HR Experts
Allie Casillas
Allie considers herself a proactive HR strategist with a passion for helping small to medium companies achieve their HR department goals.
Angelo Vidalis
Angelo is a highly experienced counselor and coach who understands the struggles of identifying career direction and strategic career planning.
Betsy Johnson
Betsy Johnson has human resources and business experience in over twenty industries. She began her consulting career in 1998 and traveled extensively working for a global firm
Bridgett Benmosche
As a Senior HR professional with a career that spans more than 20 years, Bridgett has advised executive leaders on organizational initiatives, coached management on performance feedback and staff development designed to retain and motivate employees, and supervised HR teams to ensure that the needs of employees are supported.
Clark Souers
CEO/Founder
Before launching his adventure as an entrepreneur, Clark held several leadership roles in the field of human resources during his 20-year career, which spanned the entertainment, hotel and non-profit industries. In addition, he has developed a reputation for being a visionary when it comes to supporting people and organizations with thriving in a complex world.
Dave Cardona
Dave is an experienced, driven and creative professional with over 25 years of strategic Human Resources and Risk Management experience in the manufacturing, logistics, community development and aerospace industries.
Jill Eknoian-Lopez
Jill Eknoian Lopez has 25+ years of in-house HR management and HR consulting experience. She is a seasoned HR professional and enjoys taking a collaborative approach to finding solutions and pro-actively implementing best practices and procedures to support her clients.
Kate Romano
Kate has solid HR experience across all US states, including California, and most Canadian provinces. She has served as the Director of Human Resources for a multi-state law firm, as well as at a US/Canada-based technology company.
Kendal Hudspeth
Kendal Hudspeth has a wide-ranging HR background, having worked in and managed areas such as employee & labor relations, disability accommodation, leave management, health & safety, telework, equity, performance management, recruitment, training, employee engagement and organizational change management.
Krista Malloy
Krista is an HR Consultant with over 20 years of experience in multiple industries including healthcare, technology, marketing, advertising, media and professional services. She has held senior HR leadership roles with Egg Strategy, Factory Design and Code Labs, Beatport Music, HealthOne, Motive, and The Integer Group (Omnicom).
Mary Walden
Mary Walden has a well tenured career as an HR and Operations leader in multiple sectors including entertainment, legal services, social services, behavioral health, childcare and housing.
Tiffanye Mckinney
Tiffanye has over 10 years of Human Resources experience in various industries including non-profit, government contracting and start-ups. After college, she moved to Washington, DC and began her career in Human Resources. She wanted to become an HR professional because she was very passionate about helping people and giving them the tools they need to be successful.
Stacie Rodriguez
Stacie Rodriguez has over a decade of human resources experience in various industries including education, construction, recruiting & heavily unionized operations. She has held independent positions as Educator, School Director, Operations Director & HR Director. Stacie views herself as a life-long learner and currently continues her education to obtain her doctorate in Law.
Olivia Reynolds
Olivia is an HR Consultant with over 15 years of experience in multiple industries including retail, entertainment, food & beverage and technology. She has held senior HR leadership roles with Lord & Taylor, Mattel, Kirkland Home and Paramount Pictures.
Sandy Rabago-Aguiar, CPP
Sandy Rábago-Aguiar is an expert in the management of mid to large size operations in the functions of human resources and payroll.
Theresa Phung Cushnie
With over two decades of experience in human resources, Theresa Phung Cushnie is a results-oriented leader specializing in aligning HR strategies with organizational objectives. Her extensive expertise spans both for-profit and non-profit sectors, as well as the unique challenges faced by startups.
Tina Gurrola
With experience most recently as the Corporate VP of HR, Tina has over 25 years of HR/Talent Acquisition experience. Over the tenure of her career, she has been responsible for and managed all aspects of Human Resources.
Sara Salam
Sara Salam has over 12 years of experience in DEI and Human Resources across multiple industries, including tech, telecommunications, and professional sports. She has spent ten seasons working for the front offices of professional teams in the MLB, NBA and NHL. She currently serves as the Director, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging for Sharks Sports and Entertainment, holding company of the NHL’s San Jose Sharks and other properties in the Bay Area.
Tammy Robertson
Tammy is an HR Consultant with the extensive knowledge required to execute the highest level of service in the Human Resources field. She has held senior HR leadership roles with companies such as Cherokee Global Brands.
Yajaira Rose-Smith
With over 20 years of experience in Human Resources and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) leadership, Yajaira is a visionary leader dedicated to fostering inclusive, people-centered workplaces. Her broad experience encompasses talent management, learning and development, compensation strategy, employee relations, HR information systems and using data to build strategies for overall employee satisfaction.
Stress-Resiliency Experts
Clark Souers
CEO/Founder
Before launching his adventure as an entrepreneur, Clark held several leadership roles in the field of human resources during his 20-year career, which spanned the entertainment, hotel and non-profit industries. In addition, he has developed a reputation for being a visionary when it comes to supporting people and organizations with thriving in a complex world.
Eric Chan
Strength & Conditioning Expert
Eric is the founder and owner of Crossfit Reason in Arcadia, California. He believes that with hard work, dedication, and the proper training, anyone can be a top performer.
Dr. Fred Blum
Performance Expert
Dr. Fred's background includes a variety of training and experiences that led him to his current profession. With degrees in psychology and chiropractic, he's also studied human transformation with some of the most brilliant minds in the world.
Gavin Benjafield
Performance Expert
Gavin is a proactive and forward-thinking Performance Expert who has established an exceptional record of achievements and accumulated vast experience within professional Soccer through roles in the United States, England, Netherlands and South Africa. This includes supporting elite athletes with achieving sustainable improvements in physical performance and significant reductions in injury occurrence.
Dr. Jeremy Moretti
Neuropsychology Expert
As a neuropsychologist, Dr. Moretti has an unshakable passion for helping executives and businesses through change management by offering a brain-friendly approach to scientific evidence-based methods on leadership development.
Dr. Jerry Lee
Applied Kinesiology Expert
Dr. Jerry Lee is a dually licensed Doctor of Chiropractic and Acupuncturist in the state of California. He specializes in various Kinesiology techniques fundamentally based on the “TRIAD OF HEALTH”: physical, nutritional and emotional stressors that may be affecting the body.
Mario Quezada
Spiritual Expert
Mario Quezada has been leading and mentoring people of all ages for over 25 years through formal roles at churches and via non-denominational ministries.
Mark J. Springett, M.A., CC-AASP
Performance Psychology Expert
Mark J. Springett is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) in the U.S. and has provided Mental Skills Training to numerous athletes and performers. He is a graduate of the Sport Psychology Masters program at John F. Kennedy University in California.
Dr. Melinda Houston
Performance Psychology Expert
Dr. Melinda Houston is a certified mental performance consultant through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. She has nearly 20 years of experience helping performers develop a mindset that will encourage them to achieve success while also enjoying the process of getting there. She has supported athletes and coaches at all levels of competition from youth sports to the Olympic level with the mental side of their sport performance.
Melissa Halas, MA, RDN, CDE
Nutritional Intelligence Expert
Melissa Halas, MA, RDN, CDE is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator, and wellness expert. She has over 20 years of diverse experience in clinical care, nutrition counseling, nutrition education, media, and writing.
Dr. Sara Whitney
Naturopathic Expert
Dr. Sara Whitney is a California licensed Naturopathic Doctor practicing in Los Angeles, CA. She is committed to helping her patients achieve optimal wellness through individualized treatment plans that focus on establishing foundational health. By listening to her patients, she involves them in their journey and works alongside them to find the root cause of their issues and to prevent future disease.
Specialized Experts
Angelo Vidalis
Career Transition Expert
Angelo is a highly experienced counselor and coach who understands the struggles of identifying career direction and strategic career planning.
Betsy Johnson
Compensation, HRIS & Business Operations, and Safety Expert
Betsy Johnson has human resources and business experience in over twenty industries. She began her consulting career in 1998 and traveled extensively working for a global firm
Cauri Jaye
Artificial Intelligence Expert
cauri is an accomplished technologist and futurist with 27 years of experience in pioneering technology and training in both startups and Fortune 100 companies. Specializing in artificial intelligence, he has led more than 100 tech projects across Europe and America, including spearheading the augmented reality division at National Geographic.
Christa Curtiss
Risk & Safety Expert
Christa is a Risk Management and Safety Consultant whose main focus has been helping organizations with injury and loss reduction. With a prevention focus she helps them establish and improve their risk management and safety programs. She supports companies of all sizes with implementing systems to reduce employee injuries in the workplace and improve overall workplace safety.
Dave Cardona
Safety Expert
Dave is an experienced, driven and creative professional with over 25 years of strategic Human Resources and Risk Management experience in the manufacturing, logistics, community development and aerospace industries.
Erica Feest
Benefits Expert
As an HR leader, Erica has worked in many industries including healthcare, medical diagnostics, retail, payroll, banking, and most recently, Broker services. While her knowledge and expertise span across HR, she specializes in Total Rewards with a niche in employee benefits.
Jamie Cornell
Leadership and Conflict Resolution Expert
Jamie Cornell has spent over 25 years working in the areas of learning and development, coaching, and group facilitation. Jamie started her professional career volunteering for two years in Senegal, West Africa with the Peace Corps after earning her BS at Texas A&M University. She has since earned a MA in International Development from the University of Denver and devoted her career to supporting and challenging leaders within organizations.
Jill Eknoian-Lopez
Compensation Expert
Jill Eknoian Lopez has 25+ years of in-house HR management and HR consulting experience. She is a seasoned HR professional and enjoys taking a collaborative approach to finding solutions and pro-actively implementing best practices and procedures to support her clients.
Mark Mallinger
Organizational Development Expert
Dr. Mark Mallinger is both an accomplished academic and experienced consultant. His clients include a cross section of industries, such as manufacturing, health care, financial services, municipal government, retail and many others.
Mark Wojcik
Talent Acquisition Expert
Mark has more than a decade of recruiting experience in contingent, temporary & retained search plus proven success in training & developing recruiting teams.
Nina Davis
HRIS Expert
Nina Davis is a highly skilled HR subject matter expert specializing in optimizing HR systems and enhancing employee engagement. With extensive experience in both strategic HR initiatives and operational efficiencies, Nina is dedicated to creating customized solutions that align with organizational goals.
Sandy Rabago-Aguiar, CPP
Payroll Expert
Sandy Rábago-Aguiar is an expert in the management of mid to large size operations in the functions of human resources and payroll.
Sara Salam
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Expert
Sara Salam has over 12 years of experience in DEI and Human Resources across multiple industries, including tech, telecommunications, and professional sports. She has spent ten seasons working for the front offices of professional teams in the MLB, NBA and NHL. She currently serves as the Director, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging for Sharks Sports and Entertainment, holding company of the NHL’s San Jose Sharks and other properties in the Bay Area.
Michele Kawamoto Perry
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Expert & Training Expert
Michele brings over 25 years of expertise in business strategy, organization effectiveness and operational excellence, with sharp business acumen, she coaches leaders to embrace the power of transformational leadership to enhance company culture and drive sustainable growth
Training Experts
Allie Casillas
HR Training Expert
Allie considers herself a proactive HR strategist with a passion for helping small to medium companies achieve their HR department goals.
Betsy Johnson
HR Training Expert
Betsy Johnson has human resources and business experience in over twenty industries. She began her consulting career in 1998 and traveled extensively working for a global firm
Clark Souers
CEO/Founder
Before launching his adventure as an entrepreneur, Clark held several leadership roles in the field of human resources during his 20-year career, which spanned the entertainment, hotel and non-profit industries. In addition, he has developed a reputation for being a visionary when it comes to supporting people and organizations with thriving in a complex world.
Eric Chan
Body Resiliency Training Expert
Eric is the founder and owner of Crossfit Reason in Arcadia, California. He believes that with hard work, dedication, and the proper training, anyone can be a top performer.
Jamie Cornell
Leadership Training Expert
Jamie Cornell has spent over 25 years working in the areas of learning and development, coaching, and group facilitation. Jamie started her professional career volunteering for two years in Senegal, West Africa with the Peace Corps after earning her BS at Texas A&M University. She has since earned a MA in International Development from the University of Denver and devoted her career to supporting and challenging leaders within organizations.
Jason “Toga” Trew
Collaboration & Leadership Training Expert
Col Jason "TOGA" Trew (US Air Force, retired) graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1999. After flying for the first half of his career, he spent the last decade focused on innovations in education, strategy, and leadership. He has extensive training in facilitation and design thinking and is also certified as an executive coach, personal trainer, and an Ironman triathlon coach.
Dr. Jeremy Moretti
Leadership & Stress-Resiliency Training Expert
As a neuropsychologist, Dr. Moretti has an unshakable passion for helping executives and businesses through change management by offering a brain-friendly approach to scientific evidence-based methods on leadership development. This is achieved through employing mindful leadership techniques, emotional intelligence, a growth mindset, and awareness of one's emotional intelligence in order to enhance both personal and organizational efficiency.
Jill Eknoian Lopez
HR Training Expert
Jill Eknoian Lopez has 25+ years of in-house HR management and HR consulting experience. She is a seasoned HR professional and enjoys taking a collaborative approach to finding solutions and pro-actively implementing best practices and procedures to support her clients.
Julie Truong
Leadership Training Expert
For 20 years, Julie Ha Truong has supported thousands of professionals in developing their careers, strengthening organizations, and improving communities. She has led multiple innovative and award-winning cross sector initiatives. In each professional role, she expanded and trained staff, doubled revenue and budgets, and created lasting systems-change.
Kendal Hudspeth
HR Training Expert
Kendal Hudspeth has a wide-ranging HR background, having worked in and managed areas such as employee & labor relations, disability accommodation, leave management, health & safety, telework, equity, performance management, recruitment, training, employee engagement and organizational change management.
Lawrence Henderson
Leadership Training Expert
Lawrence is an executive coach and facilitator with over 20 years of experience helping people and organizations attain maximum effectiveness.
Mark Wojcik
Talent Acquisition Training Expert
Mark has more than a decade of recruiting experience in contingent, temporary & retained search plus proven success in training & developing recruiting teams.
Mary Walden
HR Training Expert
Mary Walden has a well tenured career as an HR and Operations leader in multiple sectors including entertainment, legal services, social services, behavioral health, childcare and housing.
Dr. Melinda Houston
Stress-Resiliency Training Expert
Dr. Melinda Houston is a certified mental performance consultant through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. She has nearly 20 years of experience helping performers develop a mindset that will encourage them to achieve success while also enjoying the process of getting there.
Melissa Halas, MA, RDN, CDE
Nutritional Intelligence Training Expert
Melissa Halas, MA, RDN, CDE is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator, and wellness expert. She has over 20 years of diverse experience in clinical care, nutrition counseling, nutrition education, media, and writing.
Michele Kawamoto Perry
DEI/Leadership Training Expert
Michele brings over 25 years of expertise in business strategy, organization effectiveness and operational excellence, with sharp business acumen, she coaches leaders to embrace the power of transformational leadership to enhance company culture and drive sustainable growth
Nina Davis
HR Training Expert
Nina Davis is a highly skilled HR subject matter expert specializing in optimizing HR systems and enhancing employee engagement. With extensive experience in both strategic HR initiatives and operational efficiencies, Nina is dedicated to creating customized solutions that align with organizational goals.
Paul Sandbar
Leadership & Stress-Resiliency Training Expert
As a coach, curriculum developer, workshop facilitator, and author, Paul’s life and career has been dedicated to field of self-development and to affecting positive change through storytelling and conversations initially as a psychotherapist and now as Professional Certified Coach [PCC] accredited by the International Coach Federation.
Rachel Lipton
Leadership Training Expert
With a decade of experience elevating organizational strategies and leadership development programs, Rachel partners with high performing individuals and teams to lead effectively from a place of confidence and strength for greater results.
Shereen Thor
Leadership Training Expert
Shereen is an Executive Coach, Facilitator and Mediator with over 15 years of experience. As a former comedian her style uniquely inspires employees, managers, and leaders to source solutions from within and develop executive presence.
Executive Coaches
Clark Souers
CEO/Founder
Dr. Jeremy Moretti
As a neuropsychologist, Dr. Moretti has an unshakable passion for helping executives and businesses through change management by offering a brain-friendly approach to scientific evidence-based methods on leadership development. This is achieved through employing mindful leadership techniques, emotional intelligence, a growth mindset, and awareness of one's emotional intelligence in order to enhance both personal and organizational efficiency.
Jamie Cornell
Jamie Cornell has spent over 25 years working in the areas of learning and development, coaching, and group facilitation. Jamie started her professional career volunteering for two years in Senegal, West Africa with the Peace Corps after earning her BS at Texas A&M University. She has since earned a MA in International Development from the University of Denver and devoted her career to supporting and challenging leaders within organizations.
Jason “Toga” Trew
Col Jason "TOGA" Trew (US Air Force, retired) graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1999. After flying for the first half of his career, he spent the last decade focused on innovations in education, strategy, and leadership. He has extensive training in facilitation and design thinking and is also certified as an executive coach, personal trainer, and an Ironman triathlon coach.
Julie Truong
For 20 years, Julie Ha Truong has supported thousands of professionals in developing their careers, strengthening organizations, and improving communities. She has led multiple innovative and award-winning cross sector initiatives. In each professional role, she expanded and trained staff, doubled revenue and budgets, and created lasting systems-change.
Lawrence Henderson
Lawrence is an executive coach and facilitator with over 20 years of experience helping people and organizations attain maximum effectiveness.
Mary Jean Vignone, MBA, PH.D.
Dr. Mary Jean Vignone has over 25 years of leadership experience in corporations and nonprofits, including diverse organizational development experience. As an expert Executive Coach, she has a proven ability to deliver coaching that improves both individual and organizational performance/culture.
Paul Sanbar
As a coach, curriculum developer, workshop facilitator, and author, Paul’s life and career has been dedicated to field of self-development and to affecting positive change through storytelling and conversations initially as a psychotherapist and now as Professional Certified Coach [PCC] accredited by the International Coach Federation.
Rachel Lipton
With a decade of experience elevating organizational strategies and leadership development programs, Rachel partners with high performing individuals and teams to lead effectively from a place of confidence and strength for greater results.
HR Managers
Kate Romano
Kate has solid HR experience across all US states, including California, and most Canadian provinces. She has served as the Director of Human Resources for a multi-state law firm, as well as at a US/Canada-based technology company.
Nina Davis
Nina Davis is a highly skilled HR subject matter expert specializing in optimizing HR systems and enhancing employee engagement. With extensive experience in both strategic HR initiatives and operational efficiencies, Nina is dedicated to creating customized solutions that align with organizational goals.
Tiffanye Mckinney
Tiffanye has over 10 years of Human Resources experience in various industries including non-profit, government contracting and start-ups. After college, she moved to Washington, DC and began her career in Human Resources. She wanted to become an HR professional because she was very passionate about helping people and giving them the tools they need to be successful.
Trina Twilley
Trina brings a wealth of experience in HR systems support and administration, project management, and process optimization. With over five years in the HR field, she has successfully managed training and education for a national non-profit and supported HRIS, talent acquisition, and employee relations for various organizations.
Wendy Wang
Currently residing in Los Angeles, Wendy loves to travel and has had the opportunity to live in Japan, China, and France as an expat. These experiences have helped her develop cultural insights and a love for food and people, making her job as an HR professional even more meaningful.
HR Coordinators
Marian Klussmann
HR Coordinator
Marian is passionate about helping others and brings her outgoing personality into the world of work. Prior to joining EXPERT EFFECT, she was a Guest Service Agent for Hilton Hotels, ran point as a Receptionist for a church, and gained experience working in the Human Resources area at Capgemini Company.
Khbria Byrd
HR Coordinator
Khbria is a standout professional, known for her exceptional compassion, meticulous attention to detail, and a genuine desire to assist others in her professional endeavors. Her positive, warm demeanor fosters a positive atmosphere at work, reducing challenges and creating a collaborative environment for her colleagues.
Business Operations
Arthur Donovan
Finance Director
Arthur Donovan is a seasoned financial professional with over 15 years of experience in accounting and financial management. As an actively licensed CPA in Texas, holding both MBA and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Finance, Arthur brings a wealth of expertise to his role as Finance Director. He has built a strong reputation for guiding organizations across diverse industries – including manufacturing, SEC reporting, services, and public accounting — toward financial clarity and growth.
Janna Woods
Finance Manager
Janna, originally from California, broadened her horizons by residing in Alabama for a few years. While Alabama served its purpose, she swiftly returned to California, drawn back by the allure of sunny and hot days. Her professional journey commenced in the non-profit sector, where she gained diverse experience across various departments.
Rosana Mendoza
Business Operations Coordinator
As the Business Operations Coordinator at EXPERT EFFECT, Rosana Mendoza leverages her extensive background in operations, event coordination, and administrative management to ensure the seamless functioning of internal processes. EXPERT EFFECT specializes in Stress Resiliency Solutions and Human Resource Services, and Rosana plays a key role in coordinating these transformative experiences.
Sam Webb
Client Solutions Director
With a career dedicated to leading innovative startups and executing bold marketing strategies, Sam has been instrumental in bringing new concepts to life and driving substantial growth in highly competitive markets. As a key stakeholder and founding member of the first Air Locker Training gym in the U.S., Sam played a pivotal role in launching the brand from Australia to America.
Keynote Speaking Experts
Clark Souers
CEO/Founder
Keynotes:
• Fostering Workplace Harmony through Emotional Resiliency Capacity Building & Mindfulness Based Conflict Resolution
• Leadership Strategies for Transforming Employees into Fans
• Enhancing Performance Readiness to Conquer High-Stress Workdays
Melissa Halas
Keynotes:
• Effortless Eating for Energy
• Brain Power Foods
• Smart Nutrition for Longevity
Shereen Thor
Keynotes:
• Revolutionary Leader:
How to lead Authentically in a world set up for you to Follow
• Happiness at Work:
The Professionals' Power Play for Success
• Revolutionary Woman:
Resurrecting Ancient Values to Forge a United Future
Jason “Toga” Trew
Collaboration & Leadership Training Expert
Keynotes:
• Playing Strategist: How Underdogs Win
• Lets Go Above: The Power of Imagination
• Designing Leaders: Methods and Mindsets
• Full; Freaky Self
Nina Davis
Keynotes
• Seeding Success: Crafting a Dynamic Workforce for Tomorrow
• Generational Harmony: Navigating the Multigenerational Workforce