

Meet the Team

Laurie Battaglia
(she/her)
CEO & Founder, Leadership Rebel
Meet Laurie Battaglia, the Leadership Rebel, System Disruptor, and Change Catalyst who doesn’t just break traditional leadership rules—she completely rewrites them! As CEO of Aligned at Work, this organizational culture maverick has spent decades dismantling toxic workplace hierarchies and replacing them with cultures where humans actually thrive. Armed with a Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, plus certifications as a Professional Coach and Energy Leadership Index® Master Practitioner through iPEC, Laurie isn’t your typical consultant who only talks theory. Her superpower? Building trust quickly through her signature approach that champions vulnerability and transparency, turning “soft skills” into competitive advantages that drive measurable results.
What makes Laurie truly extraordinary is her battle-tested rebel approach that uses storytelling and truth-telling to create real impact. When Laurie and her team engage with you, comfort zones die—she challenges leaders to abandon outdated power structures and embrace the messy, authentic work of leading humans. CEOs call her message “essential,” clients describe it as “thought-provoking,” and the results speak for themselves as leaders finally understand that leading themselves first and radical self-awareness is the secret weapon to creating workplaces where people soar! With expertise in assessments from Center for Creative Leadership, Wiley, MBTI, Everything DiSC, and the Drexler Sibbet Team Performance Model, Laurie brings both the credentials and the courage to help organizations move from toxic traditions to transformational cultures where authentic leadership isn’t just encouraged—it’s the competitive advantage.

Fawn Gilmore Kraut
(she/her)
Chief of Staff
Meet Fawn Gilmore Kraut, the organizational mastermind who keeps Aligned at Work running like a well-oiled machine! As Laurie’s Chief of Staff, she’s the strategic force behind the scenes who ensures every project lands with impact and every detail aligns with the bigger vision. From managing social media and maintaining content calendars to producing The Wake Up Call Live show and coordinating pre-conference outreach, Fawn transforms big-picture vision into actionable results. Her superpower? Keeping leaders on track while maximizing every opportunity, whether that’s setting up strategic meetings after speaking engagements or ensuring deadlines are met with precision and grace.
With over a decade of consulting experience and a rich background in project management, hospitality, and coaching, Fawn brings a unique blend of interpersonal finesse and operational excellence to every challenge. Her impressive track record includes managing complex rebranding projects, maintaining a 5-star Airbnb rating through 225+ hosting experiences, and delivering 50+ successful all-inclusive workshops. But what truly sets Fawn apart is her role as a catalyst for growth—she’s the one who pushes leaders to think bigger and do things differently. Certified as a Professional Co-Active Coach and Trauma-Informed Coach, with expertise spanning everything from Google Workspace to modern design tools, Fawn doesn’t just manage operations—she elevates them. Her meticulous attention to detail, combined with her passion for excellence and creative problem-solving, makes her the kind of team member who becomes an indispensable strategic partner.

Dr. Sarah Gould
(she/her)
Sr Leadership Consultant
Here’s where Sarah truly shines as your magical unicorn—she masterfully balances the focus on people and technology, transforming complex organizational systems and data into clear, compelling visual stories that everyone can understand. Armed with an Educational Doctorate in Organizational Neuroscience and Psychology, Sarah doesn’t just talk theory, she delivers results that matter to today’s leaders. Her clients rave about her transformative approach, with one sharing how Sarah helped them completely reimagine their client service approach and double their revenue in just three months! Whether she’s facilitating leadership development, coaching executives, or translating intricate behavioral data into actionable insights, Sarah brings that rare combination of human connection and analytical brilliance that makes complex concepts click. As one training participant put it: “Sarah is a national treasure!”

Heather Nunley
(she/her)
Executive Coach & Leadership Consultant
Heather leads strategic projects and contributes her expertise in culture, leadership, and organizational effectiveness. Her work centers on designing systems, refining policies, and aligning people practices that elevate performance and reinforce culture—especially during periods of change or growth. Certified in IPEC Energy Leadership Index and Personal Branding, Heather creates the conditions for breakthrough results.

Skylar Lewandowski
(she/her)
Leadership Development Consulting & Design
What makes Skylar truly exceptional is her track record of scaling impact across diverse environments. From her early days as employee #30 at Tile Inc. (helping grow it to 100+ employees) where she helped launch global contact centers, to her role at Anheuser-Busch overseeing performance systems for 100k+ employees, Skylar consistently delivers results that matter. As a Forté Fellow and Yale merit scholarship recipient, plus co-founder of travel startups and host of a leadership podcast, she brings both academic rigor and entrepreneurial creativity to every project. Her experience increasing employee engagement, boosting customer satisfaction, and driving increased revenue demonstrates her ability to translate leadership development into measurable business outcomes—exactly the kind of strategic thinking that makes her such a valuable addition to the Aligned at Work team.

Tish Times
(she/her)
Sr. Leadership Consultant & Networking Strategist
What sets Tish apart is her refusal to deliver typical “packaged” programs—instead, she crafts customized workshops, one-to-one consultations, group facilitations, and individual performance coaching that meet people exactly where they are. As a sought-after coach, professional facilitator, speaker, and author, Tish is a frequent presence at professional associations and conferences, addressing everything from business development and workplace improvement to communication, confidence building, assertiveness, anti-harassment, and diversity & inclusion. Her ability to create safe spaces for authentic dialogue while driving measurable results makes her the kind of consultant who doesn’t just facilitate change—she inspires it, one meaningful connection at a time.

Danny Ceballos
(he/him)
Executive Coach & Belonging Consultant
What makes Danny truly special is his ability to combine strategic leadership development with meaningful inclusion work that creates real organizational change. As the creator of “Queer 101″—a groundbreaking workshop that helps leaders understand and effectively serve LGBTQ+ audiences—Danny doesn’t just talk about diversity, he provides practical tools that make leaders more effective. His expertise in leading strategy planning and execution with a DEI focus has helped organizations nationwide move beyond surface-level initiatives to create cultures where authenticity thrives. Whether he’s coaching executives to unlock their leadership potential or facilitating workshops that build genuine understanding and inclusion, Danny brings that rare combination of strategic thinking, authentic passion, and practical expertise that helps leaders and organizations not just embrace diversity—but leverage it for extraordinary results.

Dr. Alejandra Rodríguez Mielke
(she/her)
Executive Coach & Belonging Consultant
What makes Alejandra truly special is her unique ability to blend professional expertise with academic rigor to support leaders’ Inclusive Leadership growth through strategic DEIB coaching, education, and development. As an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner (ELI-MP), certified Professional Coach through iPEC, and holder of an Associate Coach Certification (ACC) from the International Coaching Federation, she brings a comprehensive toolkit that goes beyond surface-level diversity initiatives. Whether she’s developing DEI strategy, coaching executives on inclusive leadership practices, or facilitating transformational learning experiences, Alejandra’s approach is grounded in both research-backed methodologies and genuine passion for creating workplaces where everyone can thrive authentically. She brings that perfect combination of scholarly depth and practical wisdom that helps leaders move from good intentions to measurable inclusive impact.

Wilma Li
(she/her)
Executive Coach & Belonging Consultant
What makes Wilma truly special is her high level of empathy, emotional intelligence (EQ), regulation, and interpersonal ease that creates the perfect environment for breakthrough leadership development. Whether she’s facilitating highly interactive and engaging group sessions or providing one-on-one executive coaching, Wilma leverages her multicultural insights to deliver transformation that resonates across cultural boundaries. Her expertise in leadership development and DEIB coaching isn’t just theoretical, it’s grounded in real-world experience working with diverse leaders who need practical tools to succeed in complex, ever-changing environments. Wilma doesn’t just coach leaders; she helps them develop the cultural competence and adaptive leadership skills that today’s global marketplace demands.

Neha Govil
(she/her)
Leadership Coach & Visual Facilitator
What makes Neha truly special is her ability to hold space for both creative exploration and strategic decision-making, blending visual thinking with kinesthetic facilitation, coaching psychology, and appreciative inquiry. Born, raised, and educated in India and now living in the greater Metro Atlanta area with her husband and little ones, Neha brings a rich cultural perspective and genuine joy to her work with leaders who want to make a real impact. Whether she’s facilitating strategic sessions, coaching executives through complex challenges, or helping teams see their path forward through visual storytelling, Neha’s approach transforms abstract concepts into concrete action plans. Her unique combination of analytical thinking, creative visualization, and coaching expertise helps leaders not just think differently—but lead with authentic impact that creates lasting change.

Brian Fishbone
(he/him)
Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging Consultant
What makes Brian truly special is his global perspective and cultural curiosity—he’s visited more than 40 countries across 6 continents, taught English as a Second Language in Korea, and studied abroad in Spain and Argentina. This rich international experience infuses his work with authentic understanding of different cultures and perspectives, making him incredibly effective at working strategically and tactically with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), workplace culture transformation, and team effectiveness initiatives. Brian brings that rare combination of academic rigor, real-world experience, and genuine cultural appreciation that helps teams not just talk about belonging but actually create it.

Ombretta Caruana
(she/her)
Executive Coach & Organizational Development
What makes Ombretta truly special is her comprehensive toolkit that includes certification to deliver the full suite of Core Strengths and Energy Leadership Index® assessments and workshops—giving her multiple pathways to unlock individual and team potential. Whether she’s facilitating individual and group coaching sessions, leading leadership development initiatives, conducting team building training and assessments, or guiding strategy sessions that underpin sustainable business growth, Ombretta’s varied educational and professional background allows her to offer organizational development that actually works. Her design-thinking-like approach means she doesn’t just address surface symptoms—she helps organizations build the systems and culture changes that create lasting transformation from the inside out.

Dr Kevin D Neal
Leadership Coach & Consultant
What makes Kevin truly special is his servant’s heart combined with a leader’s mindset, honed through over 40 years of ministry and mentoring others to find their purpose and lead with integrity. Armed with a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership from Liberty University and certifications in Six Sigma LEAN, Kevin brings both the spiritual wisdom and analytical rigor that today’s leaders need to create cultures of belonging. Whether he’s helping executives navigate complex organizational challenges or coaching emerging leaders to develop their potential, Kevin’s approach is grounded in real-world experience and genuine care for human development. His unique blend of engineering precision, emergency response decisiveness, and pastoral compassion makes him the kind of coach who can meet leaders wherever they are and help them build the inclusive, high-performing teams their organizations desperately need.

Lauren LeMunyan
(she/her)
Executive Coach & Leadership Consultant
What makes Lauren truly special is her unique blend of executive experience and coaching expertise—she served as Executive Director of three global trade associations before transitioning into coaching, giving her real-world insight into leadership challenges. As the Innovative Mindset facilitator for Capital One’s Catapult program, plus author of two books and host of a weekly entrepreneur-focused podcast, Lauren doesn’t just coach—she leads by example. Armed with certifications in The Four Stages of Psychological Safety, iPEC professional coaching, ICF Mentor Coaching, MBTI®, and Certified Resentment Release Master Practitioner, Lauren brings a comprehensive toolkit that helps leaders not just survive but truly flourish. Her approach combines the strategic thinking of a former executive with the heart of a coach who genuinely understands the pressures today’s leaders face.

Mary Beth Beaulieu
(she/her)
Sr. Leadership Consultant & Executive Coach
What makes Mary Beth truly special is her compassionate yet direct style that encourages self-evaluation, courageous thinking, and planned, mindful risk-taking to foster long-term, sustainable change. As a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with certifications in Organization and Relationship Systems Coaching, plus her role as a certified Dare to Lead™ facilitator (based on Brené Brown’s groundbreaking work), Mary Beth brings both the credentials and the heart that today’s leaders need. Her work with teams and organizations is grounded in proven change management and team effectiveness methodologies, enhanced by her expertise in Emotional Intelligence, DiSC, and Motivators assessments. Whether she’s helping executives navigate complex organizational challenges or coaching emerging leaders to take meaningful risks, Mary Beth’s intuitive approach creates the safe space where real transformation happens.

Barbara Basel
(she/her)
Executive Coach & Human Resources Consultant
What makes Barbara truly special is her focus on connecting with diverse levels of organizational design and development to understand and appreciate the unique talents and gifts that each person brings to the table. Whether she’s providing executive coaching, leading leadership development initiatives, or guiding organizational development transformations, Barbara’s approach goes beyond surface-level solutions to create meaningful change that lasts. Her ability to see possibilities and potential in others, combined with her extensive HR expertise, makes her the kind of consultant who doesn’t just solve today’s problems, she builds the foundation for tomorrow’s success. Barbara’s commitment to authentic connection and cultural transformation helps organizations move from good intentions to genuine results.

Jessica J. Purdy
(she/her)
Human Resources & Inclusion Consultant
What makes Jessi truly special is her unwavering commitment to the Aligned at Work® mission—she joined the team in 2018 when her consulting business was just beginning and has chosen to remain because she believes deeply in aligning people and workplaces. Her work furthers her own mission to foster inclusive environments where everyone can thrive authentically. As an active LGBTQIA+ rights activist, training and group facilitator with the Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition, first Board Chair of the Lancaster Pride Association, public speaker, and author, Jessi doesn’t just consult on inclusion—she lives it every day. Her combination of lived experience, professional expertise, and genuine passion for creating belonging makes her the kind of consultant who helps organizations move from talking about diversity to actually transforming their cultures.

Fred Amador
(he/him)
Sr. Leadership Consultant
What makes Fred truly special is his role as an internal coach for new and mid-level managers entering the community college system—he’s the trusted guide who helps them interpret 360-feedback reports, identify strengths and growth areas, and create actionable coaching goals. Armed with a Master of Counseling from Arizona State University, certification as a Professional Coach from Adler School of Coaching, and Associate Certified Coach status with the International Coaching Federation, Fred brings both academic rigor and practical wisdom to every interaction. Whether he’s helping managers navigate conflict resolution, stress management, organizational politics, or personal and team development, Fred’s approach combines the insight of an educator with the heart of a mentor. His expertise in Leadership Practices Inventory® 360, Strong Interest Inventory®, MBTI®, and Personal Globe Inventory means he doesn’t just coach—he provides the assessment-backed insights that create lasting transformation.

Joseph Battaglia
(he/him)
Retired Co-Founder & Trusted Advisor
What makes Joe truly extraordinary is his rare combination of medical precision, artistic soul, and coaching heart. As an Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation and Energy Leadership Index® Master Practitioner through iPEC, Joe brings both scientific understanding and creative wisdom to relationship building. But beyond his credentials, Joe is a poet and artist who genuinely cares for and about others—qualities that infuse everything he touches with authenticity and depth. His Immersive Intimacy® Model isn’t just a communication framework; it’s a testament to his belief that meaningful connection is at the heart of all success. Though officially retired from daily operations, Joe’s influence continues to guide Aligned at Work’s mission of creating workplaces where authentic relationships flourish and people can bring their whole selves to work.
Ready to be more Aligned at Work®?
Let’s connect.
Address
E. Palo Verde Dr. Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Phone
(602) 888-0975
Coach@AlignedAtWork.com
Hours
M-F: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm AZ MTN