Meet the coaches

Fellow alums you can talk to for advice

It’s not always easy to discern the best next step, but a professional coach can help. A coach works with you to consider how your skills, knowledge, and experience might prepare you for career opportunities you hadn’t considered on your own. Life coaches are also available to help you clarify your goals, identify and overcome obstacles, and provide the support you need to achieve long-lasting change and greater fulfillment.

These alumni work as coaches and offer special rates and services for fellow alums, just be sure to mention that you’re a UR grad too.

Please note: The counselors listed on this webpage are in no way affiliated with the Office of Alumni Relations. These professionals are independent contractors and are not being compensated or retained by the University. These are fee-based services, with rates given by each provider.

Sean Allen headshotSean Allen ’11S (MS)
The Real Goal Setter
Los Angeles, CA

732-778-8080 | sean@therealgoalsetter.com

Areas served: Sean can work virtually across the United States, and in-person in the greater Los Angeles, California area.

Sean Allen is well-equipped to help job seekers in today’s competitive, challenging, and ever-changing employment market. As a resume writer, he has helped hundreds of clients across the country and maintained an exemplary satisfaction standard. Sean’s Resume Shop® received the Best Businesses of Downey, California Award in 2014 and 2015, won Thumbtack.com’s Best of 2015 and Best of 2016 awards, and was ranked #1 on Yelp.com for resume writing (Downey, California) in 2019 and 2020.

“I am passionate about helping others reach their full potential and find careers that are purposeful. To remain competitive in today’s market with constantly changing job search strategies, my clients need to be armed with the most current trends and best practices in job search and career management.”

Skilled at translating information into clear and concise language that highlights clients’ strengths and accomplishments, Allen spearheads customized career coaching programs with positive energy and strategic goal development. His “Real Goal Setter” coaching platform offers personalized sessions designed to prepare clients for a new career, professional search planning, and strategies for advancement opportunities. Sean is also a licensed real estate agent in California and helps clients achieve their real estate goals

Qualifications and Certifications: Sean has a civil engineering degree from North Carolina A&T State University and a master’s degree from Simon Business School. He also earned his Certified Professional Resume Writer and Certified Professional Career Coach designations from the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

geri blitzman headshotGeri Blitzman ‘68
New England Growth Associates, LLC
Watertown, MA

617-617-0925 | geriblitzman@newenglandgrowth.com | LinkedIn

Areas served: Geri works virtually across the United States and abroad and in-person with alumni in the greater Boston area.

Geri brings more than 40 years of consulting and executive coaching experience to her work as a career coach. She specializes in helping alumni who want to become better leaders and those who are transitioning into managerial roles. She also assists people who may be facing organizational challenges, getting established, or changing careers. She has a unique methodology for discovering personal strengths and brings relevant leadership and personal development strategies to career coaching conversations.

Her leadership and organizational development consulting and executive coaching practice spans across all industries, with particular expertise in technology, finance, entrepreneurial, and non-profit sectors. Geri has a passion for environmental work and has coached more than 500 clients at all levels with a focus on achieving greater effectiveness and personal fulfillment. Her extensive experience with senior management and teams, along with years of classroom teaching, have shown her the factors that impact both career success and derailment.

Qualifications and Certifications: Geri holds a master’s degree in Organization Development from the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School and has two advanced degrees in Education from Boston University. She is certified in coaching through New Ventures West and has extensive experience with over a dozen personal assessment tools. Geri also serves as an adjunct coach with the Center for Creative Leadership.

Susan Brophy ‘99W (MS)
Career Forward
Cleveland, OH

330-241-3356 | susan@careerforward.us | LinkedIn

Areas served: Susan works virtually across the United States and internationally, and in-person in the Cleveland, Ohio area.

A nationally recognized LinkedIn expert, and career counselor. Her expertise ranges from working with C-Suite clients, new graduates, and those experiencing layoffs, terminations, and career transitions. She is dedicated to helping people find empowerment, organization, self-esteem, and strategies to find employment and career advancement.

Susan’s background includes career counseling/coaching in higher education. at top Ivy Leagues, The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) – Workforce Development, The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) – TRIO – Educational Access, corporate consulting firms, and through her private practice.

Qualifications and Certifications: Susan earned her bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo and her master’s degree in higher education with a focus on career development and leadership from the Warner School of Education. She has more than 20 years of experience working with clients from recent graduates to C-Level executives. Her commitment, resourcefulness, and understanding of the modern job search process makes her a trusted partner to candidates and companies alike.

Carole Curley headshotCarole Curley ’87
Coaching for the STEM Woman
Medford, New Jersey

609-353-4268 | carole@coachingfortheSTEMwoman.com

Areas served: Carole works virtually across the United States and internationally.

For nearly 35 years, Carole Curley has coached and mentored women in the commercial, government, and technology corporate sectors. Still working as an engineer, she specializes in helping professional women navigate the challenging culture of STEM fields and high technology companies, keep the rewards they deserve, and foster the life balance they need. She prepares young professionals to integrate into dynamic company environments, and also assists women in STEM navigate their career moves and changes so that they can effectively maintain both their professional and family lives, and clarify the trajectory they want to take.

Qualifications and Certifications: Carole earned her bachelor’s degree in optics and trained with the Coach Training Alliance.

Jane Finkle headshotJane Finkle ‘87
Career Visions
Philadelphia, PA

215-887-3023 | janefinkle@yahoo.com | LinkedIn

Areas served: Jane works virtually across the US, but is most familiar with East and West Coast markets.

Jane is co-founder of Career Visions, a career counseling and consulting firm. She has over 20 years of experience helping individuals at all job levels and ages with career assessment, planning, job search strategies, and workplace adjustment. Prior to founding Career Visions, Jane served as Associate Director of Career Services at the University of Pennsylvania, where she designed and administered career programs, developed resources, and provided career counseling and advice on employment trends for students and alumni of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Wharton School. She also created and led the “Wharton Career Discovery” seminar, a program still presented today.

Qualifications and Certifications: Master of Science degree in Counseling, Master Career Counselor (MCC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC)

Jane served as a delegate for the National Career Development Association and People to People Ambassador Program in China. She is an accomplished writer, and her work has been published in the Huffington Post, Adirondack Life, and showcased in her weekly column, “Career Blueprints”. Her new book, The Introvert’s Complete Career Guide, is scheduled for publication in fall 2018. Jane’s expertise has also been featured in the Rochester Review magazine as part of the Master Class series. Read her advice for introverts: Thriving at Work While Introverted.

Laura Gavigan headshotLaura Gavigan ’08W (MS), ’15W (MS)
MindfulMatters585
Rochester, NY

585-430-5674 | MindfulMatters585@gmail.com

Areas served: Laura can work virtually across the United States, and in-person in the greater Rochester, New York area.

Laura (she/her) is the founder of MindfulMatters585, LLC, offering mindful coaching for high school and college students.

Working as an educator for many years, she became interested in how school can inherently create stress and anxiety, leading to burnout and chronic health challenges in young adults. She has coached and advised thousands of students, integrating a framework of mindful wellness, empathy, and support. Laura has led introductory and advanced mindful meditation classes and workshops and has been featured as a guest speaker or panelist for a wide variety of organizations.

In addition to coaching, Mindful Matters offers classes and workshops, as well as guided meditation both locally and internationally. Every program emphasizes a mindful approach through insight, practice, and community to help students thrive, rather than survive.

Laura looks back on her high school and college years wishing she had learned about mindfulness and balance. Her practice embodies a compassionate approach, and she’s motivated to “Be the person you needed when you were younger.” (Ayesha Siddiqi) for her clients.

Qualifications and Certifications: Laura has more than 25 years of experience in academic advising and coaching in higher education. She earned her master’s degrees in higher education administration and school counseling from the University of Rochester Warner School and is a certified Mindfulness and EFT practitioner.

Sue Griffey headshotSue Griffey ’73
SueMentors
Columbia, MD

410-562-8084 | suementors@gmail.com | LinkedIn

Areas served: Sue is willing to work virtually across the United States and internationally.

Dr. Sue Griffey provides actionable guidance to help clients get to the next step on their career paths. Her hallmark is using real-world examples to demonstrate her practical advice through guides, videos, webinars, and workshops. She has spent the last 11 years mentoring professionals under the auspices of schools of public health, including the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, the program she co-founded.

With more than two decades of experience managing complex and challenging environments, Dr. Griffey is an experienced evaluator and development professional. She previously served as vice president and director of the evaluation center at Social & Scientific Systems, vice president for technical operations at JHPIEGO, an affiliate of Johns Hopkins University, and spent 20 years living and working in various overseas settings. She is an expert presenter and writer, frequently reviewing peer entries for journals and conferences.

To learn more, visit the SueMentors blogYouTube, and Twitter.

Qualifications and Certifications: Dr. Griffey earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Rochester, her Family Nurse Practitioner certificate from the University of Miami School of Nursing, and her master’s and doctoral degrees in public health from Tulane University.

Barbara Grossman headshotBarbara Grossman ‘77
Paradigm Partners llc 
Hamden, CT

203-891-7564 | bgrossman@ppllc.net | LinkedIn

Areas served: Barbara is willing to work virtually across the United States.

Barbara is Co-Founder of Paradigm Partners with Jay Berger P’10, and Barbara has spent the last 25 years in Executive Recruiting. Previously, she had a successful career on Wall Street and in Technology. Barbara brings a practical, real-world approach to career development services and resume writing. Her approach is informed by her experience as an executive recruiter and how she approaches presenting candidates to clients. Barbara can help with writing your resume, defining your career path, prepare for an interview, and assess how to get to the next point your career.

Barbara’s work is a partnership designed to create your “Professional Narrative.” The model is: Personal Formula + Your Story =Professional Narrative. It can best be explained as an authentic articulation of where you have been and where you seek to go, in combination with the and acquired skills and inherent characteristics that make you successful.

Qualifications and Certifications: Barbara earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Rochester.

Paula Halewski ’00S (MBA)Paula Halewski ’00S (MBA)
Leadership Institute of Virginia (LIV)
Ashburn, VA

703-201-1490 | paula@leadershipinstituteofvirginia.com

Areas served: Paula can work virtually across the United States.

Paula’s extensive experience as an executive coach and mental health therapist, coupled with her leadership roles as team leader, director, and CEO allows her to offer a well-rounded and comprehensive approach to coaching.

Having worked as a mental health, behavioral, and relational therapist for over three decades, Paula understands the importance of addressing mental health and well-being within an organizational context. This expertise enables her to bring a unique perspective to her coaching engagements, ensuring that the mental health of individuals and teams is given due consideration.

Paula brings a lighthearted and enjoyable approach to her coaching, creating a positive and engaging coaching experience for her clients. Her unique combination of experience, expertise, and personal qualities makes her a valuable coach who can support individuals, teams, and organizations in their pursuit of leadership excellence, productivity, and healthy workplace cultures.

Qualifications and Certifications: Paula hold a master’s degree in clinical social work (NYU) and an MBA from Simon Business School. In addition, she is a certified Executive Leadership Coach (Georgetown University) and holds accreditation from the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She is also certified in Everything DiSC, EQ-I 2.0 and EQ360, Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team, Five Behaviors Personal Development, OCAI Culture Assessment, Denison Culture and Leader 360 Assessment, and is a certified cultural and executive coach – Maslow Centre.

Brittany Harrington headshotBrittany Harrington ‘10E
You Do You
Seattle, WA

817-909-2618 | brittanyraeharrington@gmail.com

Areas served: Brittany works virtually across the United States, and in-person in the Seattle, Washington area.

Brittany has been coaching in various capacities for more than six years and specializes in working with musicians and artists. Through her own journey of studying at conservatory, performing professionally, and discovering a new career, she respects and understands the many transitions and transformations that often occur with careers in the arts. Brittany loves working with students and alumni to help them achieve their goals, including clarifying a project or path, pursuing other musical career options, or a pivoting into completely new careers!

Qualifications and Certifications: Brittany earned her undergraduate degree from the Eastman School of Music in addition to an Arts Leadership Certificate from the Catherine Filene Shouse Arts Leadership Program. She holds graduate and professional degrees from Southern Methodist University and completed training with inviteCHANGE, an International Coaching Federation-accredited institution for professional coaching. Brittany also has a vast musical performance background and extensive training in the health and fitness industry.

Cassandra Herbert headshotCassandra Herbert ’95, ’95N
Zest & Harmony Counseling
Burtonsville, MD

410-415-1454 | cassandra@zestandharmonycounseling.com | YouTube

Areas served: Cassandra can work virtually across the United States, and in-person for those in Maryland or the Washington, D.C. area.

As a nurse, therapist, educator, and coach, Cassandra holds a vision of changing the current healthcare system from a culture of sick “care” to one of health and wellness. She has built her life around empowering people to advocate for themselves and adopt lifestyle changes that support their well-being. After seeing her own health and perspective on life challenged by chronic illness, she was forced to reevaluate and reframe her lifestyle, career, and relationships. Out of that experience, Cassandra developed an eight-part, holistic wellness system.

Cassandra takes a holistic approach in her coaching techniques. Working with Cassandra, you will explore your strengths, passions, and talents in addition to your mindset and discover what is blocking you emotionally and energetically from living the life of your dreams. Cassandra also has extensive experience supporting the middle-aged person who wants to make a shift in the second half of life, but doesn’t know where to begin.

Qualifications and Certifications: Cassandra is a board-certified advanced holistic nurse and health and wellness coach.

Abby Kohut headshotAbby Kohut ‘88
Absolutely Abby LLC
Red Bank, NJ

917-209-2973 | akohut@absolutelyabby.com | LinkedIn

Areas served: Abby can work virtually across the United States.

Abby specializes in one hour consultations with topics such as interviewing, resumes, LinkedIn, or cover letters—but specifically based on the topic of your choice. It’s all up to you!

Qualifications and Certifications: AbsolutelyAbby.com has received many accolades and notes of recognition, including being selected by Forbes as one of the “Top 100 Websites for Your Career,” mentioned on CNBC as a top website for career changers, and CEOWORLD Magazine rated @Absolutely_Abby as “1 of the Top 25 Women for your Job Search.”

Brenda Licciardi headshotBrenda Licciardi  ’82
Wellness from Within
Rochester, NY

585-329-1797 | wellnessfromwithin18@gmail.com | LinkedIn

Areas served: Brenda can work virtually with clients in any compatible time zone and in-person in the Rochester, NY area. Brenda Licciardi is an independent Certified Health & Wellness Coach. She employs a holistic and highly personalized approach when partnering with clients to help them identify priorities and achieve objectives and goals. She supports and empowers people to leverage their own values, strengths, talents, and sources of joy. By facilitating each client’s own ability to create plans, make choices, set goals, and change behaviors, Brenda is a trusted partner in establishing right-fit, lasting lifestyle improvements. She also collaborates with other professionals within wellness practices, at non-profits, and in corporate settings to coach individuals and groups in achieving sustainable healthy behavior.

Qualifications and Certifications:Brenda holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and was originally certified in Health & Wellness Coaching at Monroe Community College. After fulfilling additional educational and coaching requirements, she subsequently earned the esteemed National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) credential which she held until November 30, 2023. She has extensive and varied experience as a coach, project manager, business analyst, and non-profit volunteer.

Kathleen Lindenmayer headshotKathleen Lindenmayer ‘84
WCSU Career Success Center
Danbury, CT

203-837-8266 | lindenmayerk@wcsu.edu

Areas served: Kathleen can work virtually across the United States.

Kathleen is currently the Director of a university Career Success Center and leads comprehensive programs and services that support the life design initiatives and career development programs for students and alumni. She came to higher education in 2010 after spending many exciting years in the U.S. Navy as an Intelligence Officer.  She served in many domestic and overseas locations performing strategic, operational and administrative functions that led major evolutionary changes in the U.S. Defense Intelligence Community.  She also oversaw the manpower, personnel and/or career education and training of a diverse, national cadre of U.S. Defense and international intelligence professionals. Kathleen has experience mentoring and coaching junior to senior leaders throughout their careers, both in and out of uniform, and can give current perspectives and guidance on navigating an ever-changing workforce environment.

Qualifications and Certifications: Kathleen earned her bachelor’s degree in Architectural Studies from the University of Rochester and her MBA from Western Connecticut State University.  She completed numerous Navy and national-level training, courses and/or certifications in intelligence, leadership and human capital management.  She retired from the U.S. Navy in 2010 as a Captain.

Sandra Long headshotSandra Long ‘79
Post Road Consulting LLC
Westport, CT

888-854-3724 | sandra@postroadconsulting.com | LinkedIn

Areas served: Sandra can work virtually across the United States.
Sandra is an internationally-recognized LinkedIn expert, consultant, author, and speaker. As the founder of Post Road Consulting, she and her team focus completely on LinkedIn education and thought leadership, serving clients that include sales teams, C-Level executives, universities, recruiters, and job-seekers.

Qualifications and Certifications: Sandra is the author of the best-selling book, LinkedIn for Personal Branding: The Ultimate Guide and presented the first-ever TEDx Talk about LinkedIn in 2019. LinkedIn’s Community: A Superpower Hiding in Plain Sight, is available on YouTube.

Jonathan Meagher-Zayas headshotJonathan Meagher-Zayas ’13
Equity Warrior Strategies, LLC
Rochester, NY

585-210-3626 | jonathan@equitywarriorstrategies.com LinkedIn

Areas served: Jonathan can work virtually across the United States, with a specialty in the New York State nonprofit sector. He can also work in-person in the Rochester, New York area.

Jonathan is a queer, Latinx millennial dedicated to addressing equity issues, building capacity, motivating impact leaders, and getting stuff done. He has more than 11 years of experience in career services, including job-searching, resume and cover letter editing, networking strategy, professional development, navigating workplace issues, and work/life balance. He specializes in working with leaders who want to make a positive impact in their community and advance social equity.

Qualifications and Certifications: Jonathan holds a Master of Social Work, a Master of Public Administration, a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Certification, and his Certified Diversity Professional (CDP) credential.

Alexander Pearlman ’07Alexander Pearlman ’07
Executive Coaching with Alex Pearlman
New York, NY

917-743-3225 | alexander.pearlman@gmail.comLinkedIn

Areas served: Alex works virtually across the United States and internationally.

Alex enjoys bridging generational gaps in the workplace by helping established and emerging leaders supercharge their leadership potential to make their teams and organizations successful. This includes developing effective “power skills;” leading through change and transformation; working through workplace conflict; and finding a north-star to guide strategy and performance. Alex does this through one-on-one or team sessions that explore the clients’ agenda, organizational context, and the dynamics that are strengthening or challenging progress. His approach is grounded in human development, the “critical few” organizational culture, adult learning, growth mindset, behavioral economics, and the Columbia University Coaching Program framework.

Ideal clients identify as Millennial or Gen Z or are leaders responsible for a multi-generational team or organization. Alex combines his love of teaching and human development with his experience as a strategy consultant to help executives, aspiring leaders, and team managers to improve individual, team, and org performance. Using proven coaching methods, Alex provides a personalized approach that offers structure, accountability, and flexibility to address his clients’ long-term and emerging issues, while also ensuring that his clients are acquiring behaviors, tools, and mindsets to respond to future challenges and opportunities.

Qualifications and Certifications: Alex earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Rochester and his MBA from Columbia Business School. He is trained as an executive coach through the Columbia Coaching Certification Program at Columbia University’s Teachers College.

Julie Reisler headshotJulie Reisler ‘97
Empowered Living, LLC
Columbia, MD

443-848-6973 | Julie@JulieReisler.com | LinkedIn

Areas served: Julie is willing to work virtually across the United States.

Author and Life Designer® Julie Reisler is the founder and CEO of Empowered Living, a Life Design and personal development company. Julie has a master’s degree in Coaching and more than 12 certifications in health and well-being. Julie is a Life Design and leadership coach, author of Get a PhD in YOU, a national speaker, a facilitator for companies on mindset and leadership, and a faculty member at Georgetown University. Julie is also the host of the Podcast, ‘The You-est You.’ Julie is enamored with helping you to master your inner world so you can master your outer world.

Qualifications and Certifications: Julie has her master’s degree in Health & Wellness Coaching and Nutrition from Maryland University of Integrative Health, her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Health & Society from the University of Rochester, her Graduate Certificate in Organization Development from Georgetown University, and another Graduate Certificate in Health & Wellness Coaching from MUIH. She is a certified Meyers Briggs Assessment Practitioner, is a certified Workplace Excellence Master Trainer & Facilitator, a certified Mindful Eating Specialist, a certified Personal Trainer (NASM), Fitness Instructor, Barre Instructor, Peak Pilates Instructor and willPower & Grace instructor. Julie is also certified LEAF (Leading Experiential Appreciative Facilitation) with the Flourishing Leadership Institute.

Melissia Schmidt ’02W (MS)
MindSet Nutrition Coaching
Rochester, NY

585-520-2765 | mindsetnutritioncoaching@gmail.com

Areas served: Melissia works virtually across the United States and abroad, and in-person in the greater Rochester, New York area.

Melissia is the founder of MindSet Nutrition Coaching, LLC, a nutrition and lifestyle company dedicated to helping midlife women who “burn the candle at both ends” change their bodies, shift their mindset, boost energy, and build confidence through a sustainable, habit-based, and highly personalized framework.

Melissia’s “3C” approach is collaborative, communicative, and client-centered. Grounded in outcome-based decision-making and backed by science, she meets each person’s unique needs and goals. Melissia’s philosophy is one of “deep health,” taking into consideration the multi-dimensional thriving of the whole person. She partners with clients to address not only nutrition, but sleep, stress, change, and overall well-being. Melissia empowers clients to be proactive, enact change, and take responsibility by identifying the alignment between values, identities, and priorities.

The foundation of Melissia’s work is small, simple, and strategic habit-stacking steps, providing tools and resources that lead to sustainable change. She supports clients at every stage and step of the way, no matter what life may bring.

Qualifications and Certifications: Melissia has her master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Rochester Warner School and is Mental Health First Aid certified. She is a Precision Nutrition L2 Certified Nutrition Coach, and has 10+ years of experience as a certified Mad Dogg Spinning SPINPower instructor, certified Keiser indoor cycling instructor, certified Schwinn MPower indoor cycling instructor, and certified TRX instructor. She is a member of the Women in Fitness Association and Indoor Cycling Association and has served as a master indoor cycling instructor for local gyms, training and mentoring new instructors in their journey toward certification and becoming an instructor. She currently teaches Spinning and TRX for the YMCA of Greater Rochester.

Wendy Silver headshotWendy Silver ‘95
Beyond the Workplace LLC
Needham, MA

617-835-2820 | Wendy@beyondtheworkplacehr.com

Areas served: Wendy is willing to work virtually across the United States.

Wendy provides career and workplace counseling, including working with people to identify their career goals to find professionally challenging work that aligns with their personal needs and desires. Wendy also coaches individuals through workplace issues such as approaching difficult conversations, requesting a flexible work arrangement, or negotiating and requesting a promotion or raise. She has experience coaching new managers as they step into leadership roles as well as working with senior leaders who are juggling a lot of responsibilities and are not sure how to best prioritize or delegate everything on their plates. Wendy supports small businesses and provides on-demand employee relations support. Her experience working as a Field Attorney for the National Labor Relations Board provided her with a true understanding of common employment pitfalls and set her on her path to spend the past 16 years working in Human Resources. Wendy has worked both for non-profit and for-profit organizations in a variety of industries, counseling managers and employees at all levels.

Qualifications and Certifications: Wendy holds her Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School. She also completed a program on negotiation at Harvard University and is a Coach for the Coaching for Leadership and Teamwork Program at Babson College.

Jodi Smith headshotJodi Smith ‘90
Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting
Boston, MA

781-639-7700 | info@mannersmith.com | LinkedIn

Areas served: Jodi can work virtually across the United States.

Jodi RR Smith, president and owner of Mannersmith, is an etiquette consultant specializing in social and professional conduct. Working with individuals, corporations, and other organizations, Jodi educates in a way that is both informative and entertaining, helping her clients increase their confidence levels and achieve success in today’s world.

Qualifications and Certifications: Jodi has been promoting better behaviors since 1986. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Rochester and her master’s degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University. Her extensive background in motivational psychology and human resources has served to reaffirm her belief that proper manners and etiquette are an essential part of functioning successfully in today’s world.

She is also the author of the Barnes & Noble titles The Etiquette Book: A Complete Guide to Modern MannersFrom Clueless to Class Act: Manners for the Modern Man and From Clueless to Class Act: Manners for the Modern Woman. Jodi’s expertise has also been featured in Rochester Review magazine as part of the Master Class series. Read her advice for navigating a diverse and modern workplace.

Julie Stoltman headshot

Julie Stoltman ’06
Reframe Career & Leadership
Seattle, WA

203-274-0051 | julie@reframecareer.com

Areas served: Julie works virtually across the United States.

As the founder of Reframe Career & Leadership, Julie is a genuine partner who cares about supporting mid-career professionals in their journey to clarify what meaningful work means for their lives.

She creates the guided space for people in the middle of their careers (however you define it) to ask powerful, introspective questions and articulate their values and the impact they want to have in their careers to create a pathway forward. One-on-one coaching is tailored to where you are in your career and designed to help you figure out what comes next. Group coaching workshop series are also available to build community among mid-career professionals with shared experience and goals.

Qualifications and Certifications: Julie earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Women’s Studies from the University of Rochester. She also holds an advanced degree in Gender, Development and Globalisation from the London School of Economics.

Daniel J. Troup headshotDaniel J. Troup ‘86S (MBA)
AdvantEdge Careers
Rochester, NY

(M) 585-490-1202 | dtroup@advantedgecareers.com | LinkedIn

Areas served: Dan works virtually and supports clients across the United States.

Dan is a happily retired sales executive who enjoys helping individuals successfully navigate the job search process. He is The Job Search Mechanic. While Dan can’t repair a car engine to save his life, he can diagnose a stalled job search and get it running again smoothly on the way to landing a winning job offer. In his first book, Selling You: The AdvantEdge Job Search Process™, he delivers a complete guide with step-by-step instructions and tools to take your job search from “Where do I start?” to “When can you start?”

Leveraging his superpower of self-deprecating humor and an interest in music and movies, he has also published more than 75 articles covering job search strategies and careers on his AdvantEdge blog site. Throughout his writing, one lesson stands above all others: The job search is a sales cycle, and securing that job offer is all about process and execution.

Qualifications and Certifications: Dan earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Cornell University and his MBA in Finance from the University of Rochester. He is a Certified Professional Career Coach and a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

Scott Wimer headshotScott Wimer ‘76
Wimer Associates
Santa Monica, CA

310-842-6335 | wimer@ucla.edu | LinkedIn

Areas served: Scott can work virtually across the United States, and in-person in the greater Los Angeles, California area.

Scott is a seasoned organization development consultant, executive coach, and career coach. He has more than 30 years of experience working with CEOs, leadership teams, managers, and individuals in industries including education, healthcare, hospitality, technology, engineering, financial services, the arts, government, and non-profit agencies.

Scott is skilled at bringing out the best in people, helping them prioritize goals and formulate practical approaches to achieving them. He teaches organizational psychology at UCLA, where he created the popular “Mid-Career Makeover” program for Anderson School of Management MBA alumni.

Qualifications and Certifications: Scott earned his doctorate in psychology with a minor in management from UCLA. A leading authority on coaching and 360° feedback, he co-authored Coaching for Human Performance (Training and Development, 1997), which introduced the C.O.A.C.H. model. His work has also been featured in the following videos: Situational CoachingContinuous Team Development, and Learning from 360° Feedback.

Joanne Yawitz headshotJoanne Yawitz ‘73
Living YOUR Dream Coaching
San Rafael, CA

415-342-3023 | joanneyawitz@icloud.com | LinkedIn

Areas served: Joanne serves all 50 states, North America, EU, UK, and Central America

Joanne offers career development coaching to individuals and small groups seeking to reach the next level in their careers. She is an executive coach specializing in leadership, leading mentor groups, and delivering workshops and presentations. Additionally, Joanne can help design action plans and help you present yourself in the most positive light. From resume review, to networking, to interviewing and negotiating an offer, she can help every step of the way.

Qualifications and Certifications: Joanne is a graduate of the Coaching Training Institute, has her MBA from Simmons College, a master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from Harvard, and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and French from the University of Rochester. Joanne has been a successful business owner and entrepreneur since 1990 and has been an executive recruiter in the life sciences, IT, financial, and manufacturing industries for 29 years.

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