Executive Director
Steve Makofka is a master teacher and communicator. He is a Certified Family Life Educator and a member of the National Council on Family Relations. In 2019 He founded Family Dynamics LLC to help provide resources for groups that help build families. Steve has a BS in Education and a Master of Divinity degree.
Previously, he was a pastor of youth and family ministries. His 25 years of pastoral experience have given him knowledge and experience in dealing with a variety of family issues. He has also worked ten years teaching as a psychoeducational group leader on a mental health inpatient unit, teaching life skills to adolescents and adults. He currently works as a group leader for the Partial Hospitalization program at Dayton Children’s Hospital.
He has been married to his wife, Lorrie, for 40 years. Together they have raised four children and are now enjoying their four (so far) grandchildren. Steve’s parents, who have been married for 65 years, live around the corner from him. This extended family network has given him an expertise in multi-generational relationships.
Steve is an active part of the Dayton music scene, having performed extensively as a singer, and as a guitar and keyboard player. He is also a 4th generation accordion player. He has released an album of original children’s music entitled, “Bring the Kids”.
FLCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Advocacy Co-Chair - Steve Makofka
Steve Makofka is a master teacher and communicator. He is a Certified Family Life Educator and a member of the National Council on Family Relations. In 2019 He founded Family Dynamics LLC to help provide resources for groups that help build families. Steve has a BS in Education and a Master of Divinity degree.
Previously, he was a pastor of youth and family ministries. His 25 years of pastoral experience have given him knowledge and experience in dealing with a variety of family issues. He has also worked ten years teaching as a psychoeducational group leader on a mental health inpatient unit, teaching life skills to adolescents and adults. He currently works as a group leader for the Partial Hospitalization program at Dayton Children’s Hospital.
He has been married to his wife, Lorrie, for 40 years. Together they have raised four children and are now enjoying their four (so far) grandchildren. Steve’s parents, who have been married for 65 years, live around the corner from him. This extended family network has given him an expertise in multi-generational relationships.
Steve is an active part of the Dayton music scene, having performed extensively as a singer, and as a guitar and keyboard player. He is also a 4th generation accordion player. He has released an album of original children’s music entitled, “Bring the Kids”.
Chair - Tiffany Burnette
Tiffany Burnette works to improve family life and prevent negative outcomes for every family member. Through her efforts that include music therapy, family coaching, and education, she aims to bring experiential learning for awareness and practice to enhance physical, spiritual, and mental health and relationships.
Vice Chair - Charity Anderson
Charity Anderson is a certified Family Life Coach, Prevention Specialist, Peer Support Specialist, and Recovery Coach. She is an active member of the Family Life Coaching Association, NAADAC, and the National Parenting Education Network. In 2023, Charity founded U2B Ultimate Coaching & Design, LLC to offer family life coaching, peer support, and substance use prevention education. Her work focuses on promoting personal growth, informed decision-making, and self-awareness while fostering healthier communities.
Charity holds a Bachelor’s in General Studies, an Associate’s in Psychology, a Master’s in Prevention Science, and a Graduate Certificate in Family Life Education and Coaching. With experience raising three teenagers, she combines personal insight with professional expertise to support individuals, families, and organizations.
Treasurer - OPEN
Are you interested in contributing to the health and wellness of families everywhere in this special way? Contact us at info@flcassociation.org.
Executive Secretary – Melissa James
Melissa James is a grief coach and owner of Your Life Helper, LLC. She has a B. S. degree in Marriage and Family Studies from Brigham Young University-Idaho and is a Board Certified Coach and Certified Family Life Coach-Expert. She has completed trainings for grief coaching, grief peer mentor, end of life doula training, and family life coaching working with individuals, couples, and families. Melissa was the chair of Family Life Coaching Association’s Emerging Coaches committee for four years. She is a Certified Strengths Specialist and a People Acuity Certified Guide through the People Acuity company to provide coaching with strengths use.
Executive Board Member-at-Large - Felisha Burleson
Felisha Burleson is doctoral student at Texas Woman's University in the Family Studies PhD program and a Certified Family Life Educator. Using her education in sociology and background in social services, she established The Patchwork Society, where she offers personal and professional development services. Through the patchwork society, she partners with existing organizations and groups to provide professional development opportunities for staff that include workshops and conferences as well as family development (parent education) and personal development (individual life skills) services for program participants.
FLCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Advocacy Co-Chair - Steve Makofka
Steve Makofka is a master teacher and communicator. He is a Certified Family Life Educator and a member of the National Council on Family Relations. In 2019 He founded Family Dynamics LLC to help provide resources for groups that help build families. Steve has a BS in Education and a Master of Divinity degree.
Previously, he was a pastor of youth and family ministries. His 25 years of pastoral experience have given him knowledge and experience in dealing with a variety of family issues. He has also worked ten years teaching as a psychoeducational group leader on a mental health inpatient unit, teaching life skills to adolescents and adults. He currently works as a group leader for the Partial Hospitalization program at Dayton Children’s Hospital.
He has been married to his wife, Lorrie, for 40 years. Together they have raised four children and are now enjoying their four (so far) grandchildren. Steve’s parents, who have been married for 65 years, live around the corner from him. This extended family network has given him an expertise in multi-generational relationships.
Steve is an active part of the Dayton music scene, having performed extensively as a singer, and as a guitar and keyboard player. He is also a 4th generation accordion player. He has released an album of original children’s music entitled, “Bring the Kids”.
Advocacy Director - Gale Wilkins
Gale McKoy Wilkins is the founder of Project Arrow, an evidence-based peer-to-peer and leadership program teaching middle, high school, and first-year college students how to deal with crisis using life coaching. This innovative program equips students with knowledge, skills, and techniques to create positive youth outcomes and improve school climate.
Project Arrow is the first life coaching organization in the state of North Carolina to receive funding from the Department of Public Instruction and the first to implement life coaching in a school setting.
Gale is a graduate of both Peace College (BA) and North Carolina State University (MA). She was awarded the William Peace University Professional Studies Alumni of the Year, in 2021, and became a Certified Life Coach- Expert, through Family Life Coach Association (FLCA) in 2023.
Gale is a bi-monthly contributor to WRAL Digital -Go Ask Mom & Family, and to Modern Mom, where she delves into topics related to family and teens, with a strong focus on integrating family coaching techniques.
2025 Conference Chair - Nnenne Ben-Ekechukwu
Nnenne is an educator, Life coach, and mentor who combines language acquisition, psychology, and family dynamics to create impactful learning experiences. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Applied Second Language Acquisition at Missouri State University., building upon her English Language and literature foundation, and postgraduate degrees in psychology and Education. Her specialized training includes certification in Family Systems Engineering, from the Institute of Family Engineering and Development, Life Coaching and Neurolinguistics Programming from OLCA, Mental Health and Addiction Counseling from The Institute of Marriage and Family Affairs. (TIMFA) brings a comprehensive approach to her work with families and learners.
Cultural preservation through storytelling is at the heart of her teaching philosophy. By weaving language learning into engaging narratives, she creates an immersive experience that improves comprehension and retention while fostering a genuine love for learning. Passionate about education and its power to transform lives, she actively contributes to non-profit organizations promoting literacy and learning among children across Africa. This dedication extends beyond the classroom, reflecting her belief in education as a catalyst for a balanced society.
As a Parenting Life Coach and ESL instructor, she synthesizes insights from family systems theory, second language acquisition, and cognitive development. This interdisciplinary approach yields novel strategies for personalized learning and family support.
2025 Conference Chair - Nnenne Ben-Ekechukwu
Nnenne is an educator, Life coach, and mentor who combines language acquisition, psychology, and family dynamics to create impactful learning experiences. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Applied Second Language Acquisition at Missouri State University., building upon her English Language and literature foundation, and postgraduate degrees in psychology and Education. Her specialized training includes certification in Family Systems Engineering, from the Institute of Family Engineering and Development, Life Coaching and Neurolinguistics Programming from OLCA, Mental Health and Addiction Counseling from The Institute of Marriage and Family Affairs. (TIMFA) brings a comprehensive approach to her work with families and learners.
Cultural preservation through storytelling is at the heart of her teaching philosophy. By weaving language learning into engaging narratives, she creates an immersive experience that improves comprehension and retention while fostering a genuine love for learning. Passionate about education and its power to transform lives, she actively contributes to non-profit organizations promoting literacy and learning among children across Africa. This dedication extends beyond the classroom, reflecting her belief in education as a catalyst for a balanced society.
As a Parenting Life Coach and ESL instructor, she synthesizes insights from family systems theory, second language acquisition, and cognitive development. This interdisciplinary approach yields novel strategies for personalized learning and family support.
Emerging Coaches Co-Director - Dr. Autumn Cano-Guin
Autumn Cano-Guin, PhD, BCC teaches Family Life Coaching in the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences and directs healthy living and STEM programs for NC 4-H at NC State University. She serves nationally as a Program Success Coach for the Children, Youth, and Families At-Risk Professional Development and Technical Assistance Center. Her scholarly interests include program development with marginalized audiences, parenting, youth development, family life coaching, adverse childhood experiences, protective factors, nonformal education, and educator professional development. She is a nationally recognized program design and evaluation expert with over 20 years of experience. Autumn also serves as a leader coach and develops curricula at her church. She is most passionate about her family including her partner of 25 years, Michael, 2 adult children, 2 grandchildren, 2 grand dogs, and a bearded dragon.
Autumn H. Cano-Guin, Ph.D., BCC (she, her, hers)
NC 4-H Youth Development Program Design & Evaluation Specialist
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Agricultural & Human Sciences
North Carolina State University
Emerging Coaches Co-Director - Paula Reif
Paula Reif is the co-founder of Hope & A Future III, a nonprofit organization developing a supportive intergenerational neighborhood in Madison, WI, and the founder of Functional
Flourishing LLC, offering coaching and support to empower parents and strengthen family bonds to ensure that each family member thrives. She has dedicated her career path to empowering families and individuals through coaching, education, and support. She holds an MA in Human Services- Family Life Education and is a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE), a Board Certified Coach (BCC), and Professional level Certified Family Life Coach (CFLC-P). Paula brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for supporting flourishing for individuals and families across generations.
Development Committee Co-Director - OPEN
Are you interested in contributing to the health and wellness of families everywhere in this special way? Contact us at info@flcassociation.org.
Development Committee Co-Chair - Consuelo Bryant
Consuelo Bryant is a Special Education Teacher for students with mild to moderate disabilities for Wake County Public Schools. She serves in the role as a Home Hospital Teacher which requires her to provide instruction, guidance and social interaction to students in their homes who are unable to attend school due to fragility, compromised health conditions and varying disabilities. In 2018 she earned the highest most respected certification a teacher could obtain,
National Board Professional Teacher Standards Certification, solidifying she is accomplished in the classroom, performs at a higher standard in her profession and made her highly sought out to serve in leadership positions like team leader, department chair and teacher mentor.
In 2018, Consuelo was a contributing author to a book anthology, Women Overcome Through Writing, where she writes about her aspirations to become a writer. She grew up reading the Dear Abby sections in the Sunday newspaper and was truly impacted by life changing experiences shared in the published stories. In 2020, she collaborated on a second writing project and wrote an inspiring chapter in the book From Transition to Transformation. In her chapter, she writes about how she was able to overcome diverse circumstances and embrace forgiveness. Her story is moving, heartfelt and uplifting.
Consuelo obtained her Life Coach Certification in 2021 and continuously pursues personal
development for her own growth and the personal growth of others. As a transformation coach, she is passionate about helping individuals embark upon a journey of self-discovery, unlocking their true purpose and taking meaningful action. She leads her clients in creative fun ways to unlock the wisdom of the body and experience life changing results.
Consuelo is empowered to create collaborative supportive processes that allow individuals to tap into their strengths, qualities and capabilities, whether in the classroom as a student or as a coaching client. She is driven to help clients find solutions to their problems and dilemmas just as much as she is in helping students to discover what works for them.
Consuelo earned a BS in Family & Consumer Sciences from North Carolina Central University and a MA in Educational Leadership from Gardner-Webb University.
Marketing Director - OPEN
Are you interested in contributing to the health and wellness of families everywhere in this special way? Contact us at info@flcassociation.org.
Membership Director - Tamyra LaFrance
Tamyra LaFrance is a Family Life Educator (FLE) and End-of-Life Coach (EOLC) pursuing her Doctorate in HumanDevelopment and Family Studies. She holds an Executive Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Human Service Management. Tamyra is a creative who is passionate about women’s empowerment and strengthening the foundation of families through the mother~daughter dyad. As an EOLC, she aims to help people prepare for life’s inevitable transition from earth through educational, informative, and/or transformative conversations and plans.
Professional Enrichment Director - Dawn Holmes
Dawn Holmes is a Clinical Counselor at Johnson & Wales University, the founder of the SCAA Community Counseling Center, and a doctoral student at National University in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is also a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) since 2021. Dawn holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Wake Forest University and a Master of Youth, Family, and Community Sciences (MR) from NC State University. She completed her doctorate in Sport and Performance Psychology with a concentration in Positive Leadership and Administration in 2023 from the University of Western States. Dawn is passionate about contributing ideas, engaging in professional development activities and collaborating with others who are equally committed to building a strong, growth-minded community with professional enrichment. Dawn has been married for over 20 years, raising six children and a rescue dog with her husband.
Research Director - Felisha Burleson
Felisha Burleson is doctoral student at Texas Woman's University in the Family Studies PhD program and a Certified Family Life Educator. Using her education in sociology and background in social services, she established The Patchwork Society, where she offers personal and professional development services. Through the patchwork society, she partners with existing organizations and groups to provide professional development opportunities for staff that include workshops and conferences as well as family development (parent education) and personal development (individual life skills) services for program participants.
Standards Director - Dr. Margaret Machara
Margaret E. Machara, PhD, CFLE is a professor of Human Sciences at Tennessee State University and co-creator of the Family Life Coaching Association. She currently oversees the Child Development/Family Studies concentration at TSU and is actively involved in several Family Science professional organizations. Dr. Machara has worked with diverse groups of children, adults, and families in a variety of settings. Her areas of expertise are Human Development, Family Relationships, Parenting, Interpersonal Dynamics, Play-Based Learning, Experiential Education, and Outdoor Activity.
Structure and Sustainability - OPEN
Are you interested in contributing to the health and wellness of families everywhere in this special way? Contact us at info@flcassociation.org.
Full Board Member-at-Large -Molly Feigal
Molly Feigal is a Certified Parent Coach trained in brain science, trauma, and research-proven techniques to shift behaviors. Molly has over twenty years of teaching experience. Molly has over two decades of experience as an elementary music teacher and staff leader at Concordia Language Villages. She is faculty for the SongWorks Summer Certification course for teachers, and she is the parent of two lively children. Molly supports caregivers, educators, and parents in understanding and connecting with their children.
Website Coordinator – Melissa James
Melissa James is a grief coach and owner of Your Life Helper, LLC. She has a B. S. degree in Marriage and Family Studies from Brigham Young University-Idaho and is a Board Certified Coach and Certified Family Life Coach-Expert. She has completed trainings for grief coaching, grief peer mentor, end of life doula training, and family life coaching working with individuals, couples, and families. Melissa was the chair of Family Life Coaching Association’s Emerging Coaches committee for four years. She is a Certified Strengths Specialist and a People Acuity Certified Guide through the People Acuity company to provide coaching with strengths use.
Other Team Members
Administrative Assistant - Fisayo Dayo Samuel
Fisayo Dayo-Samuel is an experienced Family Life Coach specializing in crisis management, a skilled mediator, and holds a master's degree in Media and Communication. She is a Certified Family System Engineering Practitioner from the Institute of Family Engineering & Development in Nigeria. She has had five years of media and public relations experience spread across consulting, social work and education. She has been successful at managing projects for past employers and maintaining meaningful relationships with all of them. She understands the importance of effective communication and efficient administration.
Fisayo is looking forward to contributing toward the development of the FLCA Certification program, promoting our monthly webinars, managing the elections process and developing our newsletters as well as all of the other administrative tasks that come her way!
She and her husband and two little ones live in England.
Would you like to join our team?
Check out our board committee information below
Advocacy
Focus on coaching-related state, national, and global politics/policies
Write policy papers, white papers, position statements
Lobby for reimbursement for FL coaches
Help with securing grants/funding
Establish partnerships w/other entities/organizations to further mission, vision of FLCA
Membership
Identify membership process
Announcement & promotion of membership
Connect with & track all new/renewed members
Establish and schedule Coffee Chats for members
Notify VP & committee chairs of new volunteers
Work w/Conference on membership table
Emerging Coaches
Invite & encourage student & new professionals’ participation, including those new to coaching
Facilitate student-specific activities
Facilitate the FLCA Mentorship Program
Encourage collaboration w/Research Committee
Assist FLCA in identifying needs for graduating students
Marketing
Focus on consistent branding, messaging
Develop & maintain social media accounts
Work w/Membership to encourage & retain members
Work w/Conference to advertise
Work w/Fundraising
Create, distribute promotional materials
Professional Enrichment
Solicit, schedule, & advertise webinar speakers
Participate in webinars (introduce speaker, monitor process & questions, etc.)
Ensure various topics/individuals are included
Establish follow-up procedures (release of recordings, summary for newsletter, etc.)
Research
Review/share pertinent coaching literature
Assist members in writing blogs, short articles
Establish publication guidelines for FLCA
Identify gaps in literature
Assist Advocacy in writing briefs, policy papers
Establish Family Life Coaching Journal
Conference
Logistics: conference location, hotels, food
Presenters: CFPs, correspondence; keynotes
Create & print program
Advertising, inc. booth rentals, program ads
Create budget w/exec board assistance & approval
Website prep & monitoring
CEUs, volunteers
Development
Set up holistic fundraising plan to include special events, mailings, web posts, product sales, etc.
Work w/Marketing Committee
Work w/Conference Committee
Work to securing grants & other funding opportunities
Standards
Compare/research standards of other organizations
Develop, recommend, validate standards
Present info sessions on certification/credentialing
Monitor certification/credentialing processes
Follow-up with members re yearly updating of certification (CEUs to include ethics)
Create & update ethics for FL coaches & FLCA
Continually monitor best practice w/Research
Website Coordinator
Monitor time-sensitive information and adjust as needed
Work with the web designer to update, make necessary changes & monitor member-only, board-only, and public pages
Perform quality assurance checks on links, documents, etc., preferably no less than on a quarterly basis
Serve as a liaison between the executive board and all committee chairs regarding appropriate website updates, changes, or edits
Participate in bi-monthly board meetings
Structure & Sustainability
Update Bylaws, Handbook and Board & Committee Summary
Elections (Executive Board & Board of Directors) with involvement of Full Board and FLCA Admin
Provide Board training
Analyze and follow-up on Strategic planning
(1, 3, 5 year plans)
All positions are volunteer positions held by current members of FLCA. To apply, please send your information to info@flcassociation.org. Please provide your full name, email address, resume, and a brief statement of interest. The Chair will contact you by email.
Elections for the board positions listed below are held every November. Current FLCA members cast their votes for the directors through email.
FLCA complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion/beliefs, socio-economic status, age, (dis)ability, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity).