Dianne Gardner, Ph.D.

Executive Summary: I am an Educational Psychologist (Ph.D.) and have been consulting to individuals and organizations for more than 25 years. Additionally, since 1994, I have been a Feedback Specialist, Group Facilitator, and Executive Coach on the Adjunct Faculty at the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL).

Background: I have more than 25 years of combined experience in healthcare and organizational development, including 10 years at the University of California San Diego Medical Center. While there, I served as Psychiatric Nurse, Director of Nursing Research and Education, and Director of Patient Care Services, where I administered a department of more than 1000 employees with an annual $20 million budget. More recently, I served as Director of Marketing and Business Development and later as Director of Staff Education at San Diego Hospice and Palliative Care.

In addition to healthcare administrative positions, I have held adjunct faculty positions at the University of San Diego (Nursing), San Diego State University (School of Public Health), and the University of California San Diego School of Medicine (Department of Community and Family Medicine), and the Center for Creative Leadership.

Coaching Approach: In my work with individuals, I collaborate with them to assess and understand their strengths and areas for development to produce results. I describe my coaching style as “Performance Coaching,” in which I work cooperatively with my clients to develop compelling goals, create milestones to keep them focused on their goals, and build momentum with structured reporting. I vary the degree of structure and direction provided based on the needs, style and desires of my clients.

Education and Publications: I have a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Southern California, a Master’s degree in Psychology from San Francisco State University, and a BS in Nursing from the University of Evansville (IN). I have published articles in peer-reviewed journals and a book chapter on Research in Health Promotion. I have received research grants, and presented more than 30 invited lectures and seminars.