Founder / Lead Consultant
Maya Townsend, founder and lead consultant of Partnering Resources, specializes in bringing diverse groups together to tackle complex systemic challenges. She helps clients create adaptive strategies, develop collaboration, navigate change, and resolve conflict effectively.
Maya has been a keynote presenter at Gartner and a main stage presenter at Inc. 500 | 5000. Her sessions at Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association and Society for HR Management conferences have been acclaimed “best in conference” by participants. For more information on Maya’s speaking engagements, see Speaking Engagements.
Maya is co-editor of Handbook for Strategic HR: Best Practices in Organization Development from the OD Network (AMACOM, 11/2012). Maya’s articles have been published in strategy+business, People & Strategy, Nonprofit Quarterly, CIO, and other online and print media. She wrote the chapter on “Organization Network Dynamics and Analysis” for The NTL Handbook of Organization Development and Change. She serves on the Editorial Review Board for OD Review, the premier organization development practitioner journal in the United States.
Maya teaches graduate-level conflict resolution and negotiation at Tufts University. She has taught networked leadership, business ecosystem strategy, collaboration, and change management at graduate and undergraduate levels at Boston University and Northeastern University.
Maya earned a Master of Science degree with distinction from American University / NTL Institute Master of Science in Organization Development (MSOD) program and a Master of Arts in Leadership and Change from Antioch University. She is a qualified ValueNet Works practitioner and certified in the Conflict Dynamics Profile, OrgMapper INFLUENCER, the Drexler-Sibbet Team Performance Model, the Center for Creative Leadership 360 assessment suite, the LJ Map Values Identification System, MBTI, FIRO-B, DiSC, and Bridges’ Managing Organization Transition workshops. She is one of only three certified Lewis Method of Deep Democracy trainers in the United States. She is pursuing a doctorate in Leadership and Change through Antioch University.
Maya is a member of the Organization Development Network, the Boston Facilitators Roundtable, the Mid-Atlantic Facilitators Network, and the Massachusetts Bay LGBT Chamber of Commerce. She serves on the board of ZUMIX Firehouse, Inc. When not working, Maya enjoys chocolate tasting and hiking with her dog, Saga. She recently achieved a personal breakthrough by successfully replicating the famed Frida cupcake from Austin’s Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop in her home kitchen.
Connect with Maya on LinkedIn or Twitter.
Associates
Amy Yeager
Amy Yeager is an author, editor, consultant, and coach. She specializes in translating complex ideas into straightforward and accessible language to drive positive change in individuals and teams. Amy has managed editing and writing projects ranging from academic works and technical manuals to trade books, travel guides, and consumer health materials. Recent projects have included rewriting substantial portions of an ethics textbook and leading the Swedish-to-English translation of the business book Taking Up Your Role.
Amy is a certified Senior Trainer in SAVI® (the System for Analyzing Verbal Interaction) and co-author of the first book to be published on the system: Conversation Transformation (McGraw-Hill, 2012). She has particular expertise in analyzing and transforming habitual patterns of behavior, which she has applied therapeutically as a certified practitioner of the Alexander Technique and Self-Regulation Therapy, as well as in her work with executives. Her professional development has included intensive training in systems theory and the neuro-psychological effects of trauma. She is also certified in the Group Development Questionnaire (GDQ), the only scientifically validated instrument for assessing a team’s stage of development.
Amy received her AB in Psychology from Harvard University. Outside of work, her greatest learning and inspiration come from her twin girls.
Douglas Fletcher
Doug has been working in the field of organizational development for over 15 years. He specializes in diversity and inclusion, leadership development, strategic planning, team performance, and sales and customer relationships. He assists clients by listening to their needs, encouraging them to articulate their goals, and he uses a systemic approach of analyzing issues at the interpersonal, group, and organizational levels. He uses the methodologies of Action Research and Process Consulting, to assist clients in generating accurate data about their organizations. He then formulates strategies and training programs that meet the client’s goals. When partnering with clients, he draws on his diagnostic skills, compassion, and sense of humor to assist them in improving the effectiveness of their organizations.
Doug graduated from American University with a Master of Science in Organizational Development. He is certified in Organization & Systems Development from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland and is also a member of the NTL Institute for Applied Behavioral Science.
When he is not working, Douglas spends time with his two young daughters, which has recently involved wearing floral headbands and having tea parties. When he can find the time, he also enjoys playing the guitar and recording music.
Ipek Utun
Ipek’s passion is to contribute to a world where people dare and commit to live and lead with their full potential, with love and strength. In this regard, she sees conflict and tension as a major signal and fuel to make the necessary shifts in the systems, an opportunity for growth and expansion. However complex, stuck, or polarized it might seem, she believes that when people show the faith, courage, and commitment to go there, shifts happen. It is her joy to support leaders, relationships, and teams in this journey using a variety of different approaches.
Ipek is an ICF accredited PCC level Professional Coach, ORSC accredited Organizational Relationships and Systems Coach, accredited Shadow Work Group Facilitator and Personal Coach and Deep Democracy Facilitator, Trainer, and Elder. She has extensive experience in coaching, mentoring, and training senior executives, leadership teams, and women leadership groups, and facilitating small to big group processes that hold emotional charges, polarization, and divisiveness.
Ipek’s differentiating edge is her positive energy combined with a capacity to see and work with deeper patterns driving any complex situation and thus enabling personal or systemic transformation. In her spare time, she is raising three children.
Julia Monaghan
Julia Monaghan is a values-driven organizational development leader and practitioner who works to center the human experience in organizational life. She approaches this work by supporting authentic and vulnerable leadership, advancing equity and inclusion, prioritizing staff engagement in strategy and change efforts, and driving cultures that promote emotional and psychological wholeness.
She advances these outcomes by supporting organizations through change management, leadership development, capacity building, improving team dynamics, advancing equity and inclusion, strategy development and operationalization, and workshop design and facilitation. Julia approaches this work with 15 years of experience across continents, countries, and sectors.
Julia holds a Masters Degree in Organizational Development from American University. She lives in Salem, Massachusetts with her husband and dogs Cato and Astra.
Martha Freymann Miser
Martha Freymann Miser, Ph.D. specializes in leadership and change for purpose-driven companies. Over the past 30 years, Martha has held leadership positions in both private and public sector organizations. She spent twelve years with the city of Hartford, working in a variety of capacities, including Director of Operations Improvement and Assistant City Manager for Administrative Services. Her fourteen years in the financial services sector include time as head of Leadership and Organization Effectiveness for Aetna Financial Services, and four years living and working in the Netherlands where she was Global Head of Leadership and Change for ING.
Today, Martha works with organizations that seek to have an impact beyond the bottom line. In particular, she focuses on disrupting organizations, so that people think differently about themselves and their relationships, leading to client organizations that are more awake, more passionate, more human, and more focused – all of which adds up to better business results.
Martha has a BA in American Studies from Kirkland/Hamilton College, an MPA in Public Administration from Syracuse University, and a Ph.D. in Leadership & Change from Antioch University. She teaches at George Washington University and serves on the Provost’s Advisory Team for Antioch University New England. She lives in Boston with Andy, her husband of 42 years. She is the mom of three and the (very young) grandmother of Brody, Caiden, and Ryland.
Nyacko Pearl Perry
Nyacko Perry works with small businesses, community organizations, and corporations to address racial inequalities, draft policy changes, and foster a culture where every individual in the organization feels a sense of belonging. She believes that every organization is capable of doing the work needed to create a safe environment and increase diversity in leadership that reflects different identities. Through her data-driven, systems-based approach, she develops a holistic view of the organization that centers the voices of the most marginalized to make sure they are heard, represented, and become part of that change process.
Nyacko is an Advisory Board Member for the Action Boston Community Development, Inc. Dorchester/ Roxbury site. She facilitates diversity, equity, and inclusion work through the Center for Women and Business at Bentley University. She is a partner in Comfort Kitchen, a James Beard Award finalist restaurant and community space that aims to transform the food industry from the inside out by centering the immigrant experience and their contribution to the food ecosystem in America, addressing disparities in the food industry and prioritizing investment in the local food ecosystem.
Nyacko holds a master’s degree (with distinction) in Organization Development from American University and is a recipient of the University’s Segal-Seashore Fellowship award for her commitment to social justice. She is also a 500-hour professional level yoga teacher, an Afro Flow Yoga® certified teacher, and weaves her mindfulness expertise into her consulting work. Nyacko served in the Peace Corps as an HIV/AIDS Capacity Building Volunteer in Botswana from 2012-2014.
Rob Greenly
Rob Greenly “transforms smart professionals into influential leaders”TM through individual coaching, leadership development, team facilitation, and training. Rob leverages his expertise to help his clients succeed at work and lead more satisfying lives.
Rob draws upon his own firsthand experience as a senior leader and shares lessons learned from his tenure as Director of Leadership at the MIT Sloan School of Management, Director of OD and Training at Astra Pharmaceuticals, Vice President of Leadership and OD at Boston Scientific, and Chief Administrative Officer for HR at Putnam Investments.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from Harvard College and his MBA from the Yale University School of Management. Rob is a Certified Professional Coach (CPC), a Certified Physician Development Coach, and certified in many assessment and development instruments. Rob co-authored “Command Effectiveness in the U.S. Navy,” has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal and in The Boston Globe, and was featured in Fast Company magazine’s “Leading in the East Roadshow.”
A native of South Carolina, Rob resides in the Boston area with his family. In his spare time, Rob serves as the first Harvard College graduate to be elected President of the Yale Alumni Association of Boston.
Peter Norlin
Peter has over thirty years of experience which spans consulting, coaching, internal leadership, and heading a nonprofit organization. He specializes in helping leaders and leadership teams cultivate and sharpen capacities for designing and shaping corporate culture, crafting new business models, and planning for leadership succession while strengthening their team collaboration skills.
As a former partner in Dannemiller Tyson Associates, Peter is trained and experienced in the use of Whole-Scale Change™, as well as other approaches to large-system change, including Future Search Conferences, Open Space Technology, and the Technology of Participation. He is a Certified AVA Analyst, a Certified Trainer for the High-Impact Relationships Program, and certified in the use of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the Drexler-Sibbet Team Performance Model and Assessment, and The Leadership Circle.
A graduate of The Johns Hopkins University Masters Degree Program in Applied Behavioral Science / Organization Development, he also has an M.A. and Ph.D. from Northwestern University and a certificate in family therapy from the Center for Study of Human Systems.
Steve Frigand
Steve specializes in executive coaching, management team facilitation, and organizational consulting. He has more than 25 years of experience working with leaders in a variety of industries including technology, transportation, financial services, education, healthcare, and government.
Previously, Steve held several senior management positions for Compaq Computer/Digital Equipment Corporation, where he was responsible for business planning and integration, strategic analysis, and market planning. There, he managed scores of teams and projects. One major initiative led to a rigorous go-to-market planning process for new software products that won approval from Bill Gates and his staff at Microsoft and enabled employees to shift their innovative talent from legacy systems to high-volume platforms.
Steve earned a Master’s degree in management from the Sloan School at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Tufts University. He is certified as a Lore International Coach and in a variety of assessment tools. He has designed and taught courses in the Coaching Certification Program at Cambridge College, and has won the Distler Family Endowment for “Ethical Leadership in Business,” the course he developed and teaches at Tufts University.
In his spare time, Steve occasionally remembers to breathe. He also enjoys hiking, printmaking, and kayaking.
Affiliates
Amber Mayes
Amber is an organization development consultant and coach with 15+ years of experience facilitating the learning and growth of leaders and organizations. Her passion is creating environments where individuals and organizations can optimize their potential and performance. Through experiential coaching and training models, Amber facilitates the individual awareness and skill development necessary for effective leadership in today’s diverse world.
Amber brings a strategic perspective to every engagement, focusing on helping her clients adapt to the complexity of today’s rapidly changing global markets. She has taught Organization Behavior at Bentley College and Cross-Cultural Communication at Northeastern University.
Amber holds a master’s degree from the American University / NTL Institute Master of Science in Organization Development (MSOD) program. She graduated with honors from Harvard University with a B.A. in Psychology. She is qualified in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Power and Systems Organization Workshop. She is a member of the NTL Institute for Applied Behavioral Science and the Organization Development Network.
When not working, Amber sings at the occasional open mic night and is learning to play guitar.
Christine Sheedy
Christine Sheedy is an experienced consultant who coaches senior executives to make their organizations better places for both employees and clients. She supports her clients as they take action to more effectively manage people, drive change, shape company culture, and enhance employee engagement. Christine facilitates important conversations within organizations, allowing them to articulate, prioritize, and develop plans to address their unique challenges. She is skilled at connecting people and strengthening working relationships, as well as implementing practical procedures and simplifying processes to improve HR and team efficiency.
With more than 30 years of human resources, organizational development, and internal communications experience across the finance, technology, and retail industries, Christine offers expertise in areas such as post-merger integration, change management, team effectiveness, manager and leader coaching, strategic planning, and process improvement.
Christine holds a BA in political science from Boston University and an MBA in marketing and management from New York University. She is certified in coaching and has additional certifications in organizational improvement, network analysis, and relationship intelligence. Outside of work, Christine enjoys reading, outdoor activities, and attending live music events.
David Glaser
David specializes in helping leaders (and aspiring leaders) to navigate career challenges to achieve important organizational goals. He has particular expertise working in long-term coaching assignments with C-suite executives in nonprofit, health care, telecommunications, IT, and energy sectors.
David has been an organization development consultant and executive coach since 1983. He has an extensive academic background, as well as real-world experience, in applying scientific knowledge about human behavior to the challenges of leadership in the workplace and in the community during times of change, including the startup stages. David is especially skilled at assisting leaders to craft collaborative solutions with their colleagues.
He is a Professional Member and trainer at NTL Institute for Applied Behavioral Science, a frequent presenter at professional conferences, and on the instructional staff for the American University Master’s Program in Organization Development. David earned an MA in City and Regional Planning from Pratt Institute and an MS in Applied Behavioral Science from Johns Hopkins University. He draws frequently on his expertise in mindfulness meditation in his work.
When not working, David is an accomplished guitarist and singer who loves to jam.
Keli Trejo
Keli has a passion for improving business performance by strengthening relationships, coaching and developing leaders, and breaking through conflict within organizations. This passion has led her to fulfill both internal HR leadership roles and external consulting and executive coaching assignments over her 20+ year career.
Keli has contributed to significant change management efforts associated with HR Transformation strategies in her former role as VP, Management Effectiveness at Fidelity Investments and as SVP, HR Business Partner at Citizens Financial Group. She has expertise in senior leadership development, executive coaching, change management, business planning, talent management, succession planning, and building team effectiveness.
Keli graduated from American University with a Master of Science in Organizational Development. She holds a BA from Wellesley College. Keli completed a professional coaching certification program with the Coach Training Institute and continues to study group and relationship dynamics with the Center for Right Relationship. In her spare time, Keli dabbles in landscape painting and enjoys experimenting with new media.
Martha Hopewell
Martha Hopewell is a leadership coach, organizational development consultant, and former field and executive director dedicated to transforming the impact of social sector leaders and their organizations. With nearly 30 years of executive leadership and consulting experience, Martha offers proven expertise in senior leadership development, leadership coaching, strategic and tactical planning, team effectiveness, marketing, and fundraising. She also offers a sharp eye for managing budgets and financial forecasting.
Martha has extensive international experience. She is a Peace Corps alumna who was based in Tunisia for her service. She directed field operations for PLAN International in Haiti and Senegal. After returning to the US, she was first the executive director for the Millay Colony for the Arts, a residency program hosting visual artists, writers, and composers from around the world, and then Save One Life Inc., where she worked with fifty patient advocacy groups in fifteen countries to provide opportunities to children and youth with bleeding disorders. Between positions, she consulted to organizations working in the US and abroad, including West Africa, Southeast Asia, and Afghanistan.
Martha holds a BA in economics from Wellesley College and an MSc in social anthropology from the London School of Economics. She received her coaching certification from the Coaches Training Institute and has additional certifications in organization and relationship systems coaching, emotional intelligence, cross-cultural training, and energy leadership. When not working, she gardens, bikes, hikes, pores over maps, and dances until she drops!
In Memorium and Dearly Missed
Cheryl Lower
Cheryl had over twenty-five years’ of experience managing, consulting, and training in the private sector and nonprofit organizations. She managed large multi-cultural teams delivering services in challenging environments (the United Nations and several private agencies) and was recognized as the “top manager” among staff in 30 agencies. Cheryl devoted 15+ years exclusively to international organizations and intercultural issues, including seven years during which she was based in Thailand. She also worked in Romania, India, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa and has significant experience in Cambodia, France, and Switzerland. Overall, Cheryl traveled and/or lived in over 35 countries.
Cheryl taught collaboration, cultural intelligence, and strategy through the Corporate Education Center. She earned an M.A. in International Management from the School for International Training and a Certificate in Organization Development from the NTL Institute for Applied Behavioral Science. She was a member of the Organization Development Network.
When not working, Cheryl did laundry. And in the rest of her spare time, she read, ran marathons, and planned about her next international trip.
