We are a team of cancer survivors, caregivers and trained Certified Cancer Journey Coaches passionate about the well-being of cancer individuals. We have traveled our own Cancer Journey and understand first-hand the challenges and opportunities of living with and beyond cancer. It takes attention to focus on all parts of you—mind, body, spirit—to truly heal. We believe this is a time NOT to walk alone and to have as much support as possible.
Meet some of our coaches below:
Note: All of our coaches are trained in the Cancer Journey Coaching methodology. Some have achieved other designations as well.
CCJC = Certified Cancer Journey Coach
CHTP = Certified Healing Touch Practitioner
CPCC = Certified Professional Co-Active Coach
NBC-HWC = National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach
PCC = Professional Certified Coach
Shariann Tom, Co-Founder & CEO
Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, Master Cancer Journey Coach, Professional Certified Coach
5 time cancer survivor (Lymphoma & GIST)
The Cancer Journey blends two turning points for founder Shariann: surviving four bouts of lymphoma, one bout with a GIST, and making life coaching her profession. The profound contrast between facing cancer without a coach and a cancer journey with a coach inspired Shariann to start a movement dedicated to cancer patients, caregivers, and survivors. “I was in a state of panic and coaching allowed me to feel I had power.” Read more
Mary Coughlin
Certified Cancer Journey Coach; StrengthsFinder Expert; Cancer Survivor (non-Hodgkins Lymphoma)
I’m fascinated by what is possible especially when it comes to personal growth – being better, doing better and creating the outcomes you desire. Surviving a life-threatening cancer offered me clarity not only on what’s most important in life, but how we can navigate this world (work and otherwise) to be happy and feel fulfilled. We all have a purpose here and while many seek to “find” that purpose they often overlook the fact we live into our purpose when we show up as our best, unique selves. We do this by intentionally developing and aligning our strengths with our most important values. Read more
Keri Lehmann
Co-Founder; CPCC & Master Cancer Coach; Caregiver
Keri believes that love is the greatest healing elixir. “When someone learns to love themself, quantum healing is possible,” says Keri. “That’s why coaching is so powerful.” As a coach and coach trainer, she gets to be both a teacher and a healer, something she feels is part of her destiny. Over the course of 20 years, Keri has loved a lot of clients. Read more
Amanda Burgess
Certified Cancer Journey Coach; Caregiver
Cancer entered my life in a meaningful way four key times before it entered my marriage–it took my father in 2012, my mother-in-law2013, my beloved dog Samson in 2015, and my grandmother in 2017. While I learned more about cancer, life and myself with each experience and each loss, I didn’t do anything with those insights. When cancer called my husband Gabe to a journey, and me along with him, I couldn’t ignore it anymore. I couldn’t go back to the life I had before it entered our lives yet again. I’d outgrown it completely this time, and Cancer Coaching was calling me to my higher purpose. I listened. Read more
Anna Michna-Humeniuk
CPCC; Certified Cancer Journey Coach; Certified Mindfulness MBSR Teacher; Caregiver
Anna has 33 years of experience working in corporations in international business as an HR director in Poland, Europe, Africa and India. She is an ICC, EMCC coach, Cancer Coach, psycho-oncologist, and a certified Mindfulness teacher. She runs the Institute for Stress Reduction and Personal
Development. Read more
April Bruder
CJI Program Ambassador, Certified Cancer Journey Coach, Cancer Survivor, 200hr Certified Yoga Instructor, Certified Trauma Informed Yoga Instructor
I believe that everyday is a gift. My cancer journey showed me that the value of this life and our human experience is to bask in the richness of connection, love and gratitude. We are all whole and contain a special gift to offer the world. There is no better time than now to discover your special gift and who you are at the core. Read more
Dr. Batool Asiri
Certified Cancer Journey Coach, PhD in Finance and Accounting, MBA, Certified Integrative Health and Nutrition Coach (PCC-ICF), Resilience Coach and Mentor (Heart Math), Group and Team Coach (Ignite Global), Sujok Therapist (ISA)
A multi-faceted teacher and leader, excelling in both her academic and professional endeavors. She boasts over thirty years of the academic experience at the University of Bahrain in the fields of finance, accounting, and statistics. She has also consulted for organizations such as the United Nations, Arab Women Organization, and Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Women. Read more
Beth Lehn
M. Ed, Certified Cancer Journey Coach
Beth is a Certified Cancer Journey Coach and holds a Master’s Degree in School Counseling. She has 15 years of experience as a Professional School Counselor working with faculty, students, and families of diverse circumstances and needs. The highlight of her counseling career was the time spent developing and facilitating parent groups for parents of elementary-aged children. Read more
Catherine Ciolli
Certified Cancer Journey Coach, Gallup Certified Coach
Life has formed me to be the coach I am. Going through major milestones and experiences has primed me to integrate so many tools and practices into my life. Through this process my life is constantly improving, and I am achieving my dreams; and moving closer to even greater dreams. Read more
Cathy Ritter
Certified Cancer Journey Coach, Cancer Thriver, Community Concierge at The Cancer Journey Institute
It was when my second cancer diagnosis was delivered that I buckled. It hit me that I had to pay attention to it this time. There must be a message here that I missed the first time around. This time even though I was surrounded by friends and family who love me, competent medical staff, alternative treatment therapists, and a therapist, I felt alone and in chaos. Read more
Dionyse Hartmann
BSN; Health Educator; Certified Cancer Journey Coach; Certified Health and Wellness Coach
I was born and raised in the Netherlands where I obtained my BSN in 1992. In the year 2000, I moved to the USA due to a transfer in my husband’s work. After working as a RN in the Netherlands and USA for 20 plus years in mostly outpatient surgery settings I felt a nudge to help people heal in a different way. Read more
Donell “Donnie” Hill
Certified Cancer Journey Coach
Donnie believes that people are here on this Earth to thrive and live the best life possible, but sometimes difficult life situations — such as cancer — make that hard to do. He learned first-hand when his nonsmoker mom was diagnosed with Stage 1B Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in 2012. Now, he is changing the lives of people who have been touched by cancer. Read more
Farah Farooq
Certified Cancer Journey Coach
1987 graduate from Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan. Registered sonographer in Abdomen and Gyne & Obs with American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Masters of Arts in Psychology from Northcentral University. Cancer Journey Coach from Cancer Journey Institute, California, USA. Founder and Director of Muslim Women Making a Difference, a non profit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia USA. Read more
Donna Bell
CPCC; Certified Cancer Journey Coach; Breast Cancer Thriver
If you met me, you would find a big smile and a spark of energy. I live life to the fullest and treasure everything I have, especially my health. This has moved to the top of my priority list in terms of what is most important to me – breast cancer changed this. Read more
Inna Tsukerman
Certified Cancer Journey Coach
As far as I can remember, I was practicing some sort of coaching with the focus on empowerment: as an elementary school teacher in the former Soviet Union; as a team lead in corporate America; as an individual Grief Counselor at the local Crisis Center; as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for
children in foster care; as a friend; as a parent; as a caregiver, as a survivor; as a cancer patient. Read more
Jeff Ward
Certified Cancer Journey Coach; CPCC; Cancer survivor
I’m a regular dude who likes to play, laugh, and engage in life, while helping others move from surviving to thriving. I believe that cancer and other major illnesses can be a wakeup call to a more powerful, authentic, and adventurous life. Read more
JoLanda Harris
Certified Cancer Journey Coach
JoLanda believes the purpose is in the journey. She has 30 years of civil service and over 15 years of experience in leading women entrepreneurs in building sustainable client relationships. During the Christmas holidays in 2017, JoLanda was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her cancer journey changed her mindset—JoLanda believes…..”No one can go through this and come out the same”. Read more
Judi Venturini
MS.Ed; Certified Cancer Journey Coach
In July 2013, Rev. Judi Venturini was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon cancer. This was the beginning of a collapse of every area of her life. Like Job in the Old Testament, she virtually had a breakdown in health, wealth, and relationships. However, out of a hopeless experience, Judi’s spirit rose up. Read more
Judy ViaCava
Certified Cancer Journey Coach; BSW; LMT
Judy ViaCava began her Certified Cancer Journey Coach training shortly after a breast cancer diagnosis in 2012. Already a certified life coach, and a massage therapist for over 20 years, Judy has shifted her career to specialize in assisting cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and members of the medical team, with a focus on body and mind healing. Read more
Julie Johns
Certified Cancer Journey Coach; ACC; CHES
Julie Johns is a spiritual seeker and nature lover whose discipline is often challenged by an urge for dark chocolate. Besides that, she loves to use coaching for herself and others in the search for meaning and peace. Julie, who has been coaching for 10 years, especially likes to coach those with cancer or other serious medical conditions, such as autoimmune disease. Read more
Kelley Giaramita
RN, NBC-HWC, Certified Cancer Journey Coach, Certified Radical Remission Health Coach & Workshop Instructor, Cancer Survivor (Colon)
In 2018, a few days after being diagnosed with stage-3 colon cancer I searched for a glimmer of hope at my local cancer center. Fortunately their social worker inspired me with the words, “There is no one right way to do this!” Read more
Laura Sweet
Certified Cancer Journey Coach; Student of the Dying (with a passion for ensuring dignity at the end-of-life); former Hospice Volunteer; Host – “Death over Dinner;” Endometriosis Sufferer/Advocate; Sepsis Survivor; Writer; Aunt.
“What you resist most is what will set you free.” I once feared losing my mom to cancer after it nearly claimed her life while I was in graduate school in Boston. Fast forward 20 years to a time when I trained as a hospice volunteer in the SF Bay Area in 2010. In retrospect, I recognize that was so I could get a ‘front-row seat’ to the dying process in preparation for returning to Buffalo in 2012 to be my mom’s primary caregiver in her final months. Read more
Lauren Huffmaster
Certified Cancer Journey Coach, Metastatic Breast Cancer Survivor, Founder of Adventure Therapy Foundation
Lauren is a Metastatic Breast Cancer Survivor of seven years and the founder of Adventure Therapy Foundation. She is a natural communicator. Whether in her podcast, Adventures with Scars, or when speaking at conferences, her personality and experiences come together to deliver a powerful message remembered by all. Read more
Leslie Purchase
Certified Cancer Journey Coach, Physician
Leslie studied biology, philosophy, and medicine at Johns Hopkins University, Kings College London, and Temple School of Medicine respectively. Her education began when after giving birth to her three children she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Read more
Maggie Constantino
Certified Cancer Journey Coach, Certified Qigong Instructor, StrengthsFinder Expert
One of the greatest learnings on my cancer journey was when I really began to know myself beyond cancer, beyond achievements, and beyond appearances – my true self. I am grateful to be following my passions, aware of and connected with my spirit. Read more
Mari King
National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, International Association of Health Coaches, Certified Cancer Journey Coach, Reflexologist, Clinical Herbalist, Intuitive
Mari believes that life is too short not to experience joy. A life-long learner gifted with intuitive skills, Mari wants most of all for everyone to feel seen, heard, and gotten. Read more
Mary Jane Heppe
The Poet; Certified Cancer Journey Coach
Mary Jane Heppe was born into a musical family: her dad a composer and conductor, her mom a singer. Both were entertainers and world ambassadors. Mary Jane spent the first 12 years of her life in the Far East before returning to the U.S. with her family. After high school, she attended college part-time while working for the U.S. Congress. Read more
Melanie Gobourne
Certified Cancer Journey Coach, Board Certified Patient Advocate
I have spent more than 30 years in the health and wellness space enjoying roles as an individual contributor, leader, problem-solver and coach. Read more
Melanie McCloskey
CPC; Certified Cancer Journey Coach
Melanie McCloskey is a highly experienced and three time accredited Coach (Whole Person Design Coaching, Certified Cancer Journey Coach and Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach) with a passion for empowering changemakers to awaken their true potential and live rewarding and fulfilling lives. With 15 years of experience in one-to-one coaching, small groups and as a partner to changemaker organizations, she’s built a reputation as a skilled and compassionate coach who brings out the best in people. Read more
Naomi Hoffer
MA, MCHES
Naomi Hoffer holds a Master’s Degree in Integral Health Education and is a Masters Level Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES). She has worked at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Comprehensive Cancer Center as a Program Manager for over 20 years, where she created hundreds of programs and events designed to support and educate patients and families living with cancer. Read more
Nelsa Bross
Certified Cancer Journey Coach
It is with much gratitude that I share with you, that I absolutely love the fact that I was born and raised in Africa and have lived in three continents.
Through my various life experiences, some very wonderful, some very traumatic I have gained much insight and wisdom about myself, the beautiful planet we live in and precious mankind. Read more
Nina Weil
Certified Cancer Journey Coach; Certified Healing Touch Practitioner; Certified Circle of Life Health and Wellness Coach
My years as a Healing Touch Practitioner, providing energy healing since 2004 with clients in the midst of cancer therapies and beyond (questioning what comes next, experiencing a sense of being in a void and not quite knowing how to re-enter their “normal” life), led me to seek out a coaching model where I would have more tools to assist my clients in their healing. Read more
Pamela Brody
BCPA; Certified Cancer Coach
I grew up in an environment of Art and Medicine. My father was a doctor, and my mother an accomplished artist. Through the blending of those two worlds, I found my creativity, love of medicine, and strong desire to help people come together. Read more
Preeti Kallha
Certified Cancer Journey Coach, Certified Hypno-Oncology Practitioner, Certified NLP Practitioner
I am the founder of the ‘thebigCcoach’ and I support and empower clients through their cancer journey using coaching and hypnosis. I have bespoke
training in both and I am a breast cancer survivor. I promote Authenticity, Empowerment, a Safe Space, and a Soul Led approach in my practice. Read more
Rhandee Lipp
Certified Cancer Journey Coach; Certified Wisdom Healing Qigong Teacher & Coach
I am continuously inspired by the resiliency in people when they are facing crushing life challenges. I have been in the business of helping people live the fullest lives possible my entire adult life. I worked several decades as a speech-language pathologist helping people communicate; the skill that makes us most human. When I had my own health crisis in 2009 which was described as progressive and incurable, I found Wisdom Healing Qigong. I healed my dis-ease through my qigong practice and quickly became a Certified Qigong Teacher so I could support other people on healing journeys. Read more
Satoko Shimazu
Certified Cancer Journey Coach, Cancer Survivor (Brain Tumor)
My core purpose in life is to become a bridge between people in the world. I have made many decisions based on this purpose. However, when I was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2020, I lost my sense of purpose and meaning in life. I felt hopeless because brain science is not fully understood. Read more
Shelyna Khalfan
Bachelors of Science (Occupational Therapy), Certified Cancer Journey Coach
Shelyna Khalfan is a breast cancer thriver, Certified Cancer Journey Coach and Registered Occupational Therapist. Prior to her own personal diagnosis, Shelyna worked with patients with cancer to help them maximize their physical health and well being. Read more
Shreyas Hebbal
Certified Cancer Journey Coach, MSE Bioengineering
I am an adroit, compassionate cancer researcher who is dedicated to tackling the challenges of cancer. I am excited to provide a unique perspective through my academic background and my training as a CCJC. Read more
Tanya Pace
Certified Cancer Journey Coach, Bowel Cancer Thriver (Lynch Syndrome Genetic Cancer).
Top 5 Strengths: Individualization, Futuristic, Connectedness, Strategic, Relator
An interview with Tanya… Read more
Teri D. McClanahan
Bachelor of Arts, Public Administration, Master of Arts, Psychology, Master of Arts in Theology, Certified Life Coach, Certified Cancer Journey Coach, Certified Christian Life Coach
Rev. McClanahan is a life member of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. She has been active in the church as a youth and as an adult serving in various leadership positions and auxiliaries. Read more
Thomas Gilry
Certified Cancer Journey Coach; Survivor
A survivor helping fellow sufferers thrive. I am a 54 year old man living in Switzerland. I was born into and English/Danish family in London in 1966. I grew up in Kent and until 1997 worked as an IT consultant in London. In 1998 I took a job in Sweden and eventually worked in Germany, Denmark, The Netherlands and then ended up in Switzerland. The main reason for the choice of Switzerland was to pursue my love of cycling in the mountains but there was also work here. After a fire in my apartment in 2017 I was eventually diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma. I am a survivor and even while undergoing treatment knew I wanted to help others diagnosed. This brought me to the Cancer Journey. Read more
