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Meet Our Team

Welcome to Team8 People.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

Meet our Facilitators
Read Our Story

Director & Senior Consultant

Bo Hanson

He / Him

CEO

Dr. Liz Masen

She / Her

Business Specialist

Rebekah Box

She / Her

Client Success Manager

Danielle Souness

She / Her

Client Success Manager

Temika Smith

She / Her

Client Advisor

Cameron Gordon

He / Him

Client Advisor

Lizzy Ristano

She / Her

Client Advisor

Rita Irvine-Kalmikova

She / Her

Client Advisor

Dr. Nicole Sellars

She / Her

Special Projects Executive / Assistant to the CEO

Jacinta Edmunds

She / Her

Business Specialist & Client Management Assistant

Abdallah Babuh

He / Him

Digital Writer

Mim Haigh

She / Her

Graphic Designer & Marketing Assistant

Palais Lebrun

She / Her

Our Coach Facilitators

Our coaches are more than just facilitators. They are people who have lived the highest levels of performance, bringing deep real-world experience in sport, coaching, and leadership to the programs they deliver. Each brings their own unique background, but what they share is their high-performance experience and the understanding of what performance through people truly looks like.

Director & Senior Consultant

Bo Hanson

He / Him

Director & Senior Facilitator

Liz Masen

She / Her

Coach Facilitator

Fiona Cullen

She / Her

Coach Facilitator

Lison Mage

She / Her

DISC & Leadership Facilitator

Vanya Hinton

She / Her

Leadership & Culture Facilitator​

Steve Sharp

He / Him

Mining & Resources Leadership Facilitator

Graham Box

He / Him

Leadership Facilitator

David French

He / Him

Coach Facilitator​

Alex Rance

He / Him

Coach Facilitator​

David Buttifant

He / Him

Coach Facilitator​

Wayne Grant

He / Him

Leadership & Performance Consultant

Shaquana Miller

She / Her

Academic & Leadership Consultant

Dr. Nicolle Skoien

She / Her

Academic Development Consultant

Brian Townsend

He / Him

Leadership & Team Development Consultant

Erin Glaser

She / Her

Academic Consultant

Dr. MEGAN BUNING

She / Her

Academic Leadership & Performance Consultant

Dr. Becky Bedics

She / Her

Academic & Performance Consultant

Samantha Gilmore

She / Her

Bo Hanson

Director & Senior Consultant

Bo Hanson’s career within the sport and the business sector spans over 25 years, delivering leadership, management, and coach development. In addition to his own athletic career comprising of four Olympic appearances and including three Olympic medals, Bo has worked for many years with coaches and athletes from over 40 different sports across the globe. 

After a successful career in sport including four Olympics and three Olympic Medals, Bo co-founded and developed Team8 in 2003 and Athlete Assessments in 2007. Bo now focuses on working with clients in business, education, and sporting industries across the globe to achieve their own success, getting the best out of the people, and has attained an unmatched track-record in doing exactly this. In recognition of this, Bo was also the winner of the Australian Institute of Training and Development (AITD) 2023 Award for L&D Professional of the Year, for his dedication to L&D and transformational work across various industries.

As a client of Team8, you will work directly with Bo Hanson, to deliver exceptional value and outcomes to you, your team, or your organisation, through the use of our DISC Profiles, completing your DISC Accreditation, or through keynote speaking or tailored development programs. 

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Dr. Liz Masen

CEO & Senior Facilitator

Liz Masen is CEO and a Senior Facilitator at Team8 People, and has helped guide the company’s direction for over 18 years. With a well established and proven track record in the sports and business industry spanning almost two decades, Liz has a unique perspective and position to bring to her work. Through her deep understanding and work experience with coaches and leaders across the globe, she benefits from this connection and insight into their day-to-day roles, and is able to translate this across industries to enhance the professional development of others.

Both ambitious and hard-working, Liz graduated with an Honors Degree in Accounting and Finance, while working full-time, and was awarded the prestigious University Medal for receiving the highest academic marks at the Queensland University of Technology. In addition, Liz completed her Ph.D. within the School of Health and Behavioral Sciences at the University of the Sunshine Coast in 2025. The title of her research thesis was ‘What do coaches really want in their playmakers?’ and its focus was how a coach’s experience, opinions, and coaching style impacts their perceptions and expectations of key playmaker positions in basketball, ice hockey, field hockey, volleyball, soccer, and rugby union.

Prior to Team8, her professional career started in investment banking, working in Australia, Asia, and South Africa as a mergers and acquisitions specialist in the Mining and Resources sector. From investment banking, she became the youngest ever General Manager of Finance for the global gas and engineering company, BOC Gases, and it was within these predominantly male environments that one of Liz’s true passions emerged. Liz co-founded Xplore, a leadership development company for women, which grew into the leading provider of its kind within Australia.

After selling out her ownership in Xplore in 2006, Liz joined Bo Hanson at Team8, and co-founded Athlete Assessments with him.

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Rebekah Box

Business Specialist

Since joining the organisation in 2020 as a Marketing and Design Coordinator, Rebekah Box has demonstrated creative ambition, exceptional leadership, and strategic acumen, leading to her promotion to Marketing Manager, and subsequently serving as Director of Client Experience from August 2022 until her appointment as Team8 People’s Chief Executive Officer, supporting the business’ growth and development in it’s first year following an acquisition and merger of another business. Following the merger of Athlete Assesments and Team8 People, Rebekah now retains an advisory and strategic role with the business as a Business Specialist, providing internal coaching and mentoring to support individual staff development, and maintaining key client relationships, overseeing marketing and brand initiatives, and business growth opportunities. These roles have shaped her ability in driving growth, developing client-centric solutions, and executing impactful business strategies. 

Rebekah’s people-first approach and strategic leadership are central to her success. She continues to leverage her background in communication and relationship management to ensure the delivery exceptional client programs while overseeing Team8 People’s overarching brand and growth strategy. She collaborates closely with clients and internal teams to ensure every engagement reflects the unique needs and goals of our clients. In addition to her client-focused efforts, Rebekah is instrumental in driving Team8 People’s marketing, communications, and impact strategies. Her dedication to fostering trust and connection ensures a seamless experience for clients from the initial stages of engagement through to project delivery and beyond.

As a Queensland University of Technology (QUT) graduate with a Bachelor of Journalism, majoring in visual design and communications, Rebekah brings creativity combined with a results-driven mindset to her work. Her personal success is measured by the growth of Team8’s clients and the meaningful impact of its programs, underscoring her unwavering commitment to the success and growth of the businesses she serves.

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Danielle Souness

Client Success Manager

As Team8’s Client Success Manager, Danielle is responsible for all existing client relationships and liaison, and ensuring every client receives exceptional ongoing service and support. Danielle oversees all client management, working closely alongside every team member, and takes pride in her professionalism, diligence, and going beyond! Danielle is focused on providing exceptional service in a timely manner and ensuring client satisfaction through understanding and meeting each client’s individual needs, guiding them every step of the way to ultimately achieve success whilst living our company values on a consistent daily basis.

Danielle also acts as Team8’s Administrative Services Officer, responsible for providing high quality administration assistance to support the business in areas of office management, invoicing, financial processes, record management, answering enquiries, and other administration services.

Danielle is a Graduate of Griffith University with a Bachelor of Business (double award major in Sports Management and Human Resource Management). 

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Temika Smith

Client Success Manager

As Client Success Manager at Team8 People, Temika is the trusted point of contact for keeping client relationships strong and programs running seamlessly. She takes the time to understand and align with each client’s goals, anticipating and supporting their needs so they feel looked after at every stage of their journey. She coordinates logistics, oversees program rollout from onboarding right through to delivery, and is genuinely invested in her clients’ success, providing a calm and organised approach that gives clients confidence everything is in good hands.

These strengths align naturally with her DISC profile, an SC style. Her Steadiness shows in the patience, loyalty, and reliability she brings to every client relationship, while her Conscientiousness ensures each detail, resource, and deliverable meets a consistently high standard and has impact.

Temika holds a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences from the University of Queensland, graduating with First Class Honours in 2021. Her grounding in psychology complements her natural strengths in supporting clients and building strong, impactful relationships.

Outside of work, Temika channels that same commitment into an active lifestyle. You can often find her competing in her state’s volleyball league, swimming, or out on a hike with friends. She even took her love of hiking to a new level by completing the Kokoda Challenge, a gruelling 96km hike and ultramarathon on the Gold Coast, Australia, with her full team in 25 hours and 50 minutes (a true testament to her perseverance and dedication to performance!).

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Cameron Gordon

Client Advisor

Cameron Gordon brings a unique combination of commercial experience, curiosity, and people-first thinking to his role as Client Advisor at Team8 People. Originally from the United Kingdom, Cameron graduated from the University of York with a Bachelor of Politics in 2019 before spending four years with Nestlé UK in sales management. During this time, he developed a strong understanding of relationship-building, organisational dynamics, and the importance of aligning people and performance.

In 2023, Cameron followed a lifelong dream to travel to Australia, ultimately making Brisbane home in 2024. With a natural enthusiasm for learning and connection, and as an avid quizzer, guitarist, and former radio host, he brings both analytical thinking and creativity to every interaction.

At Team8 People, Cameron works closely with clients to understand their goals and determine how our team can best support their people development, team culture, and DISC integration initiatives. Cameron also works as our public sector procurement specialist, utilising his background in government and politics. Known for his thoughtful approach and genuine interest in others, Cameron ensures each engagement with Team8 People is grounded in collaboration, clarity, and meaningful results.

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Lizzy Ristano

Client Advisor

Lizzy Ristano is a seasoned coach, educator, and former elite athlete who brings over two decades of experience in NCAA coaching and athletic administration. With a 17-year coaching career at the University of Notre Dame and most recently with her role in coach development with WeCOACH, Lizzy Ristano has remained steadfast in her purpose: to be selfless in nature, spread her infectious spirit, and inspire those around her to be the best they can be. As a mentor, leader, and role model, Lizzy believes that people and relationships are what matter most. She approaches every challenge with a smile and a laugh, never losing sight of the impact she has on those she guides.

In her Associate Head Coach at Notre Dame, Lizzy drew from a distinguished playing career and a rich history of leadership to support high-performance cultures both on and off the field. A former standout outfielder at Notre Dame and member of the USA Softball National Team, Lizzy was named the 2001 BIG EAST Player of the Year before completing her master’s degree in Sport Management at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Since returning to her alma mater in a coaching capacity, she has helped guide the program to 17 NCAA Regional appearances and has contributed to five NFCA Regional and Conference Coaching Staff of the Year honors. As the Irish’s lead hitting instructor, Lizzy was known for her ability to develop nationally ranked offenses and mentor athletes to All-American recognition. Her career also includes impactful roles at UMass, Boston College, and Stanford, where she combined her passion for sport with expertise in athletics development and program advancement.

Dedicated, passionate, and committed to making a difference, Lizzy will continue to empower individuals and teams through her role as Client Advisor with Team8 People (formerly Athlete Assessments), ensuring that the relationships she builds leaves a lasting impact. Lizzy is deeply driven by the alignment of values in any professional relationship, as will be demonstrated in every client interaction. She believes that true success comes from fostering self-awareness, embracing core values, and prioritizing human connection; principles that have been the foundation of her own professional growth. Athlete Assessments’ commitment to performance through the people side of sport strongly resonates with her, as it mirrors her own philosophy on leadership, mentorship, and personal development.

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Margarita Irvine-Kalmikova

Client Advisor

Margarita ‘Rita’ Irvine-Kalmikova is a two-time Olympic swimmer for Latvia with a profound passion for athletics, leadership, and personal development. With a Bachelor’s degree in Human Communication from Lewis University and a Master’s in Sport Administration from Bowling Green State University, Rita blends academic excellence with elite athletic experience to drive growth in both individuals and organizations.

Her professional journey spans over a decade of coaching and mentoring within NCAA programs across all divisions, where she developed a deep expertise in recruitment, athlete development, and relationship-building. During this time, Rita also had the unique privilege of mentoring an Olympic Gold Medallist and leading teams with a focus on integrity, resilience, and high performance. While completing her graduate studies, she further expanded her knowledge through managing an aquatics department, deepening her understanding of student-athlete development within higher education.

In her role as Client Advisor for Team8 People (formerly Athlete Assessments) she plays a vital role in building relationships with and understanding new client needs, and providing tailored solutions that align with our values and offerings. After stepping away from coaching to focus on her family, Rita has re-entered the professional space with renewed energy and commitment to empower others through sport and leadership. Now based in Colorado Springs, known as “Olympic City USA”, Rita supports teams, organizations, and individuals in unlocking their full potential through a people-first, performance-driven approach.

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Dr. Nicole Sellars

Client Advisor

Dr. Nicole Sellars is a dedicated educator, academic leader, and sport management professional with a passion for empowering students and organizations through thoughtful curriculum design and strategic assessment. With a diverse educational background — including a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from Boise State University; a Master’s in Physical Education and Athletic Administration from Idaho State University, and a doctorate in Sport and Exercise Science: Sport Administration from the University of Northern Colorado; Nicole brings a holistic and research-driven approach to learning and leadership.

With professional experience in sports organizations such as the NBA’s G-League, Nicole brings industry insight into organizational behavior, leadership development, and the evolving dynamics of the sport industry. As an Associate Professor in the School of Hospitality, Sport, Tourism, and Event Management at Troy University, Nicole teaches across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels while also serving as the Undergraduate Program Coordinator and Assessment Coordinator. Her dual focus on academic excellence and program development has positioned her as a key driver of innovation in sport management education. Nicole’s integration of Team8 People’s (formerly Athlete Assessments) DISC Profiling into her coursework offers a practical example for others, and demonstrates her commitment to connecting theoretical frameworks with real-world application. She also actively contributes to professional organizations including COSMA, NASSM, and GSBA, further expanding her impact across the field. Her logical, diplomatic, and persistent work style continues to support meaningful progress in both student outcomes and broader institutional goals.

In her role as a Client Advisor, Nicole brings her direct experience using DISC Profiling within higher education, to work closely with universities, colleges, and educational programs looking to do the same. She’ll provide tailored support to faculty and administrators, helping integrate our DISC Profiles into curriculum, leadership development, and student experience initiatives. With a deep understanding of our core philosophies and a people-first approach, Nicole will ensure every interaction is meaningful, supportive, and focused on long-term success.

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Jacinta Edmunds

Special Projects Executive / Assistant to the CEO

Jacinta Edmunds is a dedicated coach, advisor, and former elite athlete with a passion for fostering strong team cultures and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. With a background in sociology from UC Berkeley and experience competing at the highest levels of rowing, Jacinta combines her deep understanding of human behavior with a data-driven, people-first approach to leadership.

In her role as Special Projects Executive and Assistant to the CEO at Athlete Assessments, Jacinta supports the execution of key initiatives and works closely with leaders across the business to drive strategic projects forward. Her ability to bring structure and momentum to complex priorities makes her a valuable contributor to the organization’s ongoing growth and impact.

Her professional journey spans coaching, athletic advising, and data analysis, where she has honed her problem-solving skills while maintaining a steadfast commitment to building meaningful relationships. As Head Coach at Commercial Rowing Club, she focuses on creating high-performance environments that prioritize individual growth and team cohesion.

Throughout her career, Jacinta has championed supportive communities, ensuring athletes and professionals alike feel valued, heard, and empowered to succeed — both in sport and in life.

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Abdallah Babuh

Business Systems & Client Management Assistant

Abdallah Babuh joined Team8 People in 2026 as a Business Systems & Client Management Assistant, where he supports client relationships and assists the broader team with the day-to-day coordination of business operations.
 
Originally from Kenya and now based in Brisbane, Abdallah brings a global perspective shaped by his experiences living, studying, and working across different cultures. He holds dual Master’s degrees in International Business and International Relations from Griffith University and is passionate about understanding how people, teams, and organisations can achieve their best.
 
Prior to joining Team8 People, Abdallah built experience in customer engagement, coaching, and business operations, developing strong skills in communication, relationship building, and supporting positive client experiences. He is particularly interested in the role that self and behavioral awareness play in improving communication and collaboration.
 
Outside of work, he enjoys swimming, travelling, and exploring new cultures. As a lifelong learner, he is excited to continue growing with the Team8 People team while helping clients achieve meaningful outcomes.
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Mim Haigh

Sports Writer

When Mim Haigh joined our organization in 2017, she tasked herself with writing crisp and direct content. The kind of articles, webpages and resources that would carry the voices of the thousands of coaches, athletes and administrators we support worldwide, and she has and is consistently achieving this.

Mim brings to our team the benefit of an abundance of professional, athletic, and life experiences. Professionally, Mim has created content for books, audio and video. She has written for some of Australia’s most iconic organizations and events, including the Sydney Olympics and Sydney’s New Year’s Eve Celebrations. Academically, she has a degree in Humanities and is currently studying for a postgraduate degree in Communications and Journalism. As an undergraduate she held a scholarship at The Women’s College of The University of Sydney, one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious universities. As an athlete, Mim was a national level lightweight single sculler in the sport of rowing.

When it comes to high performance sport preparing you for life, Mim is passionate. In 2007 she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and within four years lost the functional use of her arms and legs. She works, raises a family, and manages a team of ten support staff, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

Her exceptional ability to write is highly valued and her phenomenal approach to life is inspirational.

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Palais LeBrun

Graphic Designer & Marketing Assistant

Palais (pronounced Palace) is our vibrant and visionary graphic designer. Her journey from Noosa to Brisbane was driven by a passion for art and academics, relocating to attend the Queensland Academy of Creative Industries.

With a keen eye for design and a dedication to her craft, Palais approaches each project with creativity, enthusiasm, and innovation. From conceptualization to execution, she takes pride in delivering visually compelling solutions that captivate audiences and meet objectives. Responsible for a diverse range of visual communication projects, Palais brings an attention to detail and a commitment to being exceptional to every task.  Outside of work you’ll find her at music festivals, playing bass guitar, and creating art for local bands.

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Bo Hanson

Director & Senior Consultant

Bo Hanson’s career in the business sector spans nearly 30 years, delivering leadership, management, and coach development. Alongside his own athletic career, including four Olympics and three Olympic medals; Bo has worked with over 40 sports worldwide, as well as individuals and businesses, delivering DISC accreditation, team, and leadership programs. He now focuses on helping clients achieve success on and off ‘the field’ using DISC Profiling, with an unmatched track record in doing so.

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Dr. Liz Masen

CEO & Senior Facilitator

Dr. Liz Masen is CEO of Team8 People and also works as a Senior Facilitator. With a well established and proven track record in the sports and business industry spanning three decades, Liz has a unique perspective and position to bring to her work. Through her deep understanding and work experience with leaders across the globe, she benefits from this connection and insight into their day-to-day roles, and is able to translate this across industries to enhance the professional development of others.

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Fiona Cullen

Coach Facilitator

Fiona Cullen is an accomplished communications professional and leadership facilitator with over 25 years experience in commercial, public, and not-for-profit sectors. She is an expert in helping people master essential skills like effective feedback, building trust, accountability, and empowered delegation. As a former Australian representative in both athletics and bobsleigh, she brings her unique perspectives and high performance experience to her work, blending the discipline of sports with practical leadership strategies.

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Lison Mage

Coach Facilitator

Lison Mage is a performance and decision-making expert, keynote speaker, and author of “Act Before You Overthink”. With over 200 skydiving jumps and a passion for kitesurfing, she lives the principles she teaches: pushing limits, building resilience, and performing under pressure. Combining a background in engineering and corporate leadership with practical psychology, she empowers teams to translate insight into action through dynamic, high-impact facilitation.

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Vanya Hinton

DISC & Leadership Facilitator

Vanya Hinton is an experienced People and Culture leader, coach, and facilitator with a passion for helping people and organisations thrive. With a career spanning corporate, government, and not-for-profit sectors, she combines strategic insight with deep care for people to drive performance and growth. Accredited in Emotional Intelligence and DISC, Vanya partners with Team8 People as a Leadership Facilitator, helping leaders and teams build connection, capability, and cultures where people perform at their best.

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Steve Sharp

Leadership & Culture Facilitator

Steve Sharp is an award-winning executive and leadership expert with over 20 years of experience leading large-scale organisations and advising senior teams. A specialist in Leadership, Psychological Safety, culture, and DISC Behavioural Profiling, he equips leaders to create high-performing, resilient cultures that drive both engagement and results. Drawing on a career spanning industries from construction and mining to government and financial services, Steve has delivered more than 200 leadership programs and keynotes, helping organisations align people, strategy, and performance.

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Graham Box

Mining & Resources Leadership Faciliator

Graham brings more than 40 years of experience across the resources and energy sectors, working throughout Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Over a distinguished career with the Royal Dutch Shell Group, he held senior executive roles across multiple business functions including Sales, Marketing, Operations, Logistics, External Affairs and Government Relations, and Corporate Strategy. This breadth of experience has given Graham a deep understanding of the commercial, operational, and stakeholder dynamics that underpin success in complex, large-scale resource operations.

After leaving Shell in 2014, Graham established Now and Tomorrow Advisory Qld Pty Ltd, a consultancy focused on supporting organisations within the resources and related industries. Through this work, he advises clients on business strategy, contracting and procurement, emissions reduction technologies and initiatives, and supply chain optimisation, helping organisations navigate evolving operational, commercial, and sustainability challenges.

Since founding Now and Tomorrow Advisory, Graham has supported a wide range of clients across Australia and internationally, including Bravus Mining, Carmichael Rail, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, Frieda River Copper (PNG), Geelong Ports, Hastings Deering Group, Kalgoorlie Power Systems, KGL Resources, Kuwait Petroleum, Metro Mining, Mine Energy Solutions, Mitsui Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, Peabody Energy, Rio Tinto, Sojitz Blue, SeaSwift, SK Oil, Sime Darby Industrial, and UGL.

In addition to his advisory work, Graham is a Mining & Resources Industry Leadership Faciliator with Team8 People, where he contributes his extensive industry insight to leadership and capability development programs across the mining, energy, and infrastructure sectors. Drawing on decades of operational and executive experience, Graham helps leaders translate high-performance principles into practical behaviours that strengthen safety culture, decision-making, accountability, and team performance in complex operational environments.

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David French

Coach Facilitator

David is a leadership development coach and expert facilitator. His current work builds upon 21 years service in the Australian Army in the Infantry Corps and ten years people operations consulting in Government, Defence and National Security, and businesses small and large. David focuses on delivering leadership development with a difference, challenging clients to stretch beyond their limits to reach their true potential as leaders, building resilience, confidence and communications skills that leave a positive impact on all.
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Alex Rance

Coach Facilitator

Alex Rance is a former AFL Premiership player and five-time All-Australian with the Richmond Football Club. Renowned for his elite defensive skill and leadership on and off the field, Alex has since turned his focus to performance and leadership development. Today, he works as a Consultant with elite teams, organisations, and individuals, helping them build resilience, collaboration, and high-performing cultures.

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David Buttifant

Coach Facilitator

David Buttifant is a Resilience and High-Performance Coach with Championship success at the highest level for over twenty-five years in the AFL. Through his experience he guides others to better understand themselves and others, adapt to change, maximise their potential, and achieve success in sport, business, and life.

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Wayne Grant

DISC Facilitator

Wayne Grant is a high-performance leader and coach developer with over 25 years’ experience in Australian and international sport. The former General Manager of High Performance at Touch Football Australia, he led the national program to five consecutive World Cup titles and has consulted with Japan’s national teams for more than a decade. A skilled DISC facilitator, Wayne draws on his elite sporting background to help teams build connection, strengthen culture, and perform at their best.

Shaquana "Shaq" Miller

Leadership & Performance Consultant

Shaquana “Shaq” Miller is a collegiate athletic administrator and leadership development consultant renowned for her ability to build high-performing people. Working across sport with student-athletes, coaches, and staff alike, and within the systems that support them.

As Assistant Athletic Director for Student Support at Anderson University, Shaq leads academic services, eligibility monitoring, and holistic development for student-athletes across multiple sports. She builds cross-functional teams around shared accountability, training compliance staff, faculty, coaches, and advisors to manage eligibility proactively and support every athlete’s academic and personal growth. Her approach pairs rigorous standards with culturally responsive, people-first leadership.

Shaq’s expertise extends beyond campus through Next Play Athletics Consulting, a collegiate readiness and compliance education platform she founded. Through workshops, webinars, and district partnerships, she equips student-athletes and the adults who lead them with the knowledge and strategy to navigate NCAA eligibility and recruiting with confidence.

A respected voice in the field, Shaq has been selected for elite leadership programs including the Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute, NACDA’s Senior Administrators Mentoring Institute, Women Leaders in College Sports, and the NCAA Division II Athletic Directors Association Mentoring Program, recognition that reflects her standing among peers in collegiate athletics.

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Shaq holds a Master’s degree in Sports Management from Georgetown University and is completing a Doctorate in Sport and Athletic Leadership. Across every role, her mission remains consistent: to ensure student-athletes, and the staff who serve them, are not just eligible; but educated, empowered, and equipped for their next play.

Nicolle Skoien

Academic & Leadership Consultant

Nicolle Skoien is an Academic and Leadership Consultant whose work in academia has seen her become a leading expert in the topics of leadership, management, and psychology. 

Nicolle earned her Ph.D. at the University of Missouri in Counseling Psychology, and has worked in higher education for over a decade as an advisor within athletics, including in her previous role at Marquette University as Academic Counselor which supported more than 320 student-athletes, and her more recent appointment in 2022, as Assistant Director of Student Retention. While working on the Athletics side at Marquette, Nicolle has helped create and teach multiple leadership classes within the College of Business Administration as adjust professor, translating her broader interests and knowledge of DISC and athletics into the classroom.

Knowing the transferability of sport to life, is what led Nicolle to Athlete Assessments’ DISC Profiling, utilizing both the sport-specific and non-sporting versions to create highly relevant and meaningful experiences for her students across the disciplines of sport and business leadership. In 2023, Nicolle partnered with Athlete Assessments as an Academic and Leadership Consultant to continue to deliver interactive and expertise-driven experiences for students.

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In the classroom, Nicolle guides students through the experience of completing their DISC and understanding how it will assist them in learning more about themselves, as well as how to improve their communication or relationships with others to produce greater outcomes. Nicolle focuses heavily on the importance of self-reflection to learn more about yourself and the type of leader you want to be. Nicolle’s class evaluations consistently have an average of 4.5/5 or above, a testament to her investment and involvement in the learning and development of her students.

Nicolle attended Illinois State University as a division-I Basketball Player at Illinois State University (playing a 5th year due to an ACL tear in her freshmen year) while obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Master of Science in Sport Management; and University of Missouri for her Master of Education in Counseling Psychology, Sport Management concentration. 

Nicolle has presented her research findings at a number of conferences and has been called on to share her expertise on panels including the North American Society for the Sociology of Sport (NASSS) Conference, the National Association for Athletic Advisors, and BIG EAST University Virtual workshop. 

Brian Townsend

Academic Development Consultant

Brian Townsend is an Academic Development Consultant who is renowned for his student-athlete leadership development initiatives and ability to build individual and team awareness to improve performance. 

As the Director of the Athletic Department’s Leadership Development Program at collegiate sport powerhouse, University of Michigan, Brian understands the importance of, and is an expert in developing exceptional leadership in athletes. Since moving into this role in 2014, thousands of student-athletes have been through the program under Brian’s lead, which sees the implementation of both an individual and team-focused approaches.

Brian draws on this experience, along with his own sporting career, to develop people in all facets of life. He demonstrates his proven ability to assist people in honing their skills in a range of aspects, guiding them through the process.

Looking for ways to fast track and enhance the self-awareness of athletes and coaches, is what led Brian to Athlete Assessments’ DISC Profiling tools. In 2023, Brian partnered with Athlete Assessments as an Academic Development Consultant to provide students studying in the field of sport to draw on the knowledge that makes him an expert in the craft of athlete leadership development.

Brian educates through intentional leadership, community engagement, and career preparation experiences and resources, to ultimately prepare students for success in what comes next. 

Brian attended University of Michigan where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management and Communications, and a Bachelor’s in Secondary Education and Teaching, social studies and physical education. While completing his first degree, Brian was a varsity athlete in Grid Iron Football, before being drafted into the NFL in 1992 following graduation. During his NFL career, Brian played for the Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals, before going down the path of coaching. After many years coaching basketball, Brian returned to his alma mater as Since then, Brian’s ability to develop student-athletes has been recognized and grown into the role he holds today. 

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Erin Glaser

Leadership & Team Development Consultant

Erin Glaser is a Leadership and Team Development Consultant whose expertise lies in designing and conducting transformative workshops for a diverse audience, spanning students, student-athletes, coaches, athletics professionals in higher education, and corporate teams. With a career enriched by over a decade of hands-on experience, Erin has carved a niche for herself as a trailblazer in the realm of leadership development and communication enhancement.

Erin’s journey commenced in the world of collegiate athletics, where she served as the Head Coach of Volleyball at Hamilton College and as an Assistant Coach of Volleyball at Connecticut College. It was during these coaching years that Erin first discovered the immense value of DISC Profiling. She skilfully integrated this tool within her teams and amongst fellow coaches, paving the way for more effective communication and collaboration.

In 2017, Erin embarked on her consultancy journey by establishing “Ever Upwards Leadership” a leadership development organization focusing on nurturing skills such as self-awareness, situational awareness, growth mindset, and communication. She became an accredited Athlete Assessments DISC consultant, deepening her expertise in this transformative tool.

At the same time, Erin transitioned into a pivotal role at the Drexel Sports Leadership Academy, Erin assumed the mantle of Program Manager and Lead Educator for Coach Education Programs. Here, she led the charge of educating coaches and teams about the profound impact of teamwork, communication, and adaptability. Erin’s impact extended into academia, where she served as a career advisor for undergraduate students while simultaneously teaching as an adjunct professor at Drexel University’s Honors College. She crafted an innovative course titled “Self Awareness & Leadership,” which empowered students to harness experiential learning and DISC profiling to become effective leaders.

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In 2021, Erin took on the role of Talent Development Program Manager at Veeva Systems, where her role includes designing and delivering training for a global workforce of over 7000 personnel. Erin’s prowess in facilitating DISC workshops has made her a sought-after expert, whether within corporate settings or the athletic arena. Her mission remains consistent: building trust, enhancing collaboration, and fostering adaptability, regardless of the environment.

Erin’s commitment to personal growth and knowledge expansion is unceasing. She holds a MALS in Coaching from Stony Brook University, a BA in Art History from Wesleyan University, and completed Masters level coursework in Educational Technology at Drexel University. Her collegiate journey was marked not only by academic excellence but also by her tenure as a student-athlete, co-captain of the volleyball team, and a four-year letter winner.

 Erin Glaser’s legacy as an Academic and Leadership Consultant is defined by her unwavering dedication to empowering individuals and teams to reach their highest potential. Her expertise in DISC Profiling, coupled with her rich coaching background, positions her as a beacon of guidance and transformation in both the academic and corporate spheres.

Megan Buning

Academic Consultant

Dr. Buning is a former Division I softball assistant and associate head coach at Florida State University, Coastal Carolina, and the University of Mississippi. As a former All-American softball pitcher at the University of South Carolina, she is a member of USC’s Athletic Hall of Fame and was named to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Women’s Legends Class in 2017. After her coaching career, she moved into academia in 2013 as a research faculty earning tenure and promotion in 2019 at Augusta University.

Subsequently, Dr. Buning transitioned into a clinical teaching position at Florida State in 2020 where she helped design and launch an online master’s degree in athletic coaching. Dr. Buning and is published and has presented nationally and internationally in the sport psychology, counseling, and coach education fields. Her research foci involved examining the intersection of sport strategies and education. Dr. Buning enjoys focusing her instruction and research specifically on the use of mental performance techniques to enhance coaches’ and game officials’ performance.

Dr. Buning is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (C.M.P.C.), a trained Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE) instructor and is accredited to issue and interpret the DISC Profile and Test of Attentional and Interpersonal Styles (TAIS) assessments. Since 2015, she has used her spare time to serve as a mentor for consultants working toward the C.M.P.C., as a talent analyst for the SECNetwork+ and ACCX college softball, and providing mental performance training to various game officials, coaches, athletes, and teams.

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Dr. Becky Ahlgren Bedics

Academic Leadership & Performance Consultant

Ever wondered how top athletes and coaches stay mentally strong and motivated, even when the pressure is on? That’s where Becky Ahlgren Bedics comes in! With over 25 years of experience, Becky has dedicated her career to helping athletes, coaches, and athletics administrators unlock their full potential—not just in the athletics arena, but in life.

Becky recently left her position at Vice President of Mental Health & Performance at the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), supporting world-class tennis players as they faced the unique challenges of competing on the global stage. She led a team of mental health care providers who provided therapeutic support and designed programs to help athletes manage stress, boost confidence, and thrive under pressure—skills every college and high school student can relate to.

As the founder of Ahlgren-Bedics Consulting, Becky travels across the country to facilitate workshops and programs for student-athletes, athletic departments and companies. Her sessions aren’t just about sports—they are about building leadership, teamwork, and life skills that last long after the last whistle and graduation. Becky’s certification in Athlete Assessments DISC allows her to help students and coaches understand themselves better, connect with others, and succeed both in and out of the game.

Becky’s work has been featured on the BBC, ESPN and NPR among other media outlets, and she’s led leadership academies at universities nationwide. Becky is passionate about showing participants how personal development and strong leadership can make a difference—whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or just someone looking to grow.

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Becky knows what it’s like to juggle sports and studies—she played collegiate softball while earning her degree in psychology. She went on to earn a doctorate in Sport and Performance Psychology, and she’s spent years helping student-athletes develop the skills they need to succeed in college and beyond.

Becky and her husband Mark, of the NCAA Championships staff, are the proud parents of two athlete sons and based in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Samantha Gilmore

Academic & Performance Consultant

Samantha Gilmore is an Academic and Performance Consultant whose work is focused on helping individuals and groups achieve their highest aspirations through self-exploration, education, and the application of methods which inspire personal growth and development as well as enriched collaborative experiences.

Previously an award-winning collegiate softball player with athletic and academic honors including CoSIDA Academic All-America and Heartland Conference Scholar Athlete of the Year, Samantha has a comprehensive understanding of both the physical and psychological demands that accompany sport while also managing outside life interests and pressures. She attended St. Edward’s University in Austin, TX for her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Kinesiology and Florida State University earning her a Master’s Degree in Sport Psychology.

Samantha began her career in professional sports with the New York Mets, a world-class and industry leading organization in baseball. Ultimately promoted to the position of Mental Performance Coordinator for the Mets, a position housed within the player development system of the organization, the role put her in an influential position to establish a department of mental performance coaches that would work alongside both players and staff with a goal of boosting player performance, department collaborations, organization culture, and employee well-being. Samantha spent five seasons working in the Mets’ organization from 2018-2022.

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Outside of her work in professional baseball, Samantha began consulting within universities across the United States with the goal of raising the standard of the student-athlete experience and fostering student-athlete success on and off the field. In her spare time, Samantha offers mental performance training and support to individual athletes and teams to promote performance enhancement along with a more enjoyable sport experience.

Samantha’s passion for bringing about growth and development among individuals and groups is what led her to Athlete Assessments and the use of DISC Profiling. She has employed DISC assessments with players, coaches, athletic staff members, and department heads receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback on the assessment and experience. Samantha joined the Athlete Assessments team as a Performance and Academic Consultant in 2023.

As a woman in sport, Samantha recognizes the unique challenges and sought-after opportunities for women interested in the field of sport and performance psychology. In addition to being awarded the NCAA Ethnic Minority and Women’s Enhancement Postgraduate Scholarship, she was invited to be recognized by the NCAA at a leadership event in 2016. Samantha has spoken at ‘Take the Field’ a diversity and inclusion event hosted by MLB for women aspiring to work in major league baseball and continues to embrace opportunities which further promote diversity and inclusion.

Samantha is a member of both the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), a national organization, and the Professional Baseball Psychology Group (PBPPG), an organization founded through Major League Baseball. She can be heard speaking on various podcasts, such as the ‘Compete Everyday Podcast,’ and was invited to speak as a panelist at the 2022 MLB Mental Health Conference.