Professional Coaching
- Professional Coaching for Individuals - meet with a certified coach to work on a goal, challenge or strategy in dedicated one-on-one conversations. Professional Coaches can help people maximize their potential by helping them tap into their own problem-solving abilities and make aligned decisions on how to move forward.
External Coaching Resources
How do I sign up?
One-on-one professional coaching appointments (with or without a strengths emphasis) can be requested throughout the year via the form linked below. Strengths coaching is generally offered quarterly and announced via the strengths@ucdavis.edu listserv.
For questions about our coaching programs, reach out to senior trainer and strengths coach, Jeff Heiser (jcheiser@ucdavis.edu).
Apply for Professional Coaching
Meet the Coaches
Amy Shuman
she/her/hers
Top 10 CliftonStrengths: Communication, Competition, Maximizer, Significance, Focus, Consistency, Futuristic, Relator, Responsibility, Achiever
Amy Shuman serves as the Executive Director of Staff Coaching and Professional Development for the Division of Student Affairs at UC Davis where she leads programs and coaches employees to help them maximize their potential. She is particularly passionate about leadership and empowering people to create a positive workplace culture. Amy has over a decade of human resources management experience and works with leadership on people management, communication, employee engagement and overall workplace climate. Amy believes we are all on a quest to become the best versions of ourselves, and that process takes time, reflection, feedback, practice and... coaching!
Certifications: Gallup Global Strengths Coach, Professional Coaching certificate from UC Davis, Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coach Federation, MA Leadership
Lorna Gill
she/her/hers
Top 10 CliftonStrengths: Developer, Harmony, Empathy, Adaptability, Input, Arranger, Responsibility, Connectedness, Maximizer, Strategic
With close to 20 years of experience in Human Resources within Student Affairs at UC Davis, Lorna knows the effectiveness of curious questions for awakening people to the power of their own capability – even in challenging situations. Previously a preschool teacher, she encouraged the same self-efficacy in small children. As a mom of now-adult children, she has encouraged it in her children as they moved through various stages of life. And as a human, she has learned it over and over for herself. Growth takes practice. As a believer in lifelong learning and growth, Lorna is energized by the privilege of being a partner and witness to others’ transformation through coaching. Recognizing that each client/coach partnership is unique and offers fascinating learning opportunities for both client and coach, she is continually amazed by her clients and their coaching journeys!
Certifications: Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coach Federation, Gallup Global Strengths Coach, Professional Coaching Certificate from McLaren Coaching – Transformative Coaching Essentials, M.Ed.
Jeff Heiser
he/him/his
Top 10 CliftonStrengths: Relator, Empathy, Developer, Belief, Includer, Restorative, Futuristic, Arranger, Achiever, Responsibility.
Jeff believes that coaching is a collaborative process where the coach and client work together to achieve the client's desired goals. Jeff has over 20 years of experience as a dynamic and influential leader in non-profits, municipal government, and higher education, and his strong desire is to support others in their pursuit of defining their goals, discovering their strengths, and maximizing their potential. He is also the Director of Programs on the Board of Directors for the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Sacramento Chapter. Jeff's areas of expertise include providing coaching on leadership, team building, strategic planning, and discovering interests outside of work. When he's not working, Jeff enjoys running with his dog, skiing with his kids, camping with family, and finding new family adventures to embark on. His certifications include an M.S., ACC, and Gallup Global Strengths Coach.
Leota Wilson
she/her/hers
Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner, Individualization, Input, Deliberative and Responsibility
Leota views coaching as a partnership that empowers clients to unlock potential, achieve goals and live life in full bloom! She integrates her values of justice, integrity and authenticity into her coaching style. Leota is interested in coaching around organizational change, career development, equity and justice and leadership. She serves as the Assistant Director of Residential Education in the department of Student Housing and Dining Services. During her time outside of work, Leota enjoys gardening, running, exploring new restaurants and traveling the world!
Certifications: Master’s of Science in College Student Personnel.
Erika Reynolds
She/her/hers
Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Empathy, Developer, Relator, Adaptability, Restorative
Erika Reynolds has been leading and coaching teams and individuals since 2002. Erika has coached a wide range of leaders from high achieving student leaders to Executive Directors. Erika is passionate about coaching women in leadership positions live in alignment with their purpose in their career by helping them uncover and leverage their unique gifts and talents. Erika helps clients show up as the leader they want for their team with ease and without burning out, so they have more time and energy at the end of the day for their family, friends, and interests. Erika approaches coaching holistically, and the results have a profound impact in client’s lives beyond just their career. Erika currently serves as the Assistant Director for Residential Academics in Student Housing and Dining Services where she has worked for over 18 years.
Certifications: Certified Professional Coach, Coach Training Alliance (CTA), Gallup Global Strengths Coach
Dr. C. Inez Anders
she/her/hers
Top 10 CliftonStrengths: Restorative, Harmony, Developer, Positivity, Empathy, Connectedness, Consistency, Activator, Relator, Significance
Dr. Inez Anders is the Director of Tutoring Services in UC Davis's Academic Assistance & Tutoring Centers. She is passionate about using coaching as a tool to help professionals increase their confidence with a specific focus on minimizing feelings of imposter phenomenon; overcoming self-doubt and building a strong foundation. Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Inez brings a touch of her Southern heritage to California, proudly hailing from Mississippi. In her leisure time, Dr. Inez enjoys outdoor activities that reflect her appreciation for California; kayaking and hiking have become part of her routine, allowing her to unwind and connect with the scenic landscapes that the state has to offer.
Certifications: Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
Cecily Nelson-Alford
she/her/hers
Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Individualization, Restorative, Communication, Discipline, Relator
Cecily currently serves as the Director of the Women's Resources and Research Center at UC Davis. She approaches coaching as a tool to connect you to your inner wisdom so you can be more aligned in your life and work. Her style is informed by her experiences in equity-focused spaces and she encourages clients to bring their whole self to the coaching conversation. She centers justice and healing and sees her role as a coach as being a space holder for clients. Beyond coaching and work, she is interested in astrology, tarot, spending time in nature, and being a mom to 2 daughters and 2 fur babies. She received her Masters in Postsecondary Educational Leadership from San Diego State and is a graduate of the ICF certified coaching program at UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education.
Beja Springer
She/her/hers
Top 10 CliftonStrengths: Achiever, Learner, Analytical, Responsibility, Competition, Maximizer, Intellection, Focus, Deliberative, Connectedness
Beja’s clients feel listened to, understood, and focused on their goals. Her coaching style reflects her own strengths, cultivated from 20+ years helping teams and organizations find paths to greatness. She studies her clients’ talent themes in advance, ensures clients’ lead their own journeys, and uncovers her clients’ winning actions through thoughtful and compassionate strength-based questions. In collaboration, Beja is a sounding board for her clients to discover their own talents, the talents of those around them, and their own paths to high performance. When not working, Beja is a devoted mom to a son with Gallup Clifton StrengthsExplorer talents in Relating, Caring, and Organizing.
Certifications: Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach
Andrea Hanson
she/her/hers
Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Connectedness, Positivity, Empathy, Woo, Relator
Andrea has over 16 years in career services and currently serves as the Associate Director at the Internship and Career Center. She encourages a curious growth mindset and Clifton Strengths is wonderful tool that lends itself naturally to a curious growth mindset. One of Andrea’s favorite things is to build connections with people and departments and uses her highly relational approach to get things done and to have fun along the way. She has passion for helping others launch into the next chapter or phase of life. Andrea holds a Masters of Arts degree in Career Development from John F. Kennedy University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Women’s Studies from Pacific Lutheran University.
Certifications: Gallup Global Strengths Coach, MA
Lori Fuller
Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Intellection, Developer, Harmony, Input, Discipline
Lori Fuller currently serves as a Regional Assistant Director, with the UC Davis, Early Academic Outreach Program. Some of Lori’s strongest talents are her creativity, and ability to foster relationships among students, faculty, staff, administrators, and families, in order to create partnerships that aide in the success of students. Lori is a passionate and goal oriented leader, who understands and values the importance of education and community partnerships, as it relates to equity, access, retention, and student centered success programs. She holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Sacramento State University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in English and African American and African Studies from the University of California, Davis.
Certifications: Gallup Global Strengths Coach
Angela Lindley
Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Intellection, Developer, Harmony, Input, Discipline
Angela has six years of coaching experience and received her coach training through UC Davis. She taught for eight years in the College of Media at a university on the East Coast, and she also developed and taught an orientation course that helped students navigate the challenges of college life. At UC Davis, she developed a First-year Aggie Experience for introverted students, where she coached students to understand and honor their temperament. She has spoken to various campus groups about achieving their career goals as introverts. She has also been a staff member at UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education for seven years.
Certifications: Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coach Federation, M.S.
Deb Johnson
Top 10 CliftonStrengths: Relator, Strategic, Achiever, Arranger, Responsibility, Learner, Futuristic, Maximizer, Self-Assurance, Significance
Deb has served as the Director of Campus Recreation at UC Davis for the past six years. Prior to that time, she served as an Executive Director of a non-profit for ten years and in a variety of leadership positions at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in both student and academic affairs for twenty years. Deb has been mentoring, coaching, and leading teams since 1989. With a strong interest in helping others achieve their goals and live authentically she has found Clifton Strengths to be a wonderful tool to help individuals maximize their strengths.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Master of Science in Leadership Education from the University of Nebraska. She is currently in the final months of her Ph.D. program in Organizational Leadership and Applied Psychology at Adler University. During her doctoral program she completed four courses and a 200-hour internship to earn her social justice practitioner standing.
Certifications: Gallup Strengths Coach, Certified Recreation Professional (RCRSP), Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, First Aid/CPR AED
Eric Sanchez
Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Adaptability, Context, Intellection, Connectedness, Relator
Eric supports the campus diversity and inclusion education program primarily in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) course facilitation, curriculum design, and program coordination, which also includes being called upon by academic and administrative departments and units regarding diversity and inclusion issues. He also supports UC Davis affiliates, and to a limited extent community members and organizations external to UC Davis, with consultation related to DEI which occasionally evolves into different types of collaboration between our groups. Having worked with UC Davis undergraduates in the areas of retention, persistence, and graduation since 2001, Eric serves as a strong resource and frame of reference for the intersection on diversity and inclusion topics with the undergraduate experience.
Certifications: Gallup Global Strengths Coach, M.Ed.
Alli Griffith
she/her/hers
Top 10 CliftonStrengths: Context, WOO, Positivity, Individualization, Strategic, Activator, Communication, Belief, Connectedness, Developer
Alli has been working in Student Affairs (mostly residential life) for the past 15+ years and with Strengths since 2005. Alli currently serves as an Assistant Director for Residential Education within Student Housing and Dining Services at UC Davis. Alli has been mentoring, coaching and leading student leaders and professionals and her greatest joy and passion is seeing others discover their own passions and the confidence to pursue them!
Certifications: Gallup Global Strengths Coach (pending, Fall 2022), M.S. Student Affairs and Higher Education
Spencer Atkinson
he/him/his
Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Maximizer, Communication, Woo, Input, Achiever
Spencer is a holistic coach and leader with over 15 years of experience in education, currently serving as an Assistant Director at the Internship and Career Center. He uses a highly relational communication style to cultivate connections that support individual growth and development. Professionally (and personally!), he values creativity, playfulness, collaboration, equity, and integrity. Spencer holds a Master of Science from University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master of Education from the High Tech High Graduate School of Education.
Certifications: Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach
Kristin Dees
Top 10 CliftonStrengths: Achiever, Responsibility, Context, Restorative, Relator, Focus, Communication, Analytical Connectedness, and Arranger
Dr. Kristin Dees serves as the senior trainer with Learning and Development at UC Davis. With over 14 years of experience with CliftonStrengths, she empowers others to see the best of themselves and reach their goals and potential. A passion of Kristin’s is processing, reflecting, and coaching others to identify and transition through their current season of life. A person with a growth mindset philosophy, Kristin holds a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Leadership from California Lutheran University, Masters of Education from Oregon State University, and Bachelors of Science from Texas Christian University.
Certifications: Gallup Strengths Trainer, Gallup Global Strengths Coach
Panhoia Lee
she/her/hers
Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Futuristic, Learner, Discipline, Activator, Maximizer
Strengths play an important part in her life and Panhoia loves to work with clients in providing guidance for them to maximize their strengths. She completed her Master's in Counseling at Sacramento State and through the lens of coaching and counseling, can offer a holistic theoretical approach in working with you on achieving your goals. She believes that every person is whole and resourceful and can create answers and solutions to areas of growth. You may already have the answers within you and just do not know. Panhoia would love to be that integral part and work with you to discover that, and cannot wait to meet and work with you.
Certifications: Gallup Global Strengths Coach, Master's in Counseling, Career Specialization
Tiffany Francis, CPC
Tiffani Francis, CPC, has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare management and leadership field. With her experience as an organizational development and leadership coach, Tiffani can relate to the complexities that healthcare leaders navigate while making their vision a reality. Tiffani’s professional interests include developing high-performing teams, leadership effectiveness, performance acceleration, stakeholder engagement, work culture strategy, relationship-centered communication, and change management. Through coaching, Tiffani enables leaders to reach their full potential by exploring possibilities, discovering untapped potential, making value-driven decisions, and taking action to achieve breakthrough performance. As a trusted accountability partner, she encourages clients to pursue big dreams with clarity and confidence.
Priya Venkatesan
she/her/hers
Top 10 CliftonStrengths: Relator, Responsibility, Communication, Includer, Restorative, Positivity, Individualization, Learner, Developer, Connectedness
Priya Venkatesan works as a Business Systems Analyst in the Administration and Innovation Technology Unit at UC Davis. She has a master’s in computer applications, a Certified Scrum Master, and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Priya is committed to driving process improvement and fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Priya is a passionate advocate for women’s career resurgence, volunteering her time to mentor and guide individuals back into full-time careers. As a Lean In Circle Leader, Priya facilitates a supportive and empowering community for women to connect, learn, and grow both personally and professionally.
Priya is passionate about Clifton Strengths coaching, empowering individuals to unlock their full potential. Priya's coaching helps clients discover and leverage their unique strengths, guiding them on a path to excellence in their pursuit of perfection.
Desiré Dominique
she/her/hers
Top 10 CliftonStrengths: Restorative, Positivity, Connectedness, Responsibility, Empathy, Belief, Developer, Futuristic, Arranger, Woo
Desiré is the Administrative Coordinator for Transitional Enrichment Programs and Services at UC Davis. She is passionate about using coaching to empower professionals to unlock their potential and achieve meaningful growth. She creates a supportive space for building confidence, gaining clarity, and leveraging strengths to overcome challenges and reach personal and professional goals.
Beyond coaching, Desiré has a deep love for journaling, baking, and music. She delights in all aspects of music—singing, attending live performances, and discovering new songs—which provide her with inspiration, energy, and a sense of connection. Music serves as both a creative outlet and a source of joy, offering a way to recharge and explore her passion for artistry and expression.
Certifications: Gallup Certified Strengths Coach
Carol Huang
she/her/hers
Top 10 CliftonStrengths: Strategic, Learner, Achiever, Futuristic, Relator, Intellection, Ideation, Connectedness, Developer, Belief
Carol is the Operations Director at UC Davis's Student Recruitment & Retention Center. She received her Masters in Student Affairs Administration and certificate in Teaching and Learning in Postsecondary Education from Michigan State University. She also completed the ICF-certified Coaching in Work and Life certificate program at UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education and is a certified Gallup Strengths Coach. Carol enjoys listening to clients, supporting them with self-exploration, and helping them clarify a path forward. Carol views coaching as a collaborative process that is client-centered and goal-oriented, as well as time well spent on personal development. Her interest areas include career development, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and leadership development. She helps individuals and communities connect passion with purpose and enjoys connecting people with the opportunities that bring them joy, strengthen their talents, and improve organizations.
Certifications: Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate (USF Corporate Training and Professional Education); Certified Professional Life Coach (Transformation Academy)
Andy Ramirez
he/him/his
Top 10 CliftonStrengths: Arranger, Learner, Self-Assurance, Deliberative, Ideation, Analytical, Command, Connectedness, Maximizer, Developer
Andy believes CliftonStrengths is an invaluable tool because it focuses on what people do best rather than what they struggle with. By identifying and nurturing our natural talents, CliftonStrengths helps us tap into our fullest potential. It empowers individuals to embrace their unique abilities, build confidence, and work more effectively, both personally and professionally. He sees it as a way to unlock strengths that are often underutilized, turning them into powerful assets that lead to growth and success. For Andy, it’s all about creating environments where people feel recognized for their strengths and are encouraged to thrive.
Andy serves as the Associate Director of Campus Recreation and has been with UC Davis since 2007. He earned his Masters degree in Recreation Management from Oklahoma State University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas State University.
Certifications: Gallup Strengths Coach, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
Bridget Mabunga
she/her/hers
Top 10 Clifton Strengths: Input, Ideation, Learner, Context, Individualization, Maximizer, Adaptability, Connectedness, Communication, Self-Assurance
Bridget Mabunga works as a Writing Specialist in Academic Assistance and Tutoring Centers and serves as the department’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Workgroup Chair. She holds an M.A. in English/Creative Writing and has been teaching writing in and outside the classroom since 2008 and actively writes as well, with an almost-complete novel manuscript and another one in the early stages. She is deeply committed to supporting every writer to get their unique ideas and voices on the page and brings that same individualized commitment to those she coaches. Bridget meets each person where they are and poses questions that encourage nuanced ways of thinking and the excavation of new possibilities, so coachees can better understand their strengths as they continue developing their personal and professional stories. Outside of work, you’ll find Bridget reading and writing novels, traveling internationally (or planning the next trip!), hosting fabulous meals, gardening, playing with her goofy German Shepherd, and hiking or cycling.
Certifications: Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach
Kate Andrup Stephensen
she/her/hers
Top 10 Clifton Strengths: Learner, Individualization, Developer, Discipline, Achiever, Focus, Belief, Restorative, Relator, Intellection
Kate Andrup Stephensen serves as Director of the UC Davis University Honors Program. She leads a team of professional staff, student staff, and faculty as they work to provide enriching educational experiences for undergraduates in the Honors Program. As a higher education leader, the foundation for her work is the belief that every student deserves to be heard, seen, and challenged to grow in their individual identity while learning how they can be an active contributor to society. To Kate "Honors Education" means promoting intellectual humility, academic curiosity, and interdisciplinary collaboration. She brings those same beliefs to her coaching with an emphasis on growth mindset and having fun in the work as key to her philosophy.
Certifications: Gallup Global Strengths Coach (pending), Certified Dare to Lead Facilitator, Masters in Education (Curriculum & Instruction), American Swim Coaches Association Level II Coach