Author Profiles

Annis Cassells

In addition to a master's in counseling from California State University, Bakersfield, Annis Cassells holds a master's in reading.  Her undergraduate degree is from Eastern Michigan University, which is noted as the "first teachers college west of the Alleghenies."  A coach, mentor, and workshop presenter, Annis is the founder and operator of Connections & Conversations.

Annis has been called a "natural teacher" by administrators, colleagues, and parents.  During her exemplary 34-year career in education, she has taught all levels, kindergarten through adults, with most of her experience teaching middle school.  Annis has also served as a mentor teacher, university instructor, and staff developer.  Today, she is committed to eradicating workplace isolation, supporting staff, and creating a safe, productive learning environment.  Annis possesses a strong desire -- and a gift -- for boosting the confidence, talents, and skills of teachers and other school personnel.

Pearl T Mattenson

Pearl Mattenson is a Leadership and Life Coach who specializes in building the capacity of both veteran and aspiring leaders in the service sector and non-profit world. Pearlis particularly attuned to enabling her clients to excel in their organizations. Pearl works with people to set goals, take action and learn from the results of that action. Her clients are professionals who want to take their leadership capabilities to a new level- developing themselves and learning to develop others. Pearl is currently coaching several novice Heads of Independent Schools.

With a master’s degree in the Design and Evaluation of Educational Programs from StanfordUniversity, Pearl launched an over 23 year career in Education and non-profit leadership. She has been a teacher, family educator, and Principal and has consulted to private schools on governance, teacher development, and school change initiatives. Having acquired a focused expertise in teacher development she helped to conceptualize two pre-service teacher education programs. As the National Education Director for a civil rights organization she worked with law enforcement agencies, medical schools and public schools on issues relating to diversity and bias, designing and leading intensive workshops on institutional and attitudinal change. Pearl has also written or edited educational publications for Houghton Mifflin, Wellesley College Center for Research on Women, and Frontline.

Pearl has completed over 116 hours of coach training from the Coaches Training Institute and will be a certified coach in 2007. She is a member of the International Coach Federation. Pearl is married with two sons, she is fluent in Hebrew and conversational Japanese.

Melinda Abrams

Melinda Abrams, cpcc, is a leader in transformational learning for individuals and groups. People who work with Melinda say that she provides clarity, excitement, and momentum infused with confidence.  She specializes in designing and co-designing experiential learning that deepens understanding and catapults people into action.

Melinda holds a Masters of School administration from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.  She is a certified 7 Habits of Highly Effective People trainer, and a certified Co-Active coach. She owns and operates Lifepowercoaching in Chapel Hill, NC.

Kristen Beireis

Over the years I have had several different careers, ranging from Music Teacher to Singer/Actress.   There came a moment when I realized that I wasn't living the life I really wanted.  I knew something had to change, but had NO IDEA what those changes might be and how I might go about it.  So, I hired a Life Coach.  Through this amazing process, I decided to move home to Ohio and pursue a career in Life Coaching. 

Alison Wilcox

Co-Founder of Educated Visions, Founder of The Mindful Classroom

Before becoming a coach I was a teacher specializing in inner-city schools in both Toronto, Canada and London, UK.  I received coaching training at Landmark Education 2001-2003, and have completed Phase I of the certification for the International Association of Coaches.  I trained extensively in creating and nurturing relationships, and served as Head Coach and Coach for the Communication: Access to Power and the Communication: Performance and Power programs.