At Surface to Soul, we believe lasting transformation doesn't happen because someone gives you all the answers. It happens when you have a trusted guide who helps you uncover new possibilities, gain clarity, and take meaningful action. That's why our team is made up of experienced coaches, trainers, and consultants who are passionate about helping people navigate life's transitions, strengthen their leadership, and create thriving organizations and faith communities. Team members have completed 136+ hours of professional coach training bring extensive experience working with congregations, faith-based organizations, and nonprofit leaders, and are passionate about walking alongside people as they create meaningful change.

What Brings Us Together
While each member of our team brings unique gifts and experiences, we share a common passion: 

• Helping People Reinvent Their Lives: Whether you're navigating retirement, a career change, an empty nest, a new ministry call, or a major life transition, we help you discern what's next and move forward with confidence.
• Helping Leaders Lead Well: Leadership can be rewarding, demanding, and sometimes exhausting. We help leaders cultivate self-awareness, clarify priorities, strengthen relationships, and lead in ways that are both impactful and sustainable.
• Helping Organizations Thrive:  From strategic planning and team development to congregational renewal and culture change, we help organizations move from good intentions to meaningful action. We believe churches can thrive in changing times. Our team works alongside congregations to clarify vision, deepen engagement, strengthen leadership, and create pathways for lifelong faith formation.

Hi, I'm Felix! I am the Director and Co-Founder of Surface to Soul's Coaching School. I've been coaching for over three decades, and am a Master Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). My coaching practice includes empowering clergy and congregation, providing executive and professional coaching, along with coaching groups. I specialize in the areas of grief and loss, diversity, equality and inclusion, team building, conflict management, and business and leadership development.

I've earned a Doctorate Degree in Organizational Leadership (EdD), and have two Master Degrees: one in Divinity and the other in Pastoral Counseling. I was ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1982, have served as a U.S. Navy Chaplain, a local church pastor, and as a denominational executive. My passion is to transform lives through coaching. One of my favorite faith practices is walking labyrinths. He says: “Walking a labyrinth refreshes my soul and inspires me. I never miss an opportunity to walk one.”

Hi I'm Cris! I help empty-nesters and active retirees declutter their homes so that they can make room for what matters most in their next chapter. You don't want to enter your retirement years weighed down by all of the stuff that is filling every closet and extra space in your home. You don't want to be a burden on your kids who will have to clean out your house one day. You don't want to waste another month, or year NOT getting to these projects.

Through my signature program, The Lighten the Load Project, I help people who are ready to make room, room to breathe and room for what's next in your life. 8 simple, actionable and effective steps will get you moving toward your goals and your lighter life right away! The Lighten the Load Project is a self-paced, online course PLUS monthly live coaching calls with me, and a private online community (where you can connect with others who get it because they are on the same path) for support and encouragement on the journey. There is no rush since you will have lifetime access to the course, the monthly calls and the private online community. While some choose to wait and spend thousands of dollars on a professional organizer to help with a downsizing move, I can help you make meaningful progress for a fraction of the price and you have the freedom to go at your own pace according to your goals and lifestyle.

Hi, I'm Shana! I've been coaching since 2019 when I joined the very first Surface to Soul Coaching School class. I'm a member of the International Coaching Federation, hold the ACC certification, have taken PCC training and am working toward the PCC certification. My calling is coaching pastors, middle judicatory leaders, and denominational leaders. I've been mentoring pastors and lay formation leaders for 25 years in the Mennonite Church USA, first as a conference minister then as a denominational minister.

I work with Surface to Soul and also serve as the owner of Wisdom Calls Coaching. I'm a graduate of Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. A favorite faith practice of mine is practicing an awareness of God’s good presence in each moment and in each person.

HI, I'M María! My coaching specialty is church leadership. I earned a Master of Arts in Religious Studies, and am certified in Christian Spirituality. I am Catholic, serve primarily Catholic parishes, and I have extensive professional experience in faith formation. My favorite faith practices are contemplative prayer, nature walks, and keeping a faith-life journal.

Hi, I'm Tammy! I am honored to walk with God’s people as they seek to live and lead well. I am passionate about health, healing, and wholeness. As a Professionally Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation, I draw upon my experience and additional training as an End-of-Life Coach, Spiritual Coach, Positive Intelligence, and Boundless Compassion Facilitator. Most recently I have been engaged in growing my personal work around Racial Justice. This has taken the form of co-facilitating conversations with cohorts for self-discovery of their own racism and connecting it with their faith.

Throughout my ministry, I accompany leaders, congregations, and teams in coaching relationships targeted at formation, listening skills, and healthier working relationships. I am creative and seek to explore, empathize, innovate, navigate, and activate the change desired to be the best version of oneself, and their community. I serve on the Leadership Team for Leading Well and the Life of Faith Initiative, and I’m a member of the DEI team for Boundless Compassion.

Hi, I'm Janny! I was born and raised in The Netherlands and have worked in settings where I could use my strengths: observing and analyzing challenging situations, and advising parents and professionals to improve their abilities to work and raise kids and youth with special needs. I want to help professionals improve and re-imagine their job, work - we are always learning and growing. Life is always in transition, and the choices we make along the way make us grow or not. I am passionate to challenge leaders to look at their work and/or life from a different perspective and guide them in improving or inventing new ways in their leadership and life.

I have used my learnings and experiences in different settings while living in the United States. I served as a leader of an improvement process overarching 3 Dutch Language & Culture schools in Southern California. I have worked at a church to grow and improve their Children Ministries, worked there in Youth Ministry and as Congregational Life Director. My focus was to guide the congregation through the transition of becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation (welcoming LGBTQ+). I am passionate about bringing improvement to an organization, and leading others in change, towards a desired future. I have a Dutch Masters’ degree in Educational Sciences, have completed training to lead a Dutch Elementary school in a foreign country, and finished Children, Youth and Family Ministry Certification School through Vibrant Faith.  I am an ICF -Professional Certified Coach and serve as an instructor for Surface to Soul's ACC-level and PCC-level Coaching School.

Hi, I'm Ed! I've served the PC(USA) at all levels of the church and oversee the denomination’s Presbyterian Peacemaking Program for 13 years and PC(USA)’s leadership development programs. I've also served congregations in California, Nebraska and Kentucky, have been a licensed Realtor in Kentucky and Indiana for over 20 years. I am a lifelong Presbyterian who is passionate about and am highly committed to equipping and strengthening the church for impactful ministries and inspiring witness.

I believe that one of the most powerful ways to equip and empower leaders is through the process of coaching. As a PCC-level trained coach, I enjoy instructing Surface to Soul's ACC-level student to learn about and demonstrate ICF's 8 core competencies in their personal and professional lives.

Hi, I'm Carl! I've served the PC(USA) at all levels of the church and oversee the denomination’s Presbyterian Peacemaking Program for 13 years and PC(USA)’s leadership development programs. I've also served congregations in California, Nebraska and Kentucky, have been a licensed Realtor in Kentucky and Indiana for over 20 years. I am a lifelong Presbyterian who is passionate about and am highly committed to equipping and strengthening the church for impactful ministries and inspiring witness.

I believe that one of the most powerful ways to equip and empower leaders is through the process of coaching. As a PCC-level trained coach, I enjoy instructing Surface to Soul's ACC-level student to learn about and demonstrate ICF's 8 core competencies in their personal and professional lives.

Hi, I'm Jeff! I'm excited to share a bit about myself and how I can support you on your journey towards personal and professional growth. I’m Jeff Marian, owner of Marian Coaching, and I'm a certified life and leadership coach. Throughout my life, I have been passionate about helping individuals like you unlock their full potential and achieve their goals. I believe that each of us has a unique set of strengths and capabilities, and my mission is to guide you in harnessing those abilities to create a fulfilling and purposeful life.

With over 35 years of non-profit leadership and 10 years of experience in coaching, I have had the privilege of working with diverse individuals from various backgrounds. I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of coaching and the incredible impact it can have on people's lives. I am committed to helping individuals and teams in the non-profit and business community discern their goals and dreams, dance with their obstacles, and chart a course to their preferred future. Few things bring me more joy than seeing others thrive in the life of their choosing. I received a BA in psychology at the University of North Dakota and an M.Div. from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. While serving as a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for 35 years I received my Coach Practitioner and Narrative Coach Practitioner certifications from Learning Journeys, an ICF-certified coaching school in Woodbury, MN (www.learningjourneys.net). I’ve been married to my wife, Nancy, for 38 years. Together we have three adult children. I’m an avid cyclist, voracious reader, beer snob, and Bourbon lover. Thank you for considering me as your coach. I am honored to be a part of your journey, and I look forward to working with you and witnessing your incredible growth. To get started, feel free to explore the website and reach out to me for a complimentary consultation. Let's embark on this transformative journey together!

Whether you're seeking guidance in career development, personal relationships, mindset and motivation, or any other area of your life, I am dedicated to customizing our coaching sessions to meet your unique needs and objectives. I strongly believe in the power of accountability, and I will be your committed partner throughout your journey, providing support, encouragement, and constructive feedback.

HI, I'm Jim! I've been coaching leaders and leadership teams for 10 years through his coaching business, Coaching to Connect. He specializes in organizational change. Jim holds a Master of Science degree in Religious Education with an emphasis in adult spiritual formation from Duquesne University. Jim also studied coaching through the Institute for Life Coach Training and received his PCC credential from the International Coaching Federation. He is also a Certified Reinvention Practitioner through the Reinvention Academy of Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva.  

I move fluidly among Episcopal, Catholic, ELCA Lutheran, UCC, and other mainline denominations in my life and work, and am especially interested in churches that want to engage in dynamic partnerships with community organizations beyond their campus. I nurture my spirituality in silence, in nature, in reading, and in small communal spiritual practices.

Hi, I'm Erik! I grew up in Everett, WA, graduated from Cascade High Schoo, and then worked my way down the west coast, first at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma where I studied Classics and Religion (and bartending), and met my wife Tauni, a pediatric nurse. We  moved to Berkeley, CA where I earned a Masters of Divinity at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and a Masters of Arts in Systematic and Philosophical Theology (with an emphasis on the theology of the Lutheran Confessions) from the Graduate Theological Union. I was ordained a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in 2006, served as pastor/mission developer at redevelopment congregation in Spokane, WA, before coming back to his hometown in 2011 to serve as Campus Pastor and Director of Vocational and Spiritual Formation at Trinity Lutheran College. Tauni and I have two children.

I'm interested in experiential worship and faith development since my early days at PLU. Faith-based community organizing methods have informed my ministry from the very beginning, and teach community organizing to students. I have a passion to help translate the Gospel of Jesus as understood in the Lutheran tradition to people who have not been encountered by it—particularly people aged 18-40—and to participate in authentic relational communities that are seeking to concretely embody the Way of Jesus in a life lived together in the world. I love to talk about Jesus in coffee shops and pubs.

My prayer and worship life is shaped and nourished in major ways by the Acts of the Apostles, the Taizé Community, the writings of Martin Luther and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and the liturgy and theology of the Lutheran Church.  I take seriously the call of God in Baptism and believe that each and every person is called by God for significant work and service in the world, and loves to help people connect deeply to their vocations. I describe my call to ministry in this way: “I am called to encourage and challenge the Church to live more fully into God’s dream by innovating in and among communities who are engaging the resources of the Christian faith to include and empower young adults.”

Hi, I'm Mark! As a coach, I provide a relational space that feels safe and free from judgment. I listen intently to what you are saying and ask caring questions that allow for deeper conversations and insightful next steps. My goal is not to “fix” you, but to accompany you to deeper self-awareness. Becoming your best self requires an investment of time, and I consider it my calling and privilege to accompany you through this process. I am qualified to help you in the areas of career discernment, leadership, worship, spiritual formation, and emotional intelligence. I am an associate certified coach with the International Coaching Federation and have completed training for the professional level of certified coach.  

I believe coaching is a partnership based on trust, where the coachee experiences greater discernment and clear steps to move forward. I coach individuals, teams and organizations. For the past 30 years I’ve served in local congregations helping others flourish through spiritual formation. My educational experience includes a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary, Master of Divinity and Church Music from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Music from Belmont University. I love to experience God leading worship in the local church and I find peace in God’s amazing outdoor sanctuary. My primary spiritual practices are reading, listening to music, and my small group.

As your coach, I provide a relational space that feels safe and free from judgment. I listen intently to what you are saying and ask caring questions that allow for deeper conversations and insightful next steps. My goal is not to “fix” you, but to accompany you to deeper self-awareness. Becoming your best self requires an investment of time, and I consider it my calling and privilege to accompany you through this process. I am qualified to help you in the areas of career discernment, leadership, worship, spiritual formation, and emotional intelligence. I am an associate certified coach with the International Coaching Federation and have completed training for the professional level of certified coach.  

I believe coaching is a partnership based on trust, where the coachee experiences greater discernment and clear steps to move forward. I can coach both individuals and teams. For the past 30 years I’ve served in local congregations—my desire and calling is to help others flourish through spiritual formation. I currently serve in an ELCA church but spent many years in the Baptist denomination. My educational experience includes a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary, Master of Divinity and Church Music from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Music from Belmont University. I love to experience God leading worship in the local church and I find peace in God’s amazing outdoor sanctuary. My primary spiritual practices are reading, listening to music, and my small group.

Hi, I'm Tom! My journey is one of compassion and insight, forged through experiences in both the corporate realm and ministry. I'm passionate about fostering joy, productivity, and peace. My coaching approach is shaped by the latest neuroscience findings and my deep-rooted Christian faith. When coaching, I seek to craft a sanctuary of trust, where transformation flourishes in sessions filled with empathy and impact. I proudly serves as a coach for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Greater Milwaukee Synod where he coaches faith leaders, leadership teams, and individuals from a variety of backgrounds and beliefs. With my unique blend of a Master of Divinity and a Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering, my work bridges personal narratives with cutting-edge science, offering a rich tapestry of wisdom for those seeking guidance in personal growth and career development.
 
Beyond coaching, I find joy spending time with my wife and, when available, my two adult children. I restore my soul through life-giving activities like downhill skiing, cycling, international travel and soulful moments with my furry companions – Samoyeds Lucy and Dwight, along with cats Winston and Koa. My love for nature is evident in his favorite hiking spots, from the crimson rocks of Sedona to the enchanting trails of Walnut Canyon and Wisconsin's charming state parks. Please reach out to me to embark on a transformative coaching journey. My mission is to empower you to unlock your fullest potential and embrace resilience on your path to self-discovery and growth.

Hi, I'm Denise! For more than 30 years, Denise Utter has embraced her vocation in the fields of education and ministry, these last six years focusing her energy and passion on coaching individuals, teams, cohorts, congregations, and non-profit organizations; primarily in the areas of leadership in ministry, team transitions, life transitions, change management, and ministry with families. She loves working with church leaders and their teams reimagining faith formation, navigating team transitions, life transitions, change management, and ministry with families.

She is a trained coach in Vibrant Faith’s International Coaching Federation-certified program, is currently preparing for the ICF’s ACC Level test, and has aspirations of reaching the PCC Level in the near future. In addition to her coaching credentials, Denise holds a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Education. Her commitment to ministry is evident through her roles on nonprofit organization boards and on advisory councils for religious orders. Denise listens for God’s nudges in the quiet, through journaling, reading the works of other seekers, in nature, on long walks, and in travel.