Athena Coaching & Consulting -

Sarah Dae

Subject: Exceptional Leadership and Strategic Guidance from Kim Stewart of Athena Coaching & Consulting

With great enthusiasm, I share my positive experience working with Kim Stewart of Athena Coaching & Consulting during 2022 and 2023. As the first-ever Executive Director of the Tabor Opera House Preservation Foundation, I embarked on a transformative journey to aid in the transition of our organization from an all-volunteer board management structure to one with me as a dedicated full-time staff leading the day-to-day operations. I relied heavily on Kim to help shepherd this sometimes-challenging structural change. Additionally, Kim's facilitation and development of a revitalized three-year strategic plan has been instrumental in the next three years of work that the board and staff will undertake to advance our mission.

From our initial engagement with Kim, it became evident that her expertise, insight, and genuine commitment to our successful transition to a full-time executive staff structure would be pivotal in guiding us through this crucial period of change. Kim's approach was not just consultative but collaborative, fostering a sense of partnership that empowered our team to embrace the evolution ahead.

One of Kim's standout qualities is her ability to truly understand our organization's unique challenges and opportunities because of her vast non-profit leadership expertise. Through a series of in-depth consultations each month, Kim took the time to immerse herself in the intricacies of our history, values, and aspirations. Her thorough understanding laid the foundation for a qualitative strategic plan that not only aligned with our mission but also addressed the specific needs of the Tabor Opera House Preservation Foundation to advance in the coming years.

Kim's guidance was instrumental in transitioning from an all-volunteer board to welcoming me as our first-ever full-time Executive Director. Her leadership training and coaching were insightful and tailored to our organization's nuances, fostering a smooth and effective integration of the new leadership structure. Under Kim's direction, our team experienced thoughtful guidance to repair challenged relationships within the team. It helped me fully assimilate into my role and made a meaningful impact on my daily work.

Furthermore, the strategic plan developed under Kim's guidance reflects a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach. Kim skillfully facilitated our strategic planning retreat, ensuring that diverse perspectives were considered, and the resulting plan was both ambitious and achievable. The roadmap she helped us create is not just a document but a dynamic guide that will steer our organization toward its goals in the next three years.

In summary, Kim Stewart of Athena Coaching & Consulting has been a transformative force for the Tabor Opera House Preservation Foundation. Her dedication, expertise, and collaborative approach have positioned our organization for sustained success. I wholeheartedly recommend Kim to any organization seeking a seasoned, wise guide through strategic transitions and leadership development.

Mallorie Trichell

Kim Stewart has been such an asset to Reigning Hope Therapy Services, a nonprofit in Falcon, Colorado. We brought Kim on to help us with board development and improve the organization's structure at the beginning of the year. In a short time, Kim gave us such valuable information to work with and completed changed our outlook on how to run a board. Kim is a fantastic business and nonprofit coach, and I could not recommend her more for any size business! Thank you, Kim, for all your hard work with us; we appreciate it.

Fish Anna

"Kim is a passionate and experienced coach who provides valuable guidance to help her clients achieve their goals. She has a wealth of knowledge - especially with the nonprofit world. She is approachable, supportive, challenging, and motivating. I highly recommend Kim!”

Debbie Swanson

Kim's professional experience in the nonprofit world was critical to choosing her to help with my own career. She helped me turn what I saw as a bunch of negatives into positives and helped me gain a confidence that I had been missing, while working to ensure that I select work environments that were healthy and not just suited to my skill set.

Kesti Suggs

I have been seeing Kim for about 6 months and it has changed my mind set about my non profit. She is so knowledgeable and kind! You if ever need help with the organization of your non-profit Kim is the person!!

Tim Van Milligan

Kim has been a great business coach. She challenges you like a good coach should. But she does it in a pleasant and diplomatic manner.