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, ACTC
Co-Director, 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 previously served as Co-Director of the Coaching Program at Duquesne University.
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, 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.
Janice Sabatine, PhD, PCC
Co-Director, 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.
Janice previously served as Co-Director of the Coaching Program at Duquesne University.
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
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
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.
Gary Slyman PCC
Faculty
Gary assists clients to build clarity on their path forward as a leader and executive. Clients develop a realistic vision based on their values, and the path to realize that vision. He founded his coaching practice, Great Transitions Strategies in 2016, and holds a Professional Coach Certification (PCC) from the International Coach Federation and a certificate in facilitation from Georgetown’s Institute of Transformational Leadership. His specialty is career transitions/progression. Gary has led organizations operating in dynamic high risk environments to educational settings. As a Marine Corps officer, he served 23 years to include commanding an aviation squadron in combat and served as the Deputy Director of the Ethics Center at the United States Naval Academy. As the first head of a newly formed private independent, coeducational day school, he led the development of a fully integrated leadership curriculum. Gary lives in Annapolis MD with wife Michele. They have two grown children and one grandchild.
Rosemary Hanrahan MD MPH PCC
Faculty
With three decades of diverse experience as a physician, public health and nonprofit professional and professional life and leadership coach, Rosemary has witnessed the power of individuals and organizations to change lives. She is the Principal and Founder of Beyond Words Wellness Resources, specializing in professional coaching, wellness workshops and nonprofit consulting. Her coaching clients include a diverse range of individuals and organizations in the U.S. and international community, encompassing individuals in nonprofit, academic, healthcare, and public health sectors. Rosemary also serves as an Instructor, Mentor Coach and Coach Assessor for several professional coach training programs.
Rosemary is committed to lifelong learning and is passionate about creating facilitated learning experiences for others. She enjoys the positive energy and insights that evolve when individuals share knowledge, best practices and lived experiences.
Rosemary earned her MD and MPH degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) as designated from the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Rosemary holds multiple certifications in coaching and mind-body practices, including the Hogan Assessments, Tai Chi, Reiki and Mindful Self-Compassion Theory and Practice.
Christine Stack, PCC
Faculty
Christine Stack is an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) who partners with leaders to navigate complexity and lead with clarity, confidence, and intention.
A seasoned executive with over 20 years of senior management experience in healthcare, Christine has led teams through start-ups, geographic expansion, and the challenges of mergers and acquisitions. Her career—from department manager to multi-state and regional vice president—gives her a deep understanding of the realities leaders face and informs the practical, real-world perspective she brings to her coaching.
She also brings over a decade of experience as a leadership coach, working with individuals at every stage—from those new to management through C-suite executives.
As a Mentor Coach and faculty member, Christine is known for her insightful, resourceful, and deeply supportive approach. She partners with student coaches to strengthen their presence, refine their use of the ICF Core Competencies, and build confidence as they enter the profession. She takes pride in supporting coaches as they learn, grow, and discover what is possible in their coaching practice.
In Honor of Pierre Azzam
Co-Director
Pierre was 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 and enduring commitment to helping others lead with clarity, courage, and purpose.
Over the years, Pierre founded and led several platforms dedicated to personal transformation, mental wellbeing, and authentic connection. His work centered on helping individuals move through self-doubt, stigma, and perfectionism — and into lives marked by grounded leadership and meaningful impact. He brought a rare blend of clinical depth and deeply human presence to his work with individuals and groups alike.
At Novellus, Pierre integrated neuroscience with reflective practice to support powerful, transformative learning. His influence continues to shape the way we teach, coach, and hold space — and remains an integral part of the Novellus community.
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.