Danica Burge-Garside, Ed.D, MHCA, CPO

Danica Burge-Garside, Ed.D, MHCA, CPO has a diverse range of work experience. Danica currently works as a Corporate People Performance Consultant at MindMatter, where they provide leadership and development training solutions to clients such as Cisco, San Jose State, and USA Hockey. Danica helps individuals overcome psychological obstacles and achieve organizational goals. Danica also serves as a Leadership Development Consultant at NextStep, an online platform that offers career and leadership development support to Millennial and GenZ professionals.

In the past, Danica worked at the University of Western States as a Doctoral Candidate from 2017 to 2020. Danica played a key role in the turnaround of West Coast Aquatics, where they served as the Chief Executive Officer. Danica reversed the organization's negative cash flow, bringing it to over $300,000 in profits. Danica also developed the USA Swimming Diversity Grant Program for underprivileged youth in San Jose.

Earlier in their career, Danica worked at San Jose State University as a Graduate Assistant, providing athletic and academic advising to student athletes. Danica also gained experience at the American Kennel Club as an Intern in Public Education, where they handled public relations, managed employee travel schedules, and organized fundraising benefits.

Through their various roles, Danica has demonstrated a strong background in leadership development, program management, and performance consulting.

Danica Burge-Garside, Ed.D, MHCA, CPO has a diverse education history. Danica obtained their Doctor of Education - EdD degree in Performance Psychology from the University of Western States between 2017 and 2020. Prior to that, they earned a Masters of Science degree in Counseling and Education from San Jose State University, completing their studies from 2004 to 2006. Danica had also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from San Jose State University, where they studied from 2000 to 2004. Danica Burge-Garside completed their high school education with a diploma from Mission San Jose High in 1998.

In addition to their formal education, they have obtained several certifications. Danica is currently working towards becoming a Certified Mental Performance Coach (CMPC), which they are pursuing through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. In 2021, they obtained certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Coaches Safety Training from the American Red Cross. In 2011, they became a Certified Pool Operator.