS, CESRead Bio
Laura Anning
BS, CES
Laura Anning (She/Her) has spent over 30 years in the healthcare and wellness sector. She has experience in learning and development, facilitation, strategic planning and healthcare operations. She has been in a leadership role at variety of fortune 500 companies and a Senior Leader in Patient Experience, Physician/Nurse Learning and Development in a large healthcare organization. She is passionate about life-long learning and supporting others in their growth and development journey. She believes in going deeper and not wider and providing healthcare organizations with strong and effective leaders. Laura is a seasoned facilitator whose is described as high energy, positive, authentic and brings teaming to life.
Specialties:
- Group Facilitation
- Learning and Development for senior, mid-level and emerging leaders
- Performance Assessment
- Process Improvement
- Strategic Planning
- Change Management
- Client Relationship & Account Management
- Physician Support/Consultancy
- Project & Program Management
- Leadership Effectiveness
- Team Building
- Curriculum Development
- Physician Development
- RN and RN Leader Onboarding
- RN (non-clinical) Leader Development
- RN (non-clinical) Development
- RN Career Pathways
Certifications, Education & Achievements:
- Bachelor of Science, Sports Medicine-Exercise Science, Eastern Michigan University
- Group Facilitation & Strategic Planning Certification, Institute of Cultural Affairs
- DiSC Facilitator
- DDI (Development Dimensions International) Certification
- Rapport Leadership International – Master Graduate
- Founder – Laura Anning Enterprises LLC (2020)

MA, MPHRead Bio
Noushin Bayat
MA, MPH
Leading with wellness, insight and wisdom through disruptive times
Noushin brings over 15 years of experience as an executive coach and human capital professional who thrives in leading and managing large-scale change projects, partnering with both senior executives and technical and functional teams to drive effectiveness. Her specialty is in understanding the systemic context of organizational challenges and facilitating creative and collaborative solutions from a growth-oriented learning perspective. She addresses both the human and operational systems needs to ensure organizational success.
Noushin brings a depth of understanding on the role of thought in addressing complex systems challenges. She helps executives engage clear thinking, build psychological agility, and improve presence to ensure effective collaboration and innovative business solutions. Noushin has worked on change initiatives requiring the design of training and leadership development programs, scaling and operationalizing coaching deployment, and developing agile solutions within a wide range of corporate environments.
Specialties:
- Executive Coaching to corporate and non-profit leaders based on a transformational and learning approach to leadership
- Business process redesign
- Leadership development
- Change Management
- Digital & People Transformation
- Systems & Design Thinking
Certifications, Education and Achievements:
- Bachelor of science degree in computer science and communication
- Graduate degrees in public health and spiritual psychology
- Doctorate in Organizational Leadership
- Life-long student of mindfulness studies and global wisdom traditions

MA, MBARead Bio
Michael Cavanaugh
MA, MBA
Progress through process in developing leaders
Michael is a seasoned executive, consultant, educator and a global “thought leader” on organizational improvement and operational excellence. He is an organizational improvement (OI) specialist with extensive experience leading OI initiatives targeting operations, manufacturing, health care, customer service and quality. For over 30 years, Michael has led small and large organizations through basic and “easy to grasp” processes which have resulted in increased operational efficiency and optimized effectiveness. Michael has consulted with individuals and cross functional senior leadership teams to achieve and/or surpass business and technical objectives. He has successfully implemented continuous process improvement tools in for profit and not-for-profit organizations.
Specialties:
- Organizational Development
- Process Analysis and Improvement
- Strategic Planning
- Tactical Execution
- Operational Efficiency
- Customer Relationship Management
- Business Process Management
Education, Credentials and Achievements:
- MA, MBA, B.S., Industrial Management, Purdue University
- MBA, Strategic Planning, Xavier University
- MA, Organizational Development, Loyola University, Chicago
- Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
Affiliations:
- Founder, President, Coach- MDCAV Associates, LLC (2001)
- Senior Consultant – Thunderbird Leadership Consulting (2013)

BS, MSRead Bio
Dustin Fennell
BS, MS
Bringing together technology, processes, and people
Dustin Fennell has over 25 years’ experience as an IT professional where he specializes in strategic technology alignment and integrating technology to enhance organizational success. As a seasoned senior executive with over 20 years’ experience, Dustin has a proven track record of understanding operational challenges, introducing solutions that lower costs and increase organizational effectiveness and efficiency, and building high- performing teams that add strategic value to the organization. Dustin is passionate about helping others reach their full potential.
Specialties:
- IT Innovation & Strategic Planning/Alignment
- Executive and Leadership Team Development & Mentoring
- Executive & Team Coaching
- Operational Efficiency & Effectiveness
- Continuous Improvement Leadership
- Building and Maintaining High-Performing Teams
- Delivering Results
- Everything DiSC Workplace® Facilitator
Education, Affiliations & Achievements:
- Master of Science in Computer Information Systems, University of Phoenix
- Bachelor of Science in Electronics Management, Southern Illinois University at
Carbondale - Technology Advisory Board, Grand Canyon University, 2022-current
- Technology Advisory Board, American Foundation for the Blind, 2004-2011
- 2011 Education Innovators Yearbook, Converge Center for Digital Education
- 2010 Education CIO of the Year, Arizona Technology Council
- 2010 CIO 100 Award, CIO Magazine

MS, MEdRead Bio
Holly Floden
MS, MEd
Mentoring and coaching for continuous improvement and cultural transformation
Holly’s demonstrated knowledge of learning theories and change dynamics, plus study and experience with metrics and models promoting continuous improvement and cultural transformation, guides individuals and organizations to meet the challenges of transformational leadership and organizational excellence. She is a dynamic professional with 25 years in executive and senior leadership positions. Holly is a keen observer of strengths who engages the unique qualities of each person to bring out the best in individuals, teams and organizations. Whether in the boardroom, leadership suite, coaching relationship or classroom, Holly’s positive energy, collaborative partnership and commitment to excellence combine to empower individuals to transform who they are as leaders and expand their capacity to make a difference within their organizations.
Specialization:
- Executive Consultant and Coach
- Organizational Development and Change
- Team and Leader development
- Curriculum Design
- Onboarding, Induction and Mentoring
Certifications, Education and Achievements:
- University of Arizona College of Business and Public Administration Non Profit Executive Academy
- University of Arizona School of Business Educator’s Academy Total Quality Management
- Pacific Institute Investment in Excellence
- EDGE Learning Institute Increasing Human Effectiveness, University of California Santa Cruz
- Coaching Leaders to Attain Success, Performax Systems International
- DISC Profileaching
- BA. in English and Education, Whittier College
- M.S. in Reading, CA State University Fullerton
- M.S. in Educational Leadership and Administration, CA State University Fullerton
- Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership, University of Arizona
Affiliations:
- President, Consultant and Coach – The Floden Group, LLC (2012)
- Founder, HB Enterprises (1990)
- Senior Consultant – Thunderbird Leadership Consulting (2011)
- Institute for Intelligent Behavior Cognitive Coaching
- Association for Talent Development Co

M.Ed., PCCRead Bio
Janice Ganann
M.Ed., PCC
Unwavering commitment to increasing leadership effectiveness
Janice Ganann has spent the last 6 years coaching executives and leadership teams in public and private organizations. Industries included banking, insurance, pharmaceuticals, public utilities, higher education and healthcare. Prior to that she spent over 20 years creating leadership development programs for front-line leaders, executives and physician leaders within a healthcare system. Janice’s talent management experience focused on ensuring the top 300 leaders within the System were prepared for the challenges facing healthcare. She was responsible for developing leaders to create a bench for executive positions. In addition, she implemented a C-Suite team effectiveness process.
Janice is passionate about improving individual and team performance, assisting leaders maximize their strengths and talents, as well as aligning individual strengths and career aspirations with the goals and ultimately the performance of the organization. Her mission is to add relevant and sustainable business value.
Specialties:
- Executive Coaching
- Succession Planning
- Leadership Development
- Team Effectiveness
Education & Credentials:
- Founder, Executive Director, JLG and Associates, LLC
- Master of Education in Educational Leadership, Northern Arizona University
- Bachelor Communications, The University of Iowa
- Professional Certified Coach (PCC), International Coach Federation (ICF)
- Certified Consultant, Hogan Assessments
- Certified Consultant, Kolbe Cognitive Assessment
- Master Change Agent, GE Change Acceleration Process (CAP)
– WorkOut Change Management Methodology - Certified Consultant, Emotional Intelligence (EQ), SEI
- Certified Consultant, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
– Return on Investment Process - Certified Consultant, DiSC – Personal Profiling System/Personal Learning Insights Profile, InScape Publishing

M.Ed., SPHR, SHRM-SCPRead Bio
Rory Gilbert
M.Ed., SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Partnering to create inclusive, effective environments
Rory has over 15 years of experience working with local and national organizations to create inclusive, effective cultures where individuals can do their best work. She brings knowledge and skills in diversity, leadership, communication and workplace effectiveness to craft individualized solutions with organizations. Rory recognizes that when people feel valued and respected, they are free to give their best to their work whether as students or employees. She has worked as a leader in both the public and private sector. Rory understands the challenges and dynamics of large and small organizations and brings experience and analytical skills to identify the best interventions with her customers.
Specialties:
- Certified coach
- Mediation
- Interest-Based Negotiations
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Facilitation
- Organizational Diagnosis
- Organizational Effectiveness
- Performance Management
Certifications, Education and Achievements:
- Masters in Education in Counseling from the University of Arizona
- Bachelor of Arts, Antioch College
- Certified professional coach (College of Executive Coaching)
- Experienced mediator trained in interest-based problem resolution
- HR professional (SPHR and SHRM-SCP)
- Trained in Organizational Diagnosis, DiSC (Everything DiSC) and MBTI
Affiliations:
- Principal, Executive Coach – Rory Gilbert LLC- (2015)
- Senior Consultant – Thunderbird Leadership Consulting (2015)
- Senior Consultant for Strategic Planning, Training, and Mediation – Diamond Strategies (2016)

RN, MSHARead Bio
Helen Houser
RN, MSHA
Cutting edge innovative programs with a real-world approach
Helen is a unique, engaging professional known for establishing cutting edge innovative programs while utilizing a real-world approach. She understands the nuances and strategies necessary to successfully implement change and to assure sustainability. Helen has a distinctive background in clinical and administrative healthcare, public health and education. Forty years ago, she was a pioneer in establishing intelligent alternatives to inpatient acute care which included same day and outpatient surgery centers. As one of the imaginative creators of the Arizona State Immunization Information System (ASIIS), she continues to promote ground-breaking efficient innovation. More recently, one of her passions is increasing and strengthening partnerships for improved patient outcomes and creating new healthcare roles.
Specialties:
- Innovation and Creativity
- Problem Solving
- Promoting Personal and Corporate Responsibility and Accountability
- Fostering Partnerships
Credentials, Education, Achievements:
- Registered Nurse, St. Francis School of Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration, University of Phoenix
- Master of Science in Health Services Administration, University of Colorado
- Recipient of the National Institute of Staff and Organizational Development Excellence Award
- Two Arizona Governor’s Awards for Excellence
Affiliations:
- Senior Consultant -Thunderbird Leadership Consulting (since 2010)
- President – Houser and Associates (since 2010)
- Board of Directors, President – Adelante Healthcare (2014)
- Board of Directors, Secretary – Casa Franciscana Outreach (since 2015)
- Continuing Author – Lippincott, Williams and Wilkens (since 2004), and Jones Bartlett (since 2021) Healthcare Education Publishers
- Public health affiliate (since 2010)

Ed.D.Read Bio
Jose Leyba
Ed.D.
Connecting people & building relationships
Dr. Leyba is a 3rd generation Arizona native. His career spans over 45 years in the P-20 system. He began his career as a Junior High School Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics and designated bilingual classroom teacher. Dr. Leyba has previous experience as adjunct faculty at Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University. In addition to teaching experience at different levels, Dr. Leyba’s administration experience includes, Principal, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, and Superintendent of schools. After a successful K-12 tenure he moved to the Maricopa Community Colleges where he served as the Acting Vice Chancellor for Human Resources, Vice President, and Provost. Dr. Leyba has also served as an Interim Vice President and Acting Provost at Pima Community College and as an Interim President at Los Angeles Mission College. In addition to his work as a consultant and executive coach for Thunderbird Leadership, Dr. Leyba serves as a Search Consultant for JG Consulting and an advisor to the International Alliance Group. He resides in Tempe, Arizona with his wife Debra, who is also a retired superintendent.
Specialties:
- Human Resources
- Diverse Recruitment Initiatives
- Teacher Recruitment
- Student-Centered Learning
- Facilitation
- Executive Coaching
- Employee Relations-Services
- Organizational Training and Development
- Mediation
- Accreditation
- Strategic Planning
Education, Credentials & Affiliations:
- B.A. in Secondary Education/History, M.Ed., and Ed.D. in Administration & Supervision, Arizona State University (ASU)
- Arizona Department of Education, State Superintendent’s Latinx Advisory Council
- National Council on Black American Affairs (NCBAA)
- Leadership Institute for Mid-Level Administrators
- National Community College Hispanic Council (NCCHC), Fellows Presidential Preparation Program
- Association of Latino Administrators & Superintendents (ALAS).
- Arizona Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (AZALAS), founding member
- Los Diablos Alumni Association
- ASU Scholarship Program
- Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT)

PhD, MSRead Bio
Mary Lockhart
PhD, MS
Mary brings 20+ years of leadership experience in healthcare and education to her role as a consultant and coach. A Quality specialist, Mary has extensive experience leading system-wide initiatives focused on improving Service Excellence and Employee Engagement. She invites leaders and teams to expand their self-awareness, unlock their potential and effectively clarify and achieve their goals. Mary is passionate about coaching, collaboration, effective communication and making the “right thing easier to do”.
Specialties:
- Leadership Development
- Service Excellence
- Change Management
- Evaluation Research
Credentials, Education and Achievements:
- Certified Professional Coach (College of Executive Coaching)
- Associate Certified Coach (ACC) (International Coach Federation)
- PhD in Community Health Education, University of Oregon
- MS in Counseling Psychology, Oregon State University
- Lean Leadership Certification, Portland State University
Affiliations:
- President, Consultant and Coach, Mary Lockhart Consulting, LLC
- Executive Coach, Thunderbird Leadership Consulting
- Coach/Consultant, HealthStream
- System Quality Program Manager, PeaceHealth
- Operations Manager, Health Education Services, Kaiser Permanente, Northwest Region

PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAANRead Bio
Jennifer S. Mensik
PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
Translates complex issues into usable operational tactics to drive excellence
Jennifer has over 25 years of healthcare experience, ranging from critical access to large healthcare systems. Her diverse background in community, long term care, and acute care settings in addition to academia give her a special insight into understanding the challenges faced across all settings by staff and leaders. Jennifer possesses the unique ability to translate complex issues and research into everyday, usable and operational tactics to drive excellence.
Specialties:
- Skilled Presenter and Writer
- Nurse Satisfaction and Work Environment
- Strategic Planning
- Management and Leadership
- Patient Outcomes
Education, Credentials, Achievements:
- PhD in Nursing, majoring in health systems and minoring in public administration, University of Arizona
- MBA, University of Phoenix
- BSN, Washington State University
- ADN, Wenatchee Valley College
- FAAN, Inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (2014)

MS, EdSRead Bio
Nicola Perry
MS, EdS
Nicola brings over 25 years of higher education experience, most in large multi-college community college districts in Arizona and California.She currently serves as the Director of Strategic Enrollment Management, a Cabinet level position, at a large community college. This role focuses on initiatives that impact the full student journey, with an eye towards increasing equity and access while removing systemic barriers. Nicola is responsible for implementing the guided pathways framework in concert with the VP of Instruction, building an extensive success coach network, leading work to re-imagine onboarding for adult/non-traditional students, and directing the Title V HSI grant.
As Vice President of a consulting company, Nicola was able to assist several large colleges review their Equity and Athletics programs, guide districts and colleges through HR technology adoptions, review processes to streamline student onboarding and lead conversations around building an engaging college atmosphere that fosters a sense of belonging and belief.
Nicola began her higher education career building and expanding programs for interns at Arizona State, managing and growing programs at multiple colleges in the Maricopa system, leading districtwide initiatives that impacted employees at 10 colleges, and served as a key member of budget and advisory councils serving three college presidents.
Specialties & Projects:
- Business process analyses
- Facilitating organizational change
- Strategic and integrated planning
- Staff and team development
- Working with college staff to implement technology solutions:
- Report building, routing & workflow (Maxient),
- Securing and building mobile app (ModoLabs),
- Selection, evaluation and implementing HR solutions (Cornerstone),
- Implementing and training for predictive analytics (Civitas)
- Mentoring at scale (Mentor Collective),
- Title V HSI grant development,
- Athletic equity reports (EADA)
Education:
- Certification: Institute for Educational Management (IEM), Harvard GSE
- EdS, Higher Education Leadership
- MS, concentration: Exercise & Wellness
- BS, Justice Studies, Magna Cum Laude

M.D., M.A.Read Bio
Carla Rotering
M.D., M.A.
Full-hearted coaching and mentoring for collaboration, excellence and integrity
Carla, a Pulmonary and Critical Care physician, is a leader, mentor and coach who is deeply committed to people–to their growth, upliftment, resilience and purpose as they strive toward the best version of themselves in their professional and personal lives. She supports mastery for individuals and organizations by employing both experiential and introspective processes. Carla delivers her guidance, and expertise with full-hearted enthusiasm, caring, wisdom and humor. Her life experience and training have offered her a deep appreciation for the role of coaching and mentoring as it contributes to evolving human potential and our shared ability to expand and grow toward collaboration, excellence and integrity. Carla is also the founder, consultant, and executive coach at BoXcar International.
Specialties:
- Leadership and leadership development
- Mentorship
- Individual and Organizational Attentive Communication
- Individual and organizational Coaching and Self-Mastery
- Workshop Facilitation
- Retreat Facilitation
Certifications, Education and Achievements:
- Crucial Conversation (VitalSmarts)
- Emotional Intelligence (6secs)
- Certification in Leadership Development (University of Santa Monica)
- Coaching certifications from the University of Santa Monica (2013) and the international Supercoach Academy (2014)
- M.D. from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine
- Internal Medicine Residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, AZ
- Pulmonary Fellowship at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ
- Master’s Degree in Spiritual Psychology with Emphasis on Consciousness & Health (non-religious)
- Healthcare Heroes Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, Phoenix Business Journal (2019)

MHSARead Bio
Linda Thompson
MHSA
Linda Thompson (She / Her) spent 30+ years in the mission-driven nonprofit filed, focusing first in health care, followed by the health and human service sector, and culminating with thirteen years at an education-focused philanthropic organization as the Senior Vice President over Program Administration and Organizational Learning. Linda brought strategic order to business processes; learning aimed at improving practice; and built high functioning teams. In her leadership role, Linda brought the manager-as-coach philosophy to the organization and was instrumental in rolling out a company-wide strengths-based approach.
Specialties:
- Design and implementation of business processes and program design
- Research, evaluation, and applied learning
- Integration and maintenance of strengths-based approach in organizational culture
- Development and management of high performing teams
- Manager-to-coach transitions and ongoing support
- Individual orientation to personal and professional style profiles including CliftonStrengths®, DiSC and Enneagram
- Team orientation to work style personality profiles including CliftonStrengths®, DiSC and Enneagram
- Development and delivery of team CliftonStrengths® workshops
- Leadership, management, and individual contributor professional and personal coaching
- Leadership of grantmaking process and data management systems; program design and delivery project management; and research and evaluation
Education & Credentials:
- Master of Health Service Administration, W. P. Carey School of Business – Arizona State University
- Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, Arizona State University
- Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths® Coach

PhD, MARead Bio
Dana Sherman
PhD, MA
Helping leaders align purpose with action to achieve their goals
Dana has more than fifteen years of experience in the fields of learning and development, leadership, and organizational development. Dana currently serves as Director of Talent Management, Learning & Coaching for Banner Health. In previous roles, she created and led enterprise talent management strategies aligning leadership development, performance management, and succession planning.
As an Executive Coach, Dana helps clients align purpose with action to achieve their goals: 80% of her clients report significant improvements in job performance resulting in promotion to the next level of success in their career.
Dana has served as an adjunct college instructor teaching Organizational Behavior and Lifespan Development and has co-authored several publications on building trust in organizations.
Specialties:
- Executive Coaching
- Engagement and Retention Initiatives
- Assessments, Data, and Evaluation
- Facilitation
Education & Credentials:
- PhD and MA in Organizational Behavior, Duke University
- ICF-certified coach
- Multiple assessment and coaching certifications (Suite of 360 assessments, EQ, Hogan)
- Kirkpatrick program evaluation certification