Welcome to the Governing and Leadership body of the Minnesota Coaches Association. 2012 represents the largest leadership team to date for the Minnesota Coaches Association. All teams, with the exception of the Executive Team (Presidents) are co-led. The 2012 Leadership team will serve varied terms. The 2012 leadership team will begin their service in January.
Karen Karsten, CPCC President
I believe in the power of coaching and in MCA’s mission in supporting coaches.
I support what I believe in with direct action and involvement, not by just talking about it. I think what I can bring to the board is a wide range of experience in many areas., and a willingness to use that experience in new ways.
Karen Karsten is a coach, writer and small business owner. Her latest work is forthcoming in The Saint Paul Almanac 2012. Prior to coaching, Karen worked as an editorial coordinator for a large new age publisher for several years. She also worked for Borders books as a community relations coordinator and held a variety of management positions in the U.S. Postal Service.
Certified Professional Coactive Coach, Graduate of Coaches Training International,
Graduate of Artbundance™ Coaching Program,
B.A., English, University of Minnesota, Graduate study, Hamline University, Certified facilitator, Purpose Project
Other Experience: Executive Director, Rich Chicks/CEO, Think You Can LLC/Adjunct Instructor, Women Venture
Community Organizations: Past president; Highland Park Business and Professional Women (BPWMN), South Suburban National Organization of Women (NOW) and Federally Employed Women (FEW)
Contact: President@minnesotacoaches.org Phone: 651-788-6712
Website: www.thinkyoucan.net and www.richchicks.org
Anne Olson, PMP, CPCC President Elect
Throughout my career as a project manager in major corporations, I have 
employed networking to get the job done. After completing my coaching training through Coaches Training Institute (CTI) in December of 2006, I realized that connections were the key and the common ground in my work. I became a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) through CTI in November of 2009. In January, 2010, Living Wide Open, LLC was formed to serve my coaching and consulting clients.
I have been a member of Minnesota Coaches Association (MCA) since July of 2006 and have volunteered in many areas. I served as the editor of the Catalyst for two years and worked on the Communications team for those same two years.
I am interested in serving on the Membership Committee now to make members feel welcome within the Minnesota Coaches Association and encourage those members to take advantage of all the benefits available to them through their membership.
Contact: Presidentelect@minnesotacoaches.org Phone: 612-750-0440
Sydney A. Paredes, MBA, MA-ABS, Certified Integral Coach® Past President
I come from a line of Oregon pioneers and have also lived in Colorado and 
Florida before moving to Taylors Falls, MN, almost 8 years ago. My husband Donald Hansen and I have 5 grown children and 4 grandsons between us. We enjoy ballroom dance and have a maple syrup operation which supports local youth programs. I hold an Executive MBA from the University of Oregon and a MA-ABS from Bastyr University in Seattle and worked 30+ years in the telecommunications industry before becoming an executive coach.
I founded my own executive coaching firm, Breakthrough Leadership, and have coached leaders and teams for over 10 years. I’m a Certified Integral Coach through New Ventures West. I also co-created Full Circle Leadership development programs for emerging women leaders. I help leaders relax into their strengths to be more powerful and make a greater impact. I have extensive experience working with diverse teams as executive leader, team member, educator, facilitator, and coach. I have served on the MCA board as co-chair of the Greater Community team and in 2010 as president-elect.
I am committed to help others develop coaching skills and I enjoy friendship and collaboration with other coaches (my tribe). Serving MCA is a great way to do both. I want to help MCA grow into a more powerful member of a broader community of people and organization who are making a difference in the world.
Contact:Pastpresident@minnesotacoaches.org Phone: 651-465-6007
Website: www.breakthruleader.com www.fullcircleleadership.com
Sandi Quint, CLC
Treasurer
I have a passion for empowering people to engage their talents and strengths 
and to never settle for less than where their passions lead them. I believe in helping people of all ages figure out what they want to do and be when they grow up – whether they are currently 18, 48 or 78.
I also believe that all aspects of our lives are intertwined so deeply that to work in one area inevitably changes another area. As such, I have worked with individuals and groups to explore the body, mind and spirit inter-connectivity.
I have worked for many years in corporate America. I have observed much and participated in many projects trying to improve how people do their jobs. I believe in service and process improvement as it relates to this work. I believe in service and human improvement as it relates to coaching.
I have a degree in Health Psychology from Northwestern College in Roseville and I’m an Adler Graduate School Certified Life Coach.
Serving on the board will be an opportunity to give back to a community of kindred spirits I am growing to love. It will also be an opportunity to (selfishly) surround myself with amazing coaches and soak up all the wisdom I can!
Contact: Treasurer@minnesotacoaches.org Phone: 763-222-3207
Kristina Wagner, M.S., CLC, CPCC Secretary
Kristina lives in Mahtomedi, MN with her husband and two daughters. She 
holds a M.S. in Counseling and a B.S. in Vocational Rehabilitation. Kristina is an Adler Certified Coach and recently received the credentials CPCC from the Coaches Training Institute. Kristina continued her education and is currently involved with the CTI Leadership Program in North Carolina. Kristina works locally as a career and education specialist. She has enjoyed using coaching in her workplace and educating others about this emerging field.
Participating in the Minnesota Coaches Association has given me the gifts of professional development and connection with like-minded individuals. Serving on the board for MCA is a way to support and contribute to an organization I care about.
Contact: Secretary@minnesotacoaches.org Phone: 651-260-8936
Sharol Tyra, PCC, CPCC, BSN
Sponsorship Director
Sharol Tyra is a high-energy leader who applies her 30 years of education and 
professional experience to coaching and developing leaders. Sharol of Life Illumination is an experienced internationally certified professional coach, published author, and speaker who specializes in success and fulfillment by helping Trailblazers, from all industries, expand their horizons!
Sharol is a seasoned and actively committed MCA member and volunteer. She has served MCA in many ways over the last decade including membership on professional development and membership teams, various planning activities, membership drives, facilitation, registration host, committee meetings, auctions, teleclass leader, ICF highlights presenter, recruiter, teacher and mentor.
Sharol’s broad and impressive leadership experience, honed communication skills, history and commitment to MCA, and broad network combine to create a fabulous foundation for creating and delivering the MCA story and value proposition to potential sponsors. Her background includes both public and private sector leadership roles and extensive training in and support of the coaching industry. Sharol is known for her ability to connect with business executives and create environments for rapid learning and sustained change to move forward.
Sharol is married to Dan and the mother of one precious son, Blake. Sharol also enjoys playing with Wellington-our puppy dog, fitness, reading, flower gardening, beading, coffee with friends, and scenic vacations.
Contact: Sponsorship@minnesotacoaches.org Phone: 763-477-9186
Website: www.LifeIllumination.com Email: Sharol@LifeIllumination.com
Elizabeth Dickinson, B.Ed., M.A, CLC, MACP Marketing/PR Director
I’m an Adler-certified coach with a B.Ed. Honours from Cambridge University, 
and an M.A. in Psychology from Lesley University I also hold yoga, Feng Shui, and hypnotherapy certifications. (I love creating guided relaxations/personalized visualizations for clients.) I’ve worked as an actor, community organizer, and lobbyist. Married for 24 years, we have three well-loved cats. Other interests include writing and flower gardening.
One of my biggest passions is social and competitive ballroom dancing. Partnership dancing is a rich life metaphor since much of our ‘life movement’ is not solitary. ‘Moving’ through life is much more fun when values of sociability, beauty and music combine. I like to make that metaphor and values available to my clients.
As a new MCA board member, I want to generate more positive awareness in the media about the MCA and coaching’s benefits. Coaching ‘moves the world forward’ in so many ways by increasing both individuals’ and organizations’ ability to recognize and realize their most important dreams/goals.
Contact: Marketing@minnesotacoaches.org Phone: 651-235-1208
Membership Team
We seek to deepen the connection to coaches who are members and enhance member benefits. The team does this through meet and greet registration, the summer picnic, a holiday party, an annual survey, strategic alliances and promotion of coach involvement throughout the organization.
Catherine Compton, BA/MA/CLC
Membership Co-Lead
Professional Coach and Consultant focused on life and career transition 
coaching, combined with Organizational Effectiveness, and Leadership Development consulting. Experiences include Human Resource Management, Leadership Development, and Clinical Healthcare. Through the Adler Graduate School, I was introduced to the coaching profession and practice principles that purposefully and effectively empower individual transformation. The same principles also apply in the consulting arena supporting organizational transformation. Through MCA membership, I have had the opportunity to experience community, collaboration, and positive transformation through relationships with MCA members and my brief experience with the MCA board.
My interest in co-chairing the membership committee is to provide a welcoming, informative, and positive experience to current and new members and facilitate sharing, support and knowledge while providing a positive and engaging community.
Contact: Membership@minnesotacoaches.org Phone: 952-212-6023
Lyndra Hearn Antonson, CPCC, MSW
Membership Co-Lead
After moving around a lot as a youth, I attended graduate school in Vermont 
and was “never” going to leave. Divine guidance brought me to Minneapolis 15 years ago and this is definitely home.
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Social Work, a successful 25-year career as a licensed psychotherapist, and is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach and a Certified Calling in “The One” Coach. I wasn’t looking to change careers but after reading my first life coaching book, there was no turning back. I became a certified life coach through CTI in 2008. She now successfully coaches others on how to find true and lasting love.
After clearing my own inner obstacles to love, I met my husband, Dale, and married for the first time at 48. We just celebrated seven years of marriage. Assisting individuals and couples in having greater love is absolutely my life purpose.
I was slow to get involved with MCA because it’s “easier” to stay home. Now I’m reaping the many benefits that come from making a small effort to participate. I hope to encourage other area coaches to take full advantage of the great opportunities for learning and friendship that MCA provides.
Contact: Membership@minnesotacoaches.org Phone: 952-212-1682
Website: www.loverelationshipcoach.com
Communications/IT Team
The Communications Co-lead manages external contact with the greater community and non-members and also includes Public Relations, Public Image of the MCA Brand, interaction with coach training schools, affiliations, sponsorships, expositions, conferences, etc.
The IT Co-lead manages the website development and branding, design and administration including event postings and all webpage changes throughout the year.
Julie Berg, M.A.
Communications Director
Born and raised in Wisconsin, I’m a daughter to awesome parents, sister to two 
cherished siblings, wife to the DDS, dog-mom to a forever-young yellow lab, auntie to two adorable toddlers, devoted friend, proud Cheesehead, cabin lover, Elton John devotee, popular culture junkie, and passionate solopreneur (HRD Consulting).
I have an M.A. in Human Resources Development and I’m a graduate of Coaches Training Institute. 20+ years of business experience. I’m coach to high potential individual contributors and new leaders in small to mid-size corporations and training consultant to awesome companies across the Twin Cities. Former board member of ASTD-TCC. Current co-chair of the ASTD Coaching SIG.
It’s my responsibility as a professional to contribute actively to making my profession better for its practitioners and those we serve. I also value the opportunity to work with a team of kindred spirits where we can learn, grow and serve the membership together.
Contact: Communications@minnesotacoaches.org Phone: 612-859-4339
Website: www.julie-berg.com
Pam Nicholls, CLC
Information Technology Director
Pam is the Owner of Coaching…Conversations That Matter-a professional 
coaching business that focuses people to live their best life. Pam believes that the most important conversations in life revolve around “What matters?”, “What’s possible?” and “What’s next?” Coaching specialties include Business/Career Coaching, Life Coaching, Transitions Coaching and Wellness Coaching. Pam is a Certified Life Coach through Adler Graduate School of Psychology.
Pam’s previous career experience includes Human Capital Development, Director of Learning, Project Management for a CEO, Training and Development, Performance Management, Business Process Improvements and Sales Management.
She specialized in coaching of leaders and executives; strategic training development programs in client management, customer service skills and operational process improvement. She led organizational development initiatives in change management, culture transformation, customer focused process improvement, performance management, customer satisfaction/survey processes, leadership coaching and sales management.
I want to get involved in this organization where I know that I can make a contribution to its future growth. I believe I can bring my leadership and project management skills to accelerate positive change that benefits the organization. I’m looking forward to working on the changes in the MN Coaches Association that continue to build our profession, our learning community and our collaboration with one another.
Contact: It@minnesotacoaches.org Phone: 952-201-8394
Website: www.coachingconversationsthatmatter.com
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Professional Development (Programming)
Oversees the following components of Professional Development:
- Monthly MCA Meetings: Provides speakers and programs for MCA monthly in-person meetings.
- Virtual Classroom: Provides speakers and guests for monthly virtual classroom calls.
Speaker Guidelines: If you are interested in being a speaker/leading a program, please click here.
Contact the team at ProfDev@minnesotacoaches.org if you have any questions or are interested in becoming a presenter for the MCA.
Dennis Stockdale
Professional Development Co-Lead
Denny Stockdale is an award winning author, a professional coach, 
motivational speaker and president of the Minnesota-based personal development consulting company Stockdale Resource Group, Denny helps clients reconnect with lost dreams, achieve work-life balance and discover their life calling through highly personalized coaching and workshops.
I graduated from Coach For Life in 2005. Since then, I added coaching to my list of services I offer my clients. I have extensive leadership experience in a variety of volunteer roles ranging from being on the welcoming committee for Minnesota Speakers Association in 1980’s through serving on the board of directors with a professional association of computer users.
I have a strong desire to help create a deeper community. Through my involvement with the Professional Development committee, I want to bring in top presenters with high-value programs to help our members continue their development. I enjoy working with presenters and making deeper connections.
Contact: Profdev@minnesotacoaches.org Phone: 952-920-7171
Website: www.dennystockdale.com
Tom Maher, CPCC, ACC
Professional Development Co-Lead
Tom Maher has worn many hats throughout his professional career from grocer to data analyst to personal care assistant to mobile DJ to actor and musician. He started on his path of coaching in early 2009 shortly after being relieved of his corporate job. Tom enrolled in The Coaches Training Institute’s program in 2009 and was certified by CTI in early 2010 and certified by the ICF shortly after that.
Coming from a creative background, he quickly narrowed his niche to musicians, actors, comics and models who want their most dynamic performances on the stage and their most fulfilling life off the stage. His company, Endless Possibilities Coaching and Speaking, LLC is based on the idea that the possibilities are endless! Sometimes one just needs to LOOK to see that! This creates a balance between his right brained skills in owning a business and the left brained creativity that is abundant in his niche professions.
Tom has supported the MCA in numerous ways since joining the organization in early 2009. He has accepted volunteer opportunities, written for the Catalyst, supported the communications team, as well as the Professional Development team, where his co-hosting of the monthly Teleclass has earned him the un-official title of “The Voice of the MCA” from several satisfied teleclass attendees. Tom officially joined the MCA Board of Directors as a Co-Lead of the Professional Development team at the close of 2011 and is open to and excited about what this opportunity may have in store for him and how he may serve the community.
Contact: Profdev@minnesotacoaches.org Phone: 612-200-9394
Website: www.epcoachtom.com
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