Embedded Files
Table of Contents
Introduction
As a lifelong learner, I continuously explore a wide variety of interests. I began community college at 16 years old, wide-eyed and ready to learn as much as possible; however, I was not too concerned with earning a degree. I worked full-time and attended college part-time for over 10 years. I learned a lot while earning more than 130 credits. I chose to put my degree completion on hold when I became a mother.
Twenty-two years later, in the fall of 2024, I returned to university to complete my Bachelor's degree. I was thrilled to discover the Interdisciplinary Studies Degree and to be accepted into California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt. I graduated with honors in May 2025.
The Interdisciplinary Study Program helped me bridge a meaningful connection between the many disciplines I explored through my academic and professional endeavors. I have continued to study and gain several credentials, and I am exploring a Master's Degree next.
Elissa Kennedy, ICF - PCC
Professional Certified Coach
Interdisciplinary Studies
Individualized Academic Plan (click to expand)
As the professional landscape constantly changes, so does the need for unique and adaptable college degree programs. At California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, the Interdisciplinary Studies BA with an Individualized Degree Plan (IDP) is customized using courses from multiple disciplines that align with a student's interests, passions, and goals. Among just a few of its kind, this customized degree program brings a new approach to learning. The IDP program lays a path to an adaptable and future-proof professional career, addressing significant world problems through an interdisciplinary lens.
Creative Leadership Coaching For Community Health and Wellness
My personalized IDP combined my professional credentials and academic experiences in Creativity, Health, and Coaching with courses at Cal Poly Humboldt in Interdisciplinary Studies, Communication, Global Awareness, Media Messaging, Health Education, and Ethnic Studies. The program strengthened my leadership skills and has re-ignited my love of learning and appreciation for higher education.
I am prepared to bring an interdisciplinary approach to a leadership position within a socially conscious organization.
IDP Content and Learning Outcomes
Creative Leadership Coaching for Community Wellness includes the disciplines of coaching, community building, health, and creativity. Holistic wellness requires social connection, artistic expression, health, and coaching.
Coaching
Examining the historical context of women and mental health reveals a legacy of mistreatment and cultural stigma surrounding women's mental health, which continues to hinder access to care to this day. Safety is a key consideration when working with women.
Coaching is less stigmatized in our society than therapy and may be a more approachable option.
Through a holistic and interdisciplinary lens, coaching provides support across multiple disciplines, including positive psychology, sociology, neuroscience, nutrition, art, fitness, and health education.
Coaching strengthens individual and team performance and improves organizational productivity.
Coaching reduces stress and burnout, leading to positive outcomes that improve overall well-being.
Individuals become more resilient, productive, and innovative, leading to greater harmony in both their professional and personal lives.
Health & Wellness
Improving physical wellness and health is an essential part of supporting women.
Creativity
Including artistic experiences and creative expression can develop a powerful pathway to improved mental health.
Community Impact
Incorporating social connection in a safe community is vital to women's wellness. Creating social change through heart-centered leadership skills will develop solutions that improve equity and equality for women and other marginalized people in our society.
Recent Projects
Project Management of Senior Capstone
Utilizing the Health Education Model to assess the need, efficacy, and feasibility of developing a new mental fitness program specifically designed to support women.
The final project will be presented in an online report highlighting the research, proposed program framework and design, needs assessment, delivery strategies, sustainability plan, evaluation of effectiveness, funding proposal, facilitation guidelines, executive summary, and implementation plan.
The aim is to determine whether this program is feasible and, if so, how to develop and implement it. If the program does not prove its feasibility, it will serve as a framework for testing future program development.
Senior Capstone: Mental Fitness Program Presentation
The mental health crisis affecting women is a complex and multifaceted issue influenced by social, cultural, and economic factors and conditioning. Women are disproportionately impacted by mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. A solution must acknowledge the interconnectedness of the mental health crisis with other systemic problems, such as socioeconomic disparities and gender inequality.
Report
The report shares research and program planning to determine the efficacy and feasibility of developing a new mental fitness program that supports women in reducing stress and burnout, improving work-life balance, and enhancing overall well-being.
Additionally, this report aims to raise awareness and drive meaningful change in promoting mental wellness for women (and other marginalized communities) worldwide. It synthesizes the research and the development phase of building the Resilience Mental Fitness Program.
Podcast
The mental health crisis affecting women and girls is a complex and multifaceted issue influenced by social, cultural, and economic factors. This podcast episode of "Wicked Problems" delves into the systemic roots of this crisis, highlighting how women are disproportionately impacted by mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
This podcast emphasizes the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing the challenges around the mental health crisis, incorporating insights from psychology, social connection, and wellness.
Leadership
Redefining success for women by creating powerful connections and cultivating a safe space where everyone belongs and rises together! Formed on the values of collaboration over competition and connection over isolation. We all benefit when we grow together.
We are heart-centered and built on a DEIB foundation! Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging guide us as we create a safe space where everyone's voice matters and is valued! DAWN is focused on building a safe space for cross-generational and cross-cultural women-centered connections. In 2023, DAWN grew into a community of over 450 local women in business.
Through our in-person events and online platform, DAWN has transformed lives. New friendships blossomed, new collaborations formed, and businesses grew.
Career Objective
Corporate Partnerships
As an ICF-PCC Professional Coach, my approach is fun, holistic, and interdisciplinary, drawing from evidence-based coaching models of positive psychology, neuroscience, mental fitness, somatic coaching, health education, project management, and creative practices.
Coaching that is grounded in the belief that an interdisciplinary approach builds the future-proof skills of adaptability, self-trust, and resilience needed to navigate a constantly changing landscape.
My work is deeply rooted in my own journey and the women who shaped me and taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the power of connection. I bring those perspectives to my coaching, creating safe, empowering spaces where insight emerges, confidence grows, and lasting change becomes possible.
I bring the additional value of decades of experience in various industries, including coaching, entrepreneurship, parenting, creative fields, hospitality, marketing, construction, nonprofits, and retail companies.
I partner with organizations to design customized coaching programs that support leadership, employee experience, and team cohesion. With over 900 coaching sessions across diverse industries, I’ve worked with clients at leading global companies, helping individuals and teams navigate change, growth, and innovation.
In addition to one-on-one coaching, I create and facilitate custom coaching programs and workshops, blending evidence-based techniques with a human-centered approach. My work fosters resilient leaders, engaged teams, and workplace cultures prioritizing well-being and strategic growth.
My Interdisciplinary, Blended Approach Includes
Strengths-Based Coaching: Clarify your direction, leverage what already works, and build confidence.
Visioning & Life Design Tools: Create a roadmap for career shifts, leadership transitions, or new life chapters.
Mental Fitness & Mindset Coaching: Reduce stress, overcome imposter syndrome, and break through limits.
Somatic Coaching: Deepen mind-body connections, regulate the nervous system, and cultivate resilience.
Creative & Reflective Practices: Innovative exercises, brainstorming, and interdisciplinary tools to unlock insights.
Holistic Support: Guidance that integrates mind, body, and values to help you live with more intention and balance.
Project Management Style of coaching, accountability, and partnership.
Areas of Focus
Client Success and Employee Experience, Wellness & Retention
Leadership & Executive Coaching
Strategic & Innovative Thinking
Change Management & Organizational Development
Mentoring & Group Coaching for Teams
Designing & Teaching Customized Workshops
Team Building & Workplace Culture Transformation
Project Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Wellness Program Development
Mental Well-Being & Resilience Coaching (for individuals & teams)
Key Skills & Competencies
Technology-Enabled Coaching – Leveraging cutting-edge platforms, assessments, and data-driven insights to optimize client success.
Employee Experience & Retention – Designing coaching programs to enhance engagement, reduce burnout, and improve work culture.
Innovative Thinking – Driving impact through human-centered leadership, neuroscience-based strategies, and business acumen.
Designing & Facilitating Workshops – Creating and delivering engaging, high-impact learning experiences for individuals and teams.
Customer Relationship Management – Building trust, rapport, and long-term partnerships with clients and stakeholders.
Content Development & Writing – Crafting thought leadership, coaching materials, and training programs that inspire action.
Executive & Leadership Coaching – Helping leaders navigate change, enhance decision-making, and foster high-performing teams.
Change Management – Supporting organizations through transformation, ensuring resilience and long-term success.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Team Dynamics – Strengthening department relationships to drive alignment and innovation.
Professional Experience
ICF- PCC | Certified Master Coach (click to expand)
Elissa Kennedy Coaching | January 2020 - Present
ICF-PCC, Professional Certified Master Coach
Through coaching, I help clients develop clarity, confidence, and strategic insight to thrive in dynamic environments. I believe the most successful leaders and teams don’t just adapt to change but lead it.
Developed customized mindfulness and resilience programs for clients, utilizing mental fitness to cultivate a positive mindset.
Consistent program completion resulted in 100% of clients improving their mindset assessment scores within the first 6 weeks.
Facilitated personalized transition plans, wellness plans, and goal-tracking
Client onboarding, goal setting, accountability, and tactical guidance to help clients implement changes and maintain progress to reach goals.
Core Competencies
✔ Mental Fitness & Resilience for high performance – Developing mindset shifts for long-term well-being
✔ Strategic Coaching for Innovation & Impact – Aligning leadership vision with business transformation
✔ Training in Executive & Leadership Development – Elevating leaders through tailored coaching and mentorship
✔ Training in Change Management & Organizational Growth – Helping teams adapt, innovate, and lead change effectively
✔ Training in Cross-functional Collaboration & Team Dynamics – Strengthening communication across teams
Skills
Program Development & Facilitation – Designing and leading coaching programs and workshops
Leadership & Executive Coaching – Weekly coaching of individuals and teams to drive growth
Group Facilitation & Team Development – Leading group coaching sessions and collaborative programs
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) – Engaging and retaining clients through personalized coaching solutions
Strategic Communication & Engagement – Delivering clear, impactful messaging for diverse audiences
Marketing & Brand Strategy – Positioning coaching services and programs for maximum impact
Content Development & Thought Leadership – Writing, publishing, and delivering high-value insights
ICF Sacramento Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships (click to expand)
ICF Sacramento Chapter | January 2026 - Present
A working volunteer Board of Directors
Focused on creating high-quality, strategic partnerships that support the region to get access to professional coaches. Working collaboratively to establish promotional endeavors and coordinating with all other director teams to maximize efforts of growth, retention, and promotion.
Assessing, initiating, and implementing community outreach to enhance programs and serve as spokesperson for efforts at special and media events. Actively recruiting sponsorships, partnership and strategic alliances with other entities.
Working cross-functionally with the Board of Directors to continuously improve and enhance member engagement, learning outcomes, and community impact.
Developing new strategic partner relationships
Managing and leveraging existing professional partnerships
Cross-functional partnerships with Membership, Communications, Programming, and the President's Team
Creating new opportunities for coaches to connect with local agencies and organizations.
Core Competencies
✔ Strategic and Innovation Initiatives – Aligning leadership vision with directives
✔ Cross-functional Collaboration & Team Dynamics – Strengthening communication across teams
✔ Networking and Marketing Outreach
Skills
Public Speaking
Teaching and training
Board Relationship Management
Strategic Communication & Engagement – Delivering clear, impactful messaging for diverse audiences
Marketing & Brand Strategy – Positioning coaching services and programs for maximum impact
Content Development & Thought Leadership – Writing, publishing, and delivering high-value insights
ICF Ambassador of the International Coaching Science Community of Practice (click to expand)
International Coaching Federation Global Community | January 2026 - Present
A working volunteer leading the Global Community of Practice
An online group offering professional development and network-building opportunities for coaches interested in integrating research and scientific insights into coaching practice. This CP encourages coaches to collaborate and foster a deeper understanding of evidence-based practices. Members engage in discussions and initiatives to enhance their coaching skills and contribute to advancing the coaching profession.
Developing a speaker list for Quarterly Global Webinars.
Moderate and Manage the online global community of practice for the Science of Coaching
Cross-functional partnerships with the ICF Marketing and Communications Teams
Creating new opportunities for coaches to connect with cutting-edge science-based practices
Core Competencies
✔ Strategic and Innovation Initiatives – Aligning leadership vision with directives
✔ Cross-functional Collaboration & Team Dynamics – Strengthening communication across teams
✔ Networking and Marketing Outreach
Skills
Public Speaking
Teaching and training
Client Relationship Management
Strategic Communication & Engagement – Delivering clear, impactful messaging for diverse audiences
Marketing & Brand Strategy – Positioning coaching services and programs for maximum impact
Content Development & Thought Leadership – Writing, publishing, and delivering high-value insights
Mental Health Coach | Client Relationship Manager (click to expand)
Lyra Health | October 2022 - May 2023
Provided high-impact, evidence-based mental health coaching to professionals across industries—from frontline employees to executives at global organizations. As part of an elite coaching team (top 2% of applicants), delivered personalized support using Lyra’s technology-driven, blended care model.
Leveraged validated clinical measures to track progress, ensuring measurable ROI for individuals and organizations. Facilitated one-on-one and group coaching, helping clients navigate stress, enhance resilience, and improve workplace performance and personal life satisfaction.
Core Competencies
Delivered full-time 1:1 virtual coaching to clients across diverse industries
Using evidence-based coaching to support clients in addressing stress, burnout, life transitions, and workplace challenges.
Leveraged evidence-based care, virtual care, and tools to enhance client learning and accountability between calls.
Client management in CRM through detailed communication, outcomes aligned with quality metrics, and KPIs.
Skills
✔ Data-Driven Coaching
✔ Employee Engagement & Well-Being
✔ Technology-Enabled Mental Health Solutions
✔ Cognitive Behavioral Coaching (CBC)
✔ Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
✔ Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
✔ Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Executive Coach | Relationship Manager | Strategic Partner (click to expand)
Donato Lane | January 2012 - January 2020
Served as a strategic advisor and executive coach, helping shape messaging, storytelling, and audience engagement strategies. Supported business leaders, entrepreneurs, and creative teams to refine communication approaches to create compelling and impactful presentations.
Competencies
Supporting corporate executives to refine communication with high-impact presentations for large sales events and conferences.
Advised on executive storytelling and messaging strategies
Creative strategy partner, ensuring alignment between visual presentations, messaging, and business objectives
Skills
✔ Presentations - Keynote, PowerPoint, Graphic Images, Charts, Messaging
✔ Design and Communication
✔ Cross-functional Communication
✔ Client Management
Education
Returning to higher education at 50 has been a transformational experience. This time, I have a clear focus and timeline to complete the 30 residential units required in two semesters while running a business and parenting my youngest child, a high school senior.
The professors at Humboldt are inspiring and have created meaningful learning experiences. I have a newfound respect and appreciation for higher education. Learning in a formal setting has activated and inspired me to bring my critical thinking and interdisciplinary approach to the next level in my career.
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies, an Individualized Degree Plan (GPA 4.0)
Minor in Studio Art
Degree Focus: Leadership Coaching For Community Wellness
Interdisciplinary Studies, Coaching, Health Education, Global Awareness, Journalism, and Multi-Ethnic Resistance
San Francisco State University
Studies toward a BA in Fine Art (GPA 3.7)
Studio Arts, Photography, Ceramics, Movement, Health, and Nutrition
College of Marin
AA in Liberal Arts (GPA 3.8)
Broad study of subjects including business law, nutrition, health, sociology, movement, and art
Credentials
CMC - ICF-Level 2 - Certified Master Coach - Symbiosis - January 2025
PCC - ICF-Professional Certified Coach - June 2025
CODC - Certified Organizational Development Coach - Symbiosis - January 2025
CCMC - Certified Change Management Coach - Symbiosis - January 2025
CEC - Certified Executive Coach - Symbiosis - October 2024
CLC - Certified Leadership Coach - Symbiosis - October 2024
CPQC - Certified Mental Fitness Coach - Positive Intelligence September 2022
ACC - Credential from ICF - March 2022
CLCC - Certified Life and Somatic Coach - Courageous Living Coach Certification - October 2020
Professional Projects
Community Relationship Manager
DAWN (Davis Area Women’s Network) | November 2022 - June 2024
I founded and directed the Davis Area Women's Network (DAWN) to create a supportive, empowering community for women in and around the Davis area. Through networking events, workshops, and casual gatherings, DAWN provided a space for connection, growth, and professional development.
Key Contributions:
✔ Built a thriving community that fostered collaboration and mentorship
✔ Organized networking events, workshops, and educational sessions
✔ Created opportunities for women entrepreneurs and professionals to expand their networks
✔ Championed social impact, community engagement, and professional growth
By cultivating meaningful relationships and shared learning experiences, DAWN helped women gain confidence, build strong connections, and grow both personally and professionally.
Guest Instructor Sacramento Women's Business Center
Sacramento Women's Business Center | September 2022 - September 2024
As a Guest Instructor for the Women's Business Center of Sacramento, I led free educational webinars and workshops designed to support entrepreneurs and professionals in developing mental resilience, building leadership confidence, and cultivating a strategic vision.
My sessions provided actionable strategies to help participants overcome mindset barriers, manage stress, and build sustainable success in their businesses and careers.
Workshop Topics Included:
✔ Mental Fitness & Resilience
✔ Stress Reduction & Avoiding Burnout
✔ Overcoming Impostor Syndrome
✔ Creating a Vision Plan for Success
✔ Building Confidence & Executive Presence
Through engaging, interactive learning experiences, I empowered individuals to develop clarity, confidence, and practical tools for personal and professional growth.
Writer Executive Contributor
Brainz Magazine | June 2021 - June 2022
Selected as an Executive Contributor for Brainz Magazine, I was invited to share insights on mindset, mental fitness, leadership, and vision-building. My published articles provided actionable strategies and thought leadership to help individuals grow personally and achieve professional success.
Skills & Competencies
✔ Published articles on mental fitness, leadership, and mindset transformation
✔ Provided expert insights as a female coach and business leader
✔ Inspired a global audience with practical strategies for success
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse