Meet the Brains Behind TVG
Stefanie Mockler, Ph.D.
Founder & Managing Partner
As Founder and Managing Partner, Stefanie has built a firm that takes a science-based, high-performance approach to developing leaders and teams. She leads the firm’s strategy, people and culture, and client partnerships, ensuring every engagement reflects TVG’s hallmark blend of rigor, candor, and care.
An organizational psychologist by training and an entrepreneur at heart, Stefanie built The Violet Group to bridge what organizations need and what leaders crave: practical, evidence-based development that actually sticks and drives real results. She oversees a team of Master’s and PhD consultants, coaches, and facilitators who share her commitment to excellence, collaboration, and meaningful impact.
Stefanie’s work and thought leadership have been featured at TEDx, SXSW, The Handbook of Strategic 360 Feedback, HR People + Strategy, and Society for Women Engineers Magazine. Known for her clear insight and “challenging yet supportive” style, she brings both depth and humanity to the work of leadership, inside her firm and with every client she serves.
Catherine Savage, Ph.D.
Senior Consultant, Executive Coach
As a senior consultant and coach at TVG, Catherine has spent her career understanding the unique needs associated with various leadership positions and helping leaders adapt and leverage their strengths to excel in their roles. She is passionate about helping leaders—particularly those who are transitioning roles or taking on greater responsibility—uncover what is required to ensure continued success.
An avid sports fan and dedicated athlete, Catherine has a deep appreciation for the value of feedback and coaching to actualize potential. She approaches coaching with a genuine desire to help leaders who aspire to achieve excellence. Thus, her approach relies heavily on discussions with clients and stakeholders to establish a partnership and best identify the key priorities, goals, and opportunities for growth.
Catherine earned a B.A. in Psychology and Human Resource Management from Lewis University. Her Master’s and Doctorate degrees are in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Catherine is also an active member of the Society for Industrial-Organizational Psychologists (SIOP).
Adela Orellana
Director of Client Services
As Director of Client Services with over two decades of experience in the dynamic field of advertising, Adela brings a wealth of expertise to every project. A graduate of Robert Morris College, she combines her strong educational foundation with hands-on experience to ensure the highest level of client satisfaction.
Throughout Adela’s career, she has cultivated a deep understanding of client needs allowing her to develop and implement successful strategies. Adela’s commitment to excellence has resulted in numerous achievements, and her role at TVG involves fostering strong client relationships, overseeing project delivery, and ensuring overall satisfaction. Beyond the professional realm, Adela’s personal interests include dancing, biking, exploring new restaurants and traveling around the world. These passions not only contribute to her well-rounded perspective but also reflect her energetic and adventurous approach to life. Additionally, she finds immense joy in spending quality time with her family and friends, cherishing the moments that matter most.
Courtney Mockler
Associate Consultant
Courtney is an Associate Consultant at The Violet Group, where she supports client projects, prepares reports and deliverables, contributes to social media strategy, and plays an active role in shaping TVG’s culture and growth. She collaborates closely with senior consultants and project managers to synthesize insights, develop client-ready materials, and ensure a high standard of excellence across engagements.
With nearly a decade of experience in the retail and service industries, Courtney brings a strong customer service mindset, agility, and a talent for managing multiple priorities with ease. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Indiana University Northwest, where she developed a foundation in Industrial-Organizational Psychology that fuels her passion for understanding people and teams. As a Hogan-certified professional, she integrates data-driven insight into her work to enhance leadership and team effectiveness.
Known for her curiosity, thoughtfulness, and collaborative spirit, Courtney finds fulfillment in continuous learning and building strong relationships. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling to new places, spending time with loved ones (including her two cats), watching movies, and staying active.
Stacey Rodriguez
Executive Assistant & Client Coordinator
As Executive Assistant and Client Coordinator at The Violet Group, Stacey Rodriguez partners closely with the Founder and broader team to ensure seamless operations and exceptional client experiences. Known for her thoughtful, adaptable approach and skill in managing complex logistics, she combines strategic organization with a warm, relational style that fosters connection and trust.
Drawing on her background in curatorial studies and history from Notre Dame of Maryland University, Stacey brings a refined eye for detail, structure, and presentation to all she does. Her commitment to crafting meaningful, polished experiences reflects The Violet Group’s dedication to professionalism and excellence.
Outside of work, Stacey enjoys traveling to see her favorite bands and embracing new adventures along the way.
Amie Rowe, Ph.D.
Executive Coach & Leadership Consultant
Amie is an executive coach and leadership consultant passionate about supporting leaders and teams navigating growth, change, and challenge. With a background in Industrial-Organizational psychology, she brings deep business insight and psychological expertise to help clients lead through complexity—whether during role transitions, mergers, market shifts, or industry disruption.
Known for helping leaders find their voice and refine their brand, Amie partners closely with individuals and teams across cultures and industries. Her coaching style is action-oriented and grounded in trust, combining practical tools with deep reflection to drive sustainable behavior change.
She is widely recognized for her expertise in personality assessments and takes a holistic approach to understanding the whole person. Her process emphasizes high-value topics, strategic development, and a cycle of experimentation and reflection that helps leaders grow in bold, meaningful ways.
Kathy Kurnyta, M.A.
Executive Coach & Leadership Consultant
With over 15 years of experience in leadership development and strategic talent management, Kathy partners with leaders to unlock their full potential and drive meaningful impact. Her coaching approach blends evidence-based practice with personalized support—balancing collaboration, directness, and strategic focus.
Kathy helps clients clarify their values, leadership style, and goals, using assessments to deepen self-awareness and identify high-impact development areas. She is especially skilled at guiding technical experts in building interpersonal capabilities, coaching women in male-dominated industries, and addressing generational dynamics in leadership.
She has coached leaders at all levels—from first-time managers to C-suite executives—and has supported high-potential talent through leadership programs. Kathy also partners with Private Equity firms to assess and develop executive teams across portfolio companies.
Clients value her ability to help them focus on “the one big thing” that will accelerate growth. Her work is grounded in helping leaders excel in their current roles while preparing for what’s next.
Athena Y. Baca-Chieza, Psy.D.
Executive Coach & Leadership Consultant
Athena’s work centers on executive coaching, leadership development, and individual and organizational assessment. With a background in clinical psychology, her expertise in human behavior emphasizes resilience and the human capacity for growth and change. She applies evidence-based methods in corporate and organizational settings to support leaders as they navigate complexity, strengthen effectiveness, and sustain high performance.
A committed advocate for the psychology profession and for equity within systems, Athena has served in numerous leadership roles at the state and national levels. She is a past President of the Colorado Psychological Association and has also served as Diversity Representative, Presidential Advisor, and APA Federal Advocacy Coordinator for the State of Colorado.
Bicultural and bilingual in Spanish, Athena intentionally incorporates cultural responsiveness into her work with organizations, teams, and individuals, recognizing the ways in which identity, culture, and context shape worldview and behavior. Originally from El Paso, Texas, she currently resides in Denver, Colorado with her husband and two daughters.
Kelly Scherer, Ph.D.
Executive Coach & Leadership Consultant
Kelly is a leadership consultant and executive coach with deep expertise in leadership assessment and development. She partners with leaders across industries—including financial services, healthcare, and manufacturing—to help them see their potential through fresh eyes, leverage their strengths, and accelerate meaningful growth.
Her approach is grounded in insight, collaboration, and action. She uses comprehensive tools like 360-degree feedback to deliver a well-rounded view of leadership strengths and gaps, then helps clients embed new behaviors that align with business outcomes. Kelly is especially skilled at supporting leaders through succession planning, Private Equity transitions, and enterprise-level growth strategies.
Previously with Russell Reynolds Associates, she advised healthcare clients on leadership assessment, development, and M&A-related talent strategy. At The Violet Group, she continues to drive measurable results by translating self-awareness into action—for leaders, teams, and organizations.
Samantha Smith, Ph.D.
Master Facilitator & Leadership Consultant
Samantha is a Chicago-based consultant, master facilitator, and executive coach with over a decade of experience developing leaders across industries in the U.S. and internationally. She specializes in experiential training design and delivery, with a focus on creating inclusive, psychologically safe workplaces. Samantha’s sessions frequently explore topics such as psychological safety, collaborative problem-solving, and techniques to enhance creativity and innovation.
As a facilitator, Samantha is known for her engaging, approachable style and her ability to invite participants to step outside their comfort zones through interactive exercises and thought-provoking discussion. She has partnered with organizations including United Airlines, Google, Merck Pharmaceuticals, General Motors, Exelon, PwC, IBM, and Ball Corporation.
Outside of her corporate work, Samantha is a veteran comedic improvisor and teaches improvisation with The Second City, the world-renowned comedy theater. Her background as a performer informs her dynamic facilitation style and her commitment to bringing empathy, authenticity, and good humor into every learning experience.
Halina Ferdynus, Psy.D
Executive Coach & Leadership Consultant
Halina is an executive coach and leadership consultant who leverages 20 years of experience to help leaders unlock their potential and drive organizational success. With a doctorate in Business Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, she blends scientific rigor with empathy and practical insight to deliver evidence-based assessments and actionable strategies that promote meaningful growth for individuals and teams.
Halina’s coaching empowers leaders to build self-awareness, navigate complex dynamics, and lead with greater confidence and clarity. She is known for her approachable style, thoughtful questioning, and candid feedback. Her early career in high-stakes psychological assessment, including work in the public sector, informs her commitment to precision, integrity, and accountability in every engagement.
Halina is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP). She is also Hogan certified. Outside of work, she enjoys an active life with her family and pets and finds joy in dancing, exercise, and connecting with friends.
Lucy Bulman, MSc.
Executive Coach & Leadership Consultant
Lucy is an executive coach who partners with emerging and established leaders to navigate the complexities of today’s corporate landscape. With nearly two decades of experience in global investment banking at firms such as Goldman Sachs, HSBC, and Morgan Stanley, she brings a unique blend of corporate expertise, psychological insight, and a deep commitment to leader well-being.
Known for her calm yet direct coaching style, Lucy helps leaders in high-pressure environments gain clarity, build confidence, and lead authentically. Her approach combines evidence-based psychology with practical coaching tools, enabling clients to enhance self-awareness, identify limiting patterns, and take purposeful action toward sustainable success.
Lucy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Leeds University, a Certificate in Executive Coaching from Henley Business School, and an MSc in Psychology from Westminster University. A trained yoga teacher and Reiki healer, she integrates a holistic perspective that supports both performance and personal growth.