The Catalyst Coaching Institute’s seasoned and passionate team of wellness professionals ensure every training program is the most effective and informative experience possible. We’re here to guide and support your journey to becoming a successful health and wellness coach!
Suzanna Cooper
Chief Learning Officer
Suzanna combines her background in Coaching, Counseling and Occupational Therapy with her love for lifelong growth and learning in herself and others. She has been the driving force behind one of the most recognized and respected coaching certifications in the industry.
Suzanna brings more than 30 years of experience in healthcare. She has Master’s degrees in Occupational Therapy and Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Suzanna is known nationally for her
knowledge of wellness coaching and interpersonal communication.
As the Chief Learning Officer for the Catalyst Coaching Institute, she is the driving force behind one of the top wellness coach training programs in the country. She is a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach and oversees a team of coaches as the Chief Learning Officer of Catalyst Coaching 360 and Catalyst Coaching Institute. Suzanna has been an active member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) since 2012. She loves working alongside others to equip and encourage them to pursue their passions and to impact the lives of others.
Brad Cooper
Co-Founder
Brad is a nationally-recognized thought leader in the health and wellness industry. He is the author of four books, a Licensed Physical Therapist, Certified Athletic Trainer and highly sought-after speaker.
Brad has been a lifelong student of, and catalyst for, optimal human performance. In his 20’s, he earned a Masters in Physical Therapy, which he used to treat patients across the spectrum of orthopedic/neurological diagnoses.
Then, in his 30’s, he earned an MBA, wrote three books, moved into a vice president of operations role and worked to expand upon his clinical leadership knowledge/understanding (while continuing to treat patients).
When Brad hit his 40’s, he became CEO of Catalyst Coaching 360, Co-founder of Catalyst Coaching Institute, wrote a fourth book and was generously identified by several publications as “The World’s Fittest CEO.”
Now in his 50’s, he continues his CEO role while simultaneously pursuing a PhD with research focusing on mental toughness and how it can be applied in the real world. Along the way, he’s fallen deeper in love with his bride of over 30 years, treasured being a dad to three incredible kids, secured two US Patents, completed 11 Ironmans (4 times at Kona), won the Race Across America, been featured in a film shown nationwide and spoken professionally in all 50 states to a wide range of organizations.
Leigh S. Baker
Vp of Growth & Development
With a background in public health and over a decade in the wellness field, Leigh is dedicated to advancing the field of health and wellness coaching through high-quality education, professional development, and meaningful collaboration.
Leigh is a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach with a Master’s degree in Public Health from East Carolina University. She brings over a decade of experience in the health and wellness field, including six years as a professional coach.
Her passion for coaching grew out of her work across both nonprofit and private healthcare settings, where she consistently saw a gap between knowing what to do to support health and actually putting that knowledge into practice. Coaching became the bridge.
As Vice President of Growth and Development at Catalyst Coaching Institute, Leigh plays a key role in advancing coaching education and supporting the growth of individuals who are making a meaningful impact in their communities.
Originally from Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Leigh now lives in North Carolina with her husband, David, and their energetic pup, Bernie. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking mountain trails, spending time with friends and family, and exploring new restaurants.
Robin Otterstetter
Project Support Specialist, Mentor Coach & Instructor
Robin is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach with over 17 years of experience helping in the wellness space. As a Mentor Coach and Project Support Specialist with Catalyst Coaching Institute, she blends her calm, empathetic presence with strong organizational and professional expertise to support both coach development and the broader Catalyst team.
With a specialty in fitness and nutrition and a background as a certified yoga instructor, Robin brings a holistic, grounded approach to her work as a coach and instructor. She supports coaches in strengthening their skills and building confidence in guiding clients through sustainable wellness transformations.
Outside of her work, Robin enjoys hiking, traveling, yoga, and spending time with family and friends. Her love of movement, curiosity, and continual learning inspires the support she offers across the Catalyst community.
Liz Brown
Instructor, Mentor Coach
Liz is a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach with more than ten years of experience. As a Wellness Coach and Personal Trainer, Liz has seen first-hand how an active and healthy lifestyle contribute to overall balance and happiness. An Ohio native, Liz now enjoys all the benefits of living in the Colorado mountains and has fully embraced activities like camping, hiking, trail running and skiing.
Liz loves to help to people realize and actualize their goals, not only on a physical level, but also mentally and emotionally.
Jamie Cook
Instructor, Mentor Coach
Jamie Cook is a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach, receiving her wellness coach certification and master wellness coach certification from the Catalyst Coaching Institute. Jamie has a B.S, in nursing ( from Valparaiso University and has been a nurse for over 20 years. Jamie is excited to combine her passion for health and wellness with her experiences from the medical field and enjoys helping people become proactive in identifying and improving areas of their own health.
Originally from the Chicago area, Jamie is a city girl at heart, but has developed a love for the mountains since living in Colorado with her husband and three active daughters. She has been a lifelong athlete, yet feels that addressing all dimensions of wellness create optimal happiness and life satisfaction.
Tami Duncan
Instructor, Mentor Coach
Tami has more than eight years of experience as a Certified Wellness Coach. She realized her passion for wellness and nutrition after being diagnosed with a candida infection. Changing the foods she ate was vital in helping to attack candida, which led her down a path of becoming a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner.
Married for 20 years with two kids, Tami has also grown to love cooking and trying new recipes. She enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, whether sitting outside to read, road biking, playing tennis, or skiing.
She also has a new love for yoga, enjoying the benefits of strength, balance, stress-relief and more.
Laura Henelund
Instructor
For Laura, being a wellness coach, instructor and mentor coach is both a privilege and a passion. She relishes helping her clients cultivate sustainable healthy habits that make a positive impact on their well-being and quality of life.
As a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach with a Master’s Degree in Health Psychology, she brings over two decades worth of wellness experience to her coaching practice. She also has a unique clinical background as a Certified Biofeedback Practitioner.
A Colorado native, Laura also enjoys cooking, working out, hiking, walking her dog, meditating or reading. She loves traveling and is addicted to farmer’s markets.
Sabryna Liddle
Instructor, Mentor Coach
Sabryna is a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach as well as a Certified Personal Trainer. With more than ten years of experience in the wellness industry, Sabryna’s specialty is finding the root of her clients’ challenges and igniting the flames of positive lifestyle change.
She is a faculty member at the Catalyst Coaching Institute and an adjunct faculty member at Metropolitan State University, where she enjoys addressing topics like Life Balance, Positive Psychology, Emotional Eating and more.
Sabryna is the proud mom of two daughters and has been married for over 25 years. She has a passion for wellness and enjoys a variety of activities including cycling, camping, strength training, hiking, cooking, and reading. She seeks to immerse herself in activities across the various dimensions of wellness in order to effectively support her clients in creating and living their best lives.
Susan Marino
Instructor, Mentor Coach
Susan has been a Certified Wellness Coach since 2011. She added pre-med studies to her B.A. in English, expanding her interest in the science and medical fields. These interests led her to a career that included teaching secondary school as well as managing an analysis unit.
Susan has incorporated exercise into her daily life, and appreciates the boost of energy that results from her efforts. Susan lives an active life and enjoys hiking and snowshoeing with friends in the Colorado mountains. She is happy to be at a place in her life where she feels it is fun to “want” rather than “have” to exercise.
Susan likes to try new healthy recipes and enjoys the journey of learning more about nutrition and healthy eating. She believes that we are all most successful when our goals and our happiness are tied together, and she enjoys working with her clients to achieve that connection.
Susan McGarry
Instructor
Susan is a passionate advocate for mental and physical health, recognized for her compassionate, empathetic, and authentic voice in both personal and professional settings. As a mother of three adult children, a devoted spouse, and a lifelong learner, Susan brings depth, warmth, and lived experience to her work as a therapist.
In May 2025, she completed her degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and is now actively practicing, helping individuals and families navigate life’s complexities with empathy and insight.
From 2012 to 2025, Susan had the honor of working with CC360 and Catalyst Coaching Institute in various impactful roles, including Wellness Coach, Mentor, and Curriculum and Development Director. She describes her time with Catalyst as a season of profound personal and professional growth, shaping much of the practitioner and person she is today.
Outside of her professional life, Susan enjoys playing tennis, hiking, reading, and exploring the world around her. Her commitment to wellness, connection, and continued growth continues to inspire those she works with and those who know her.
Mary Walinchus
Instructor, Mentor Coach
Mary is a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) with over ten years of wellness coaching experience. She serves as a Mentor Coach and instructor with Catalyst Coaching Institute and is also a USA Triathlon Level 1 Coach and a Group Exercise Instructor. She holds a Business Management Degree from the University of Wyoming.
Mary loves to be outside and experience Colorado through various outdoor activities with her husband and three teen girls. A cancer survivor, Mary helped to start an adult cancer survivor camp and has her own business making care gifts for those battling illnesses. Her motto in life is “Why can’t I?” – based on the idea that we often act as our own barriers in holding back from amazing adventures.
Brian Allen
Mentor Coach
With over two decades in the fitness industry and a strong background in pastoral work, Brian brings a unique blend of leadership, empathy, and experience to his role as a mentor coach. For the past 15 years, he has integrated coaching principles into his work in management and mentoring—supporting staff, clients, and college students in achieving meaningful personal and professional growth.
A National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Brian is an active coach with Catalyst Coaching 360 and a dedicated mentor coach for the Catalyst Coaching Institute. Mentoring is one of his greatest professional joys—he often says, “I could mentor every day.”
Committed to lifelong learning and professional development, Brian has recently completed advanced training in Positive Intelligence Coaching, Functional Mental Toughness, and Precision Nutrition.
Originally from Chicago, Brian now lives in Chattanooga, TN, with his wife and eight children. He is passionate about faith, family, fitness, and discovery, and enjoys music, and exploring the outdoors.
Cindy Dagg
Mentor Coach
Cindy Dagg, a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach, was born and raised in a suburb of Chicago, graduated from the University of Kansas and has spent the last 25 years enjoying Colorado. Cindy is fueled with passion, energy and curiosity about the health and wellness field and has been coaching professionally with US Corporate Wellness for the past nine years. She also serves as a Mentor Coach for future health and wellness coaches and loves being a leader in this growing field.
Cindy believes that connecting with her clients and meeting them where they are in their lives is truly where the magic starts. Cindy also makes it her focus to understand her clients’ motivation, desires and challenges to most effectively support them to create achievable goals and lasting lifestyle change.
When Cindy isn’t helping her clients or future coaches, she can be found skiing, mountain biking, cycling, camping, hiking and spending time with her husband of 30 years and her 2 college-aged kids.
Tamie Galasso
Mentor Coach
Tamie is a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach as well as a mentor coach for the Catalyst Coaching Institute. Tamie’s interest in health and nutrition began as a young mother, striving be a good role model for her kids in living a healthy, balanced lifestyle. As a coach, she strives to help others proactively prevent disease and sickness by practicing healthy habits and self-care. With over 7 years of experience as a wellness coach, Tamie loves accompanying her clients on their journey of becoming the best version of themselves.
Tamie has been happily married for 20 years and is the proud mother of two teenage daughters. She loves reading, going for long walks, hiking, yoga and her Peloton.
Diane Hopkins
Mentor Coach
Diane has been involved in athletics since a young age, including competitive track and cross country. She still enjoys competing in 5Ks, half marathons and duathlons (still trying to beat her times!). In an effort to make the long Minnesota winters more tolerable, she breaks out the snow shoes.
Diane is a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach. She graduated from the University of Wyoming with a B.S. in Business Administration and eventually found herself in Minnesota where she spent ten years in corporate Human Resources. After taking some time off to be at home with children, she has spent the last ten years fulfilling a passion of helping others as a wellness coach for the.
Diane is a wife, and a mom of two busy teenage daughters and knows what it is like to find balance between work, family and volunteer commitments. In the midst of everything, she keeps a focus on health and wellness for herself, her clients and those around her.
Meghan Geisler
Instructor & Mentor Coach
Meghan is a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) and mentor coach and instructor with the Catalyst Coaching Institute. Coaching since 2017, she blends compassion and expertise to help clients and coaches grow in confidence and well-being.
Her background as a health club General manager and EMT, along with training in Positive Psychology and Functional Mental Toughness, inform her holistic, strengths-based approach. Outside of mentoring and instructing, Meghan enjoys family life and outdoor adventures.
Yvette Morton
Instructor & Mentor Coach
Yvette is a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) and mentor coach and instructor with the Catalyst Coaching Institute. With graduate degrees in Educational and School Psychology, she brings deep expertise in behavior change, learning and motivation to her coaching and work with students.
Passionate about lifelong growth, she empowers both clients and aspiring coaches to thrive. Outside of mentoring and instructing, Yvette enjoys gardening, skiing, biking, and hiking with family and friends.
Suzy Desterac
Mentor Coach
Suzy brings over 20 years of experience in wellness and coaching to her role as a Mentor Coach at Catalyst Coaching Institute. She helps aspiring coaches refine their skills, build confidence, and expand their impact with a client-centered, collaborative approach.
With a background in holistic nutrition, biomedical research, and as a Nationally Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Suzy guides coaches in developing resilience, emotional intelligence, and professional presence. She emphasizes aligning purpose with practice, fostering accountability, and cultivating strategies for sustainable growth.
Passionate about wellness in all aspects of life, Suzy balances her mentoring with family, fitness, and exploring her love of food—always modeling the balance and authenticity she teaches.
Deb Wilmot
Mentor Coach
Deb is a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) and Mentor Coach at Catalyst Coaching Institute, bringing over 12 years of experience in the field. She helps aspiring coaches refine their skills, deepen their impact, and create meaningful connections with clients through a compassionate, client-centered approach.
Passionate about motivation, behavior change, resilience, and positive psychology, Deb draws on her personal health and wellness journey to guide coaches with empathy and insight. She emphasizes listening deeply, fostering accountability, and supporting coaches in developing both professional skills and personal growth.
Outside of mentoring, Deb enjoys hiking, yoga, resistance training, and quality time with friends and family. Her experiences, including raising a son with Down Syndrome, have shaped her profound understanding of resilience, empathy, and the power of human potential.
Erin Chain
Mentor Coach
Erin is a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach and Mentor Coach at Catalyst Coaching Institute, bringing a lifelong passion for learning and guiding others in wellness. She supports coaches in cultivating self-awareness, motivation, and the skills to foster lasting cognitive and behavioral change in their clients.
With a Pre-Med background from Miami University and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University, Erin integrates her expertise in functional nutrition, yoga, Pilates, and movement to help coaches build a holistic, client-centered approach.
Outside of mentoring, Erin enjoys spending time with her family and pups, exploring the outdoors in Colorado, reading, and gardening, drawing inspiration from the people and world around her.
Kaitlyn Lytle
Mentor Coach
Kaitlyn is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) with more than five years of coaching experience. Guided by a genuine passion for helping others thrive, she enjoys supporting aspiring coaches as a Mentor Coach and Instructor with the Catalyst Coaching Institute.
As part of the CCI faculty, she supports students through the coach certification training programs and develops continuing education content. She has also been coaching professionally with Catalyst Coaching 360 since 2021.
In 2024, Kaitlyn became a certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist through National Jewish Health, a program accredited by the Council for Tobacco Treatment Training Programs (CTTTP). During her time as a Quality Assurance Analyst for the national Tobacco Quitline, she supported the growth and development of the Tobacco cessation coaching team by providing constructive feedback and training focused on Motivational Interviewing and effective communication skills.
A passionate advocate for personal growth and lifelong learning, Kaitlyn is committed to empowering both her clients and fellow coaches. A Colorado native based in Denver, she enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, mindfulness and meditation, reading, live music, and travel. Every day Kaitlyn strives to live a balanced and fulfilling life.
Ryann Hierholzer
Mentor Coach
Ryann Hierholzer, NBC-HWC, is a Mentor Coach at Catalyst Coaching Institute, dedicated to helping aspiring coaches align their practice with their values and deepen their impact. With a Bachelor’s in Psychology, a Master’s in Kinesiology, and ongoing graduate studies in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, she combines academic insight with hands-on experience to guide coaches in fostering growth, resilience, and transformation.
Ryann’s background as a professional athlete and track-and-field coach informs her unique perspective on the connection between physical performance, mental health, and well-being. She is particularly passionate about the science of emotions, somatic practices, and the nervous system.
Outside of mentoring, Ryann enjoys recreational soccer, podcasts, and quality time with her husband and children.
Suzanne Brown
Instructor
Suzanne Brown is a Dietitian and Wellness Coach who eats everything, and a Health Fitness Specialist (American College of Sports Medicine) who’s willing to try almost anything. She holds dual degrees in Human Biology and Clinical Nutrition, is a published author, and has worked with sport teams, corporations, and individual clients, and has appeared on both television and radio. Suzanne knows one size doesn’t fit all, and for over twenty years has used her energy and heartfelt optimism to teach clients about mindful eating, moderation, disease prevention, and how to find exactly what works for them. Wellness to Suzanne is about helping each person find their perfect mind and body balance to fuel their life, and their fun.
Suzanne lives an active lifestyle at 8,000 feet in the Colorado mountains with her husband, two kids, two dogs, and two horses. If they’re not snowshoeing, running, or getting lost on a Jeep trail, they’re off exploring other playgrounds around the world. Suzanne has gone skydiving over a volcano in Chile, swimming with elephants in Thailand, glacier trekking in Patagonia, scuba diving with sharks in Dominica, hiking with penguins in Argentina, and mountain biking in Zimbabwe. She loves to explore the world around her, as she’s eating her way around the world. (Ask her about fried crickets and durian fruit!) Suzanne’s passion and enthusiasm for life are what drives her to help her clients maintain a sustainable, healthy relationship with food and wellness so they can stay active and engaged throughout their own lives.