Our coaches

Lisa Cormier is an executive coach and leadership trainer living in Ottawa, Canada. She brings over 20 years of experience in management and organizational development. Lisa’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts (Honours in Psychology) and a Master’s degree in Social Work (with a concentration in Administration and Policy). She is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (Coaches Training Institute™) and a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coach Federation. She is certified in three well established 360° Feedback Instruments as well as the Myers Briggs Type Inventory, in addition to having experience with a variety of assessment tools. As an employee of the City of Ottawa, she held various policy and management positions from 1992 to 2001 and her first-hand experience continues to inspire and inform her in her work with other professionals. 

Lisa has been working as a group facilitator and executive coach in the area of leadership development since 2002 in both official languages. She has provided facilitation services and one-on-one coaching to hundreds of managers ranging from first time supervisors to the assistant deputy ministers and vice presidents. Drawing on her experience in the four disciplines of psychology, management, organizational development and consulting, she has a superior understanding of complex organizational and human resource issues. She thrives on supporting executives, managers and high-potential leaders who want to leverage their strengths to achieve personal and organizational success, and make an impact on the environment in which they are working.

Melissa Creede coaches, trains, and facilitates leaders and change makers to activate their full potential. 

Melissa recognized the importance of career management and leadership development early in her own career.  She rose from Project Coordinator to Vice-President in just four short years, and was in a VP executive role by the time she was thirty. Now she coaches others to be purposeful about their own career and leadership aspirations, and be successful in their existing and desired roles. 

Melissa’s strengths include her innate ability to maintain a synergistic balance between big-picture vision and tangible action and results.  Melissa is known for being direct and clear, and for asking powerful questions to achieve clarity, learning, and action.  She challenges clients to look at other perspectives, and to move beyond limiting behaviours and beliefs.  She is celebrated for combining playfulness with purpose, motivation, and results.   

Melissa’s 25-years of experience have taken her from Board Rooms to non-electrified communities in rural Argentina, and everything in between.  Melissa loves working with those interested in making a difference in the world, particularly in the social impact space: clean tech, sustainability, climate change, health care, and diversity and inclusion, to name a few. 

Melissa graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering (P.Eng.) from the University of Ottawa.  She is certified in co-active coaching (CPCC) with the Coaches Training Institute and is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coach Federation.  She is certified and skilled in several assessment tools (Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i 2.0), The Leadership Circle 360, The Birkman Method®, Lominger Voices 360, Leadership Effectiveness Analysis 360 (LEA 360), Hogan Leadership Forecast Series), Workplace Big Five as well as trained and skilled in Appreciative Inquiry and other strengths-based approaches.  Melissa is certified in Positive Intelligence mental fitness (CPQC). 

Melissa has a passion for travel, and has worked and played in over 50 countries, and extensively throughout the US and Canada.    

Dominique Dennery helps organizations and individuals manoeuvre through change and flourish despite adversity. 

She is a fluently bilingual facilitator, consultant, speaker, and coach who brings more than 25 years of experience supporting and engaging individual and group potential in the workplace. Through her professional and personal experiences around the world, she has developed a deep understanding of human growth, group dynamics, leadership, and, crucially, change adaptation. 

Dominique facilitates honest, genuine conversations with leaders and groups. Her group sessions build trust and empower employees to raise the issues limiting their productivity and wellness. Teams can survive and heal in a challenging or toxic work environment, enabling them to develop efficiency and meet shared goals. 

It is a very challenging time to be a leader, and her work with senior management focuses on tangible solutions to their many problems. Emphasizing leading with compassion and humanity while encouraging productivity, we get to the root of systemic and cultural issues and find ways for you to step into your power and become an example for your colleagues and employees. 

Dominique speaks at events, town halls, and all-staff meetings, especially on change adaptation, empowerment, well-being in the workplace, and anti-racism and inclusion. She have led high-level consultations across the country on topics such as housing insecurity, gender-based violence, and racism. And she helps some of the toughest work environments in Canada untangle knots of resentment and dysfunction so employees and leaders alike can thrive. 

In complement to her work as a facilitator and coach, Dominique is a sculptor, with her work appearing in places like Gatineau City Hall, Parc Toussaint Louverture in Montreal, and private collections in Canada and overseas. As a board member of the Ottawa Art Gallery, Dominique works to explore the intersection of art-making and a sense of community, particularly in marginalized communities. 

David Henry is an experienced Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accredited through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and a graduate of the Royal Roads Graduate program in Certified Executive Coaching.  He brings a wealth of leadership and career experience to bear in helping existing and aspiring leaders find their authentic leadership presence.  He brings a calm, curious, and motivational perspective to his client’s development.  David works with leaders across a range of public, private and international organizations. He is also an accredited facilitator of the Leadership Circle Profile, a leading edge 360 professional development tool. 

David is an experienced Government of Canada executive with over 20 years in the federal public service.  He has a proven record of leadership in strategic policy development, science program management, and science and technology program implementation.  He has focused predominately on the fields of environment, climate change, energy, sustainability, and geographic data science. 

Prior to government, David had significant leadership experience in the private sector and with international organisations (United Nations).  He has been fortunate to undertake roles in Europe, Africa and North America.  He has served on a number of public, international and non-for-profit boards. 

David holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geology and Computing from the Open University, UK;  and Higher National Diploma in Land Use (Cartography) from the University of Bedfordshire, UK. 

As a former Vice President in the Public Service of Canada and with more than 20 years in the executive rank, Patricia Jaton has extensive knowledge and experience and honed competencies in several areas including executive/leadership development, conflict resolution, values & ethics, employee and organizational effectiveness and well-being, as well as in transformational initiatives related to organizational culture. She now works with various clients as a trained professional coach and consultant, and she shares her passion for people and their growth. 

Over the course of her 34-year career, Patricia created and implemented several new people-centric programs and services – she was Health Canada’s first Ombuds in the early 2000’s – and she worked on Public Service-wide HR policies and guidance as VP, Policy and Communications, at the Public Service Commission from 2017 to 2021. When she was at the Canada School of Public Service, Patricia was responsible for leadership development programs. Moreover, Patricia occupied the position of Deputy Secretary to the Governor General from 2011 to 2017 which allowed her to work on national and international matters.  The various positions she held in several departments allowed her to acquire considerable experience and expertise in dealing with a wide range of people management issues that were both complex and sensitive. 

Patricia is recognized for her engaging collaborative approach with various stakeholders and partners and strong communication/writing abilities in both official languages. 

Patricia is an ICF accredited professional coach who also offers mentoring and career management services including preparing for interviews at the executive level. 

In addition to her university degree, Patricia obtained a University Certificate in Organizational Values and Ethics from Carleton University. She successfully completed the training offered by an institution recognized by ICF to act as a professional coach, and by the International Ombuds Association to serve as ombuds. Moreover, she is certified to administer and interpret the Leadership Circle Profile (LCP) – a 360-degree leadership assessment tool – and she possesses a Certification in Creating Positive Change offered by The Change Lab in Australia. 

Daniel Labonté is a retired CEO with over 30 years of leadership experience spanning the private, not-for-profit and public sectors.   He has led diverse teams across sales, marketing, information technology, talent management, organization development and general management.  Since retirement, Daniel has continued to shape the next generation of business leaders by sharing his vast knowledge and experience through individual coaching. Prior to retirement, Daniel was the CEO of MD Financial Management, a wealth management firm dedicated to serving Canada’s physicians and their families.  As MD Financial’s CEO, Daniel completed the successful M&A integration of MD into Scotiabank and delivered the first Canadian pension fund designed specifically for physicians. Post-retirement, Daniel continues his support of MD and the physician community by serving as the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Medicus Pension Plan.  

Throughout his career, he has delivered transformational business results by creating environments where individuals and teams can thrive through collaboration and innovation. His inspirational leadership is anchored in his deep belief that truly outstanding organizational success is achieved by developing brilliant talent. His commitment to Executive and Leadership coaching is a hallmark of his career, one that he has been engaging in for over 15 years. He is a trusted leader and is sought out for his unique ability to help people see the unrealized potential within themselves. 

Daniel has applied his experience in strategy and business to various board governance and committee roles including the Investment Funds Institute of Canada, MD Financial Management and MD’s multiple OSFI regulated subsidiaries. Daniel’s creative and unique perspectives drove new methods and approaches to expanding public programs with private sector funding, both at a national and international level.  His ability to navigate complex business situations while maintaining unwavering commitment to people development has been instrumental as he led companies through enterprise and cultural transformation, M&A, divestitures and a global pandemic.  

Daniel earned both a Bachelor of Science and an MBA from the University of Ottawa. He holds a Post-Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching from Royal Roads University, as also graduated from the Advanced Management Program at the Harward Business School. He is fluently bilingual in French and English, and has an International Coaching Federation certification (PCC).  

Denis Lévesque acquired his Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Ottawa. Eighteen years later, he obtained his graduate certificate in executive coaching at the University of Royal Roads (CEC) and his professional coaching certification from the International Coaching Federation (PCC). Denis is a professional who helps companies and leaders ignite growth, improve profitability and achieve results. Known as an engaging coach, speaker, trainer and author, Denis uses his business acumen and expertise in human performance behaviours to spark success.

Kira Schoch is an ICF PCC, Certified Executive Coach with a passion for helping mission-driven executives, emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals dive deep for results that positively impact their leadership, relationships, and the overall health of their organizations and lives. She also holds a Trauma-Informed Coaching Certification (TICC). 

As an executive and leadership coach for the past 14 years, Kira’s approach is transformational, embodied, holistic, and trauma-informed. She partners with clients to unlock the power of their authentic selves—supporting them in actualizing their potential and leadership mastery at both individual and collective levels. This inside-out approach empowers clients to align who they are with how they lead—cultivating purposeful action, high-trust relationships, and meaningful results for all stakeholders, at work and beyond. 

Over the past 14 years, Kira has coached mid- to executive-level leaders across a wide range of sectors, including private and public organizations, not-for-profits, and healthcare. She brings a rich cross-pollination of ideas, practices, and insights that deepen and enrich her coaching. Kira honors the uniqueness of each individual and understands the nuances of organizational culture, pressure, and leadership complexity—adapting her approach to meet each client where they are. 

Kira’s background includes over 25 years in the professional services industry, where she progressed into senior leadership roles before launching and leading her own firm. Over eight years, she grew that firm with clients ranging from down the street to around the globe. Since transitioning her focus exclusively to coaching and leadership development in 2012, Kira has been dedicated to helping leaders grow personally and professionally—supporting them to maximize and harmonize individual and collective growth, relationships, and organizational success. 

Christina Tector draws on over 20 years of experience working in the federal public service in the fields of leadership and organizational change. She is passionate about facilitating, supporting and accompanying leaders to discover their own personal development edges, fulfill their potential and elevate the teams of people they lead. Christina cares deeply about creating a climate of trust, compassion and authenticity for healthy humans to thrive in healthy systems.

Christina delivers leadership programs through the Canada School of Public Service, the University of Ottawa’s Telfer Executive Programs & the Global Learning & Development Centre at the United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR). She works with teams to support them to strengthen both their relationships and their impact. Christina also coaches clients individually and in small groups, to help them re-discover their own sense of agency and inner guidance.

Christina is a lifelong learner. She is an Integral Associate Coach, a Qualified Mindfulness-Based Symptom Management teacher.  She is a certified Emotional Intelligence (EQ-i) Feedback Facilitator and Action Learning Group Facilitator. She holds a Masters of Education Degree in Counselling Psychology from McGill University.

Kristopher Tharris is an experienced educator, facilitator, and leadership consultant with over 15 years of practice in creating engaging, learner-centered environments. Known for his ability to translate complex ideas into clear, visually compelling models, he specializes in using technology to enhance learning, ensuring it is grounded in both theory and practice. Kristopher has lived and worked across North and South America, Europe, and Africa, bringing a global perspective to his work. He is fluent in French and English and holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Western University), an MBA (Royal Roads), a Master of Educational Technology (UBC), and undergraduate degrees in Education and Spanish Literature (Trent University). He is also a Certified Management Consultant (CMC Canada) and LEGO Serious Play facilitator. His recent work includes collaborating with the International Federation of the Red Cross Red Crescent on a global resolution related to first aid, teaching at the University of Western Ontario in the Faculty of Education and leading innovation strategy workshops for the United Nations Environment Programme.