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Summer 2026 Program News & Enrollment Updates
- Maisha Cannon
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Sixteen New Coaches. Five Spots Left. One More Chance to Join Us This Summer.
We’re less than one month away from welcoming our 15th ICF-Accredited Life, Leadership, & Executive Coach Training Program cohort, and there is so much to celebrate.
This update is full of good news: new graduates, new IFCE Fellows, Coaching Excellence award recipients, and important enrollment dates for our Summer 2026 Level 2 cohort.
In this update:
Meet Our Fall 2025 Graduates
We are delighted to celebrate the 16 students who graduated from our Fall 2025 programs.
A huge congratulations to:
Dr. Alice Nelson-Sidibe, Andrea Tolbert, Mie Melander, Deborah Glickman, Heather Lyons, Nathalie Arsenault, Gabrielle Freeman, Laura Ortiz, Paul Hammes, Rebecca Gorrell, Ryan Pallas, Darnell Smith, Emily Gray, Samantha Isham, Lisa Nierenberg, and Rica Wang.
Each graduate brought dedication, curiosity, and heart to their learning journey. We are honored to celebrate the work they have done and the impact they are preparing to make as coaches. Explore the graduate cohort pages to learn more about the work of our skilled alumni.
Fall 2025 Level 1 Graduates
We are thrilled to celebrate our Fall 2025 Level 1 graduates: Gabrielle Freeman, Laura Ortiz, Paul Hammes, Rebecca Gorrell, and Ryan Pallas.
Fall 2025 Level 2 AM Graduates
We are excited to celebrate our Fall 2025 Level 2 AM graduates: Dr. Alice Nelson-Sidibe, Andrea Tolbert, Mie Melander, Deborah Glickman, Heather Lyons, and Nathalie Arsenault.
Fall 2025 Level 2 PM Graduates
We are also cheering for our Fall 2025 Level 2 PM graduates: Darnell Smith, Emily Gray, Samantha Isham, Lisa Nierenberg, and Rica Wang.
Celebrate Our Newest IFCE Fellows
It is our pleasure to introduce our two newest IFCE Fellows - Rica Wang and Mie Melander.
IFCE Fellowships are awarded to top Capstone Project scorers and come with financial awards, speaking opportunities, and credentialing support. To date, IFCE has provided more than $8,500 in direct aid to students.
Meet Rica Wang
Rica Wang (she/her) is the Founder of On Purpose Coaching & Consulting and a Leadership & Executive Coach.
Described by her peers as clear, purposeful, and inspiring, Rica coaches driven professionals who are ready to stop reacting and start shaping careers that are as fulfilling as they are successful.
Meet Mie Melander
Mie Melander (she/her) is the Creator of Melander Studio and an Executive Coach.
Described by her peers as hard-working, authentic, and brave, Mie coaches first-time founders and leaders to stop waiting to feel ready and start acting like they already are.
Honoring Coaching Excellence
We are thrilled to celebrate this year’s Award for Coaching Excellence recipients: Samantha Isham, Heather Lyons, and Gabrielle Freeman.
This award recognizes students who embody the ICF Core Competencies and demonstrate outstanding presence, integrity, and meaningful impact in their coaching work.
Samantha Isham
Samantha Isham (she/her) is the Founder of Sam Isham Life Coaching and a Mindset & Courage Coach.
Emotionally-wise and artistic, Samantha partners with clients to shift their mindset, awaken their courage, and create a life that is uniquely theirs.
Heather Lyons
Heather Lyons (she/her) is the Founder of Aletheia Life & Leadership Coaching and a Life & Leadership Coach.
Incredibly generous and deeply compassionate, Heather supports women and femmes in midlife as they navigate major transitions, release what is no longer useful, and rewrite their narratives.
Gabrielle Freeman
Gabrielle Freeman (she/her) is the Founder of Beyond the Surface Coaching and an IFCE Certified Coach. Gabrielle helps individuals and couples gain emotional clarity and improve communication so they can show up intentionally for themselves and others. Her practice aligns well with her naturally supportive, inquisitive, and engaged way of being.
Summer 2026 Enrollment Update: Five Spots Left
Enrollment is open for our Summer 2026 Level 2 Cohort, and only 5 spots remain.
Classes begin June 16, 2026 and meet on Tuesdays from 8:00 to 11:00 am MT through November 24, 2026.
If you have already attended an Information Session and feel ready to start your coaching journey, complete your enrollment form by June 11, 2026.
Upcoming Information Sessions
Ready to start a coaching practice or become a credentialed coach?
Join IFCE for an upcoming Information Session to learn more about our programs.
Upcoming sessions:
Tuesday, May 26, 2026: 10:00 to 11:00 am MT
Tuesday, June 2, 2026: 10:00 to 11:00 am MT
Thursday, June 11, 2026: 10:00 to 11:00 am MT
Explore Your Coaching Pathways
IFCE offers flexible coaching programs for every stage, whether you are just getting started or working toward your ACC or PCC credential.
IFCE Coaching Foundations (Self-Paced)
Our self-paced course is designed for students seeking foundational coach training. Students who complete this course may become an IFCE Certified Coach and can pursue the ICF ACC Credential through our Coaching Foundations Extension Program.
Level 1 ICF Certified Coach (ACC)
Our Level 1 program satisfies the education and mentor coaching requirements for students pursuing an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential from ICF. This 66-hour program can be completed in three months.
Level 2 Life, Leadership, and Executive Coach (PCC)
Our Level 2 program meets the coach training education requirements for students pursuing the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential from ICF. This 135-hour program can be completed in six months and includes 1:1 mentorship, business development resources, and access to our coaching referral program.
About IFCE
The Institute for Coaching Excellence was founded in 2020 with one mission: to nurture diverse cohorts of competent and confident coaches into conscientious coaching leaders.
We have completed 15 cohorts and trained more than 150 students across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany.
Our students have a 100% pass rate on the ICF credentialing exam, and we are excited to welcome those who feel ready to answer the call to coach.
Since our last program update, our team has grown.
In addition to Alexis Goggans, PCC, Owner, Managing Director, & Instructor; Brandi Jimenez, Executive Assistant & Operations Support Lead; and Elonda Johnson, PCC, NBCHWC, Lead Instructor, DEIB, & Engagement Team Lead; we are proud to welcome two IFCE Alumni to our team:
Nikki Murillo, MSW: Program Coordinator for Level 1 & Level 2 Programs
Maisha Cannon: Admissions Coordinator for All Programs
Visit our team page to learn more about the people behind IFCE.
Before You Go
Whether you are ready to enroll, still exploring, or simply curious about coaching, we’d love to hear from you:
What kind of coach are you becoming?
Someone who helps people find clarity? Someone who supports leaders through change? Someone who creates space for people to feel seen, heard, and capable?
Wherever you are in the journey, you are welcome here.
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