Torrie A. Taj, CFRE

President, Chandler, AZ

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Dynamic. Altruistic. Strategic. Torrie Taj is a passionate and dedicated professional with more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and philanthropy. Torrie is a heartfelt leader who loves to create big visions for the future while embracing a theory of abundance.  Her energy is contagious and attracts the best talent of individuals who want to make a difference today and for the next generation.

As CEO at Child Crisis Arizona, Torrie provides support and leadership to her team to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect, creating safe kids and strong families. Torrie started her career as a volunteer in 1991 and worked her way up, overseeing a variety of human-service programs and departments before being recruited to lead Child Crisis Arizona in 2015.

Torrie encourages her staff to give back through volunteer work in the community. Leading by example, Torrie enthusiastically serves on the Board of Directors for the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters and teaches at ASU, her alma mater . . . Go Devils! Her WHY is to mentor, motivate and inspire incredible people who collectively work together so that our community is a better place for everyone. For fun,

Torrie loves spending time with her three children, gardening and traveling! Torrie’s determination and love for humankind drive her to achieve extraordinary results. Her abundant life is filled with gratitude, optimism, and lifelong learning which keep her inspired and moving forward.

Elle Cronin, PCC

Co-Vice President / President-Elect, Chandler, AZ

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Elle Cronin is a seasoned Mentor Coach and Leadership Trainer with over 15 years of expertise in talent development and employee engagement. Her extensive operations management and human resources background uniquely positions her to identify and nurture talent into high-performing leadership teams. Her commitment to teaching smart decision-making and creative problem-solving skills is a testament to her dedication to empowering managers to achieve sustainable positive change within their teams.

Beyond her leadership coaching proficiency, Elle is a certified Real Colors Trainer, skillfully bridging temperament theory to real-life applications in an enjoyable and easily understandable manner. Moreover, Elle holds prestigious accreditations, including a PCC and a PHR credential, further validating her expertise and commitment to excellence in her field.
 
Elle's life mission revolves around fostering awareness of diverse perspectives and embracing the many ways of thinking to ensure that all voices are heard and accepted. She graciously shares her own journey to inspire others to share theirs too.

Deb Stephenson 

Co-Vice President / President-Elect, Albuquerque, NM

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Deborah Stephenson’s extensive background in healthcare operations provided her with numerous opportunities to coach employees in all areas of their careers. Early in her career, she recognized that employees are whole individuals, often bringing personal concerns into the workplace. This realization led her to develop a keen intuition for helping individuals unlock their true desires for a fulfilled life.

Throughout her corporate career, Deborah has helped countless individuals pivot to new paths, finding these moments to be the most rewarding highlights of her professional journey. Her ability to connect deeply with people and guide them toward their goals has made her an exceptional coach.

Deborah received her CPC through iPEC Coaching in 2024 and is currently working towards her ACC certification through ICF.

Deborah holds a Bachelor of Science in Management and Master of Healthcare Administration.

Deborah is serving her second term as President of Albuquerque Toastmasters Club 122 after having served in Board roles as Secretary, VP of Membership, and Sergeant at Arms. Deborah has two grown children and one grandson.

Betsy Dokakis, ACC

Immediate Past President, Queen Creek, AZ

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Betsy Dokakis, President of B2B HR Consulting, brings decades of high-level and diverse HR generalist experience in Human Resources to companies prior to becoming a certified Executive and Professional Coach.  She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her clients helping executives, managers, and leaders from a wide range of industries to effectively lead their teams and organizations or grow individually as a leader.  She focuses on increasing leadership performance and managerial strengths by evaluating gaps and building skills and capabilities to achieve the client’s desired outcomes that have a positive impact on the individual, organization, and bottom line.

Prior to B2B HR Consulting, she provided Executive HR Leadership, overseeing the planning and implementation of HR initiatives and coaching opportunities from Executive level to staff for prior organizations she supported.  

Over her 20 plus-year career, Dokakis has managed the HR function to include coaching in small to mid-size companies in industries including healthcare, manufacturing, high tech, Bio tech, semiconductor, insurance, and early stage start up environments. Her areas of expertise include compliance and best practices, HR infrastructure, policy and procedure development and implementation, and Executive and Professional Coaching.

With a Masters in Organization Development, a Bachelor of Science in Organization Behavioral Leadership, and as a certified Executive and Professional Coach, Dokakis has a proven track record of building companies’ leadership capabilities.   Aligning with the company’s strategic direction, she brings her results-orientation to talent acquisition and retention, culture integration, organization development, executive coaching and delivery of customer-focused HR services and programs to improve employee engagement and organization effectiveness. 

Dokakis is passionate about family and community and has volunteered her deep expertise to support non-profits and mentor small business owners.

Lori Raggio

Professional Development Co-Director, Goodyear, AZ

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Lori Raggio, MBA, SHRM-CP, PHR, Founder and CEO of Inspire Greatness Coaching and Consulting, LLC, serves as the creation catalyst, soul activist, and intuitive transformation alchemist helping women leaders and entrepreneurs remove their armor, find their authentic self, and live aligned with their passion and purpose.

Lori is a compassionate, strategic, innovative, and results oriented leadership and life coach; human capital consultant; transformational retreat leader and best-selling author with over 25 years of progressive experience in private and public fast paced entrepreneurial growth organizations. Lori has coach certifications in Conversational Intelligence; Intelligent Leadership; Narrative Coaching; Integrative Development; and Team Coaching. Lori co-created the coaching component of the new Dr. Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute at Towson University Maryland and is one of twelve founding coaches for the Coaching Collective.

Lori serves on three boards of nonprofit organizations that have missions that align with her goal to support organizations and individuals to thrive in their greatness.

Lori is a lifelong learner, powered by purpose, driven by insatiable curiosity with a passion to build a better community one conversation at a time.

Leah N’Diaye

Professional Development Co-Director, Albuquerque, NM

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Leah N’Diaye is a professional executive coach trained through the Co-Active Training Institute, an organizational effectiveness consultant, and founder of Lion’s Tooth Leadership™, where she partners with high-potential leaders and organizations navigating complexity, transition, and sustained performance. Based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Leah brings a systems lens grounded in human experience and deep operational credibility.

She spent 15 years in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she built and led an Organizational Effectiveness Center of Excellence at a high-growth fintech bank in Silicon Valley. In this role, she worked closely with senior leaders to scale leadership capability, strengthen operating models, and support transformation during periods of rapid growth and change.

Leah holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources & Organizational Science from Paris Dauphine University and has lived and worked internationally. She is an ACC-credentialed coach, known for blending evidence-based frameworks with reflective, experiential learning.

Her work focuses on helping leaders manage energy, clarify values, and lead with intention during pivotal moments of growth and transition. She is also a mother of twin middle-school daughters, an experience that informs her perspective on leadership, responsibility, and sustainable performance. Leah is honored to serve on the board of the International Coaching Federation as Co-Director of Professional Development for the newly merged Southwest chapter, alongside her counterpart, Lori Raggio.

Erika Michelle

Communications & Marketing Co-Director, Tucson, AZ

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As the founder of Erika Michelle, LLC, she offers coaching and conflict resolution services to individuals, teams, and leaders across diverse industries. Her practices are grounded in evidence-based methodologies and a client-centered philosophy that promotes resilience, emotional intelligence, and collaborative problem-solving.

In addition to working with clients, Erika Michelle is currently writing her first fiction book, which explores how the hidden mechanics of manipulation and emotional control can unravel confidence, relationships, and ultimately, a sense of self. Whether facilitating workshops, guiding clients through transformative coaching sessions, working on her first book or mediating disputes, Erika Michelle brings a calm, strategic presence and a commitment to meaningful outcomes. Her mission is to help people thrive—personally, and collectively.

Scott Plate

Communications & Marketing Co-Director, Silver City, NM

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Scott Plate is a pathfinder, an initiator, and a compassionate guide who empowers people to lead their lives with greater ease, integrity, and purpose. A certified Life Coach, trained Death Doula, and co-founder of Native Heartseed LLC, Scott offers a client-centered, ethically grounded approach that catalyzes consciousness.

Scott is a Pachakuti Mesa shamanic initiate and a Certified Imago Professional Facilitator (CIPF) also trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and the Enneagram. He integrates relational, strategic, and parts-aware frameworks that support self-discovery. A focus of his work is helping clients distinguish between adaptive personality patterns and their Essential Self, fostering  clarity, resilience, and ethical self-leadership.

Scott holds an MFA in Theater and brings decades of experience as an expressive therapist, educator, director, and actor to the coaching space. He sees human beings as inherently resourceful, and his coaching is rooted in deep listening, presence, and partnership. His clients come from a broad spectrum of artistic, professional, clinical, and academic settings, and he empowers them all to live, lead, or leave their lives on their own terms.

Deanna Maddox, ACC

Member Experience Co-Director, Glendale, AZ

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Deanna Maddox is a values-driven coach and community leader who believes growth happens best in environments rooted in trust, curiosity, and genuine connection. Known for her thoughtful presence and commitment to integrity, Deanna creates spaces where people feel seen, respected, and empowered to grow—both personally and professionally.

As Co-Director of Membership, her number one goal is to ensure members feel welcome, supported, and connected throughout their coaching journeys. She is passionate about fostering collaboration and helping members confidently engage with the chapter, the coaching community, and their own ongoing development.

When she isn’t coaching or volunteering, she likes to travel, do all things Disney, make handmade cards, read, and spoil her dog, Belle.  

Sonja Harris

Member Experience Co-Director, Albuquerque, NM

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Sonja Harris is a grief and transitions coach who brings a compassionate, personalized approach to helping individuals rebuild their lives after loss. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Trauma Informed Certified Coach, and COR.E Transitions Dynamics Specialist, Sonja blends her coaching expertise with her personal journey of loss and renewal. 

After being widowed suddenly, Sonja transformed her own grief into a mission to guide others toward hope, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose. With a deep understanding of the complexities of grief and life transitions, Sonja empowers clients who are ready to move forward but struggle to regain their sense of self. Her coaching fosters growth, courage, and creativity, enabling individuals to embrace life again and rediscover joy.

Outside of work, Sonja is a proud mom (of both the human and dog variety), an avid reader, a beginner knitter, and a lifelong fan of the game of baseball. 

Ash Madireddi, PCC

Secretary/Treasurer, Queen Creek, AZ

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Ash Madireddi is an ICF-Certified Life and Leadership Coach, DISC-Certified Practitioner, and a seasoned HR leader with over 13 years shaping talent and driving organizational excellence. As the Head of Talent for a leading Scottsdale cybersecurity firm, Ash is dedicated to growing leaders and teams through clarity, connection, and genuine collaboration.

She is deeply passionate about building people-centered cultures where every individual can truly thrive. Outside of her professional life, Ash finds joy in two beloved roles: as a single mom to two wonderful children, and as an enthusiastic gardener who often escapes into nature and self-development books. Whether exploring trails, sharing stories over coffee and cake, or nurturing her garden, Ash treasures moments spent with her children above all else.

Inspired by the natural world and rooted in helping others discover their potential, Ash brings heart, integrity, and optimism to every conversation, believing that connection and kindness create lasting impact.

Dan Bartholomew

Outreach & Partnerships Co-Director, Tucson, AZ

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Dan Bartholomew is a highly skilled executive coach, team builder, and collaborative innovator. With his extensive experience in solving puzzles and creating opportunities, he is a true thought leader in the executive coaching industry. Dan has an exceptional track record of building successful leadership and teaming environments from scratch, leveraging his deep network to build teams, alliances, and partnerships that consistently deliver the very best value to his clients.

He has a broad range of experience across operations, technology, and strategy and is always ready to take on market and operational challenges to help his clients succeed. As an executive coach at Griffin Dunn in Tucson, Arizona, Dan oversees the leadership transformation practice, where he advises and coaches clients on their growth transitions.

His industry expertise is broad: he has worked with healthcare gaming companies, non-profit recycling organizations, digital medical device manufacturers, and many more, providing them with Executive Coaching, strategic vision and tactical plans in operations and growth.

Dan has a BS in Quantitative Business Analysis from Pennsylvania State University and has taken courses in CEO Coaching, Whole Person Coaching, Six Sigma Black Belt, Corporate Storytelling, Executive Relationship Building, Helping Clients Succeed, Working Geniuses and Strategic Account Management.

He is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation, and certified in Whole Person coaching and the working geniuses methodology.

Deb Thompson

Outreach & Partnerships Co-Director, Albuquerque, NM

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Deborah Thompson is a leadership and wellbeing coach who is passionate about helping leaders thrive both professionally and personally. Her coaching and consulting practice partners with leaders, teams, and nonprofits to strengthen leadership skills, align purpose, create clarity and focus, and develop personal and collective resilience. She is certified in a Gallup Strengths, DISC, Five Behaviors of a Team, Hogan, and Leadership Circle Profile. She also serves as governance and strategic planning specialist for Arizona State's Lodestar Center for Nonprofit Leadership and Philanthropy.
 
Prior to becoming a professional coach, Deborah served in executive leadership roles across nonprofit and corporate sectors, where she led enterprise initiatives, developed high performing teams, and coached leaders through adaptive challenges. She is passionate about fostering human centered leadership that prioritizes collaboration, growth, and wellbeing as essential values. 
 
Deborah lived in Arizona for 28 years prior to relocating to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2022. She has served on the ICF Arizona and New Mexico boards, most recently as President of ICF New Mexico.  

Chris Newhouse, ACC

Member at Large, Oro Valley, AZ

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Chris is an Executive and Leadership coach certified by the Hudson Institute of Coaching in 2019 and an ICF ACC credentialed coach since 2021. Chris has a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Columbia University, and a B.S. in Engineering Physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Chris has worked in the Medical Diagnostics industry for over 20 years in diverse roles spanning Research, Product Development, and Marketing.
 
Chris has gained practical experience in cultural adaptation through living in four states, and three countries. Chris has elected to maintain his corporate career in parallel with coaching to stay in touch with the day-today challenges that executives face in our current VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) business environment. Beating cancer has also given Chris the very personal experience of what it is like to make big lifestyle changes.
 
Chris currently lives with his family in Oro Valley near Tucson, AZ, but serves clients from around the world.