Heather Backstrom, Ed.D, C.P.C.C. 
Leadership Coach

Heather has more than 15 years experience collaborating with managers and directors on various human resources and interpersonal matters. She is experienced in coaching, workshop facilitation, instructional design, and problem resolution with both individuals and groups. She has worked in the for-profit, not-for-profit and public sector arenas for large and small organizations.

Heather has been coaching leaders to enhance their leadership capacity resulting in higher levels of performance, job satisfaction and personal fulfillment. In addition, her extensive experience in human resources includes employee relations, employee development, recruitment, performance management, and college relations.

She has worked directly or indirectly in the fields of:

• Health care
• Financial services
• Automotive
• Aerospace
• Non-profit
• Restaurants

She is a Certified Personal Co-Active Coach through the Coaches Training Institute (CTI), and has earned several certifications including one in Coaching and Mentoring from California State University Long Beach. She also holds certifications from DDI and Achieve Global to train and develop managers in various leadership competencies. She is also a qualified MBTI (Myers Briggs Type Indicator) instructor.  

As an adjunct faculty member with the University of Redlands Heather teaches leadership and management courses in the undergraduate and graduate programs.  

Heather holds her B.A. in Communications/Public Relations from the University of the Pacific, a M.S. in Human Resources Management/Development from Chapman University, and an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University.  

Heather is a member of the Professional Coaches and Mentors Association, International Coach Federation, and American Society of Training and Development.

Philosophically, Heather is a strong advocate of pursuing one’s passion and enjoys coaching others to reach theirs. She values having a career and personal life that are in balance and that intrinsically complement to each other.

Heather enjoys international travel, reading and physical exercise including hiking and yoga.