ICF (International Coaching Federation) ACC Certified Coach

As the Founder of the Center for Dynamic Knowledge, Dr. Karla Van Havel brings more than 25 years of experience in learning and development, executive leadership, communication, and organizational systems to every engagement. Her work is grounded in academic rigor, shaped by real executive experience, and brought to life through practical, human-centered coaching and facilitation.

Karla previously served as COO and President of the Institute for Management Studies, held multiple board positions, and has built businesses from the ground up.

Her credentials include:

• A PhD in Human and Organizational Systems with a concentration in Information Society and Knowledge Organizations.

• Two master’s degrees, one in Strategic Communications and Leadership and one in Human and Organizational Development.

• Certification from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the Center for Executive Coaching (CEC) in Agile Coaching, Business Coaching, Career Coaching, and Executive Coaching.

• Wiley Authorized Partner with certification as an Everything DiSC® Certified Practitioner and The Five Behaviors® Certified Practitioner.

• Postdoctoral Fellow for the Institute for Social Innovation at Fielding Graduate University.

Karla specializes in leadership presence, communication, workplace community, and systems level thinking. Her work has been published in book chapters and academic journals, and more importantly, it is reflected in the clarity, confidence, and growth her clients experience.

The Center for Dynamic Knowledge is more than one voice. Karla partners with experts across business, psychology, education, and leadership to ensure each engagement is tailored, thoughtful, high impact, and deeply human.

BCC (Board Certified Coach)

AnnMarie Comer is known for her strategic vision and unwavering commitment to helping people thrive. Throughout her career in senior HR leadership roles, AnnMarie consistently elevated organizations and the individuals within them by focusing on leadership development, collaborative coaching and optimizing talent. Her approach is a powerful blend of deep expertise and a genuine passion for unlocking potential. 

AnnMarie is a trusted coach and advisor to a wide range of professionals, from C-Suite leaders and managers to high-potential employees, as well as those navigating career transitions. She has earned a reputation for quickly building credibility and fostering strong, loyal relationships built on balanced, insightful guidance. Her expertise spans decades of experience in Executive Coaching, Succession Planning, Career Transitions, and Leadership Development for both domestic and international organizations as well as individual clients. 

As the CEO and founder of Advanced Management Consulting, an HR consulting and coaching firm in Belleair FL, AnnMarie brings her extensive experience to a diverse client base. She has attained the level of Board- certified coach from the Center for Credentialing Education, she received her Executive and Career Coaching certifications from the Center for Executive Coaching, holds a master's degree in counseling from Lesley University and is a certified MBTI Step I and II practitioner. She is also skilled in the facilitation of the Strong Interest Inventory and the Thomas Killman Conflict Model. AnnMarie's combination of business acumen and coaching mastery makes her an inspiring partner for any professional looking to reach their full potential. You can learn more about her at advancedmanagementconsulting.com.

ICF (International Coaching Federation) PCC Certified Coach

Dave Todaro’s coaching journey began in 2022 upon his “retirement,” when the CEO of the company he was working for asked him to consider contracting his services back to the organization as a leadership and executive coach to himself and several staff members. Since then, he’s earned his ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Credential and certifications from the Center for Executive Coaching, Center for Christian Coaching, and Team Coaching Studio. Dave has coached nearly 50 business leaders, managers, executives, corporate board members, and professionals in transition. Dave is a USAF veteran with over four decades of progressive leadership responsibility as a military officer, and in information technology and organizational development. Dave has had significant experience providing support to various industries including transportation, utilities, life sciences, financial services, manufacturing, government, aviation, and non-profits.

Dave’s ‘coachees’ most often cite the safe environment he creates for them to share, his ability to “meet them where they are” in their professional journey, his value as an accountability partner, and his focus on letting them think things out for themselves with just the right contribution of his own ideas and input, as the most valuable aspects of their conversations with him. With over 400 hours of logged coaching experience and a lifetime of experience leading and studying teams, he has set his sights on the ICF PCC and ACTC credentials. When he’s not coaching, you can find Dave on the excellent bicycle trails near the Delaware seashore or in his kitchen, making pizza for family and friends. You can learn more about him at wineflash.net.

Administrative Assistant

Keeping us organized and connected

Ellen is the steady hand behind the scenes, keeping schedules organized and details in order so that every client experience runs smoothly. She brings a calm, approachable energy to her role, and she is the one who makes sure nothing slips through the cracks.

Outside of work, Ellen loves exploring new books, tending to her plants, and spending time with her family. She has a knack for creating order out of chaos and believes that small acts of kindness can change the course of someone’s day.

Even though she is our virtual assistant, Ellen feels like the kind of colleague you would want in the office with you every day, reliable, encouraging, and always ready to help.