The Leaders
The team volunteering to enable the change makers of the world
Catalyzing World-Changing Nonprofits Since 2006
The Coach Initiative bridges two worlds: elite coaching expertise and passionate nonprofits ready to amplify their impact.
Born from a bold vision in 2006, founders Bobette Reeder, Donna Steinhorn, and Guy Stickney created a pathway for experienced coaches to serve organizations that transform communities but lack resources for professional development.
With seed funding from the Harnisch Foundation and guidance from industry leaders, we began by empowering Stand Up for Kids leadership through targeted coaching. This successful model has since helped hundreds of nonprofits worldwide elevate their vision, strengthen their teams, and multiply their impact.
For nearly two decades, we've remained committed to a simple truth: when nonprofit leaders receive world-class coaching, communities thrive.
Our Mission
The Coach Initiative offers coaching support to exponentially expand the positive global impact of projects that focus on the betterment of the human condition and on uplifting the human spirit. Because of our firm belief in the coaching process, we know that projects supported by coaches will have an even greater positive impact on the world.
Our Vision
The Coach Initiative looks to a future where every not-for-profit organization with the purpose of making a positive impact in the world has the support of a professional coach to enhance their contribution toward safer, healthier, happier, more productive global citizenry and the protection and care of our planet.
Our Board
Board Members
Terri Hase
Terri Hase, our current President, is a grounded, realistic individual, with a talent for making the seemingly impossible possible. She has been called an ‘iron first in a velvet glove’, due to her no-nonsense, cut-to-the-chase style.
Learn more from Terri's LinkedIn
Donna Steinhorn
Donna Steinhorn is current Past President and founder of The Coach Initiative and also founder of Coaching to Success and co-founder of Conversation Among Masters. She is the former Executive Vice President for CoachVille.
Bobette Reeder
Bobette Reeder is a past President and founder of The Coach Initiative. A Master Certified Coach and a past president of the International Coach Federation (ICF).
Learn more from Bobette's LinkedIn
Phyllis Haynes
Phyllis Haynes is a founding member and Emeritus Board member of the Coach Initiative. She continues as a key media producer and advisor based on her extensive career in television and documentary production.
Learn more from Phyllis's website
LuAnn Buechler
LuAnn Buechler, known as the “Little Spark,” is a Business Coach, Master Trainer, Transformational Speaker, and Past President of The Coach Initiative who helps entrepreneurs create joyful, values-driven businesses through passion, people, and process.
Neil Alcala
Neil Alcala is a Coach Initiative Past President and CEO of DirectPay. Neil Alcala has worked in the eCommerce industry for over 20 years.
Don Maruska
Don Maruska founded and was CEO of three Silicon Valley companies and a venture investor earning a National Innovator Award. He now serves as a Master Certified Coaching helping leaders and teams succeed.
Nikki Anardo
Nikki Anarado is a certified relationship coach, social strategist and matchmaker helping high-achieving women in helping professions build healthy, intentional connections through emotional clarity, confidence, and the Prepare to Be Pursued™ framework.
Linda Drake
Linda Drake, PCC, has been an administrative support leader for coaches since 2007.
Her coach-centric focus and attention to detail make her a valuable asset to any team.
Dr. Cheryl Clark
Dr. Cheryl Clark is internationally recognized as a leader in Correctional Education and Treatment Programs.
Learn more from Cherie's LinkedIn
Bryan Groden
Bryan Groden is Trusted Client Advisor and Coach with Over 25 Years Experience helping Business and Technology Leaders Achieve Their Most Critical Goals and Initiatives.
Chinmai Swamy
Chinmai Swamy is a board member, award-winning author, international speaker, and creator of Authority Launchpad and Expert Economy Engine.
Administrators
Laurie Milazzo
Laurie Milazzo has served as our dedicated Program Director since 2012. Laurie is responsible for essential activities and responsibilities that keep The Coach Initiative operating.
Learn more from Laurie's LinkedIn
Susan Chapman
Susan Chapman is a virtual assistant/project manager. She has supported CAM (Conversation Among Masters) since 2008. Susan is a recovering engineer and enjoys using her techie skills to help people connect.
Learn more from Susan's LinkedIn
Advisory Board
Nancy DeMaio
Nancy has over 40 year’s experience in the environmental, health and safety field. She is a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and a Certified Professional Environmental Auditor (CPEA).
Beth Williams, CRFE
Beth is an experienced fundraiser including annual and major gifts, special event planning and program development.
Past Leadership
Past Presidents
Bobette Reeder 2007-2008
Diane Krause Stetson 2009-2010
Sandy Vilas 2011-2012
Donna Steinhorn 2013-2014
Mike Jaffe 2015- 2016
Past Presidents
Guy Stickney 2016-2019
Neil Alcala 2019- 2021
Donna Steinhorn/ Guy Stickney 2022
Organizations we’ve worked with
Here is how you can get involved with us
Ready to take your organization to the next level?
Our community of coaches is ready to help. You can get started by completing our coaching application and we’ll be in touch for a phone interview to assess your coaching needs.
