Team LEVATA ®
We're a team of experienced self-starters and collaborators with a common goal:
to use our combined business consulting expertise to help people and organizations reach new heights. Together, we’re on a mission to exponentially pay it forward.
Our Service Team
Carrie Ahmad, Service Leader
I have more than 20 years of experience in human capital management, organizational design and development, change management, standing up HR organizations, and business operations. I believe in the power of servant leadership and enjoy partnering with clients to guide them to maximize their strengths while providing objective insights on business decisions that impact people.
Favorite Project: My favorite recent project was building an HR framework for a nonprofit organization with nearly 200 employees. The organization had been in existence for 22 years without HR and had begun to feel the pain of not having strong talent acquisition, talent management, and talent retention practices in place. Through the design, development and execution of the framework, the organization realized improved retention of top talent, increases in diversity hiring, and significant improvement in employee satisfaction and engagement.
True North: Partnering with organizations to develop human capital initiatives that enable growth for the business and its people is what ignites my professional passion. Above all, I am fully engaged and excited when I get to come alongside individuals and organizations to identify their needs and desires and to partner with them on their path to success.
Passion Points: My amazing husband, my super cool son, and our adorable rescue pup are the true passions of my life. I also love traveling anywhere and everywhere. The ocean or the mountains – you can put me in either place and I will be happy – I am as content to swim as I am to hike. And I have a love-hate relationship with Orangetheory Fitness.
Paying it Forward: Service is a source of joy in my life!
I lead my church's local partnership with Carrie Steele Pitts Home, a youth residence home, here in Atlanta. We provide life skills workshops, career workshops, support for seniors heading off to college, funding and items needed for their summer camp program, holiday celebration activities, and more as needs arise.
My husband, son and I also serve globally as we partner with our church (On Mission Church), Operation Mobilization, and missionaries in Panama to help local villages with basic medical needs and camps for kids including VBS and sports camps.
I serve in the Kids Ministry and Prayer Ministry at church.
As a family we financially support Sheltering Wings and Operation Mobilization - two amazing organizations that serve and minister to people all over the world.
Terry Bynum, Service Leader
My professional vision is to be a trusted advisor who inspires a growth mindset to lifelong learning and change.
I am a dedicated transformation leader with a passion to lead others to excellence by leveraging my organizational development, organizational design, change management and training expertise to maximize the return on investment of human capital and add value through performance/process improvement programs that achieve optimal performance levels.
Honest ACTS, an acronym for Accountability, Consistency, Team player, and Success are the core values used to govern my behavior as I fulfill my professional vision and mission.
Favorite Project: While working in the financial service industry, I worked as training and change management SME for a merger between two giant organizations in investment banking with renown brands. The focus of this merger was to create One Team, One Leader. Both organizations had huge footprints in the north of the US with low visibility and influence in the south. What stands out is the challenge we had with blending the north vs south US cultures. Personalities and communications stills were vastly different. We overcame this challenge with roadshows and a valuing diversity training program. What I liked is how the project team bonded during the implementation of presenting roadshows and delivering training. Because of the way we bonded, it was easy to demonstrate how to value diversity by sharing our journey as a project team who began to work with a different level of energy and cohesiveness. Our story became a testimony told often throughout our organizations on the journey to become One Team, One leader.
True North: I am passionate about creating full circle wins both in my personal and professional life. That is the legacy I want to leave. Whether I am focused on work or something happening on my life journey. I strive to make positive impact that translate into wins for my leader, team, organization, clients, our community, or the world we live in.
Passion Points: I enjoy cooking, learning new things, traveling, and being fit. I love spending time with my family and friends. I am that guy who enjoys grilling or creating a delicious feast to fellowship, live, laugh and love. I also love trying different cuisines, restaurants, and other culture’s food.
Paying it Forward: I have a natural ability to be a server and giver. Its common for me to pitch in and support others in a variety of ways. Whether its at a church function or other. I am fulfilled by sharing and giving to purposeful events or spending one-on-one time to a person in need of support.
Casey DeBruyn , Service Leader
I am a dynamic and accomplished industrial/organizational psychologist with a unique approach to my work. I am passionate about helping individuals make their work easier and their lives better and organizations reach their full potential. To do this, I leverage innovative strategies backed by over 20 years of industry experience that align business objectives with people-centric, data-driven solutions. For me, it is all about the people, engaging with and building strong relationships across the organization, and working towards a common goal together.
Favorite Project
While I have worked on numerous impactful projects for me, I remember the people and the positive impact each project had on the associates. One of my favorite projects involved standing up an English as a Learned Language program. I secured a $26K state grant to launch the program at a sizeable manufacturing facility for multilingual associates, opening a new talent pipeline with no additional operating costs to the organization. These are the types of projects I truly enjoyed simply because I was able to find a way to drive positive impacts for the associates and the organization.
True North
I am an outspoken advocate for people. Individual and organizational success is realized when inspiration and purpose are discovered. My true north is guiding and directing individuals, helping organizations find that purpose, and moving toward that transformation. I love to empower individuals, leaders, and organizations to create that sustainable success.
Passion Points
As a lifelong learner, I spend a lot of my time reading, researching, and writing about topics in the world of I/O Psychology, business and the workplace, and workplace mental health. I also love teaching and helping others discover their passions through learning. I teach graduate psychology courses at Purdue University Global, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and I love to bring real-world examples of topics we are discussing to my courses.
Paying It Forward
I love coaching and mentoring others. As a proud Navy veteran, I volunteer as a career coach and mentor to transitioning service members through Veterati and Hire Our Heroes. Both organizations help transitioning veterans or active-duty service members discover new ways to apply their military service skills in civilian jobs. Through these programs, I can help provide the missing support that the army transition program does not address. I also mentor and coach individuals who recently graduated or are close to graduating with I/O psychology degrees, helping them network, explore opportunities, and develop their initial career pathways.
Dawn Dominick, Service Leader
I am your “go-to girl” with a background in learning and development, change management, project management, and business management operations who will make sure you have what you need to be successful. My ability to keep things simple and easily relatable allows me to maintain lasting connections with colleagues and leaders. Transparency, honesty, and authenticity are why people enjoy working with me. My experience in coaching leaders and large teams enables me to quickly bring organizations together, creating a positive atmosphere that produces creative and sustainable solutions.
Favorite Project: My favorite “project” was my first project, transitioning a COBALT blue MRP system to a highly customized MRP system for a DOD shipyard. I volunteered to help, not knowing within two months I would be working full-time to help design, test, and train our entire finance and business management business units. It was a very large enterprise project that required a lot of process documentation and changes in how the company did business and interacted with their suppliers. So many connections and memories were made as a result of that volunteer project, and it still drives me to take opportunities as they come, because you never know where they may lead!
True North: My true North is helping people see their unique values and connecting them with individuals from different backgrounds. When a person can connect their world to another’s, they begin to think more deeply and more openly. I love seeing people from different social, economic and professional backgrounds come together as one unit; the transformation that occurs is what brings me joy every day. At LEVATA Human Performance, we open doors for people to connect every day, and that is something to be EXCITED about.
Passion Points: If I am not working for you, then I may be volunteering )not as much as I would like too) at a local winery here in Houston, helping as a sous chef (or just quality checking the wine 😊), taking urban hikes around the city of Houston, or planning my next solo or group trip. I spend at least 2-3 weeks a year in Southeast Asia because you can never have too much street food and waterfalls!
Paying it Forward: My service to the community comes in waves⛈🌊, literally as a resident of Texas we experience alot of tropical/hurricane storms that batter our communities. I spend a lot of my "Hurricane Season"- June-September helping Gulf Coast communities come together and provide some resemblance of home once a storm rips through peoples homes and businesses. Human rights🙌 are very near and dear to my heart and I try to support organizations and events that bring awareness to the LGBTQIA+ young and seasoned leaders every chance I can.
Angel Emerson, Service Leader
I am a Delivery Executive and Change Enablement leader, with over 20 years of experience within IT and business organizations across multiple industries. I connect with and empower individuals and organizations to embrace change, always anchored to purpose. I have a Masters in Executive Leadership and Organizational Change, am an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coach Federation (ICF), certified change management professional through both the ACMP and Prosci ® change practitioner (ADKAR), and am a certified PMP.
Favorite Project: One of my favorite projects was partnering with colleagues to pilot an organizational change management methodology within an enterprise transformation initiative. The initiative gave me the opportunity to leverage my passion for learning, strategy, and execution. Through this work, enterprise OCM capability took root and continues to grow to this day!
True North: I view each day as an opportunity to be the best version of myself and see challenges as opportunities that open doors to possibilities. My true north is helping others discover and embrace their strengths and unleash their full potential. LEVATA enables me to be my whole self, model radical transparency (head, heart, body) and work with the best of the best!
Passion Points: My happy place is my front porch swing. I love to read, connect with friends, and spend time with family
Pay It Forward: Coaching gives me the opportunity to give back to those that do not have access to employer paid coaching programs and or who are not able to afford individual coaching.
Nyota Hyppolite, Service Leader
As a Learning and Development Specialist, I bring a unique blend of skills to drive organizational growth and transformation to support the successful implementation of change initiatives. With over 20 years of experience working across the pharmaceutical, manufacturing and eCommerce industries, I served in the areas of performance improvement, change management, and employee development. I am people-centric and helping people grow and develop is a true passion. My goal is to effectively support impactful program initiatives that drive both individual and organizational growth.
Favorite Project: I spearheaded the launch of a Quality Assurance lab within an automotive manufacturing company facing a high volume of core product returns due to quality issues stemming from the manufacturing and assembly processes. Upon identifying root causes and coordinating with stakeholders and SMEs, I designed and implemented a comprehensive quality toolkit that outlined best practices, established quality control measures, identified corrective action training, and defined continuous improvement initiatives. Assembly workers, being equipped with the necessary tools for success, gained confidence and were empowered to achieve aligned results effectively and efficiently, leading to a significant reduction in core product defects.
True North: Team Player. I have a caring and empathetic nature and genuinely enjoy forging meaningful connections. I appreciate the opportunity to learn from, share with, and to collaborate with others. I am a great listener, contributor, and respect the contribution of others.
Passion Points: My not so little dividends aka sons, Sasha, and Stephan; spending quality time with family and friends and embarking on travel adventures both near and far.
Paying it Forward: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” With genuine compassion, I extend a helping hand wherever it is needed, putting my heart into making a positive impact. I have a heartfelt commitment to making a positive impact, and one way I channel that commitment is through volunteering. Whether it is within ministry, my local community or on an international scale, I eagerly lend my time and skills wherever there is a need. Being able to contribute to various organizations has not only broadened my perspective but has also reinforced my belief in the power of collective action. I find immense fulfillment in being part of initiatives that make a meaningful difference, and I am always eager to explore new opportunities to contribute to the well-being of communities, both near and far.
Rebecca King, Operations Manager
Across the decades, I’ve worked across all areas of a business and enjoy appreciating the individual components and how they all fit together to form the whole picture of the business. At my core, I’m a behind-the-scenes kind of gal who makes friends across departments and loves being knee-deep in a team. I enjoy contemplating and creating improvements and efficiencies across processes, yielding better business practices. It’s really about how we can work together to function greater as a group than our individual selves. It takes teamwork to make the dream work!
Favorite Project: I spearheaded rescuing a customer’s project that was drowning; one of the partners was bankrupt, deadlines had slipped, and demands were being thrown around. Our team worked with the consulting company, found an ally and mapped out a solid plan: requisites prior to onsite visit, effective timeframe for work to be completed on all sides, follow-up items. The project effectively and positively came to completion and the consultant offered me a job at their consulting firm if I ever wanted one. Satisfaction!
True North: Working to become the best version of myself, along with others, is what drives me. Diving into our shared connected humanity – family, friends, colleagues, volunteering, etc. – and making deep and meaningful connections is the beauty of life. When we can support and uplift each other, absolutely anything is possible. LEVATA is the embodiment of this.
Passion Points: Volunteering within my community has helped me grow so much as an individual! I truly receive back twice the benefit of the time and energy I provide to others. Whether it’s corralling corporate resources for homeless shelter donation, assembling toiletry bags for battered women’s shelters or leading discussions at an addiction recovery center, being witness to others’ struggles humbles and inspires me. Oh, and I also love hiking and camping in beautiful Colorado – it breathes new life into me!
Erica Lange, Service Leader
With over 15 years of a wide variety of HR experience including recruiting, on and offboarding, compensation, organizational design, training, benefits, and employee relations, I have chosen to take my career into a service leadership and consulting role. I have previous experience within large, complex organizations as well as small startups which provides me a well-versed approach to different needs. I have expertise in working with all levels of an organization from front-line to executives on day-to-day HR issues and organizational strategies and development. As a team player who has created and developed long lasting relationships, I am always up for the next challenge and to give my best to solve a problem.
Favorite Project: While working for a large complex organization, we had acquired several additional businesses in a very short time. The challenge was to integrate and align old and new company practices, procedures, policies, and systems with many different ideas and opinions. While this project was challenging, it was one of my most favorite because I helped uncover the good, the bad and the ugly of systems, benefit plans, HR practices, procedures, and tools utilized. I learned to listen and understand the different perspectives and reasons behind, while ensuring we were moving forward with overall business solution and success. Taking a quote from Henry Ford – If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.
True North: People and personal connections are what motivates me on a day-to-day basis. Creating genuine relationships both personally and professionally is the key to driving growth and is what makes a difference in the end. In my opinion, companies who put their employees first is the first step to a successful business.
Passion Points: When I am outside of work, you can find me enjoying wine (and good beer), going on adventures with my husband Joe and Mini Goldendoodle Betty White, planning my next travel escape, listening to music, being on a lake or floating in a pool, and staying connected with my friends and family.
Michelle Kissler, Service Leader
With over 13 years of experience in change management, project management, process improvement, and human resources, I've had the privilege of working across a variety of industries, including technology, hospitality, healthcare, finance, mining, insurance, manufacturing, and aerospace. My journey has allowed me to lead transformative projects, design strategic frameworks, and build impactful relationships with leaders and employees at all organizational levels. I hold certifications in Project Management (PMP), Change Management (CCMP), and Human Resources (SHRM-CP), which have equipped me with the tools to navigate complex transformations and drive successful outcomes. My expertise includes organizational change strategy and deployment, program and project management, human capital strategy, and data visualization using Power BI and Tableau.
Favorite Project: One of the most memorable projects I have led involved a comprehensive change management initiative for a global health non-profit organization. The project aimed to enhance the product development process within the global health division, establishing synergies between the different product strategy teams in their product portfolio, and building alignment for measurability and benchmarking. Through in-depth stakeholder interviews, we crafted recommendations for the future state design, noting change impacts, while also identifying critical pain points and potential resistance, which guided our targeted interventions. This project stands out not only because of its scale and complexity but also because of the significant positive impact it had on the organization’s ability to deliver on its mission.
True North: My true north is grounded in a deep sense of purpose and connection. I find joy in building meaningful relationships and making a tangible difference in the lives of others. Whether it’s through my professional endeavors or personal interactions, I strive to foster environments where people feel valued and empowered. The fulfillment that comes from seeing individuals and organizations thrive is what keeps me motivated and passionate about my work.
Passion Points: When I'm not immersed in work, you can often find me coaching and playing volleyball. I coach 7- to 11-year-olds in an indoor youth program and 12- to 18-year-old girls in beach volleyball. I also love to play and compete at the A/AA level, having played all over the country from Seaside, OR to Clearwater Beach, FL. Besides volleyball, I enjoy paddleboarding, camping, hiking, traveling, attending concerts and food festivals, reading, and binge-watching series with my cat, Boo.
Pay it Forward: Giving back to the community is a cornerstone of my personal philosophy. I am passionate about coaching and mentoring young athletes, helping them develop not only their skills but also their confidence and teamwork. I organize and run charity volleyball tournaments, raising funds for various local causes. Additionally, I volunteer for professional organizations such as the PMI Mile Hi Chapter and SHRM, contributing my expertise to support the development of fellow professionals. These activities allow me to make a positive impact, connect with my community, and support causes that are close to my heart.
Debi Lake, Service Leader
I partner with leaders, teams, and organizations to help them achieve new levels of success. With 20+ years of experience in organization development, learning and leadership development, talent management, project management, change enablement, and coaching, I focus on processes and programs that promote the evolution of people and organizations and I am passionately instrumental in that development.
Favorite Project:
While at a health care company I created, facilitated, and continuously improved 3 distinct leadership development programs (Emerging/New Supervisors, Mid-level leaders, and Executives) that each ran over the course of a year, were cohort based, and incorporated self-assessments, manager reinforcement activities, 360-degree assessments, team building, action learning projects, development planning, and coaching. Each program was specifically created to enable participants to build skills, create meaningful connections, and improve performance which resulted in company-wide culture transformation. Many of the participants have ascended to new leadership roles in the organization.
True North:
My passion is building people and organizations. I listen to understand where they are and where they want to go. I help create conditions that enable others to realize and develop their potential.
Passion Points:
Outside of work I enjoy working out, skiing, riding horses, and cooking healthy meals. I love spending time with family and friends trying new restaurants (especially ones with outdoor seating), celebrating little and big accomplishments, and laughing and enjoying time together. I also love to travel and visit new places.
Paying It Forward
I co-founded (in 2002) and co-direct the Organization Development Network-Greater Denver Region (ODN-GDR). The professional development and networking group of 2300+ members serves those interested in exploring, learning, and sharing information about the organization development (OD) field. As a volunteer, I provide program strategy and management oversight including a yearly RFP process and hosting 11 sessions per year. We strive to increase the impact of OD throughout the Colorado Front Range business community by fostering an ongoing intellectual dialogue, challenging the intellectual growth among OD practitioners, and stimulating the expansion of practical skills and knowledge.
I volunteer at Denver Jewish Day School, serving on various committees.
My husband and I co-coach all of our son’s sports teams (soccer, basketball, baseball, and flag football).
Kendra Lesner, Service Leader
I have more than 15 years of experience in learning and employee development in both healthcare and manufacturing. My background includes a mix of employee development, engagement, change management and adoption, communication development, project management and coaching. I enjoy facilitating discussions and partnering with stakeholders and business leaders to troubleshoot and develop strategies to improve performance. I have a master’s in organizational performance and earned my CPC through the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching.
Favorite Project: One of my favorite projects to date was partnering with the business to stand up an organizational change management framework to support teams in leading through change. Through this work we were able to increase leadership alignment, visibility, accountability, and support our front-line employees who were most impacted by change. It was challenging, rewarding, and ultimately set our employees up for success.
True North: Throughout my career, my goal has been to help others be successful, whether that is personally, professionally, or helping them adopt a new technology change or process. I believe that performance is truly rooted in helping our people be successful. When you get to live what you truly value both inside and outside of work, it makes choosing LEVATA the easiest and most rewarding choice to date.
Passion Points: I most enjoy being with my husband, our two golden pups, and our friends and family. Growing up in Colorado, I have spent my fair share of time enjoying the endless days of sunshine camping or hiking. And as a recent transplant to Western Michigan, I fully intend on taking advantage of that lake life! I love being creative in the kitchen, eating delicious food, watching and attending sporting events, and traveling to new and fun places.
Margaret "Maggie" Mandich- Covello, Service Leader
I am a passionate change leader with over a decade of experience in consulting, project management and organizational change. I focus on relationship building and identifying the unique strengths of others. I am certified PMP as well as a certified change management professional through both ACMP and Prosci ®. Currently, I am pursuing a master’s in organizational psychology
Favorite Project: My favorite project was a volunteer position managing the grants program for a local nonprofit organization. While this project was challenging, getting to know each of the emerging nonprofits that were applying to the program and learning of their impact inspired my work and taught me so much about how you can support your community. Working alongside motivated individuals willing to donate their time to give back to their community was a wonderful experience that resulted in great connections and lasting relationships.
True North: My true north is relentless curiosity. I believe life is about staying open to discovery and learning. There is always something to learn from in my experiences, surroundings and in the people, I meet along the way.
Passion Points:My best time is time spent with my family, enjoying the outdoors, or going for walks with my very mischievous pup, Brownie. You will often find me baking for friends and family, reading a book, or planning my next trip.
Paying it Forward: I have always been dedicated to giving back to my community. I enjoy helping prepare meals for my church soup kitchen, sorting clothing and donations for Cradles to Crayons, running charity races, and participating in my kids volunteer day activities.
Maggie "Mags" Metzler, Service Leader
I’m known for my infectious positivity, relationship building and communication skills, in addition to my willingness to tackle any task, no matter how large or small. I joined LEVATA in 2020, bringing with me more than a decade of operational excellence, change & project management, process improvement and compliance expertise.
Favorite Project: An international hospitality powerhouse had grown quickly in just a handful of years and was struggling to align processes across functional areas due to state/country regulations, language differences and location size. In order to align hundreds of people across the world with many different ideas of how to operate, we first had to get to know these different acquisitions and what their current operations looked like. I was fortunate enough to spend months on the phone with folks all over the world, talking about their businesses, what worked, what didn’t work, documenting their processes and identifying gaps. It was unbelievable getting to connect with so many different people and understanding what lit them up in their work and, eventually, having a hand in helping improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their daily activities.
True North: Authentic connections; those powerful moments of vulnerability and human awareness from which sprout personal and professional growth. It is one thing to promote values and mission statements, it’s quite another to live and breathe them as we do at LEVATA. I love being part of a team that inspires authentic partnership with our clients.
Passion Points: I love my two dogs (Maeby and George Michael) probably more than what is healthy and enjoy spending my time off giving them their best life. I enjoy cold drinks on sunny patios, live blues music and spending time on my family’s farm (which will soon have been in our family 100 years).
Paying It Forward: From a young age, my mother instilled in me the fulfillment of service. Throughout my childhood, we donated our time weekly to people and organizations in our community, something I'm still committed to today.
Together with my family, we have raised over $600k for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in memory of our mother, who passed away with MS in 2007.
I also have a passion for supporting young girls in their journey toward confidence and resilience. Through multiple organizations, I mentor girls ages 12-18, ensuring they graduate high school and build a meaningful life.
Laura Page, Service Leader
I have always loved meeting new people and helping design professional solutions. I’ve been in the consulting world for over 15 years, specializing in the enterprise resource planning (ERP) space, primarily for manufacturing companies. My passion lies in organizational change management and learning & development, especially when I can help others realize true benefits related to their impacting changes. I’m down-to-earth, collaborative, enthusiastic and dedicated.
Favorite Project: My first foray into the ERP world was my favorite. I led the learning development efforts for a global manufacturing firm by coordinating SAP training and change management materials across 14 implementation sites. Organizing 90-day site-specific project training documentation deadlines and allocating training personnel for 24-hour manufacturing plants provided incredible insight into supply chain and developed my passion for change and training, and manufacturing!
True North: It’s incredible that LEVATA’s values so closely align with my own; I’m transparent sometimes to a fault, and I have a firm who embraces that. I believe in meaningful connections, and it drives my interactions daily. I love being part of company that believes in karma and is so focused on humanity. LEVATA puts people first, and I’m so thankful for the flexibility I’ve been given to embrace a work life balance. Ultimately, the colleagues I have now at LEVATA are an incredible array of trusted mentors, genuine friends, and individuals who I trust, respect, and am proud to have in my life and work alongside.
Passion Points: I am always planning my next adventure, whether it’s fly fishing around the world with my husband, Thom, or learning a new language to order wine in a new country. I’m thankful I have an 8-year-old daughter, Evie, who has picked up golf, skiing, and making homemade pasta. Listen for the sound of laughter, and you can find us in the mountains, at a brewery, eating at a new restaurant, or walking our Swissy, Rooster, around the park.
Paying It Forward: Outside of being an unpaid professional chaperone to an 8-year-old, I currently serve on the ACMP Colorado Board of Directors as the Membership Chair.
Holly Betts Piturro, Service Leader
I am an experienced leader with a passion for elevating the unique skills of people to meet business goals. I am fortunate enough to have worked across many functions and projects in my 25-year career and am comfortable in HR, IT, and Operations. I love that as a consultant I get to do it all! I thrive in an environment where I can strategically solve problems, leverage my capacity for execution, and develop people along the way.
Favorite Project: I have been fortunate enough to work on so many impactful projects, but the one that stands out recently is developing a global frontline leader program across four different continents and in four languages. I was able to partner with an operations working group to identify the true needs of the leaders at this level and incorporate them with hands-on practice with challenging and very real scenarios. Over 1000 front-line leaders and 75 operations instructors were trained on the program. The organization continues to deliver and build on the program today.
True North: My true north is being able to lift people up – whether it’s through one-on-one coaching, developing a leadership program, or even project managing or leading change management on a software implementation. It’s important to me to celebrate wins and recognize people for their hard work. I personally love to work hard, continuously learn, and have fun along the way. Many of the projects we partner with a client on demand a lot from their organization and they can really grow people or really burn them out. I enjoy being able to step in and lift the load where I can.
Passion Points: I have so many passions but of course spending time with my children tops the list! Dancing and spending time with the people in my life is a close second. I love being outside –it is grounding and energizing at the same time. I am a long-time yoga and meditation teacher and am starting to dabble in music, especially my new hand pan and cajon drum, although it does not come naturally! I love learning new things, always have. I am also passionate but having some peace and quiet now and then – I learn a lot from a quiet moment.
Paying It Forward
I am currently doing a certification to teach yoga in prisons and donate yoga sessions to special events for non-profits. I especially enjoy teaching once a year at an annual teenager leadership event run by a friend of mine.
Aaron Plush, Service Leader
I have been recognized for my keen insights into the processes, structures, and especially the people that make up the essence of modern business. With over two decades of business leadership, I am equally comfortable in the boardroom of established corporations and the back rooms of startups, where I easily roll up my sleeves to go hands-on with tough problems in any setting. As a consultant, my toolbox is complete with skills required to get the job done, whatever its scope and details, on time, on budget, and to the highest degree of excellence. When I apply my considerable analytical muscle to an assignment, my solutions are practical and substantive. I draw from a vast library of experience earned during a lifetime of top-level leadership.
Favorite Project: Ultimately, I have had favorite components of all my projects across my professional career. I am most enthusiastic about finding order in the chaos of a project. Projects of this nature allow me to thrive and to use my unique expertise and skillset to the absolute fullest. With this point in my mind one of my favorite projects was the full implementation of an in-house Managed Service Provider (MSP) for a client to manage their Contingent Labor Workforce.
True North: Spectacular, as always of course. It is both my desire and goal to be spectacular at all times in what I do and what I present. This mindset allows me to give my all each and every time. With me joining the Levata team, I am excited about bringing my entire authentic self to work while making amazing things happen together as a team.
Passion Points: The power of my Christian faith and the sincerity of my caring about and empathy for people, whether they are friends, colleagues, clients, or strangers is a true characteristic of what I am most passionate about. I deeply care about those around me and the impact we are able to have on each other’s lives.
Pay it Forward: Mentoring is a true passion of mine. This passion comes from a place of understanding that my success is directly predicated upon my ability to bring others along with me. Advising them of what I have learned and being an open book about it. The key component to mentorship is ultimately empowering the mentee to know that he or she is in total control. My role as mentor is never to tell them what to do, it is simply to provide life examples, perspectives of my own experiences and allowing them the space to come to the conclusions that are best for their lives. Mentorship is certainly an act of Ministry for me and is directly tied to my love of Jesus Christ in the Christian faith.
Rachel Rainey, Service Leader
With over 15 years of experience, I excel at helping leaders, teams, and organizations prepare for and drive change within their companies. I am known as a relationship-builder, thought-partner and problem-solver in complex situations. Client satisfaction and success are of top importance to me, and I always strive to exceed expectations.
Favorite Project: My favorite project was almost my most challenging one. I was supporting a client through a three-year supply chain transformation. When I started this project, I knew very little about the restaurant industry, but spent many hours working side-by-side with several restaurant managers learning the business. Through this experience, I was able to create a customized change management strategy that really worked for the operators. While the technology that was implemented to support the transformation was ultimately rolled back, I learned so much about the importance of designing a change strategy that is relevant and impactful to the business and the power of a positive culture.
True North: Creating genuine, trust-based relationships with my colleagues and clients. I believe that so much can be built on strong relationships and these relationships are critical to our collective success, both professionally and personally. I find a lot of energy in partnering with and learning from others to bring the best possible solution forward.
Passion Points: My biggest passion in life is my family, including my husband, Ian, and our three kids (ages 6, 3, and 9 months). I also love working out at the gym and riding my Peloton bike!
Yanessa Sanchez, Service Leader
I am dedicated to serving as a strategic partner for organizations aiming to revolutionize or refine their approach to change management, enabling them to navigate transitions smoothly and achieve their business goals swiftly. Drawing from over two decades of expertise in change management and business analysis, I join every project with curiosity and a commitment to teamwork. My track record spans diverse organizational hierarchies and a spectrum of change management initiatives, attesting to my versatility and effectiveness in facilitating transformative change at any scale.
Favorite Project: As the Organizational Change Management Lead spearheading the onboarding phase for over 120 international heads, I navigated complex challenges rooted in cultural assimilation. Tapping into my curiosity and affinity for interpersonal connections, I initiated my approach by immersing myself in the realities of the new team members, prioritizing trust-building through immediate wins. This proactive stance not only facilitated genuine insights but also empowered me to furnish senior leadership with targeted recommendations aimed at mitigating disruption and fostering acceptance.
True North: I am a positive person full of energy. My daily cup is filled when surrounded by others who can elevate me or when I can do so in return.
Passion Points: I am an avid traveler and enjoy creating new experiences with my family. When I’m not traveling or at the gym, you can find me at home next to my fur baby (Myko), holding a book in one hand and a glass of wine in the other.
Paying It Forward: When I’m not at work, I support our 17-year-old daughter in her competitive activities, both within our state and beyond, while also navigating the adolescent waters with our 13-year-old son. Whenever possible, I extend a caring hand to the furry residents of a nearby shelter, offering them the tender loving care they deserve.
Cathy Sonderman, Service Leader
I am a visionary and results-oriented individual with a varied background in leadership and organizational development. I’m known for my ability to build strong, influential relationships with leaders and employees at all levels of the organization. I partner with leaders to improve both individual and organization performance through executive coaching, talent management, and other types of activities and interventions. I began my career in consulting, and have also spent time as a leader working in Fortune 500 organizations. I am at my best when I am facilitating leadership programs, coaching executives to help them achieve their goals and dreams, and building programs and processes to help people succeed.
Favorite Project: My favorite all-time project was building a Global General Manager Development Program. That work allowed me to design a multi-year program that contained elements of personal insight (through personality, cognitive ability, and 360-degree assessments), leadership development (including technical general management skills), action learning assignments, and development planning and coaching. Working with teams of motivated leaders who want to improve and grow in their careers was so satisfying to me, and I delighted in seeing many of these leaders progress through the organization (one of whom ended up taking on the CEO role in that Fortune 500 organization).
True North: I know I’m in the right place when I’m working with people who want to get better. That involves vulnerability, creativity, and partnering to identify next steps. The energy that comes from true collaboration lifts me up every time.
Passion Points: Being in the mountains on one of Colorado’s amazing trails helps to remind me why I’m here. Enjoying a fire and conversation with friends after spending time outside makes it a day well-lived. More than anything, I cherish the time I’ve spent raising my two sons, traveling through life’s journeys together, and benefiting all the way from the loving support of an amazing family.
Paying It Forward
I support my neighborhood high school by serving as a guest speaker for the Psychology class by sharing my knowledge of and practical application of personality and cognitive ability tools.
I provide pro bono coaching for various causes relating to advancing women leaders
Taylor Wall, Service Leader
With over a decade of experience in human resources, business operations, communications, and program management, I believe passionately in a people first approach. I have experience within large, Fortune 500 companies and rapidly growing startup environments giving me a well-rounded and holistic approach to address an organization’s people needs. I enjoy creating engaging employee experiences that align with the strategic objectives of an organization. I am known for my authentic leadership capabilities and ability to problem solve with the big picture in mind. I have a B.S. degree in Communications, am PHR certified, and am currently an MBA Candidate.
Favorite Project: Working with a startup client that had a goal around implementing a completely new performance evaluation process. This project turned into many more people-centered initiatives that included coaching, leadership development, learning and development initiatives, organizational design, and more. At their leadership offsite, you could feel a renewed commitment to their entire business approach. In my experience, once an organization starts investing in their people, the results reveal themselves very quickly. This opens the door to new, creative ways to live their organization’s values and unleash their potential.
True North: My personal values are service, authenticity, and integrity. I aim to always create an environment of trust to build relationships that feel genuine. I believe that business is personal, and that vulnerable leadership brings out the best in people. I feel so fortunate to be part of the LEVATA team where they embrace everyone as their whole selves, allowing our unique strengths to deliver the best value to our clients.
Passion Points: I am at my happiest in the kitchen surrounded by good friends and good wine. I love cooking, live music, and long, sunny walks with my dog, Finn. I enjoy staying active and exploring new places as often as I can.
Paying It Forward: One of my personal core values is that of "service." It is incredible important to me to show up to make my community a better place.
I currently serve on the Colorado Unites for St. Jude committee. As a previous patient of St. Jude, this organization has meant a lot to my family over the years.
I am also the Co-Chair of the Women's Foundation of Colorado's Empowerment Council that creates community and builds economic power for women and their families.
In 2019 I was given the award of "Downtown Champion" by the Downtown Denver Partnership for my leadership, vision, and dedication to Denver.
Stephanie Williams, Service Leader
My passion is authentically partnering with clients to bring about meaningful transformation and enable people to thrive at work. Organization, team, and leadership development are my primary areas of focus. Along with 20+ years of experience that combines internal corporate roles, academics, and large and small consulting firms, I bring a deep curiosity and desire to understand the uniqueness of each organization and team so that we can craft and implement solutions that inspire the greatest success.
Favorite Project: My favorite project was an overall organization development effort with a medium-sized manufacturing company. During the pandemic, this company struggled to attract and retain talent as morale throughout the plant plummeted. Our team listened to people from all areas of the company to understand and diagnose what was happening. In partnership with company leaders and employee groups, we created and implemented a wide variety of solutions, from redesigning processes to helping managers change behaviors to providing more holistic support to people.
True North: I truly believe that organizations can provide a sense of purpose and enable people to flourish. Yet organizational dynamics and systems too often end up as a source of pain. What drives me in my work is helping organizations and teams reformulate unhealthy patterns to create positive and abundant work environments.
Passion Points: Exploring and learning new things brings me great joy in life! I am a voracious reader and love traveling the world with my son George and my partner Michael. Whether at home or abroad, time in nature is also essential for my well-being. You can find me hiking and skiing mountains, taking long walks along a coast, or simply sitting on a patio savoring the sights and sounds of beautiful surroundings. I enjoy good food, wine, live music of most flavors, and super challenging jigsaw puzzles.
Paying It Forward: I grew up in a family where service was highly valued and integrated into life. My mother started a non-profit organization, Village Project Africa, that runs a school near her home in rural Kenya. This organization is a family affair, and I contribute by writing grant proposals, engaging with donors, consulting with school leaders on organizational issues, visiting Kenya to volunteer on the ground, and sponsoring a child who otherwise would not be able to get an education.
In addition, I recently served on the Board for SAME Café in Denver and am an Elder at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Several times a year, I volunteer with the organization Casa de Paz to support people and families who are seeking asylum.
Leadership Team
Sheila Alishouse, Chief of Client Service
I am a serious problem solver with a core understanding of how to get things done with people! I've spent over 25 years in business leading teams and others to exceed their personal and professional expectations. My goal is to serve our team members and our clients so they walk away from their experience with me knowing it provided value to them.
Favorite Project: My favorite project of all time was putting together a leadership development program, which was ground-breaking at the time for my company. It challenged me to dig deep and do something different, and it was fun. I still get comments today about how important it was for leaders who attended.
True North: I’ve always had a strong passion for people and for doing the right thing. When I had the opportunity to build a company that always puts people first and doesn’t just say they do, I had to do it. We are the company that I always wanted to belong to.
Passion Points: I love God, helping other people find their passions, spending lots of time with my family and friends, and hanging out with my giant yellow lab, Mia. Life is good!
Amy Douglas, Chief of Culture & Connection
By listening deeply, I help clients get to the heart of their challenges and passions. You can count on my energy, authenticity, humor, and humility. I started my career working in organizational design and development and spent over 25 years in both corporate and consulting leadership roles before earning a coaching certification from the Coaches Training Institute and becoming a PCC credentialed coach with the International Coach Federation. My business experience adds instant value for my clients.
Favorite Project: Founding LEVATA with my partners. We've built a company that operates based on our shared belief in the power of people and the outcomes that come from placing people first. We invite our people to bring their whole selves to work in service of others. Even our hardest days together are full of moments that matter...making me smile.
True North: I believe you get out of this world what you are willing to put into it. As a coach and leader, I get to make a difference every day. The world is complex and in need of leaders who can partner with others to create solutions instead of just fixing problems. As I help each person, there is a ripple impact to others. I get to Pay It Forward…Exponentially!
Passion Points: As a Colorado girl transplanted to St. Louis, I thrive on outdoor time and anything that allows me to experience nature. Right now that is mostly soccer fields—not climbing/skiing in the mountains—but I take what I can get! In addition to my favorite activities, the things I cherish most are: my son Luke and daughter Tatum, who bring out both the best and worst parts of me; my husband Glenn who reminds me it is important to play just as hard as I work; and of course, wine nights with the girls.
Paying It Forward: Amy believes in giving back to the community and invests her energy in building the next generation of leaders.
Involved in youth programs that provide development through her children's local schools and sports.
Provides pro-bono coaching as part of her role with the Boettcher Foundation for college students.
Contribute professionally by serving on the Global ICF & ACMP Taskforce. She enjoys investing in both the leaders of today and the leaders of tomorrow and supporting those leaders in making a greater impact through the powerful combination of coaching and change.
Kurt Wolf, Chief Evangelist
Experienced organizational head and founder with a demonstrated history of creating and growing vibrant organizations, firms, and communities. I love and excel at creating an inspiring vision and culture, building collaborative relationships and teams, and engaging groups towards the achievement of their goals. After over 25 years of leadership roles in industry and consulting, I firmly believe that consulting can and should be a noble enterprise. By focusing on the people behind business, we apply the greatest leverage for the greatest good.
Favorite Project: I relish launching new teams and ways of working that fulfill both known and unknown needs in our communities, organizations, and marketplace. From the Denver Metro Association of Change Management Professionals to LEVATA Human Performance, I love making a positive difference in this world through the collective power of people.
True North: I started my career in consulting designing and implementing enterprise systems. I quickly migrated to Change Management as I realized that the alignment and motivation of people was the greatest leverage point for long term success. With LEVATA Human Performance, I look to mobilize this insight.
Passion Points: I treasure playing in the mountains with my family and friends. Whether it’s with my wife, two kids and dog, or friends, I re-charge outside of work with the people I care the most about. Some of my favorite activities are mountain biking, snowboarding, hiking, paddle sports, and outdoor projects at our cabin near Winter Park. And of course, I enjoy the staples: good travel, books, music, food, movies, and beer.
Paying It Forward: Connecting my love of the outdoors and my family!
I help lead my son's Scout Troop and am their Outdoor Activities Coordinator.
Amplifying the power of Executive Coaching and Change Management and leveraging my passion for these disciplines, I co-chair the Global Joint Task Force between the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP). Prior to this, I founded and then led the Colorado ACMP chapter.
Giving back to my alma mater, I serve on the President's Advisory Council for Lawrence University and volunteer and mentor within their Innovation and Entrepreneurship program