Who We Are
Wildfire Strategies is a team of skilled consultants, facilitators and coaches. We are dedicated to helping teams and leaders develop and build trusting relationships so that they can enact dynamic change in their organizations. Several of our affiliate consultants are Minority Women & Business Enterprises (M/WBE). We bring courage, honesty, curiosity and integrity to our work so that it can make a big impact for clients.
Wildfire Strategies is an organizational change firm that helps teams and leaders in fast-paced fields to thrive.
Hi, I’m Steve Salee, and I couldn’t be more proud of the work we do at Wildfire Strategies. Wildfire consultants are passionate about helping high-stakes leaders and teams work better together so they can achieve their dreams.
And, we love working together: we value and respect one another’s energy and diversity, which helps bring more powerful results to our clients. In partnership with clients, we transform cultures.
I founded Wildfire Strategies in 2008 with a vision of creating healthy workplace cultures that catch on like wildfire. My team and I love building cultures of shared purpose, respect and trust that dramatically improve our clients’ performance. Using team and individual coaching, culture change programs and leadership retreats, we help clients develop the structures, behaviors and tools they need to succeed.
I am a Professional Certified Coach and Certified Mentor Coach through the International Coach Federation (ICF). I earned MSW and MPA degrees at Columbia University and I have a BA from Brown University. I am a member of the Forbes Coaches Council, a Fellow with the Institute of Coaching and an Adjunct Lecturer at the Columbia University School of Social Work. I’m a member of the ICF, American College of Healthcare Executives, National Association of Social Workers, and the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. My family and I live in Westchester, and I sing, row and write whenever I get the chance.
Hello, I’m Annemarie Garcia!
As an executive coach, my passion lies in helping individuals unlock their full potential. My approach is deeply rooted in relating on a personal level, understanding the unique needs and aspirations of each client, and helping them achieve their goals.
Throughout my career, I have worked as a consultant across diverse industries such as finance, technology, entertainment, and wellness. One of my specialties is guiding clients to develop a strong problem-solving mindset enabling them to navigate challenges with confidence. Additionally, I focus on helping clients enhance their interpersonal and communication skills so they may build productive relationships and thrive in collaborative environments.
I completed my coach training at Coach U, and have a BS in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering from Cornell University.
Hi, I’m Crystal Bernal! I am the Director of Business Development at Wildfire Strategies, where I lead with gratitude and enthusiasm. My team at Wildfire is not just a group of colleagues, but a source of pride, inspiration, and anyone who has the honor of knowing them understands the camaraderie and professionalism they bring to the table.
My journey has taken me from the grassroots level to international service with the United States Peace Corps. My experiences have enriched me with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved in fostering collaborative relationships across diverse cultural landscapes. I have honed my skills in delivering information in ways that are both culturally sensitive and professionally accessible. This background has given me a unique insight into the challenges and nuances of both startup ventures and established entities. I have navigated through multiple industries, but my heart and expertise lie with companies dedicated to empowering individuals to become the best versions of themselves.
In my role, I am passionate about championing brands that I believe in, building relationships, and thinking outside of the box to ensure that the service provided is authentic and customer service is exemplary. I excel in creating processes from the ground up—envisioning, developing, and implementing strategies that align with the company’s goals and values. I firmly believe that every team possesses the potential to flourish, and I am confident that partnering with Wildfire Strategies will deliver the transformative outcomes organizations desire.
Hello, I am Brian Dunn! I’ve been an Executive Coach and Leadership Development Strategist for more than 15 years. I have provided leadership programs to two of the largest education systems in the country, local government agencies and Fortune 500 companies.
I combine executive coaching skills with results from standardized assessments to deliver customized solutions to my clients. I am considered a Psychometrician in many circles and am passionate about working with technical leaders and their teams to improve interpersonal interactions with the greater business community. I am a master at helping professionals deliver complex information in a manner that non-technical audiences can digest.
I am a Certified Executive Coach from the World Coaching Institute (WCI). I hold an MA in Psychology/Anthropology, and a BA in Economics, both from Manhattanville College. I am certified in the MBTI, DiSC, Birkman, TKI and the Strong Campbell standard.
Hello, I am Kris Ishibashi, a certified executive coach with over 25 years of business leadership experience! I am passionate about helping executives and managers achieve greater success in the workplace.
I believe that an individual’s capacity for leadership is formed by the skillful fusion of their skills, their authentic selves, and their intentions. I support my clients’ leadership journeys as they seek to find the optimal mix of these three elements to optimize their effectiveness at different points in their careers. I bring my straightforward style, management experience, ability to listen, and quiet yet unwavering support to my clients to help them to accomplish their goals.
I am a Certified Professional Coach from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching. I have an MBA from Columbia University and am certified in the Hogan and MBTI assessments.
Hello, I’m Antoine Johnson!
I have been an Organization Effectiveness Consultant and Executive Coach for nearly 20 years. As a Consultant and Coach, I’ve worked with leaders at all levels and rising talent from diverse backgrounds as they manage change and career development across a variety of sectors and industries from Fortune 500 companies, Public Service Organizations to Non-Profits.
Bringing a balance of result orientation and my natural gift for compassionate empathy helps me to navigate differences, build connections with people, and create psychologically safe environments to help explore differences and create healthy productive organizations.
I received my Coaching Certification from The Executive Coaching Academy, and an Executive Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Georgetown University. I am certified in Gestalt Organization & Systems Development, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Denison Cultural Survey, Hogan Assessments, DDI Facilitator, among others. I received a BS in Management from St. John’s University, and a M.S in Organization Development from the American University/NTL Program.
Hello, I am Tanya Valle! I am an executive coach, facilitator, and certified Mindfulness meditation teacher. I provide integrated coaching services that helps to maximize potential, clear roadblocks in order to set and achieve goals, and reduce stress.
I bring a 360-degree approach to solving coaching and communications challenges as a result of insight and experience as a New York City on-air news reporter, spokesperson under former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, corporate communications and public relations executive and consultant.
I am a Certified Professional Coach from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC), with a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential from the International Coaching Federation (ICF). I have an Executive MBA from Fordham University Graduate School of Business, and a BS degree in Marketing and Communications from the Fashion Institute of Technology (SUNY). I am also a certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher.
Hi there, I’m Carlo Parsons. I am a team dynamics coach, master facilitator, and mediator with over 20 years of experience in SaaS consulting, workplace culture, and startup operations.
My approach is deeply influenced by design thinking principles, which I’ve refined through years of bringing SaaS products to market and contributing to startups as a founding member. I specialize in enhancing teamwork and culture so teams can do their best work. By promoting alignment over competition, I help teams tackle collaboration challenges together. Another specialty of mine is guiding managers and executives in leading with clear goals, purpose, and authenticity.
I am certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) I have completed intensive coaching, and facilitation training with Erickson Coaching International, Health Coach Institute, AJ&Smart, and Product School. As a mediator and alternative dispute resolution consultant, I am trained and certified by the National Association of Certified Mediators (NACM).
Hi, I’m Jen McDowell. I am a certified coach, licensed attorney and trained mediator with almost 20 years experience in leadership and team development.
During my time in Corporate America, I encountered just about every major change one could imagine: mergers, reorganizations, industry overhauls, and regulatory scrutiny, to name a few. Now, I help leaders and teams navigate their own change in a way that feels meaningful and manageable to them. When working with clients, I draw on my expertise in leadership development, communication and conflict resolution, interpersonal dynamics, emotional and positive intelligence, and grief/loss. Clients appreciate my keen listening skills and thought-provoking questions, which are enhanced by my practical nature and my ability to cut through the chaos to help clients achieve a solution. I’ve worked with professionals and teams across diverse organizations and industries, from Fortune 20 companies to small business owners, to tech, health care, military, professional services, academia and the nonprofit sector.
I speak and write on the topics of leadership and conflict resolution and have used a variety of assessments with teams and individuals, such as DiSC, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, CliftonStrengths, The Five Behaviors, and assorted 360 tools. I earned my J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law and graduated from the CoachU Core Essentials training program. I am an Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation and received my mediation training from the Illinois State Bar Association.
Hi, I am Kate Siegel! I am an executive coach, facilitator, and leadership development professional and for more than 15 years, I’ve been helping creative individuals make changes one aha at a time.
Skilled in adult learning strategy, course design, and leadership development, my true passion is helping people see things differently, whether that’s one-on-one or in large groups. I’ve led leadership and management development programs for a variety of organizations, including non-profits, manufacturers, federal agencies, and global corporations.
After a decade as a professional actress and improv comedian, I believe in the importance of authenticity and humor and my clients appreciate my experience with communication skills, emotional intelligence, and difficult conversations.
I am a graduate of Yale University and The Coaches Training Institute (CTI), with a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential from the International Coaching Federation (ICF). I am certified in MBTI (personality type) and TKI (conflict) and especially appreciate the unique challenges faced by HR professionals.
Emma Gershon is a versatile professional specializing in career and social media coaching. With a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Emma combines her expertise in applied psychology with over a decade of work experience in marketing and digital media.
With experience running digital advertising campaigns for Fortune 500 clients like The Clorox Company, TJX, and Goldman Sachs, Emma brings real-world insights to her coaching practice. Having served in leadership roles, Emma possesses a deep understanding of corporate dynamics, including navigating office politics and the scarcity of feedback. She uses this knowledge to empower individuals to navigate career transitions, develop effective leadership strategies, and enhance their social media presence.
Emma earned a Master’s degree (MA) in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from New York University and a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Marketing and Economics from the University of Pittsburgh.
Hi, I am Jamie Levinson! I am an executive coach, and facilitator with over 20 years’ experience in coaching and leadership development.
I bring openness, warmth, humor and authenticity to my client relationships. My areas of expertise include working with leaders on communication skills, leadership presence, building relationships, working with teams, and leading through transitions. Through powerful listening, questions and feedback, I facilitate and support my clients to gain insight, develop new behaviors and achieve greater effectiveness.
I received my coaching certification through iCoachNY at the Zicklin Business School Baruch College, CUNY. I am certified in Myers-Briggs Type Indicator(MBTI), Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument & EQ- i2.0 and EQ 360 assessment. I am on faculty with the American Management Association, and have an M.S. in Applied Behavioral Science from Johns Hopkins University.
Hello, I am Gerry Valentine. I inspire people to build resilience—to overcome setbacks, to look at challenges in new ways, and to understand that adversity can become a source of resilience.
I am a public speaker, executive coach, and business advisor with more than 25 years of Fortune 100 leadership experience. As the founder of Vision Executive Coaching, I am a trusted advisor to corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and entire companies.
I am a TEDx speaker, a contributor to Forbes.com, and have taught executive leadership at Colorado State University. I earned a BS from Cornell University and an MBA from New York University.
