2025-2026 Coaches
Each of our fellows and scholars is paired with a professional coach for a year of individualized coaching. Our innovative and intentional approach centers our fellows and scholars in a holistic and caring environment. Over the year, coaches are dedicated to developing and maintaining a trusting relationship, cultivating an environment of curiosity and growth that enables our fellows and scholars to fully exercise their passions, goals, agency, and autonomy. This unique, encouraging approach invites fellows and scholars to explore and pursue educational, professional, and personal goals while discerning their unique vocational calling. Our coaching is based on the fundamental truth that you are a whole person and a beloved child of God that the world needs.
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For this academic year, we have four coaches: Dawn, Erik, Heather, and Mariko.
You can learn about each of them below.
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Explore resources for vocational discernment.
Dawn Williams, MA, LMFTA
Dawn Williams is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She has 31 years of experience in non-profit business, working for the global humanitarian organization World Vision. Once her husband retired from the Navy, and her children were in college, Dawn reimagined her future and passion for helping couples and families in crisis. During her final years at World Vision, Dawn decided to pursue her Bachelor's degree in Psychology. In the summer of 2021, she graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with her Masters in Marriage & Family Therapy, and now works at Integrated Therapy Services, in University Place, WA. Dawn is a living example of the dynamic journey of vocation and the unique path of finding joy and fulfillment in a career while serving the world to create positive impact.
Watch Dawn's Intro Video
Erik Samuelson, MDiv, MA, PCC
Erik Samuelson is a leadership, vocation, and transformation coach who works with individuals, teams, companies, churches, non-profits, and educational institutions. Erik holds the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential from the International Coaching Federation and is a certified Church Planter Coach through Fuller Seminary. He is the founder of "Come Alive Coaching," which offers coaching, workshops, practices, and resources to individuals and communities looking to deepen their impact, renew their organization, and develop leaders. As a former college professor and campus pastor, Erik delights in helping young adults (and not-so-young adults) discover their calling and live into their vocational potential. He is a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and has led, consulted, or coached several new ministry starts, networks, and congregational renewal efforts. He also does coaching through Vibrant Faith.
Watch Erik's Intro Video
Heather Mayer, MASF
Heather Mayer has been working in ministry and early childhood education for over 15 years. After graduating with an undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon in Psychology, she pursued a Master’s in Spiritual Formation at George Fox Seminary, now Portland Seminary. In 2020, after working in ministry and then early childhood education, Heather returned to Portland Seminary to complete and finalize her education by becoming certified in the art of Spiritual Direction. Since then, Heather has worked as an independent Spiritual Director, contracted with George Fox University, Portland Seminary, The Companioning Center, and West Hills Covenant Church. Just this year, she joined the worship team at her local UCC church and became their Pastor of Community Care and Outreach. This has allowed her to do more of what she loves most, which is walking alongside people in all of the glory and the mess of humanity. Heather is also certified as a Nature Immersion Guide, practicing and guiding in the art of Shinrin Yoku or Forest Bathing. She is at her most centered and joyful place when she is among animals and trees, helping people celebrate the richness of their created selves
Watch Heather's Intro Video
Mariko Gilman, MA
Mariko Gilman (she/her) is an ICF certified, trauma-informed coach who helps clients bring their strengths forward and turn challenges into opportunities for growth. Her coaching is both supportive and practical, working with you to untangle complex situations, develop clear strategies, and take steady steps toward your goals. By centering your voice and your lived experience, Mariko creates a space where you feel seen and heard while gaining concrete tools to move forward with confidence and purpose. She holds a masters degree in international education and currently works as a leadership consultant in Portland, Oregon.
Watch Mariko's Intro Video
Vocational Discernment Resources
We believe in the unique vocational calling of every human--including each of our fellows and scholars.
The core of the mission of Trinity is to help our fellows and scholars learn about vocational calling and begin discerning their unique place in the world.
One's calling is much more than a job or profession--it is much more expansive and malleable. You could say that a calling is interwoven into a beautiful tapestry that is your life. A vocational call isn't only reserved for those who find work in a church or ministry environment. Luther was the catalyst for "priesthood of all believers," which is foundational to the history of TEF in the legacy of Lutheran Bible Institute of Seattle and Trinity Lutheran College (LBIS/TLC).
In Wishful Thinking, theologian Frederick Buechner offers a profound view of vocation:
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"The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet."
We invite each fellow and scholar into a period of wondering and discerning. We provide dedicated coaches to support the journey. Additionally, we recommend a number of resources to use as conversation partners—for now and into the future!
Please contact Ryan Ingersoll if you would like any of these books!
Calling and Clarity: Discovering What God Wants for Your Life
Koskela, Douglas. Eerdmans, 2015.
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Specifically written for college students. Douglas is a professor at Seattle Pacific University.
When God Made You
Turner, Matthew Paul. Convergent, 2017. Illustrations by Catrow, David.
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A children's book that contains timeless truths for all humans: God intentionally created you just the way you are and the world need you today.
Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Staying Human
Riley, Cole Arthur. Convergent, 2024.
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A profound book engaging in multiple important conversations. Cole writes about calling in the sixth chapter.​
Book of Belonging
Clark, Mariko. Convergent, 2024. Illustrations by Eleanor, Rachel.
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Stories of God's love for all of God's people reminding everyone that, "You are Beloved, you Belong, and you are Delightful."
Nobody Cries When We Die: God, Community, and Surviving to Adulthood.
Reyes, Patrick B. Chalice Press, 2016.
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Vocational discernment through the lens of Patrick's personal story and the myriad of challenges. Patrick taught at Trinity Lutheran College until its closure in 2016 and now serves as the dean at Auburn Theological Seminary.
Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation
Palmer, Parker J. Jossey-Bass, 2024.
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Initially published in 1999, Palmer's book invites us to listen to our inner teacher as we discern our vocational calling.