
Your partner in turning ambition
into confident leadership
Guidance, Strategy, and Support for
Your Next Leadership Leap
You’re smart, driven, and ready for the next level in your career.
But with more responsibility comes more pressure—to perform, to lead, to prove yourself, all while balancing personal and professional demands.I help mid-career professionals—rising executives, VPs, and senior leaders—cut through the overwhelm, gain clarity, and step into leadership with confidence.You don’t have to do it all alone. Let's talk and figure it out together.
Meet Andreina Parisi-Amon, PhD
Mentor | Coach | Champion for Rising Executives
With over 15 years at the intersection of academia, industry, and leadership, I’ve built a career helping organizations grow—and I want to help you grow, too.I specialize in coaching ambitious professionals who are navigating the challenges of rising into executive roles. You’re balancing it all—leading at work, managing personal responsibilities, and striving for the career and life you deserve. It’s a lot. But you don’t have to do it alone.

I know firsthand what it takes to rise in challenging fields, having navigated my own career from engineer to executive. I also know the pressure of trying to do it all—balancing leadership, personal challenges, and self-care. Whether facing a career transition, leadership challenges, or imposter syndrome, I bring real-world experience and a results-driven approach to help you move forward with confidence, clarity, and strategy.
My Journey:
From Engineer to Executive to Coach
I’ve always been passionate about solving complex problems—whether in biomedical engineering, education, or leadership. My journey has taken me across academia, industry, and entrepreneurship, equipping me with a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic leadership, and a deep commitment to helping others thrive.My career began in biomedical engineering, where I earned my PhD from Stanford University, developing protein-engineered materials for stem cell treatments. But what excited me most wasn’t just the science—it was the power of bringing the right elements together to create meaningful impact. That passion led me into education, technology, and leadership development, where I’ve spent over 15 years helping individuals and organizations grow.Building Learning & Teaching at Scale
At Coursera, I was part of the early team that helped scale the company from <40 to 200+ employees. I worked closely with K-12 and university partners, instructional design experts, and product teams to ensure that millions of learners had access to high-quality education. I built and led Coursera’s first Teaching & Learning team, helping shape hundreds of online courses and spearheading global education research initiatives.From there, I moved into K-12 applied learning innovation as Director of Partnerships at Mass STEM Hub, scaling research-backed STEM programs and fostering partnerships across school districts, industry leaders, and universities.Most recently, I served as VP of Learning & Teaching at Engageli, where I led a team of experts to bridge educational research, technology, and learning science—designing innovative tools that empower instructors and students worldwide.The Turning Point: Coaching & Leadership Development
Through my leadership roles, I witnessed firsthand how the most successful executives weren’t just highly skilled—they had strong mentors, structured support, and intentional career strategies. At the same time, I was navigating my own journey—rising through the male-dominated fields of tech and education, while balancing family, leadership, and personal growth.I know what it’s like to juggle work, family, health, and ambition. In 2022, I was diagnosed with breast cancer while serving as an executive. I underwent multiple rounds of chemo, surgery, and radiation while leading teams, deciding when to work through treatment, and when to take medical leave—all while showing up as a mother, partner, and leader.That experience reshaped my perspective on what truly matters in leadership and career growth. It’s not about hustling harder—it’s about building the right habits, relationships, and mindset to grow without burnout.Why I Coach
Today, as Founder of APA Coaching, I help mid-career professionals—VPs, senior managers, rising executives—take control of their careers and leadership trajectories without sacrificing their fulfillment. I also coach high-performance teams worldwide through my work with Sladen Consulting.Whether you're stepping into executive leadership, navigating a career transition, or seeking clarity on what’s next, I’m here to help you turn your potential into action.
How I can help
My Approach: Coaching That Meets You Where You ArePersonalized & Actionable – This isn’t a one-size-fits-all program. I tailor coaching to your specific needs, career goals, and leadership challenges.Blending Coaching, Mentorship & Strategy – I bring the best of deep coaching, executive mentoring, and problem-solving expertise to guide you.A Supportive, Challenging Space – I’m here to push you, encourage you, and help you break through roadblocks—always with respect and care.Real-World Leadership Insights – With experience across startups, tech, and education, I know what it takes to move from mid-level to executive leadership.I'm an industry speaker & thought leader who has been featured by Authority Magazine, Times Higher Education, Learning Technologies, EDUCAUSE, and Association of Talent Development (ATD). Fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian, I have global experience working across cultures and industries.
Ways We Can Work Together:💡 1:1 Leadership & Career Coaching
→ For professionals at a crossroads, stepping into leadership, or navigating career shifts.💡 Team Coaching & Executive Facilitation
→ Helping organizations & teams build leadership, collaboration, and mentorship cultures.💡 Custom Workshops & Training for Universities & STEM Professionals
→ Specializing in mentorship, leadership, and professional growth for faculty & researchers.
You already have what it takes. Let's turn your potential into successful action —together.
Client Love
I coach professionals growing in their leadership roles, often rising senior managers, VPs, and executives, who are:
- Navigating high-pressure leadership roles while managing work-life integration
- Struggling with imposter syndrome or self-doubt as they step into bigger responsibilities
- Ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and take control of their career trajectory
- Looking for support, strategy, and confidence-building to reach their full potentialThrough our work together, my clients move from feeling overwhelmed and unsure to clear, confident, and in control—ready to lead boldly and thrive in their careers.
Testimonials coming soon
Ready to Take the Next Step?
✔ Gain clarity and confidence in your career and leadership
✔ Build a career that aligns with your life—not one that drains you
✔ Work with a coach who understands the journey firsthand
Let’s talk!Schedule your free initial session to explore if coaching is the right next step for you, or send me an email to get started.
Have a question? Let’s connect.
Whether you're interested in coaching, a team workshop, or a custom program, I’d love to hear from you. Please share a bit about your current situation and where you'd like to go, and together we'll take it from there.