Certified VIA Strengths-Based Workplace Consultants
The following consultants have successfully completed the Workplaces at Their Best for Consultants – Learning Path + Certification in addition to live sessions where they experienced mentorship from VIA faculty and staff and community with like-minded practitioners.
Name | Agni Witt |
Company | NA |
Certified Date | March 17, 2025 |
Phone Number | +41 77 20 19 349 |
Geographic Region | Europe/Switzerland |
Languages | English, German, Greek, Polish |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Strengths-Based Leadership & Team Development, Strengths-Driven Communication & Conflict Resolution |
Bio | I help leaders and teams foster effective collaboration, boost engagement, and drive performance while cultivating a strengths-driven, positive work environment that fuels organizational growth and individual fulfillment. By leveraging a strengths-based approach, I empower individuals to unlock their potential, leading to stronger leadership, enhanced team dynamics, and greater life satisfaction and purpose in work. With expertise in strengths-based development, Positive Psychology (EMCC-certified MSc), and experience leading multicultural teams across Asia, Europe, and Latin America, I bridge theory with practice to develop high-performing, thriving leaders and teams. As a multilingual consultant, I connect easily across diverse cultures. Please feel free to contact me to discuss how strengths-based strategies can drive meaningful change in your organization. |
Name | Allison Arnott |
Company | The Happiness Department |
Certified Date | November 12, 2024 |
Phone Number | 416-807-3658 |
Geographic Region | Ontario, Canada |
Languages | |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Contact for more information. |
Bio | Contact for more information. |
Name | Ashley Wolski |
Company | NA |
Certified Date | March 17, 2025 |
Phone Number | NA |
Geographic Region | Philadelphia, USA |
Languages | English |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Authentic Leadership, Relationship & Team Dynamics, Culture and Well-being, Individual strengths-based Coaching |
Bio | Ashley is dedicated to co-creating experiences that help individuals discover the best in themselves and others. By applying a strengths-based approach and bringing a positive psychology lens, she transforms the dynamics of everyday interactions through exercises that foster positive change. The tools and techniques are designed to provide lasting benefits that are lifelong skills and can enhance engagement, relationships, and meaning. Ashley graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with an Advanced Positive Psychology certificate in 2023 and is dedicated to listening attentively to support goals. |
Name | Betty Sue Sparks |
Company | Carson Newman University |
Certified Date | July 14, 2025 |
Phone Number | 865-679-0563 |
Geographic Region | Southeast, USA |
Languages Spoken | English |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Coaching, Leadership, Human Resources, Curriculum Development |
Bio | Betty Sue Sparks is the Facilitator in the Instructional Leadership for Christian Educators Program at Carson Newman University. She has served as Assistant Professor of Practice and Principal-in-Residence at the University of Tennessee’s Center for Educational Leadership. She completed all her undergraduate and graduate work at UT Knoxville. She has served as a coach and mentor for Leadership Academy Fellows, a mentor to new and aspiring school leaders, and offers professional development support to assist school leaders with embedding learning. She is a frequent presenter on leadership development at both national and state conferences. She has served as the president of the Tennessee Association of School Personnel Administrators (TASPA) and the Tennessee Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (TASCD). Prior to her work with Carson Newman and the University of Tennessee, Sparks retired from Knox County Schools where she served as teacher, principal, supervisor and Director of Human Resources. While HR director, she received certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and developed curriculum and provided training for more than 200 administrators. In addition, she planned and facilitated Knox County Schools’ new administrator training program. As both a WORKPLACES AT THEIR BEST CONSULTANT and a certified Gallup Strengths Coach she is a strong advocate for strengths based leadership. She seeks to understand what makes people unique and special so that she can help them flourish. |
Name | Brittany Pavely |
Company | The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center |
Certified Date | March 17, 2025 |
Phone Number | 513 - 487 - 3055 |
Geographic Region | Cincinnati, OH & Northern, KY |
Languages | English |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Brittany leads a team at the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center dedicated to empowering individuals to become upstanders by harnessing their VIA Character Strengths. Inspired by powerful lessons from Holocaust history, Brittany utilizes strengths-based education, impactful storytelling, and engaging tangible strategies to equip diverse groups—including schools, teachers, professional organizations, corporate teams, non-profits, civil-sector employees, and law enforcement—to build cohesive, thriving teams and workplaces of upstanders. Her workshops illuminate how everyday choices shape environments where people feel empowered to stand up for what’s right and help participants identify and leverage personal and team strengths to foster resilience and high performance. Participants leave with a transformed perspective, noticing strengths in themselves and others, along with a renewed sense of optimism, clarity, and purpose about the positive change they can create in the world. |
Bio | Brittany Pavely is the Director of Youth & Professional Learning at the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, where she designs and facilitates innovative experiential learning programs that leverage VIA Character Strengths to empower individuals to become upstanders. Brittany has extensive experience facilitating engaging, hands-on educational experiences for diverse audiences ranging from children to adults, educators, corporate groups, and community organizations. Brittany holds a Master’s degree in Education and spent a decade as a public high school teacher, specializing in inquiry-based historical thinking and gamification as tools for deep engagement. |
Name | Carissa Parnitzke |
Company | |
Certified Date | October 22, 2025 |
Phone Number | 859-801-7866 |
Geographical Area | Cincinnati, OH, USA |
Languages Spoken | English |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Human Resources, Workplaces at Their Best Consultant |
Bio | Carissa is an accomplished HR professional with more than 15 years of experience helping organizations build engaged, high-performing teams. With a foundation in customer service management and 10 years of HR experience in the hospitality sector, Carissa brings a strong understanding of leadership, service excellence, and employee engagement. For the past five years, Carissa has served in the non-profit sector, leading HR as a department of one and managing all aspects of human resources from recruitment to employee relations to strategic workforce planning. Her ability to balance hands-on execution with long-term strategy has earned her recognition as both a trusted advisor and a collaborative leader. As a certified VIA Workplaces at Their Best Consultant, Carissa integrates strengths-based principles to help organizations cultivate wellbeing, trust, and performance. She is passionate about building workplace cultures where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Known for fostering connection, inspiring teams, and leading with authenticity, Carissa believes that when people operate from their strengths, organizations achieve their best results. Her mission is simple: to help workplaces become places where everyone can do their best work—and enjoy doing it. |
Name | Caroline Adams Miller |
Company | Caroline Miller International |
Certified Date | November 12, 2024 |
Phone Number | 301-807-4849 |
Geographic Region | USA - Washington, DC area locally |
Languages | |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Leadership & CEO coaching on the intersection between the science of happiness and science of goal success, Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP degree from first graduating class of Penn Masters of Applied Positive Psychology 2006), coaching female leaders on agency and flourishing |
Bio | Caroline Adams Miller is a bestselling author, keynote speaker and CEO coach who specializes in the intersection of the science of goal setting and the science of happiness. "Creating Your Best Life," "Getting Grit," "Big Goals" and "My Name is Caroline" have been translated into multiple languages and been endorsed by leaders in the field of Positive Psychology, including Dr. Marty Seligman, Barbara Fredrickson, and Sonja Lyubomirsky. Caroline is a magna cum laude graduate of Harvard University and she received a Masters of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania in 2006 as one of the first 33 graduates in the world with the degree. |
Name | Dana L. Walden, MBA, PCC ICF |
Company | Certo Coaching & Consulting SARL |
Certified Date | February 24, 2026 |
Phone Number | |
Geographical Area | Europe, North America |
Languages Spoken | English, French, Italian |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | International Human Resources, Professional Coaching (credentialed ICF) and Mentor Coaching, Change Management, Leadership, VIA Character Strengths, Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP), Emotional & Social Intelligence, Training & Teaching (for organizations, universities, continuing education) |
Bio | Dana is the Managing Director of a human capital development company partnering with individuals – coaches, professionals, leaders of all levels – and organizations to facilitate learning, growth, and change. Her personal touch: an appreciative approach which places the spotlight on strengths. Dana firmly believes that we are people of multiple strengths including our character strengths, values, talents, passions, soft skills, and more. Dana’s signature strengths include honesty, gratitude, hope, perseverance, and appreciation of beauty and excellence. She serves as a member of the VIA Faculty. |
Name | Derek Birkham |
Company | |
Certified Date | February 24, 2026 |
Phone Number | |
Geographical Area | Western Canada & Prairie Provinces |
Languages Spoken | English |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | K-12 Education Teaching and Learning Excellence School-Based Leadership Flourishing Amidst a Techno-logic World Discernment |
Bio | Derek Birkham is a discerning and dynamic educational leader with over three decades of service in K-12 education. As a coach and professional development leader, Derek draws upon his Signature Strengths of a love of learning, wise judgment, prudence, and gratitude to foster flourishing and cultivate authentic growth. His current intellectual pursuits lie within the intersection of positive psychology, philosophical theology, and leadership. As a graduate of the Advanced Certificate in Professional Coaching (Edward’s School of Business), Derek’s coaching is aligned with the International Coaching Federation’s (ICF) Code of Ethics and Core Competencies. As an ICF ACC candidate, Derek strives to offer the highest level coaching experience for his clients. Safe, respectful, confidential, client-centered, and goal oriented coaching is the standard. Humble inquiry, powerful questions, evocative metaphor, and curious listening are some of the tools Derek brings into coaching dialogues. Derek’s immersion in the science of positive psychology offers clients a gateway to experience a life infused with the VIA Character Strengths. Derek holds a Bachelor of Education degree, a certificate in Positive Psychology, and a Master of Arts degree in Leadership-Theology- and Society. He is a VIA Institute certified Workplaces at Their Best consultant. Derek’s coaching style provides a unique opportunity to seek understanding through dialogue as you aspire to think, do, feel, and want better. What do you seek? |
Name | Derrek Cooper |
Company | Derrek Cooper Consulting, LLC |
Certified Date | February 24, 2026 |
Phone Number | +1 215 260 0190 |
Geographical Area | Open to global engagements, based on the East Coast of the US |
Languages Spoken | English |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Leadership Coaching, Positive Psychology, Mindfulness, Strength-based Cultures, Resilience, Former Engineering Leader |
Bio | Derrek Cooper is an executive coach and certified Workplaces at Their Best (WATB) Consultant who partners with senior leaders and organizations to build high-performance cultures grounded in character strengths. With more than 25 years of leadership experience, including serving as a Vice President at Autodesk leading global data and AI initiatives, Derrek understands the realities of scale, complexity, and rapid growth. He has led global teams, partnered with enterprise clients, and operated in high-stakes environments where performance and culture must evolve together. Derrek holds a Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania and is certified in VIA’s Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP). His work integrates the science of character strengths, positive psychology, and mindfulness to help leaders increase self-awareness, strengthen alignment around shared values, and build high-quality connections across teams. As a WATB consultant, Derrek helps organizations move beyond strengths awareness toward strengths integration. He works with executive teams to embed strengths into leadership development, decision-making, collaboration, and culture-building efforts. His approach emphasizes practical application, measurable outcomes, and sustainable leadership practices. Derrek is also an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation and holds the Executive Certificate in Leadership Coaching from Georgetown University. He works with organizations seeking to elevate performance, deepen engagement, and create workplaces where people and results thrive together. |
Name | Diane Roesch |
Company | RV Rhodes Inc. |
Certified Date | February 24, 2026 |
droesch@rvrhodesinc.com | |
Phone Number | |
Geographical Area | New York State/Massachusetts |
Languages Spoken | English |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Organizational Development; Executive Coaching; Leadership Development; Teambuilding/Workshops |
Bio | Diane Roesch, APTD, has been part of RV Rhodes, Inc. since 2009 providing leadership development to private, public, and nonprofit organizations across New York State. Diane holds certifications for various psychometric assessments. She is a Certified Innovation and Organizational Development coach and has coached at all levels within organizations from first-time managers to C-suite executives. She has been instrumental in helping organizations define mission and vision and create healthy, collaborative environments. With a strong interest in education and social emotional learning, Diane has worked with the Edge Foundation to bring one‐on‐one coaching to students. This impactful intervention helps students who have experienced ACEs (adverse childhood experiences such as homelessness, poverty, violence) and ADHD become more focused and achieve greater success and happiness in their lives. |
Name | Erika Floysvik |
Company | The Big Heart Project |
Certified Date | November 12, 2024 |
Phone Number | 416-844-3976 |
Geographic Region | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
Languages Spoken | English |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Workplace Culture Design, Innovation Mindset, Leadership Development, Organizational Vision and Values |
Bio | You know that you’re in a thriving workplace when you see people doing their best work. They make it look easy. Work flows. Teams experience synergy. In this kind of workplace, individuals are aligned with the company’s vision and goals, and they are motivated to contribute to the collective success because they believe in the bigger picture. Erika Floysvik, founder of The Big Heart Project, brings over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience and a strengths-based approach to creating workplaces where leaders and teams thrive together. |
Name | Iris Mihaila |
Company | NA |
Certified Date | November 12, 2024 |
Phone Number | + 1 416-315-5104 |
Geographic Region | Toronto and Greater Toronto Area (in person), worldwide (virtual) |
Languages | |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Positive Psychology Practitioner, Certified Positive Educator, VIA Strengths-Based Workplace Consultant, Creator and Facilitator of wellbeing sessions, Masters in Education, Masters in Engineering |
Bio | Iris is a Positive Psychology Practitioner, Certified Positive Educator, and VIA Strengths-Based Workplace Consultant with dual master's degrees in Education and Engineering. She serves as an executive board member of the Canadian Positive Psychology Association. Iris has an extensive experience in education, she brings and interdisciplinary perspective to her work for the Government of Ontario. She develops and facilitates well-being sessions across various ministries and organizations. Iris is passionate about promoting well-being and happiness across personal, professional, and educational domains, integrating her belief in well-being's transformative power to create inclusive environments. |
Name | Jade Dodge |
Company | Jade Dodge Consulting Group |
Certified Date | July 14, 2025 |
Phone Number | |
Geographical Region | |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Leadership development and coaching, team development, change management, organizational development, strategic planning, applying strengths-based and positive psychology approaches |
Bio |
Name | Janet Thirlby, Ed.D. |
Company | Janet Thirlby Consulting, LLC |
Certified Date | February 24, 2026 |
Phone Number | |
Geographical Area | USA (virtual), and Western New York region (in-person) |
Languages Spoken | English |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Transformative leadership development for not-for-profit and educational leaders, strengths-based leadership using VA Character Strengths, design of research-informed programs that turn insight in lasting, system-level change. |
Bio | Janet Thirlby is a consultant, coach, and educator whose work centers on developing transformative leaders in social services and education. She believes that great leadership has the power to strengthen teams, revitalize communities, and advance society as a whole. Janet’s research into the conditions that foster authentic growth led to the creation of a distinctive development program that integrates VIA Character Strengths to help leaders recognize, name, and intentionally apply their best qualities in daily practice. Grounded in a strengths-based approach, this program is designed to unlock natural leadership capacity, deepen self-awareness, and build more resilient, human-centered teams. Guided by the conviction that obstacles can serve as catalysts for greatness, Dr. Thirlby partners with not-for-profit leaders to translate insight into purposeful action and long-term impact by leveraging the language of character strengths in both individual and system-level change. |
Name | Jeremy Fyke, Ph.D. |
Company | Belmont University, Authentic Leader Development |
Certified Date | February 24, 2026 |
Phone Number | 615.815.8264 |
Geographical Area | Nashville, TN, United States |
Languages Spoken | English |
Accepts Virtual Consultation | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Leadership Development, Leadership Presence, Change Management & Communication, Engagement & Motivation, Building Trust, Leadership in Medicine & Healthcare, Higher Education Leadership. |
Bio | Dr. Jeremy Fyke is a professor, leader developer, and business owner based on Nashville. He’s the Director of Character-Centered Leadership at Belmont University, where he oversees faculty and staff leadership development across the university. As an Associate Professor in Corporate Communication, he teaches in Crisis Communication, Training and Development, Consulting, and Leadership. He completed his Ph.D. in Organizational Communication and Organizational Behavior and Human Resources at Purdue University. Dr. Fyke considers himself a “PracAdemic” who’s passionate about bringing the corporate and university worlds together. Outside Belmont, he operates Authentic Leader Development, a firm that develops leaders through training and executive coaching in areas such as leadership presence, effective teamwork, building trust, and accountability. Over the years, Dr. Fyke has been blessed to develop leaders in businesses across a variety of industries including Kohl’s, TruGreen, Lee Company, Broadcast Music Inc., Hershey, Bridgestone, State of Tennessee, Hospital Corporation of America, Caterpillar Financial, Vanderbilt University, Dollar General, and Tractor Supply Company. In late 2020 Dr. Fyke founded Two Heads Hot Sauce, a gourmet sauce and spice company, which he sold in 2024, that still operates today. He gets great joy from spending his life with his wife, Brooke, and two daughters, Emma and Lennon. Dr. Fyke loves to read, write, run, bike, dance, be loud, and just live life intentionally. His goal is to use all the opportunities and platforms he’s given to serve others and glorify God in everything he does. |
Name | Jessica Riehl |
Company | Jessica Riehl Consulting, LLC |
Certified Date | July 14, 2025 |
Phone Number | 757-286-3283 |
Geographical Region | Pacific Northwest, USA |
Languages | English |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Collaboration, Facilitation, Design Thinking, Group Process, Visual Communication |
Bio | Jessica is an accomplished consultant, collaborative designer, and visual communicator focusing on moving from idea to action. Her work combines creative and pragmatic solutions that sit at the intersection of art, systems, and design. She works with mission-focused individuals, businesses, organizations, and governmental entities. Her goal is to help people, organizations, and systems do their best work; to navigate through ambiguity and complexity while finding generative and adaptable solutions. Jessica's hope for her clients is to find what is true and useful, adopt an interactive and experimental mindset, and feel empowered to move forward. She strives to facilitate thoughtful solutioning and engagements that spark collective energy. |
Name | Joe Moorman |
Company | ImpactED - University of Pennsylvania |
Certified Date | March 17, 2025 |
Phone Number | NA |
Geographic Region | Philadelphia, PA, USA |
Languages | English |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Organizational change, leadership development, community engagement, program design, and culture development. |
Bio | Joe has dedicated his career to advancing systemic change through nonprofit and educational leadership. He began his career as a seventh and eighth grade English teacher in Philadelphia, where he built a deep commitment to educational equity and a strong belief in the unlimited potential of all young people. Beyond the classroom, Joe worked to expand educational opportunities at Teach For America, where he served as Manager of Corporate and Foundation Relations for Philadelphia, Founding Executive Director for Delaware, and Chief of Staff for Regional Operations. At Mayerson Academy in Cincinnati, Ohio, Joe led the development and launch of Strong Cincinnati, an initiative designed to expand the capacity and deepen the impact of the nonprofit community through world-class professional learning, consulting, and community-building. Currently, Joe is the Senior Director at ImpactED, an evaluation and training center at the University of Pennsylvania. In this role, he leads the design and delivery of ImpactED’s portfolio of learning and development services as well as business development and growth efforts to expand programs and initiatives. Joe received his undergraduate degree from Xavier University’s Philosophy, Politics, and the Public honors program and earned his MEd in urban education from the University of Pennsylvania. |
Name | Joe Sage, MD |
Company | Candid Medical |
Certified Date | March 17, 2025 |
Phone Number | 541-600-2492 |
Geographic Region | Located PNW/West Coast USA but available anywhere |
Languages | English |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | All teams, medical teams |
Bio | Dr Joe builds relationships that create joy. People want to do well at their job while being true to themselves so they can be present for themselves, their family and community. Dr. Joe is a transformational coach who blends his experience as an executive level physician with positive health to help people and teams thrive. He is board certified in internal medicine, pediatrics, lifestyle medicine, and a certified wellcoach. He is a VIA Institute on Character Certified Strength-Based Workplace Consultant. |
Name | Kim Rigden |
Company | Safety Net Consulting |
Certified Date | November 12, 2024 |
Phone Number | 226-868-5727 |
Geographic Region | Canada |
Languages | |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Positive Psychology (MAPP in progress), Psychological Safety (Including assessments), Well-being (including assessments), Quality Improvement, specialized knowledge of emergency services & healthcare. |
Bio | Kim Rigden is a dynamic organizational leader with 34+ years of experience in emergency services, including roles as a paramedic, dispatcher, and global director. She is the founder and Chief Thriving Officer of Safety Net Consulting, which supports professionals across industries in moving from surviving to thriving using evidence-based tools. Kim is also a certified Psychological Health & Safety Professional and the creator of the globally implemented Strengths-Based Feedback Formula. She has delivered workshops on leadership, burnout, and resilience to thousands of professionals worldwide. Currently completing her Master of Science in Applied Positive Psychology, her research focuses on strengths, resilience, and psychological safety. |
Name | Kimberley Wakefield |
Company | Purple Snowy Owl Consulting Inc. |
Certified Date | November 12, 2024 |
Phone Number | 416-220-8523 |
Geographic Region | Toronto, Canada |
Languages | |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | All fields including positive psychology, group coaching, and coaching specialties: Coaching, Education and Teaching of Positive Psychology/Science of Wellbeing. |
Bio | I use evidence-based models developed in the field of positive psychology or the science of wellbeing to help people lead flourishing, resilient, and fulfilling lives. Over the course of my career, I have held senior positions in corporate settings, a national not-for-profit, political campaigns, and a female-led entrepreneurial business. I am also a Board member of the Canadian Positive Psychology Association. |
Name | Leslie Robbins |
Company | Robbins Life Coaching |
Certified Date | November 12, 2024 |
Phone Number | 1-615-517-0714 |
Geographic Region | Tennessee ~ Southeastern United States |
Languages | |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | I have a degree in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations. I am also a Certified ADHD Life Coach with over 300 hours of training through ADDCA (ADD Coach Academy), Certified Enneagram Coach, Certified Strengths-Based Workplace Consultant, and Trained in VIA Character Strengths and Collaborative Proactive Solutions. I offer Individual, Group, and Family Coaching. |
Bio | I work with amazing, creative, brilliant people who have challenges with attention, focus, prioritizing, establishing routines, and following through with projects or daily activities. I have a special place in my heart for students and young adults with ADHD, and anyone who loves someone with an ADHD Diagnosis. I also enjoy working with parents and families, educators, and organizations who are looking to “do life differently” and work with their unique brain wiring. My practice is built upon unconditional acceptance and powerful appreciation for my client’s potential, uniqueness, strengths, capabilities, and wholeness. I am dedicated to helping my clients recognize and work from their strengths, creativity, and skills so they can create their unique way of unleashing their potential. |
Name | Laura Hildreth |
Company | University of Cincinnati |
Certified Date | July 14, 2025 |
Phone Number | 513-300-5596 |
Geographical Region | Cincinnati, OH, USA |
Languages | English |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Collaboration and Team Science |
Bio | With a BA in Studio Arts and an MS in Nutrition, Laura brings a creative and interdisciplinary lens to her work. Her professional journey spans photojournalism, public information, project management, and graduate student recruitment—giving her a rich foundation in communication, strategy, and human connection. As Program Director of the Collaboration and Team Science (CaTS) program at the UC Center for Clinical and Translational Science and Training, Laura partners with faculty, staff, trainees, and community members to build strong, collaborative teams and networks—especially those bridging academia and community. Her consultations are grounded in evidence-based practices and often incorporate VIA character strengths to help individuals and groups thrive together. Laura is also actively involved in research that supports the development of innovative training programs and tools to strengthen collaboration and team dynamics. Originally from Plattsburgh, New York—nestled in the Adirondack Mountains—Laura brings a love of nature and a broad perspective shaped by living on both coasts and a few places in between. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, bird watching, photography, and painting, as well as hiking, swimming, and cross-country skiing. These passions reflect her appreciation for creativity, movement, and the natural world. |
Name | Louisa Jewell |
Company | NA |
Certified Date | November 12, 2024 |
Phone Number | 416-559-8930 |
Geographic Region | Canada & USA |
Languages | |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Positive Psychology, Well-being educator, group coaching, team performance, executive leadership development, leading for well-being. |
Bio | Louisa Jewell, MAPP, is one of Canada’s leading experts on the science of well-being and has spoken to over 100,000 people worldwide. Known for her work with leaders and teams to improve team cohesion and performance, she is a sought-after keynote speaker, leadership coach and workshop leader. A frequent guest on CBC Radio, she has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, and Oprah Magazine and is the best selling author of Wire Your Brain for Confidence, The Science of Conquering Self-Doubt. Jewell, founder of the Canadian Positive Psychology Association, holds a master’s degree in Applied Positive Psychology and has influenced policymakers and educators across Canada. |
Name | Mandy Roberts |
Certified Date | March 17, 2025 |
Name | Maria Laura Arabbo |
Company | NA |
Certified Date | November 12, 2024 |
Phone Number | 617-780-9143 |
Geographic Region | Central Texas, USA |
Languages | |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Character Strengths and VIA Assessment Integration, Leadership Development and Coaching, Group Coaching and Team Development, DEI Initiatives (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion), Mindfulness and Social-Emotional Learning, Organizational Transformation and Culture Change, Coaching for Immigrant and Refugee Communities, Strengths-Based Approaches in Community Building, Trauma-Informed and Healing Centered Practices |
Bio | Maria Laura Arabbo is an experienced leader and coach with over 10 years of expertise in leadership development, DEI initiatives, and positive psychology. As the Executive Director of VECINA, she leads an organization focused on supporting immigrant families through strengths-based community-building initiatives. Her work integrates VIA character strengths into organizational cultures, fostering resilience, collaboration, and growth. With a strong background in group coaching, organizational transformation, and trauma-informed practices, Maria Laura is passionate about empowering individuals and teams to align with their values and achieve sustainable success. |
Name | Marina Branigan |
Company | Brava |
Certified Date | March 17, 2025 |
Phone Number | +353 86 1943043 |
Geographic Region | Ireland |
Languages | English |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | VIA Certified Strengths-Based Workplace Consultant, Coach, Facilitator, Educator |
Bio | Marina has two decades of professional experience, including HR Management, Operations Management and Coaching. She also spent a number years teaching in her local Adult Learning Service, alongside her other roles. Marina holds a Professional Diploma in Coaching and Mentoring, a Postgraduate Diploma in Learning and Teaching (Further Education), a Certificate in Adult and Community Education and a Bachelor of Business Studies. With a top strength of Honesty, Marina supports her clients in connecting with their authentic selves and leaning into their very best qualities as a pathway to flourishing. |
Name | Marta Bara |
Certified Date | July 14, 2025 |
Name | Matthijs Steeneveld |
Company | Positieve Psychologie Nederland |
Certified Date | February 24, 2026 |
Phone Number | |
Geographical Area | The Netherlands |
Languages Spoken | Dutch, English |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Character strengths, positive organizational psychology, mindfulness, appreciative inquiry, self-determination theory. Leadership, teamwork, organizational change |
Bio | Matthijs Steeneveld is a positive organizational psychologist and works independently as a trainer, teacher, and consultant. His mission is to contribute to flourishing people in flourishing organizations on a flourishing planet. He wrote several (Dutch) books on positive psychology; his Character Strengths Intervention Cards were published in English by Hogrefe. He's a Faculty Member for the VIA Institute on Character and cofounder of the Dutch Network for Positive Psychology. He is certified MBSP Master Trainer and WATB Consultant. |
Name | Mavalynne Orozco-Urdaneta |
Company | |
Certified Date | November 12, 2024 |
Phone Number | 1.443.509.4442 |
Geographic Region | EST USA (Baltimore, Maryland) |
Languages | |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Mavalynne Orozco-Urdaneta specializes in leveraging evidence-based practices from positive psychology to drive individual and organizational growth. Her expertise spans group and individual coaching, leadership development, emotional intelligence, and organizational development. With extensive experience in the health industry, particularly in cancer-related initiatives. She has a proven track record of collaborating with federal agencies, including the Department of Housing and Community Development and Redevelopment authorities. Mavalynne is adept at facilitating goal setting and attainment, as well as building high-performing teams by identifying and amplifying unique and collective strengths. Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, she effectively engages diverse audiences and fosters inclusive environments that inspire transformation and success. |
Bio | Mavalynne Orozco-Urdaneta, originally from Colombia, South America, is the CEO of Stamina in Action Inc. Coaching & Consulting. With a background in behavioral sciences, business, and marketing, she has over 20 years of experience implementing complex projects that benefit individuals and organizations worldwide. A social entrepreneur, she holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management, a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, and professional certifications in Strengths-Based Coaching and Positive Psychology-Based Well-Being Coaching. She is also part of the first cohort of VIA Workplaces at Their Best consultants. Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, Mavalynne effectively bridges diverse cultures and audiences. She serves as a board member for diverse non-profit organizations, contributing to initiatives that aim to make the community a better place. Mavalynne is dedicated to advancing well-being and fostering positive change through education, research, and compassion. She believes in the power of collective action to create healthier, happier lives. Currently residing in Baltimore with her husband, Mavalynne cherishes her family, which includes three daughters and sons-in-law, and a grandson who brings her immense joy. |
Name | Melanie Laflamme |
Company | NA |
Certified Date | November 12, 2024 |
Phone Number | 416-502-2000 |
Geographic Region | Toronto, Canada |
Languages | |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Workplace wellbeing; applying positive psychology to HR Strategy |
Bio | Over 40 years experience as an HR strategist in the non profit sector; focused on creating healthy, positive organizations based on positive psychology principles and practices. |
Name | Meredith Meyer |
Company | Infinite Potential, LLC |
Certified Date | November 12, 2024 |
Phone Number | 513-404-7946 |
Geographic Region | Located in Cincinnati, OH USA, Works Globally |
Languages | |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Strategy and talent planning with leadership teams, Group and Individual Coaching, Culture Building, Conflict Management |
Bio | Meredith Meyer is a Board Certified Coach with 20 years of leadership experience, both inside organizations and consulting and coaching executive teams. She brings diverse industry experience to her clients, including work with large global corporations, small companies, and non-profits. Meredith’s focus is on helping leaders clarify their strengths and values, build strong teams and achieve strategic alignment and results. Meredith is recognized as leader is exploring the future of work and how workplaces are evolving across generations and regions. |
Name | Moira Hooker |
Company | Business with Spirituality |
Certified Date | October 22, 2025 |
Phone Number | +61 0402670201 |
Geographical Area | Melbourne, Australia |
Languages Spoken | English |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | 35+ years experience in all aspects of pragmatic end-to-end Human Resources across a wide range of industries including: Leadership/ Team/Individual Development and Coaching, Succession Planning, Talent Management, Career/Retirement/Life Coaching, Strategic Planning, Organizational Development, Change Management, Performance Management / Employee Relations, Diversity and Inclusion, Global remuneration reviews and Gender Equity reporting, Capabilities Frameworks and Competency development, Designing and running Development Assessment Centers, Course design and facilitation at all organizational levels. |
Bio |
Name | Nadine Rivard |
Company | Lead For Growth |
Certified Date | November 12, 2024 |
Phone Number | 514-651-2129 |
Geographic Region | Montréal, Québec, Canada |
Languages | |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | positive psychology , appreciative inquiry, experience design (client experience and employee experience ), group coaching, leadership development, executive coaching, organizational performance improvement |
Bio | With 25 years of experience across diverse industries, Nadine Rivard is a seasoned Organizational Performance Consultant, Certified Coach, and Positive Psychology Practitioner. Specializing in strength-based approaches, and organizational design, Nadine excels in improving both client and employee experiences while driving organizational performance. With expertise in leadership development, executive coaching, and group coaching, Nadine is Known for a unique ability to blend deep insight into organizational dynamics with a compassionate, coaching-driven approach. By her personalized approach and her positive energy, Nadine fosters lasting change, empowering individuals and teams to thrive. |
Name | Netta Garfunkel |
Company | Joylla |
Certified Date | July 14, 2025 |
Phone Number | +358503451045 |
Geographical Area | Finland and Europe |
Languages Spoken | Finnish, English, Swedish |
Accepts Virtual Consultantions | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Strengths-Based Leadership & Organizational Development, Interaction & Communication Skills, Positive Psychology Practitioner Training, Psychological Safety & Team Development, Strengths-Based Culture Transformation |
Bio | I help leaders, teams, and organizations translate the science of character strengths and positive psychology into meaningful, real-world impact, especially in how people interact, lead, and collaborate. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Joylla, one of Finland’s leading positive psychology training organizations, I have spent the past decade designing and delivering research-based development programs for professionals and leaders, reaching tens of thousands across sectors including healthcare, tech, and education. My expertise lies in bridging scientific insight with practical application, helping individuals and teams actively use their strengths to improve communication, build psychological safety, and create sustainable high performance. With a background in Applied Positive Psychology (MSc), I bring both strategic insight and human depth to my work. I work in Finland and internationally, supporting organizations in creating lasting, strengths-based change. |
Name | Nina McCune |
Certified Date | March 17, 2025 |
Name | Philip Wiebe |
Company | NA |
Certified Date | March 17, 2025 |
ViaStrengthsConsulting@philwiebe.com | |
Phone Number | 226.476.2199 |
Geographic Region | Physical - SW Ontario / GTA. Virtual: North America |
Languages | English |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Professional, Medical, Animal Health, Pharma |
Bio | Philip is a VIA Strengths consultant with over 30 years in medicine, pharma, and I.T., blending science, psychology, and strategy to elevate leadership, team culture, and well-being. With degrees in Science and Psychology, certifications in Couples & Family Therapy and VIA Strengths & Values, and two decades of experience owning and running a medical I.T. company, he brings a rare blend of emotional intelligence and operational savvy to every engagement. Philip helps professionals and organizations tap into signature strengths, foster strengths-based organizations, leaders, and build cultures rooted in authenticity, resilience, and purpose. Known for his engaging presence and practical, solution-focused mindset, he brings clarity, compassion, and momentum to every session and workshop. |
Name | Dr Roger Bretherton |
Company | |
Certified Date | February 24, 2026 |
Phone Number | |
Geographical Area | United Kingdom |
Languages Spoken | English |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Executive Coaching Leadership Training Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice Conflict Management and Mediation Clergy and Church Support Keynote Addresses |
Bio | Dr Roger Bretherton is a Coaching and Clinical Psychologist, with honorary positions at the University of Lincoln and the Centre for Positive Health Sciences (Dublin). He is a globally recognised expert in the study of Character Strengths- the positive qualities of personality (like hope, love, gratitude and wisdom) that produce individual and societal flourishing- and Faculty at the VIA Institute on Character. As a researcher, educator and practitioner he works internationally with individuals and organisations. |
Name | Rosie Sansalone |
Company | The Nancy and David Wolf Holocaust and Humanity Center |
Certified Date | July 14, 2025 |
Phone Number | 513-205-1276 |
Geographical Area | Midwest USA |
Languages Spoken | English |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | |
Areas of Specialty | Education |
Bio | I am a veteran teacher with 30 years of experience teaching English at the middle and high school levels. I currently work within a museum educational team as an education facilitator leading tours and facilitating workshops using the VIA framework of character strengths. |
Name | Ruth Pearce |
Company | A Lever Long Enough |
Certified Date | February 24, 2026 |
Phone Number | 8452163098 |
Geographical Area | USA |
Languages Spoken | English |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Character strengths as a resource for law students Character strengths coaching & training for lawyers Coaching with character strengths Consulting for increased workplace performance Consulting for healthier workplace outcomes Educational and motivational speaking |
Bio | Ruth Pearce, JD, MSc, PMP, PCC, is a certified Workplaces at Their Best Consultant with VIA and a leadership strategist dedicated to strengthening wellbeing within the legal profession. An immigrant, parent, friend, and lifelong learner, Ruth’s journey reflects both resilience and rigor. She earned her MSc in Economics from the London School of Economics, grounding her work in analytical depth and global perspective. After more than a decade leading complex financial services projects as a Program Manager, she returned to school to pursue law while continuing to work. She passed the California Bar and, most recently, the North Carolina Bar. Her multidisciplinary background spans economist, project manager, teacher, lawyer, and award-winning executive coach. Ruth’s VIA certification builds on over ten years of integrating character strengths into leadership development, coaching, and professional education. She helps organizations create cultures where high performance and wellbeing reinforce one another rather than compete. Her work focuses particularly on lawyers and law students. Having navigated the demands of legal education and dual bar licensure herself, she understands the pressure and perfectionism embedded in the profession. She is committed to helping legal professionals protect their wellbeing—not only for their own sustainability, but to preserve ethical judgment, professional competence, and public trust. Ruth is the creator of five LinkedIn Learning courses and the author of two books. |
Name | Ruttanun Klewpatinond |
Company | Plusitives Co., Ltd |
Certified Date | March 17, 2025 |
ruttanun.klewpatinond@plusitives.com | |
Phone Number | +66 949423265 |
Geographic Region | Thailand |
Languages | Thai, English |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Organisational Culture and Leadership Development training and coaching |
Bio | Ruttanun possesses strong business acumen and extensive professional experience. With over 14 years of contributions to multinational corporations ranked among the Fortune 200, she has developed expertise in cross-regional commercial business and collaboration across Asia, Europe, and North America. Driven by her passion and experience, she founded Plusitives Co., Ltd. to support organizations in learning, leadership development, and consulting services. |
Name | Sayaka Yonehara / 米原 清香 |
Company | Florium |
Certified Date | October 22, 2025 |
Phone Number | +81-80-9246-2020 |
Geographical Area | Japan |
Languages Spoken | Japanese, English |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Leadership, people management, team building, mindfulness, strengths-based development, coaching, well-being, psychological safety |
Bio | I’m a coach and consultant passionate about helping leaders and teams flourish through strengths-based and mindful practices. With a background in corporate training and management, I guide organizations to foster well-being, engagement, and authentic connection. リーダーもチームも、自分の強みを活かして共に成長できる職場づくりを目指しています。 |
Name | Stephanie Brundl |
Company | NA |
Certified Date | November 12, 2024 |
Phone Number | 1-226-820-5980 |
Geographic Region | Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada |
Languages | |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Positive Psychology, Coaching, Leadership Consulting |
Bio | I have worked in the health and wellness sector for 25+ years. I've created leadership development and wellness programs, coached leaders of all kinds and owned my own fitness business. Being a coach and consultant brings me great joy. I thrive most in helping people uncover their strengths and in giving (and receiving) strengths-based feedback. |
Name | Tarina Shah |
Company | Joynetix Ltd |
Certified Date | November 12, 2024 |
Phone Number | +44 (0) 7956677808 |
Geographic Region | London, UK |
Languages | |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Leadership coaching and mentoring, Certified Lego Serious Play Facilitator, Group coaching and team development, Positive psychology, ontological and behavioral science applications, Change management and cultural shaping, Executive coaching for high performance, Strengths-based development and engagement strategies |
Bio | Tarina Shah is a visionary leadership coach and workplace wellbeing expert who transforms organizational cultures through her innovative methodology. With over 25 years as an accomplished healthcare professional, she uniquely integrates science-based expertise, behavioral neuroscience, and the power of play to ignite engagement, inspire high-performing teams, and foster meaningful communication. Tarina’s tailored strategies don’t just break barriers - they create thriving, purpose-driven workplaces where joy fuels success and innovation. |
Name | Tenelle Anderson |
Company | Tenelle O Jones LLC |
Certified Date | July 14, 2025 |
Phone Number | 843-364-7798 |
Geographical Area | Open to Traveling but I live in Southeast USA |
Languages Spoken | English |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Professional Development; Organizational Culture and Efficiency of Work; Leadership Development, Training, Coaching; Systems; Team Dynamics & Team Building; Individual and Family Work; Relationship Building and Coaching |
Bio | Tenelle J. Anderson is licensed as a Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT); licensed as an Addictions Counselor (LAC), Certified as an Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP), and Certified as a Strengths-Based Workplace Consultant. For the past 25 years, her professional & personal life have been centered around promoting the overall mental, physical, social, and spiritual health and well-being of all communities. She currently works full-time as the Program Manager of Well-Being Clinicians within the Medical University of SC’s Center for Workplace Well-Being. In this role, Tenelle created and implemented the Living Your Best WorkTM (2020) Programming to help build strength-based workplaces where individuals can thrive and fully integrate into their personal and professional lives in ways that are meaningful for them, and workplace cultures support active practice of self-care, stress-management, and resiliency to support their employees and teams. Her Tenelle O Jones LLC – Counseling, Consulting & Training was established in 2020, which aims to support the mental health and well-being of individuals, families, communities, businesses, and organizations. Tenelle has remained enthusiastic about showing others that they matter and have a place in this world through counseling, consultation, mentorship, training, education, leadership, and friendship. She believes that as long as she authentically lets her light shine and stays true to herself, it will give others the courage to do the same. |
Name | Tiff Crooks |
Company | |
Certified Date | July 14, 2025 |
Phone Number | 216-644-5304 |
Geographical Area | Louisville, KY, USA based |
Languages Spoken | English |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Leadership development & executive coaching, Cross-team collaboration & communication, Strategic onboarding & retention design, Culture-building & values alignment, High-impact facilitation & retreat design |
Bio | Tiff Crooks is a leadership and organizational development professional with a deep passion for helping individuals and teams thrive by aligning with their core character strengths. With a background in collegiate athletics and a MBA in Organizational Development and Leadership, Tiff brings a unique blend of coaching insight, strategic thinking, and relational warmth to every engagement. As a VIA Certified Consultant, Tiff helps teams build trust, self-awareness, and psychological safety through strengths-based facilitation. Her approach empowers individuals to lead with authenticity and create environments where people feel seen, valued, and capable of their best work. |
Name | Tina Jagdeo |
Certified Date | July 14, 2025 |
Name | Tom Bagwell |
Company | GRITT Business Coaching |
Certified Date | October 22, 2025 |
Phone Number | 773.750.5361 |
Geographical Area | Midwest and West Coast USA |
Languages Spoken | English |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Positive Psychology, Financial Literacy, Business Strategy, Executive Coaching |
Bio | Positive Psychology Coach | Leadership and Culture Consultant | Educator Tom Bagwell is a leadership and organizational development consultant who helps companies create workplaces where people bring their best selves to work. Drawing on the science of character strengths, positive psychology, and mindfulness, Tom guides teams and leaders to build cultures of trust, engagement, and excellence. Tom is the founder of HERO Leadership Lab, a training and consulting firm that equips organizations to thrive through the H.E.R.O. framework — Hope, Empowerment, Resilience, and Optimism. He has more than 30 years of executive and coaching experience across industries including manufacturing, hospitality, insurance, and consumer products. His practical and evidence-based approach combines strategy, behavioral science, and heart. He holds a BA in History and Economics from UC Berkeley, an MBA with Honors from the University of Chicago, and a Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. He is also a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Instructor trained through Brown University and Appreciative Inquiry Certified through Case Western Reserve University. Known for his optimism, humor, and insight, Tom helps individuals and organizations connect purpose with performance. His programs invite participants to cultivate resilience, self-awareness, and hope, turning science into real-world results. |
Name | Yong Chen |
Company | City of Refuge Mental Health |
Certified Date | March 17, 2025 |
Phone Number | 86-13801113770 |
Geographic Region | Beijing, China |
Languages | Mandarin, English |
Accepts Virtual Consultations | Yes |
Areas of Specialty | Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychological Studies (Trauma and Crisis Concentration), National Certified Counselor (NCC), VIA Certified Strengths-Based Workplace Consultant |
Bio | Contact for more information. |