Chris Melching

Since 1998, Chris has been an executive development and communications coach to senior executives within global enterprises, startups, venture capital firms and the public sector. Her passion is helping people gain the skills to tell compelling stories, expand their networks, and grow as authentic leaders. From years of working with powerful leaders, Chris has developed a methodology for helping people shift behaviors to make significant personal and professional transformations. In 2002 she founded Power Camp, leadership development retreats that enable business professionals to discover their potential and focus energy to exceed career goals. Chris enjoys speaking to large audiences and delivers keynote speeches at conferences and training seminars across the globe. Previously she worked for Xerox, Computer Associates, Oracle and Entex. In the early 90's she took a sabbatical from business and taught high school, where she was yearbook advisor and led student communication groups. From 2005-2006, Chris was CEO of the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs and Executives, a premier women's leadership organization in the San Francisco Bay Area, dedicated to accelerating the success of women in business. Chris is on the Advisory Board of the Stillheart Institute and Girls for a Change.


Lisa Askins

Lisa is a founding partner with Center Stage Group. The entrepreneurial spirit is in her blood having been raised in a family of entrepreneurs. So despite having embraced the corporate path prior to Center Stage, she has returned to her roots. Her passion is to help individuals discover and develop their ability to communicate authentically and hopes to have a positive impact through the work done at Center Stage.  In her corporate life, Lisa held various executive and management positions focused on marketing and selling enterprise systems and as an expert helping remote workers improve productivity while gaining much needed visibility and recognition.  She created a niche for herself as a virtual presence educator and strategic thinking coach. At IBM, Lisa acted as liaison for the global line of business marketing and led cross integration for IBM Applications on Demand. She provided internal sellers with relevant offerings, usable sales tools, compelling education and targeted marketing programs.  Prior to IBM Lisa founded Continuity which specialized in consulting with companies in the early stages on sales and marketing. In addition to the foray in the corporate world, Lisa has shown many talents and versatility having been a private investigator, pre-school teacher and in college a member of an experimental theater troop.  She studied theater in Japan and brings a wealth of communication expertise as a UCSD communications major and graduate.

Amelia Tess Thornton

For over 20 years, Amelia Tess Thornton has held senior leadership positions in both the old and new economies. She is currently an executive development consultant with the Center Stage Group and is also the President of The Thornton Group, a management consulting company specializing in all aspects of organizational health, including team performance effectiveness and executive coaching. Amelia is also a Director of the Alliance of Chief Executives, a business consulting partner with both the Table Group (a Patrick Lencioni company) and Korn/Ferry International. Prior to founding The Thornton Group, Amelia was the Chief Administrative Officer for Hyperion Solutions (HYSL), where she led a two year turn-around of the company. She was a Partner at Ernst & Young LLP, and also held executive positions with Oracle, MG Taylor, and Right Management Consulting, and FedEx. Amelia has been quoted in Business Week and USA Today in articles about corporate ethics and employee hiring, and is profiled in the book, The Transparency Edge, How Credibility Can Make or Break You in Business, by Barbara and Elizabeth Pagano. In addition, she has given over 50 speeches and workshops in North America and Europe, including keynote speeches on topics such as Building Trust, Strategy Execution and Leadership Effectiveness. She earned a bachelor of music degree with honors from the University of Wisconsin and is a graduate of the Boston University Executive Management Leadership Institute. www.thorntongroup.com

Karen Barr

Karen brings over 30 years of experience working with parents and teens to the Center Stage Group. Her passion is helping business professionals to build communication bridges with their children as well as co-workers, so they are more able to focus on work. We can't be at the top of our game professionally when there are stressful challenges at home or communication issues in the workplace. Karen is a certified Mediator and helps to mitigate tense workplace and/or home environments. She is a retired high school counselor with the Grossmont Union High School DIstrict in San Diego County. Karen earned her B.A. degree in Speech and Physical Education at California State University, Long Beach. She completed her M.A. in Education at Azusa Pacific University and has a B.S. degree in Computer Science from Coleman College. In addition Karen completed a M.A. in Counseling and PPS Credential at National University. She holds certificates in Mediation, Critical Incident Stress Management, and World of Difference Human Relations training. www.razingthebarr.com

Jenna Joyce

Jenna is the resident massage therapist and meditation instructor at Power Camp. Jenna's expertise is helping people to increase their health awareness. She is able to not only help the Power Campers relax but also helps them gain clarity around emotional and/or physical issues. Her energy is contagious and even though her services are optional and offered for an additional fee, she is consistently "sold out" during the retreats. Jenna also provides stress reduction and the ultimate relaxation. In her spare time, Jenna loves to travel and has her own travel portal. jennajoyce.worldventures.biz

Betty Nelson

Betty is a gifted clinical/medical hypnotherapist and results coach at Power Camp. She has been in practice of over 15 years and is a CCHt.  Her highly developed skills, techniques and innate perception guide her in each and every session producing the solutions and results her clients seek. Betty demonstrates commitment and interest to the growth and prosperity of her clients and their future.  She is effective at getting results and enhancing performance in her client's lives.  Her approach is warm, sincere and supportive.  She has successfully worked with hundreds of people with a 98% success rate.  Her clients typically seek relief from personal issues, including but not limited to, behavioral challenges, weight loss, smoking, motivation, insomnia, anxiety and stress. Betty brings over 30 years of experience from the corporate world which includes the development of two companies as VP of Operations and Finance.  Using her strong business and leadership skills, Betty’s passion, through Mind, Body and Soul Alliance, is to assist individuals in their personal journeys.  Betty currently attends JFK University in pursuit of her Masters Degree in Psychology. www.bettynelson.com

Julianne Rice

Julianne is the Power Camp yoga instructor and alternates as the guest Fitness consultant on Day 2 with Tammi. For over 20 years, Julie has been the yoga instructor at the Center for Spiritual Enlightenment in San Jose. Her teaching style includes elements from Iyengar, Vinyasa Flow, and Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy. Julianne's focus as a teacher and as a student of the Eternal Way is to assist others in deepening their spiritual practices. Julianne recently produced an easy to use Gentle Yoga CD so you can continue your yoga practice at home following Power Camp. www.juliannerice.com