Vanessa Sestina, MA, PCC

Vanessa Sestina, MA, PCC has a range of work experience spanning various industries and roles. Vanessa currently works as a Somatic Leadership Coach at Sestina Leadership Coaching, a position they have held since December 2019. Prior to this, they served as an Executive Coach at Arootah, starting in May 2023. Vanessa also has experience as a Leadership Coach and Group Facilitator at BetterUp since May 2021. Previously, they held the role of Director of Internal Communications at Easterseals Southern California from July 2015 to August 2019, where they led communications and engagement strategy for 2,500 employees. Before that, they were an Associate Director of Internal Communications at the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) from August 2013 to July 2015. Vanessa's background also includes roles at DIRECTV, where they worked as a Sr. Corporate Communications Specialist, a Corporate Communications Specialist, a Public Relations Associate, and a Customer Care Communications Specialist. Vanessa started at DIRECTV in December 2006 and left in August 2013. Additionally, they have experience as a Marketing Coordinator and Staff Writer at Pure E Magazine, where they worked from August 2005 to May 2007.

Vanessa Sestina, MA, PCC has a Master's degree in Leadership and Communications from Gonzaga University. Vanessa also holds a Certificate in Intercultural Communication and International Media from Gonzaga University, which they obtained in Cagli, Italy. Prior to that, they earned a Bachelor's degree in Print Journalism from the University of Montana. Vanessa also spent time as an Exchange Student at Bangkok University International College, studying Communication Studies.

In addition to their educational background, Vanessa has obtained several certifications. Vanessa is a Trauma Informed Certified Coach from Moving The Human Spirit, a Certified Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness Practitioner from David Treleaven, and has completed the Somatic Approaches to Healing Trauma program from Somatopia. Vanessa is currently undergoing training to become a Certified Somatic Leadership Coach from the Strozzi Institute. Vanessa has also completed the Somatic Attachment Therapy Certificate program at The Embody Lab, the BREATHE Certified Teaching Instructor program at The Breathing Class, and the Certification of Embodiment Coaching from Embodiment Unlimited.

Further certifications include Somatic Leadership Core 2 from the Strozzi Institute, Applied Positive Psychology Coach Certification (ICF Accredited) from The Flourishing Center, Embodied Leadership Core 1 from the Strozzi Institute, Power of Embodied Transformation from Coaches Rising, Certificate in Creating Positive Change from The Change Lab, and Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology from The Flourishing Center.

Vanessa holds professional coaching certifications as well. Vanessa is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) from the International Coaching Federation and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) from the same institution.