Cara Tanis

Cara Tanis is an ICF-credentialed coach (ACC), spiritual director trained through Christos Center for Spiritual Formation, and Lutheran pastor (ELCA) who enjoys working with students as they navigate change, discover their gifts, and explore what comes next. She believes we have more wisdom, possibility, and capacity within us than we often remember. Her coaching creates space to slow down, ask important questions, clarify what matters, and chart a course to accomplish client’s goals.

Cara brings deep listening, curiosity, and a warm, supportive presence to her work. As a companion, she helps clients hear themselves, uncover their own knowing, believe in their capacity, and turn that insight into meaningful action. She especially enjoys accompanying others through times of transition as they discover their strengths, discern aligned next steps, and continue to shape a life that feels genuinely their own. Her coaching honors each person as the expert in their own life—and it is her joy to accompany them along the way.

Carlos Garcia

I’m a coach, therapist, mentor, and military veteran with more than 30 years of experience in leadership, mentorship, and working with people from all walks of life. I believe people usually have more strength and ability than they realize. Sometimes we just need the right person to ask the right questions, challenge the way we’ve been looking at things, and help us figure out what we actually want. My coaching style is conversational, direct, supportive, and real. I bring together my experience as a therapist, longtime military leader, mentor, and someone who understands that life doesn’t always follow the plan we had for ourselves. I’m not here to tell you how to live your life. I’m here to help you understand yourself better, recognize patterns that may be getting in your way, and get clearer about where you want to go next. At the end of the day, my goal is simple: help you become more intentional about the life you’re creating and more confident in your ability to create it.

Dawn Williams

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.

Erik Samuleson

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.

Heather Mayer

Heather Mayer has been working in ministry and spiritual formation for almost 20 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, and The Companioning Center. She is also on the worship team at her local UCC church where she assists the creation of peace vigil events for her community. Wearing many hats allows her to do 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, and just this summer she opened a mobile bookstore in a vintage VW pickup truck. 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.

Mariko Gilman

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.

Vero Garcia

My name is Vero Garcia. I am a bilingual college student coach, mental health professional, and U.S. Air Force combat veteran. I was raised in Southeast San Diego and Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. I am a first-generation Mexican American Chicana and a first-generation college student.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Saint Martin’s University and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pacific Lutheran University. My education strengthened my understanding of how families, communities, and systems influence individual experiences. My work continues to reinforce the importance of listening with humility and remaining open to learning.
My approach to coaching is grounded in authenticity, kindness, cultural humility, and respect for each student’s experiences. Fluent in English and Spanish, I welcome conversations about culture, identity, family, belonging, and the challenges of higher education. Safety, compassion, and transparency guide my work.
I view coaching as a collaborative partnership that offers students a space to reflect, speak openly, and explore their goals. My purpose is to help students recognize their strengths, navigate uncertainty, and move forward in ways that reflect their values and aspirations.