Coaching Begins With Connection.
Before skill, before structure, before certification — meaningful coaching starts with the ability to connect. To yourself. To others. To what truly matters.
At Novellus, we believe that connection is the foundation for transformation. Our program integrates evidence-based methodology with deep personal inquiry and hands-on experience to support your growth as a professional coach.
We don’t just prepare you to coach. We create the space for you to grow with depth, clarity, and purpose.
Meet The Novellus Team.
We’re educators, leaders, clinicians, and professional coaches who share a common belief: that coaching done well has the power to change lives. Each of us brings a unique lens to the work. What unites us is a deep respect for the coaching profession, a commitment to evidence-based practice, and a shared passion for being — and training — thoughtful, skillful, grounded coaches.
Get to know the team behind Novellus — and what calls each of us to this work.
Peter Gabriel, EdD, DBA, PCC
Co-Director, Core Faculty
Peter is an executive coach, educator, and training director with decades of experience supporting leaders across sectors. He brings a unique blend of corporate leadership, academic rigor, and grounded coaching depth to his work.
Peter coaches C-suite leaders, rising executives, and cross-functional teams to develop self-awareness and skills to be more effective. Known for his insight, research-driven approach, and ability to hold complexity, Peter integrates behavioral science and emotional intelligence into coaching conversations.
Prior to professional coaching, Peter spent 19 years working with corporate clients at Vanguard, where he was responsible for leading multiple teams around strategy, relationship management, and operations.
At Novellus, Peter anchors the curriculum in real-world application and reflective practice — guiding coaches to lead with clarity, creativity, and professionalism.
Sidrah Mohyuddin, BDS, PCC, NBC-HWC
Co-Director, Core Faculty
Originally trained as a dentist, Sidrah’s path evolved to a deeper calling — supporting people to create meaningful, sustainable change in their wellbeing, work, and lives.
Sidrah is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, and her coaching spans the US and South Asia. She partners with academic institutions, healthcare systems, and wellness platforms to foster emotional resilience, professional growth, and values-driven leadership.
Sidrah brings a culturally attuned lens and evidence-based approach to every conversation. She leads and contributes across diverse sectors, including the University of Pittsburgh, Boon Health, and Preventia, Inc. Sidrah serves on the Board of the ICF Pittsburgh, and she is dedicated to advancing the integrity of the coaching profession.
Sidrah is proud to help shape a learning environment at Novellus that is grounded in deep curiosity and connection.
Pierre Azzam, MD, MBA, PCC
Co-Director, Core Faculty
Pierre is a board-certified psychiatrist with over two decades of experience in academic medicine, mental health, and educational leadership. He first trained in professional coaching through his work with new fathers — an experience that sparked a deep commitment to helping others lead with clarity, courage, and purpose. Since then, he has founded and led several platforms dedicated to personal transformation, mental wellbeing, and authentic connection.
Pierre’s work centers on helping people move through self-doubt, stigma, and perfectionism — and into lives marked by grounded leadership and meaningful impact. He brings a rare blend of clinical depth and relatable presence to his work with individuals and groups, alike.
At Novellus, Pierre integrates neuroscience with reflective practice to support powerful, transformative learning.
Janice Sabatine, PhD, PCC
Co-Director, Core Faculty
Janice is a pioneer in the field of professional coaching, with a distinguished career dedicated to the growth of academic leaders, researchers, and healthcare professionals. As a former training director and editor of Professional Coaching: Principles and Practice, Janice has helped shape generations of coaches grounded in excellence, integrity, and transformation.
With a PhD in biochemistry and decades of executive coaching experience, she brings a rare blend of scientific insight, emotional intelligence, and evidence-based rigor to her work. Janice has partnered with leading institutions across the country, guiding faculty and executives to navigate complexity, grow in leadership, and reach their fullest potential.
Janice’s legacy is woven into the Academy’s core values: curiosity, professionalism, and human connection.
Kevin R. Cheesebrough, Captain USN (Ret), MS, PCC
Core Faculty
Kevin Cheesebrough brings over three decades of leadership experience, including 28 years in the United States Navy, where he commanded a nuclear submarine. In his final years of service, he taught leadership and ethics as the Professor of Naval Science at Penn State University. After retiring from the Navy, he held senior leadership roles in applied research and development and continued teaching ethics to aspiring business leaders.
Since 2014, Kevin has built a thriving executive coaching practice focused on leadership development. His work emphasizes cultivating emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and executive presence in his clients. He holds a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering from Penn State and a master’s degree in management science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Kevin’s coaching centers on the art of leadership — helping executives grow through emotional intelligence, grounded mindfulness, and commanding executive presence.
Christine Hughes, MBA, ACC
Core Faculty
Christine is an experienced leadership and business consultant with a distinguished career spanning over three decades. She has worked with over 1,500 entrepreneurs across southwestern Pennsylvania, coached graduate students in career strategy, and taught in both undergraduate and graduate business schools — delivering impactful, research-based instruction and guidance.
Christine is certified in Wiley’s Everything DiSC, EQi 2.0 Emotional Intelligence Assessment, and Design Thinking methodology. She is deeply committed to guiding individuals toward greater personal and professional fulfillment by bridging purpose and performance.
Through strategic storytelling, self-awareness, and human-centered design, Christine empowers leaders to unlock their full potential and catalyze lasting impact.
Our Space Is Open To All.
At Novellus, we believe coaching is a catalyst for transformation — not just for individuals, but for the world in which we live. Novellus means newness. That spirit of renewal and fresh perspectives is at the heart of what we do.
As founders from diverse backgrounds — across culture, identity, and industry — we know firsthand that perspective matters. We are committed to creating a space where:
- Every coach and client feels seen, valued, and empowered.
- Lived experiences and diverse identities shape the learning process.
- Coaching is accessible and equitable for all.
- Inclusion is a continuous practice, not just a statement.