Resources

Wendy Ryan (she/her/hers) – CEO

Wendy created The Learn Lead Lift Framework®, introduced in her award-winning and bestselling book, Learn Lead Lift:  How to Think, Act, and Inspire Your Way to Greatness.  As CEO of Kadabra, Wendy leads an interdisciplinary team of experts who are revolutionizing how leaders think, what they do and how they show up to others through The Learn Lead Lift Framework® and Kadabra’s unique learning solutions.

In addition to her work with Kadabra, Wendy advises and invests in early-stage companies.   Her impact facilitating access to capital for historically excluded entrepreneurs is featured in the documentary film, Show Her The Money.   Wendy was an executive producer for the film along with Emmy award-winning actor, Sharon Gless.  

Throughout her 25+ year career in human resources, organizational development and executive development Wendy has partnered with hundreds of individuals, teams and organizations globally, propelling front-line through C-suite leaders and board members to new levels of success. 

Wendy holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resources and Organizational Development from the University of San Francisco and a post-graduate Certificate in Management and Innovation from Bentley College and dual Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology and Spanish from the University of California at Davis. Wendy was previously certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources. 

To learn more about Wendy, visit her Media page.  For press and other inquires, email:  hello@wearekadabra.com.  

Email:  Wendy@wearekadabra.com 

Johanna Lyman

Gail Finger

Sherri Horan

Heather Martinez

Crystal Whiteaker

Shawn Bunger

Wendy Ryan

Shawn Bunger (she/her/hers) – Senior Consultant

Shawn Bunger (She/Her/Hers) is a 30-year global Human Resources leader with passion for solving business problems, moving the needle on Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging, and building amazing employee experiences in companies of all sizes. 

She has combined her business acumen with her passion for creating inclusive, diverse, equitable workplaces where employees feel true belonging to drive DEIB strategies that are research-based solutions which move the needle and in turn create greater engagement, retention, and improved business results.  

Her strengths of empathy, connectedness, and adaptability throughout her career have allowed her to build deep trusting relationships resulting in being described as a “trusted advisor” to executives, leaders, and employees at all levels of the organization. Coaching of leaders to impact their development in achieving their career and personal objectives has been of particular satisfaction in her career.  

Shawn has a Bachelors in Business Administration as well as a Masters in Human Resources and Organizational Development. Her joys come from travel with her partner, Joe, and finding great local musical talent to enjoy as well as spending time with her 17-year-old Puli, Beau.  

Email: shawn@wearekadabra.com 

Heather Leavitt-Martinez (she/her/hers) – Senior Consultant

Heather Leavitt Martinez (she/her/hers) is a visual practitioner, Appreciative Inquiry facilitator and author living in Durango, Colorado. 

Heather’s visual approach turns attendees into participants during virtual and in-person meetings. While passionately creative, Heather is also very pragmatic and is a certified Agile Scrum master and specializes in Human-Centered Design. Her goal is to create high-touch, customized experiences by holding a space for others to be successful so they may have breakthrough conversations. 

With over 25 years of design experience, Heather has applied her visual skills by supporting leadership development trainings, high-performing teams, and change management using strategic visualization. She is also a certified Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator, certified SHIFT-IT Coach, certified virtual facilitator. She specializes in approach design for virtual and in-person meetings, off-sites, and retreats. 

Email: hello@wearekadabra.com 

Crystal Whiteaker (she/her/hers) – Senior Consultant

Crystal Whiteaker (pronouns: she/her/hers) is a Leadership Development and DEIB* Consultant specializing in inclusive coaching and consulting for brands and leaders that care deeply about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Crystal brings over 15 years of creative, relational, process driven experience across multiple industries. She is a self-described “corporate trained, creative hippie” who puts a strong focus on core values to help people elevate their community connections to communicate and lead with clarity and confidence. Crystal is an advocate for leaders and organizations that provide resources and support for healing, particularly in relation to trauma. When she’s not working, Crystal enjoys spending time at the beach, connecting with people, and exploring new places.  

Fun fact: Crystal LOVES animals and will stop to show them affection any chance she gets. She is that person who will always ask to pet your fur-baby.  

(*DEIB: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging)  

Email:  Crystal@wearekadabra.com 

Gail Finger (she/her/hers) – Senior Consultant

Gail Finger (she/her/hers) brings over 25 years of expertise in interpersonal dynamics and the psychology of change to her executive coaching, leader development, team development and facilitation services. She has consulted to companies large and small in healthcare, technology, legal, financial services, consumer goods, manufacturing, public utilities, non-profits, and local and federal government.  

Gail is passionate about helping organizations to improve communication, teamwork, collaboration and innovation. She has a proven track record of helping leaders to get results through by building competencies in these areas. Gail is also a sought out facilitator on topics such as Giving and Receiving Feedback, Leading a Hybrid Team, Productive Conflict, and more.  

Gail has a BA in Psychology from the University of Connecticut and a MS in Counseling from the University of Bridgeport. She is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coach Federation (ICF) and is certified in numerous workplace assessment tools.  

Email: gail@wearekadabra.com 

Monica Silkwood (she/her/hers) – Director of Operations and Experience

Monica Silkwood (she/her/hers) comes to Kadabra with over 10 years of professional experience in cross-functional Project and Change Management. She is passionate about leadership and transformational change for individuals and organizations striving to make the process smooth and impactful for Kadabra clients. Monica holds an MBA from Santa Clara University, as well as dual Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology and Spanish from the University of California at Davis. 

Monica shares life with her husband, her three children and their golden retriever. She is a strong advocate for Down Syndrome, an amateur photographer and an avid CrossFitter. 

Email: monica@wearekadabra.com 

Johanna Lyman (she/her or they/them) Senior Consultant

Johanna Lyman (she/her or they/them) is a Certified Diversity Professional, Leadership and Culture coach and consultant with over twenty years of experience of leadership development and culture change. 

She is adept at combining coaching, training, and facilitation to help clients build sustainably profitable businesses while creating deep meaning in their work. She quickly establishes rapport and creates a container of psychological safety, belonging, and deep trust with her clients and their teams. She believes that inclusion and diversity should be seen as the natural outcomes of building great cultures. 

Johanna is wife to the best husband on the planet, mother to an adult daughter, and dog-mom to Petey the Amazing Tripod. 

Email: johanna@wearekadabra.com 

Sherri Horan (she/her/hers) – Senior Consultant

Sherri Horan (she/her/hers) is a Certified Professional Coach and a member of the International Coach Federation. 

From Sherri’s days as a manager, coach, mentor, and negotiator in the medical industry to her years as an independent contractor, leveraging people’s talents and strengths are the hallmark of her work. Sherri brings passion and attention to detail when collaborating with individuals, at all levels of an organization, to design and deliver valuable client solutions. Sherri takes great pride in the progress and success of her clients and looks forward to supporting you. 

Sherri enjoys life with her family in the bay area and is an avid mountain biker, hiker, and community volunteer. 

Email: sherri@wearekadabra.com