​I like to think my interest in understanding people began at the age of 6. In 1980, my family moved to Warsaw, Poland as my father accepted a teaching position at the University of Warsaw. I was only 6, but old enough to sense the significance of the large red suitcase that sat packed in our closet; we were living in a foreign country, on the brink of war, and needed to be ready to leave at a moment's notice.
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Throughout my education, I remained fascinated by people. Trained as a behavioral psychologist with a M.Ed., I taught children with special needs, primarily those who were neurodivergent. I worked in both public and private sectors, and started a small tutoring business catered to the unique needs of students searching for extra support.
While I loved teaching, my curiosity about the business world resulted in a transition out of the classroom. I became a senior leader for a large educational and travel company, ultimately working both in the US and Europe. I excelled in leading and coaching teams, and my focus on individual growth and team dynamics ensured a positive impact on the bottom line. Over the years, my curiosity continued to grow, and I began specializing in external workshops, panel discussions, and investing more deeply in my coaching practice and speaking opportunities.
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At the end of 2022, my focus shifted again. After spending seven years living in Europe, I returned to my home-state of Ohio to help care for my father. It was a significant personal change, but it also created an opportunity—the time and clarity needed to start my own business, Stella Nera Coaching.
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Since then, I've completed a two-year advanced systems-coaching program. I've worked with leaders and teams across various industries, including pharmaceutical sales, local government, finance and legal teams, higher education, and construction to name a few.
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I have a wide range of clients, and I love it. It works – because my expertise is in process, not content. It involves working with clients who appreciate the relationship between complexity and clarity, strive for enhanced alignment among themselves and others, and are willing to do the work. It's going deep on the way in which things are done, and how goals are accomplished, not what the subject matter is at hand.
Ann Wagner
Sitting in the fire with you and your team, bravely creating space for change.
Coaching, but not like you've seen before:
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Systems Coaching Expertise: focus on both individual growth and organizational dynamics, offering a holistic approach.
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Diverse Certifications: combining psychological insights with practical assessments tools, change theory, and systems work.
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Global Perspective: experience working with international teams as a senior leader adds a multicultural dimension to your coaching.
My Why: story and start to Stella Nera
What makes this different:
A SYSTEMS LENS FOR REAL GROWTH
Growth does not happen in isolation. We are always in relationship — with ourselves, our families, our teams, and our organizations — AND, clarity changes everything.
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This is not advice.
This is structured, reflective partnership that elevates emotional and social intelligence, strategic thinking, and a deep analysis of how relational dynamics impact performance, drive behaviors, and highlight alignment.
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Working with me,
expect to lean into:
1. IDENTITY:
Alignment between values, purpose, and action. Cultivating individual brand and company culture and higher levels → our work goes far beyond a words or statements.
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2. AGENCY:
Your sense of control or agency helps you to be psychologically stable, yet flexible in the face of conflict or change. Increased agency results in enhanced resiliency.
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3. MOTIVATIONAL NEEDS:
Behavior is always motivated -- whether from natural, triggered, or unmet need(s).
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4. EDGE:
Our work is about crossing edges — individually, and collectively. How do you address what holds you back while maintaining your well-being?
It is always an option to add an assessment to any individual, team, or facilitation package. Data-driven tools bring a common language and clear focal points, enriching sessions and deepening development.