Wellness Team Bios

Katie Giddings is dedicated to helping individuals and teams thrive. With extensive experience supporting not-for-profits, municipalities, First Nations, USAID, and mission-driven organizations, Katie excels at improving communication, navigating transitions, and fostering cohesive, resilient team cultures. She has designed and delivered impactful training programs, workshops, and coaching sessions on emotional intelligence, leadership, conflict resolution, and team development for clients such as the Government of Canada, City of Ottawa, LifeLabs, and USAID.  

Katie’s facilitation expertise includes her leadership role with Authentic Relating Go and Authentic Montreal, where she creates programs that enhance emotional intelligence and relational skills. She has led transformative initiatives, such as a two-year leadership program for civil society leaders in the Congo Basin and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program for an international organization. As Senior Change Advisor with the Government of Canada, she supported large-scale construction and change projects through customized strategies and coaching interventions, while her consultancy work has empowered First Nations clients through tailored communication and trust-building workshops.  

Known for her engaging and empathetic coaching style, Katie creates safe, collaborative spaces for individuals and teams to develop self-awareness and implement strategies for growth using mindfulness and meditation as foundational teachings. She facilitates transformative learning experiences for all walks of life, addresses organizational challenges, and guides clients toward meaningful change. Her work often results in increased individual resilience, strengthened team dynamics, improved communication, and enhanced leadership capabilities.  

Katie holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Systems from LIOS Graduate College of Saybrook University and certifications in Conflict Management Coaching, Civil and Commercial Mediation, and Authentic Dialogue. Fluent in English and French, with intermediate proficiency in Spanish, Katie brings a global perspective to her work, combining interpersonal insight and practical expertise to empower individuals and organizations.  

Ariel Gould is a multifaceted professional on a mission to cultivate resilience, focus, and well-being. A licensed attorney, a trauma-informed wellness advisor, and an IOSM-certified organizational mindfulness facilitator, Ariel teaches science-based mindfulness practices designed to enhance mental clarity, emotional regulation, and overall readiness.   

Understanding the unique demands of high-stakes environments as an attorney, Ariel brings a practical, research-backed approach to mindfulness that resonates with individuals operating under pressure.  Her programs emphasize accessible, evidence-based tools to build mental agility, reduce stress, and foster a culture of mindful leadership.  

Beyond facilitation, Ariel is also a conscious DJ and wellness event producer, integrating music and movement into customized wellness experiences. This innovative blend of sound and mindfulness creates engaging sessions tailored to teams seeking ways to recharge and stay mission-ready, even in remote or hybrid settings.   

Ariel specializes in teaching the basics of mindfulness, emotional regulation techniques, and holistic wellness practices in an accessible, trauma-informed container for all backgrounds. Whether delivering virtual workshops or curating immersive wellness events, Ariel is passionate about empowering individuals to navigate challenges with focus and resilience, making them an ideal partner for organizational health and wellness initiatives. 

Dr. Suzie Carmack is an internationally recognized executive coach, yoga therapist, and thought leader dedicated to helping leaders, teams, and organizations align their mind, body, heart, and spirit. With over 33 years of experience, she has worked with more than 100 organizations, including the Pan American/World Health Organization, U.S. Department of Defense, and U.S. Treasury Executive Institute, delivering evidence-based programs that foster resilience, compassion, and well-being. A best-selling author, Dr. Carmack has written Well-Being Ultimatum, Genius Breaks, and Yoga for One, along with multiple peer-reviewed journal articles and books on coaching methodology.

Dr. Carmack’s expertise is grounded in a PhD in Health Communication and advanced certifications, including International Coaching Federation Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). As a trained yoga therapist and former professor of yoga therapy, she integrates somatic and mind-body awareness practices into her coaching and leadership development programs. Her approach combines emotional intelligence, personality assessment tools, and evidence-informed well-being strategies to help clients achieve personal and professional harmony. She has designed groundbreaking resilience and leadership programs for senior leaders in government and corporate settings, shaping the future of workplace well-being.

A passionate advocate for self-leadership, Dr. Carmack helps clients tap into their inner wisdom to unlock their “creative genius potential.” She fosters a psychologically safe space where leaders can reflect, transform their mindset, and express their authentic selves with clarity and confidence. Named Leader Well-Being Coach of the Year by Finance Monthly(2023), she has trained over 400 coaches worldwide and continues to innovate in coaching and well-being research. Inspired by her own journey overcoming perfectionism, compassion fatigue, and burnout, Dr. Carmack is deeply committed to guiding others toward sustainable success. In her personal time, she enjoys yoga, traveling with her husband, and spending time with her adult children and grandchildren.

Dante Baker is a native of the Washington DC area, growing up in Reston, VA. Since childhood, Dante has been fascinated with human anatomy and the body’s abilities to heal, move, and process. This interest led Dante to study and receive various personal training and massage therapy certifications. Through Dante’s personal life experience and the influence of family and peers, he embarked on a journey that would ultimately move him toward supporting health on a more holistic level. In 2011, Dante was introduced to transcendental meditation by Dr. Mahapatra Gyanendra, one of the personal physicians of the Maharishi meditation course. This practice shined a light on his own inner stillness that he never experienced before at that time. Dante incorporates these meditation practices with clients as a means to reduce anxiety, burnout, and improve concentration.  

Dante was fascinated by the Eastern philosophies such as Chinese medicine and enrolled in a nine-month Qi Gong and Tai Chi Ball certification with Master Nianzu Li (L.Ac) in 2013. He strengthened his Qi Gong practice and began teaching personal clients and larger classes at various health studios and corporate settings. His passion for holistic health modalities led him to discover singing and Tibetan bowls in 2013. By linking up with varying yoga instructors like Atticus Mooley, he integrated singing bowls into yoga classes as a unique way to allow students to find deeper levels of meditation during savasana. Being a part of many different yoga classes inspired him to take a 200-hour Yoga Certification from SOYA (Canada) in January of 2016 and a 500-hour Yoga Certification in 2020. As an E-RYT 500 Yoga Instructor, Dante holds CEU courses around the D.C Metropolitan area, teaching other yoga instructors how to play sound therapy instruments and use their voices to create vibratory frequencies that promote wellness. 

For Dante, yoga and Qi Gong are more than just a form of exercise; it is a path that opens the doors to exploring the mind, body, and spirit. Students in Dante’s class are directed to focus on creating proper alignment within the poses and to relax into each posture consciously. Through trauma-informed lenses, challenging movements are suggested but never forced upon anyone, and modifications are always demonstrated to ensure that everyone can participate no matter what level of experience. At the end of Dante’s wellness experiences, participants can anticipate leaving feeling physically restored and mentally rejuvenated.

Emma Olmedo is a seasoned practitioner and Reiki Master with over two decades of experience in sound therapy, energy work, and holistic healing. As the founder of KiVibes, Emma specializes in integrating the art and science of sound to create transformative wellness experiences. Her expertise lies in harnessing specific frequencies and vibrations to positively influence participants’ energetic biofields, enhancing focus, reducing stress, and supporting overall performance. 

Most recently, Emma collaborated with the University of Maryland, leading biweekly sound therapy sessions tailored for their baseball team. These sessions emphasized sound therapy’s physiological and psychological benefits, including improved mental clarity, heightened focus, and optimized recovery. By leveraging sound frequencies, Emma facilitated relaxation and coherence, promoting individual well-being. Her work consistently demonstrates measurable benefits, aligning with the growing scientific evidence supporting the impact of sound on the human nervous system and cognitive function. 

As the Director of Healing Arts and Wisdom at KiVibes, Emma offers a range of teachings and services, including sound therapy, meditation workshops, and energetic alignment practices. Her workshops delve into the “Science of Sound,” exploring the interplay between sound frequencies, brainwave states, and the energetic biofield. She is adept at translating these concepts into actionable techniques for stress reduction, resilience building, and peak performance. 

With a proven track record of leading wellness programs for groups ranging from intimate circles to large-scale events, Emma is committed to creating impactful, science-backed experiences that cater to diverse needs. Her unique approach combines ancient practices with modern understanding, making her an ideal fit for organizational health and wellness initiatives where her expertise can support individuals in achieving enhanced focus, performance, and balance.

With experience in training and development, Monu Hamal brings exceptional client relations, communication skills, and a deep commitment to trust and confidentiality. As a certified leadership coach, Monu values fostering safe, supportive environments where clients feel empowered to explore challenges and achieve meaningful growth. Monu’s coaching practice is grounded in active listening, empathy, and personalized strategies that align with individual and organizational goals. 

Monu’s personal philosophy is ‘think globally and act locally’. As the Lead Instructional Designer and Trainer for Geneva Software, Inc., Monu has partnered with a multitude of professionals globally, developing training solutions that address linguistic, cultural, and management challenges. Monu’s global train-the-trainer initiative not only delivered impactful programs but also strengthened trust and collaboration among diverse teams. Through Virginia Health Options, Monu has further honed her ability to simplify complex systems and communicate with clarity, enabling clients to navigate critical healthcare processes here in the States. 

Monu holds a Master’s degree in Instructional Design and Development from George Mason University, along with certifications in emotional intelligence (EQ-i 2.0), FIRO-B, and Design Thinking. Monu’s professional philosophy is rooted in integrity, confidentiality, and respect, ensuring every client feels heard, valued, and supported. With over 20 years of experience as a yoga instructor and advocate for mindfulness, Monu brings a holistic approach to coaching, helping clients align their personal and professional aspirations. 

Whether facilitating workshops, designing learning experiences, or guiding individuals through coaching, Monu’s goal is to empower growth, build lasting relationships, and create spaces where people can thrive.

Neelam Samant’s coaching experience includes coaching clients in Management and leadership positions in several Small and Medium-sized companies, Government agencies, Universities, and Non-Profit organizations. Neelam also serves as a Mentor Coach for George Washington University’s Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (GW CEPL) and their e-Co Leadership Coaching Certification program. She serves the community through her pro bono work as a coach for social entrepreneurs (supporting UN’s SDGs), various BIPOC leaders, retired veterans, small business owners, and university students.   

Neelam also offers over 20+ years of corporate leadership experience from several Fortune 100 & 500 organizations. 11 years of that experience comes from her pivotal Finance and IT Senior Leader role & partnership with the C-Suite executives. During that tenure, Neelam managed and informally coached many internal teams, individual contributors, and Senior Leaders within the companies in the past. Neelam uses this extensive experience to allow separate offerings of training and consulting services to help various types of leaders depending on their learning and development preferences.   

Neelam is committed to supporting authentic, courageous, and inclusive leadership transformations in her clients through a whole human development approach. She is a deep listener and meets every client where they are in their journey. She creates a safe, judgment-free, and curious coaching space where the clients can openly explore their challenges, ways of being, and beliefs/blocks and feel engaged in creating possibilities to move forward and transform, one session at a time. Neelam helps her clients develop their way of being and become authentic and effective leaders who take performance and outcomes to the next level. She nurtures and honors the trusting relationships that she builds with her clients. She brings mindfulness practices, meditations, somatic experiences, and imagery exercises to allow her clients to select what resonates with them to help through the coaching experience.   

Neelam is a resident of Lansdale, PA, a wife and mother of two, and a devoted owner of a rescue border collie. Her passion for empowering others shines through her volunteer work as an inspirational speaker, career guide, and mentor. She actively supports aspiring entrepreneurs, offering motivation, advice, and strategic partnerships to help them navigate their journeys. A deep sense of purpose drives Neelam’s life; she strives to create a better world by guiding individuals toward fulfilling their highest potential. Dedicated to personal growth, she invests significant time in self-learning and development, focusing on mindfulness and spiritual practices. Neelam is also a creative artist who creates custom and professional-level baked goods that she donates to local underprivileged children through her non-profit organization, Baking Smiles.