The Lutheran Coaching Network is not a certifying body nor do they provide endorsements for individual coaches. We do however share these names and information as a service to the coaches and the church at large.
We also encourage you to read through the Frequently Asked Questions (below) with regard to coach certification and finding a coach including the last FAQ on how one is listed and the role of the LCMS Coaching Inc.
What qualifies someone to be a coach?
While the practices are ancient, the last thirty to forty years has seen the use and spread of coaching grow exponentially. This rapid growth has given rise to many trainers, training firms, and programs that teach coaching in addition to individuals who may call themselves a “coach.” Understandably then, there are varying degrees of competence and coaching proficiency available. Thus any prospective student or client is encouraged to proceed prayerfully as good stewards in choosing a coach training program or coach.
See also the FAQ "How is someone listed in the coaching directory?"
What is the gold standard for Coach Certification?
The International Coaching Federation (ICF). They were formed in 1995 with now over 50,000 credential holders in more than 140 nations, certifying over 12,000 coaches annually. Their stringent requirements are recognized as the standard for both accredited coach training schools and individual certified coaches.
What levels of individual certification does the International Coaching Federation (ICF) provide?
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) offers three levels of credentialing that corresponding with increasing amounts of education and experience that are required. The first is Associate Certified Coach (ACC), then secondly, Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and finally, Master Certified Coach
What are the basic requirements for each level of ICF certification?
The requirements for each level are many and rigorous.
An ACC credential requires 60+ hours of coach education and 100+ hours of coach experience. Also required are 10 hours of mentor coaching and passing a written exam. Finally a candidate must pass a performance evaluation which is a recorded coaching session and transcript which must meet the objective markers for an ACC level coaching.
A PCC credential, in addition to the 10 hours of mentor coaching and written exam, requires 125+ hours of coach education and 500+ hours of coach experience. The performance evaluation requires two recorded coaching sessions and transcripts which meet the objective markers for a PCC level of coaching.
Finally, an MCC credential, in addition to the 10 hours of mentor coaching, includes passing the written exam and requiring that one must have held a PCC credential. They must have completed 200+ hours of coaching education, 2500+ hours of coaching experience plus an accessor’s review of two recorded coaching sessions with transcripts that meet the objective markers of an MCC level of coaching.
What other certifications does the ICF provide?
The ICF also provides accreditation for coach education schools for each level which corresponds to the teaching that is delivered. Such is the case for Coach Approach Ministries (CAM) and the Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine. Once completed, students from such schools may then apply separately for personal or individual certification with the ICF in conjunction with one’s level of training and requirements that are met (see above).
What other credentials or certification are there outside those from the ICF?
There are many. Numerous individual trainers, coach training schools and other college or university programs self certify and provide a credential independently and apart from the ICF. This results in more training opportunities for learning to coach yet may not include the same rigor or thoroughness required by the ICF.
What might be some examples of other credentialing or certification?
Co-Active Training, formerly the Coaches Training Institute, is a well known and world wide coach training organization which has their own certification for their students. Yet their training is also certified by the ICF and a graduate may apply for ICF credentialing separately like CAM and The Townsend Institute. Coach Approach Ministries (CAM) also provides an intermediate certification called “Certificate in Christian Leadership Coaching” or "CCLC" along with a “CCLC+” which is the equivalent of a level 1 or ACC training program. They also have a level 2 or PCC equivalent called “Executive Christian Coach” or "ECC." As their training is also ICF accredited, a graduate may then apply for the equivalent ICF credential separately and in addition to the one provided by CAM.
How do I choose a coach?
Coaching as a helping profession comes down to a coach’s training, experience and specialty but also a personal connection. While LCMS Coaching does not endorse any of the listed coaches, we provide these names as a service to both coaches, churches and ministries that prayerfully all may benefit. So when choosing a coach, examine their training, certification, experience and specialty or “coaching niche” so that it will meet your goals. Then we would encourage you to interview at least three coaches found here and elsewhere to determine if there is a fit for you and will help you meet your purposes and goals
How is someone listed on the Lutheran Coaching Network directory?
In recognition of the current variety of training opportunities and the growing popularity of coaching, the Lutheran Coaching Network endeavors to highlight the standards set by the ICF. Therefore in order to be listed in the directory, individuals must be ICF certified or be a graduate or certificate holder from an ICF accredited coach training program or school. Others outside of these qualifications are welcome to submit their applications for review based upon training, experience, and personal references.
This means that the directory is a listing of independent coaches who have met the minimum requirement for inclusion. The presence of a coach in this directory does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or guarantee of their services. Clients are responsible for conducting their own research and due diligence when selecting a coach. The LCMS Coaching Inc is not a referral service and does not assess the ongoing performance of coaches listed. Any agreement is solely between the coach and the client. LCMS Coaching Inc is not responsible for any disputes, services rendered or outcomes resulting from engagements with directory listed coaches.
Biographical Info
Current Senior Pastor of Christ Greenfield, Arizona and leader of the United Leadership Collective. You can hear him on his Lead Time and American Reformation podcasts, where he interviews leader from across the nation and shares his positive vision for the Church. Ahlman’s leadership goes far beyond his work in his congregation – he is a national speaker on pastoral formation and building successful circuits. In particular, Ahlman focuses on developing pastors and lay people to become the leaders God created them to be. He consults and coaches toward developing a leadership culture within congregations, the strategy and practical finance management issues to grow congregations, developing operational leaders on the local and regional level, and communicating the vision Christ has for the local church reaching out with Jesus’ message of love and forgiveness offered in the cross. Ahlman has practical parish experience that leads him to be a wonderful guide for pastor-directed coaching.
Ahlman loves coaching and has experienced the impact of coaching personally, and he loves to share the power of coaching with those he gets to come alongside.
Coaching Niche and Other Notes
Ahlman has a certificate in coaching from the International Coaching Federation.
Biographical Info
Rebeka Garcia Cook, MPH, is an epidemiologist, educator, and certified Executive Coach who comes from a background in Public Health focusing on systemic wellness.
She has also applied her skills to church worker care for over 20 years. As wife to Rev. Phil Cook (Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church in Shawnee, KS), Rebeka knows bone-deep the joys, losses, and challenges of ministry. She has served on church worker and congregational wellness teams in Texas and Kansas, with various RSOs, at the Synod level, and internationally with missionary care. In addition to coaching pastors, principals, and other leaders, she has directly cared for pastor’s wives and participated in leadership activities to support this unique group.
A graduate of Concordia University Texas, Saint Louis University, and Concordia University Irvine, Rebeka founded Green Boat Executive Coaching and Consulting to help business and organizational leaders navigate and create seemingly impossible new realities without falling on their faces.
Green Boat Coaching has a team of six Christian Coaches available to meet a variety of coaching, training and consulting needs. Rebeka is an accomplished Toastmaster and has presented at various church worker retreats and conferences.
She welcomes you to find out more about her and her leadership development work at GreenboatCoaching.com
Coaching Niche and Other Notes
Rebeka focuses on leaders of systems who want to create and navigate change.
Rebeka also has a team of six Christian Coaches available to meet a variety of coaching, training and consulting needs.
Biographical Info
I am a life coach who looks forward to talking to you about transformation, and transition into the life you’ve always wanted. Together we will discover the life that best suits your lifestyle, your dreams and ambitions. Through evoking awareness about those dreams we will begin to mold a life like you’ve only just begun to want.
Coaching Niche and Other Notes
I enjoy working with people in recovery from any and all hurts hang-ups and habits. We discuss issues of chemical additions food additions, relationships, mental health issues and we are not limited to use of the 12 steps to grow your recovery. We focus on self awareness and esteem and how that relates to who you are in God’s eyes.
I also specialize in coping with children with learning disabilities and mental illness.
Also I work closely with people who are looking to transition into new phases in there life, retirement, return to work, and change in career focus to strive to do God’s will in your career.
Biographical Info
Scott is an ordained LCMS pastor with a Masters in Leadership and is a Professional Certified Coach through the ICF (International Coaching Federation). He believes in Growing People for Ministry by focussing on leadership, discipleship and teamwork.
Scott has served as a parish pastor after his ordination in 1988, circuit counselor for 11 years and First Vice President of the FL-GA District briefly prior to serving as a special coach consultant to the FL-GA District and Director of Coaching for TCN. Today Scott continues to serve the FL-GA district and the wider church, non-profits and others. As an independent contractor he coaches, teaches coaching, leadership and consults using a coach approach. His heart is for the local church and coaching others to raise up and develop leaders.
He has authored A Christian Coaching Guidebook: How To Come Alongside Others For Ministry Results and hosts The Coaching Leader podcast. He is the founder and president of LCMScoaching.com.
Scott and his wife Maria have two sons and live in Boynton Beach Florida. You may learn more about Scott and read his blog at scottgress.com. You may contact Scott through email scottgress@me.com or call or text 561-542-4472.
Coaching Niche and Other Notes
Scott specializes in leadership coaching, both for pastors and other leaders of leaders. Contact Scott to make a difference for an individual or group that wants to embark on a journey of leadership growth. He will co-create a customized design for you or for your organization.
Biographical Info
I serve as the Director of Wellness & Coaching for the Southeastern District (LCMS). I am an ICF certified Life & Executive Coach (PCC) and Gallup Strengths Coach. Recently I completed my doctorate in Coaching (D.Min.) from Western Seminary in Portland, OR. My passion is to empower everyday believers to discover and live out their authentic calling in Christ to be a greater blessing in the world today. I have a conviction that every believer needs to be empowered to be the Church, not just go to church, as part of their calling as the Priesthood of All Believers.
As a coach I specialize in vocational discernment and empowerment, starting new entrepreneurial ventures, strengths-based coaching and team building, leadership development and effectiveness, visioning and strategic planning, positive organizational development, and wellness/well-being coaching. I also serve as a coach trainer with Coach Approach Ministries (CAM), providing ICF certified coach training through our SED Coaching Network and beyond.
Coaching Niche and Other Notes
Coach Certifications & Accreditations: • ICF Certified Coach, PCC • Gallup Certified Strengths Coach • Trained in Gallup’s Builder Profile (BP10) • Certified Myers-Briggs Facilitator • Certified in EQ-i 2.0 & 360 • Certified In Christian DISC Assessment • Trained in Appreciative Inquiry • Auxano Certified Clarity First Navigator (Church Unique & God Dreams) • Coach Trainer with CAM
Biographical Info
Tina brings an entrepreneurial mindset to ministry development, encouraging the fulfillment of God’s unique purpose in individuals, congregations, and faith-based nonprofits. Her passion is helping churches uncover their unique sweet spot for ministry and learning to thrive in it. She is a Director of Christian Outreach, ICF ACCCertified Coach, and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience of helping congregations maximize their collective potential to meet the needs and opportunities in their community.
Tina founded the Faithful Innovation coaching practice in 2014 and podcast in 2018. Clients include pastors, other ministry professionals, lay leaders, congregational teams, nonprofit leaders, and grantwriters.
Combining entrepreneurial experience with the ministry, Tina works with congregational leaders in clarifying their vision, developing a plan, and coaching through the opportunities and challenges. Tina has helped several congregations maximize their resources and develop outreach initiatives.
Tina also coaches ministry-minded nonprofit leaders through the founding and startup phases into sustainability. Locally, she is active in developing new ministries in Baltimore, including ushering a legacy congregation into a rebirth as NewThing Lutheran Church, revisioning resources to develop Grace Place Community Ministries, and developing the faith-based nonprofit, Faith and Work Enterprises.
Tina came to the Christian faith in her mid-20’s. While raising a family, she started and ran two small businesses, then God called. In 2006 she earned an M.A. in Christian Outreach from Concordia University in St. Paul MN and transitioned into full-time ministry.
Coaching Niche and Other Notes
Coaches individuals and teams by phone, in-person, and video call.
Facilitates strategic visioning processes, workshops and retreats.
Facilitates discernment processes with congregations in the waning season of their lifecycle.
ACC Certified Coach | International Coaching Federation (ICF)
Certified Clarity Navigator | Auxano
Emergent Leadership Training | Cornerstone Consulting
Neighborhood Transformation, Urban Development Certification | Community Health Evangelism
Biographical Info
I’m a called and ordained pastor in the LCMS with 15 years of parish experience; currently serving as Pastor of Adult Discipleship at Trinity-Klein Lutheran Church and School in Spring, TX. I also serve the Texas District LCMS as a Circuit Visitor (6 years) and on its Coaching Team (3 years).
I’m a Certified Christian Life and Leadership Coach with nearly 80 hours of formal training through Coach Approach Ministries and over 100 hours of formal coaching experience. I’m ready to walk alongside you and help you get from where you are to where God is calling you to be.
Coaching Niche and Other Notes
I specialize in Coaching for Spiritual Formation and Discipleship, Coaching Church Planters, Leadership Coaching, and Coaching for Pastoral/Church Transitions. Coaching Teams and Leaders to develop an organizational model that is healthy and leads to positive productivity and team unity.
Biographical Info
I believe that every person has within them unique talents and abilities which can benefit themselves and the community in which they participate. As one who has walked their path, I know that growth is hard work and it can be intimidating at times, but with support, amazing results are just around the corner.
I have more than two decades of experience in education and ministry and have learned that unless you have safe people who can evoke awareness and illuminate your path, many people will miss out on the personal change that your impact could have.
My executive coaching certification comes from the Townsend Institute of Concordia Irvine, and an ACC member of the ICF (International Coaching Federation). Along with my degree in education, I also have an MDiv from Bethel Seminary of St. Paul, Minnesota, with a specialization in spiritual formations.
When I am not coaching, I am blessed to spend time with my wife, Cristen, a certified coach specializing in health and wellness, and our son, Trace, who is active in music and sports. I also have a passion for reading and house projects, and our family holds active membership in our local church.
Coaching Niche and Other Notes
I am passionate about helping people navigate challenges and changes in their lives.
Biographical Info
I started JSM Leadership Consulting, LLC to help clients grow and achieve great results for themselves and their organizations. I recognize that the leadership of oneself and of teams is always in progress, impacts individual effectiveness, and makes or breaks organizations.
My services are tailored to each client’s particular need, and I partner with my clients to help them achieve lasting growth and results. I recognize that my clients have done and are doing incredible and impressive things. I view my role as helping clients take things to the next level to continue an already impressive track record.
As I develop a partnering relationship with clients, blind spots are illuminated, clients see reality better, and they attain clarity for themselves. Other client benefits from my approach are minimizing negative self-talk, increasing confidence, and growing sustainably and authentically for themselves, impacting their organizations and those they lead.
My client list includes or has included individuals holding Executive or Senior Level roles in Sales, Marketing, Operations, Finance, Customer Success, General Counsel, Law Enforcement, and Training and Development in various industries.
Please contact me to chat about working together as you strive to be an excellent all-around leader and seek to have the healthiest organization possible!
– Joshua McArthur
Coaching Niche and Other Notes
Member and Elder at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Austin Texas.
MA in Organizational Leadership – Concordia University Irvine (Townsend Institute)
Executive Coaching & Consulting Certificate (part of MA in Organizational Leadership program)
Biographical Info
Brenda’s heart is for God’s people. She is a life long Lutheran, first with Lutheran Church Canada until 2019 when she and her husband became a member of an LCMS congregation closest to her home. She has been a Rostered Deaconess in the Lutheran Church since 2000. She is currently on candidate status and seeking to serve God’s people locally, nationally and international as a Christian Life, Leadership, and Reconciliation Coach through Renewing Light Coaching Ministry. She is a certified elementary and high school teacher working in the Adult Alternative and Continuing Education Program of her local public secondary school board in order to coach others at a minimal cost.
Besides her CCLC (Certified Christian Leadership Coach) certification with Coach Approach Ministries, Brenda has her certificate in Coaching for Reconciliation through Ambassadors of Reconciliation.
Brenda’s heart is to help people know the Lord more deeply, and to support them in their life as God’s unique, precious creation. She has experience first hand and is well aware that God’s people are not immune to turmoil, frustrations and heart ache but it is who we lean on and how we handle such situations that makes the difference. It is her desire to help them to see their worth and identity in Christ, and to seek outcomes that are God pleasing, while identifying and eliminating any lies and barriers that may be keeping them from living out their calling and shining the light of Christ as brightly as they could be in any and all aspects of their life.
Coaching Niche and Other Notes
Brenda specializes in
* Life & Stewardship Coaching: overcome time management issues, identify God-given talents and abilities for His service, and/or recognize and eliminate financial and budgeting stressors, in all aspects of life
* Christian Coaching for Conflict Reconciliation
* Being a Coach for Professional Church Workers, Church leaders, and their spouses
* Self-Awareness & Team Building Retreats
* Either online or in-person coaching
Biographical Info
In a nutshell, I’ve been married for 38 years. My husband is a Detective with the San Antonio Police Department. Our daughter teaches art at an elementary school in DISD. Our first grandchild was born on Thanksgiving Day, 2020. Our daughter divorced after an emotionally abusive marriage but reconnected with an old friend and is now happily married. Yes, much love and challenges are wrapped up in that nutshell!
My 35-year career started with IRS Criminal Investigation. As a Special Agent, I investigated complex tax fraud and money laundering. My husband also got his degree in Criminal Justice and then went to work for San Antonio Police Department. So after our daughter was born, I turned in my badge and gun. When I was ready to return to the workforce, I found my skills were valuable to reputable tax attorneys and became a Certified Fraud Examiner. For the next 20+ years, I greatly enjoyed helping clients with their IRS civil and criminal cases.
One thing is certain in life – changes! With changes at work and home, being debt free allowed me to pursue my calling where I can serve others as my full-time career and help others through their transitions. Christ and ministry have always been important to me, and I’m living my dream, making it the central focus of my workday. All my education, training, and experience have led me to this point where I can serve you.
I’m very disciplined, so my day starts with coffee, bible, prayer, and working out. I am also an avid reader; I published Your Daily Companion to the Bible and am finishing up a draft for my second one. I served faithfully with Campus Crusade for Christ for four years, teaching at Lackland Air Force Base. For over 8-years now, I have led Bible studies and seminars/retreats for LINC-San Antonio and now serve on their Board. Precept Ministries trained me to teach the Inductive Bible Study Method. I have served in various leadership capacities at our local church, including Sunday School teacher (that’s where it starts), Sunday School Director, Board of Lay Ministers for Missions, and Board of Lay Ministers for Adult Education. Now I serve as the Lead Evangelist trainer for Area C in our LCMS Texas District.
My husband and I enjoy hiking and traveling. We’ve been blessed to zip-line through a rain forest and raft down the rapids in Costa Rica, rappel down a waterfall in Kauai, attempt to scuba dive off the Gold Coast in Australia, kneel at the star of Bethlehem where Jesus was born, ride in a boat across the Sea of Galilee, and follow the footsteps of Paul in Greece and Turkey. Our last big adventure was to Germany in 2022 for the Luther Lands Tour and the Oberammergau Passion play so I could see the country where I was born.
Coaching Niche and Other Notes
Laura is an Executive Certified Coach (ECC which is recognized as level 2 from the ICF) trained by Coach Approach Ministries. Professionally, she serves as a Promised Land Living Coach Presenter, Lead Trainer and Coach for LCMS Texas District Area C, and author of Your Daily Companion to the Bible. Having spent a 35-year career as a Financial Investigator, she finds it refreshing to have her vocation and ministry align as she serves others to help them draw closer to God by making His Word applicable to their life and relevant to help today. Laura finds coaching the perfect way for others to discover the abundant life Jesus intended.
See http://www.BoldHopeCoaching.com for more information
Biographical Info
A passionate scholar, Dr. Vanessa Seifert applies proven principals in a customized manner to help overcome barriers and empower lasting change. At her core, Vanessa believes life is a journey that includes countless opportunities for growth. She helps leaders influence those around them to learn, grow and contribute to their communities.
Vanessa guides leaders to uncover answers to their critical questions, unlocking individual and group potential. Her credentials include a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership; an International Coaching Federation’s Associate Coaching Credential (gold standard of coaching); and a Gallup Strengths Coaching Credential. Work on her doctoral dissertation fueled her interest in concepts of how organizational growth first starts with individual change.
Vanessa has served as executive coach for a variety of nonprofit, business and church leaders including the Nebraska District LCMS President, Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska CEO and executive team, and a variety of business clients through previous work at Leadership Resources. In 2017, she initiated Leadership Learning Communities, a two-year leadership development process that includes individual coaching and peer group learning for pastors in Nebraska. Vanessa also coaches LCMS pastors remotely throughout the country.
In addition to her work as president and executive coach of Seifert Leadership Consulting, Vanessa is a called DCE-Discipleship Catalyst at Calvary Lutheran church in Lincoln, Nebraska. In this role, she helps teach Adult Bible study and provides resources for the church and community to further the idea that all of life is faith and all of faith is life. These experiences provide ongoing insights into organizational dynamics that continue to enhance her insights on coaching and leadership development in the church and beyond.
Coaching Niche and Other Notes
Pastoral Leadership Coaching – Customized coaching for pastors, integrating life and church/community leadership with a theological lens.
Ministry Coaching – Customized coaching for individual pastors and/or ministry teams, exploring and practicing topics such as personal and church discipleship practices, growing in leadership-behaviors, practicing Sabbath/sustainable life rhythms, how to grow leaders, communication, teamwork, and any customized leadership topic of choice.
Leadership Coaching – Customized coaching for District/Synodical leaders, professors, and anyone who leads and encourages pastors in their life and ministry.
In addition to coaching, Vanessa offers:
– Consultation in the areas of customizing leadership development/creating growth environments, enhancing approaches to pastors conferences from an adult education perspective, and any topics connecting theology with leadership and adult learning
– In person workshops and remote webinars
– Conference speaking
Biographical Info
Hi! I’m Alison! A little about me:
I’m a SED Certified Coach, Enneagram Certified Coach + former Licensed Clinical Social Worker. …What that means is I’ve always been passionate about helping people + listening to their stories. My husband (an LCMS pastor) likes to joke that I’ve been using my social work + coaching skills on our 5 kids every day 🙂
The truth is, being a parent (of 5!?!) is hard + trying to “do it all” is even harder. I spent a long time floundering through life, listening to the self-defeating messages that were telling me that I couldn’t measure up to anyone else, and I was probably going to fail, so I shouldn’t try. I should ignore my callings. Those voices kept me stuck for a while…until I realized they aren’t truth + I don’t have to listen to them or believe them any more.
Thats when I became an Enneagram Certified Coach (Type 4–The Individualist) and learned so much about myself that helped me to recognize my gifts + use my strengths instead of focusing on my weaknesses.
When we moved to Virginia for my husband’s Call, I enrolled in the SED coaching program + found such joy in helping people move forward on their dreams + helping them just get through the stuff keeping them stuck on your average Tuesday. I was so excited about everything I was doing that I had to do the hard thing + follow my own dreams. Now I coach women on how to take their next right step in life, including coaching on all the actions + thoughts that are keeping them stuck.
My family lives in the Virginia Beach area and its definitely an upgrade from snowy + below zero Minnesota. I love to read, craft + be outside in nature. I look forward to meeting you!
Coaching Niche and Other Notes
I love coaching women on the habits, thoughts + mindsets that are standing in the way of them making the changes that they are seeking. Together, we will figure out what is preventing you from taking the next step–what you have been wanting to do but are holding back on. Some of the things I coach on include:
setting boundaries at work, home + in relationships
confidently making decisions
handling difficult relationships
tackling big goals at work + at home
quieting the negative thoughts + voice of your inner critic
getting comfortable with challenging emotions
transforming destructive habits
creating goals + a plan to meet them
developing routines + sticking to them
changing the way you react when under stress
–>I’d love to talk about your unique situation + how I can help with coaching!
Biographical Info
Naomi Stohlmann is the Founder and CEO of Innovative Leadership Solutions, LLC that provides leadership coaching, training, and consulting services. Clients include LCMS pastors, church professionals, and higher education professionals, including athletics. Naomi has facilitated 22 Relational Nutrients: The Fuel to Thrive, the past three years at BPM.
We have identified the 5 most common Giants facing leaders, teams, and organizations and the rock-solid solutions to overcome them. More than ever before, leaders, teams, and organizations need to be focused and agile in creative, innovative, and collaborative ways to navigate reality. Giants fall when seeking and surrendering to God’s transformational power, wisdom, and grace.
Naomi graduated with a bachelor’s degree (K-12 Physical Education) from Concordia University-St. Paul (MN) and a master’s degree in Executive Coaching & Consultation from the Townsend Institute at Concordia University-Irvine (CA). Before pivoting to leadership and team performance coaching, she was an educator, athletic coach, and a retail sports event and store manager. She also received a master’s degree in Higher and Postsecondary Education from Arizona State University.
Naomi lives in Honolulu, HI and is a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Aiea where she served as the Administrative Assistant until 2023. Since 2016, Naomi has served as a certified trainer with Positive Coaching Alliance leading workshops for coaches, parents, and student-athletes. She has been with Lyra Clinical Associates since May 2023 as an Emotional Wellness Coach.
Naomi is the oldest of five and enjoys being an auntie to her nieces and nephew. Her mother, Jeanette Stohlmann, was a Lutheran elementary teacher and ESL teacher. Her late father, Rev. Dr. Stephen Stohlmann was a pastor and long-time Theology professor at Concordia University-St. Paul.
Coaching Niche and Other Notes
ICF PCC credentialed coach and adheres to their Code of Ethics.
ACE Coach Accelerator Enhanced Practitioner and ACE certified coach.
Certified practitioner of the EQi-2.0 and 360 assessment and The Four Lenses personality preferences assessment. Additional assessments used include: TPRAT (Townsend Personal and Relational Assessment Tool), Cliftonstrengths, and Saboteur (Positive Intelligence). She has also participated in the PQ Mental Fitness Program, People Acuity Self-Leadership Interdependent Series (1 of 4), Townsend Leadership Program (TLP), and the National Speaker’s Association-MN Chapter Speakers Academy.
Conducts 360 Feedback interviews.
In-person observations.
Provides individual coaching, team coaching, and group coaching in-person or video call.
A few growth and development focus areas: transitioning from management to leadership, strengthening emotional intelligence skills, enhancing leadership presence, communicating effectively, resolving conflict, setting boundaries, and overcoming superhero syndrome.
Facilitates in-person workshops and webinars.
Creates as a curriculum designer and developer (classroom, training, e-learning, and workshops) addressing training needs in strengthening emotional intelligence, leadership, communication, and collaboration skills towards building meaningful relationships, cultivating healthy cultures, and high performance in support of an organization’s vision.
Biographical Info
I served in the church for 18 years as an office manager and pastoral ministry assistant. As a church volunteer I have served as Assimilation Chairperson, LWML Secretary and President, Lay Minister of Administration, Coordinator of Congregational Renewal Team and Multi-Site coordinator. Currently serving as Leader of Pregnancy Support Group for single moms and in my second 2-year term as Congregation President. While not officially having the title of “coach” in these positions, my role has always been to affect positive change whether proactively, amidst transitions, or through adaptive change.
I have authored two books: The Good News According to Rock-n-Roll and Be Quick to Listen with Dr. Rick Bommelje.
I earned a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Behavior from Rollins College in Winter Park, FL and a master’s degree in Positive Organization Development and Change from Case Western University/Weatherhead School of Management, Cleveland, OH.
In addition to the CCLC certification, I have a Certificate in Developing Leadership Through Emotional Intelligence and Appreciative Inquiry Certificate In Positive Business And Society Change from Case Western Reserve University.
Coaching Niche and Other Notes
Most people dislike change. I did, until I started studying the science of change and realizing how vital adaptability is in this unpredictable world. You might have heard the statement that the ‘only constant is change’. Therefore, life and everything in it is subject to transformation. When it comes to individuals, coaching is all about change. The same holds true for organizations that have been the subject of a myriad of change management theories. That’s why guiding people and organizations through change is my passion. I like to focus on adaptability, building resilience, increasing opportunities, overcoming resistance and new ways to promote positive personal and organizational development. I am an Appreciative Inquiry practitioner and utilize that method when coaching clients and guiding and mentoring organizations through change.
Biographical Info
Jay Winters has been coaching since 2018. He got interested coaching after attending a training session on coaching. Since then, he has been using coaching in his ministry at a campus ministry at Florida State University, as well as with others who have been scattered throughout the globe.
Jay Winters grew up on the mission field as the son of a missionary in the Philippines where he lived until he was almost 13. After the Philippines, Jay and his family moved to St. Louis, MO, where his parents still reside. Jay completed an English BA for his undergraduate degree at Concordia University – Nebraska, and moved on to Concordia Seminary in St. Louis MO.
It was while he was at Concordia Seminary that Jay began to become interested in campus ministry work. This led him to be able to take a vicarage (internship) assignment at First Lutheran in Gainesville, FL – the campus ministry to the campus of the University of Florida. After completing his time in Gainesville and his last academic year at Concordia Seminary, Jay was called to University Lutheran in Tallahassee, where he continues to serve as pastor and campus minister.
While in Gainesville, Jay met his wife, Liz. They have three daughters together, Cricket Belle, Tempest Jane, and Willow Ann.
Coaching Niche and Other Notes
Leadership Coaching – Working with leaders from the for-profit and non-profit sectors.
Campus Ministry Coaching – Working with those who serve college campuses, especially new and start up campus ministries.
Ministry Coaching – Working with those who work in churches in a variety of roles
