Cultivar
Cultivar Advisory Group
Mission
Who We Work With
Is Cultivar a Good Fit?
We partner with mission-driven organizations committed to positive, lasting impact, especially teams that value connection and practical, people-centered change. We’ll align on goals and recommend next steps.
Mission-driven
Sector-Aligned
Values-Focused
Relationship-Centered
Results-Oriented
Not sure if you fit this profile?
Please reach out — we’re happy to hop on a call to explore the possibilities, and we’ll be glad to see if we’re the right match.
Services Provided
Process Improvement
Team Formation
Leadership Coaching
Change Management
Customized Trainings
HR Strategy
Meet Our Team
Charles Ashou, MBA, ACC
Other Credentials: Associate Certified Coach (Hudson Institute of Coaching), Organization and Relationship Systems Coaching (ORSC-trained), DISC Certification, Korn Ferry 360 Assessments and Feedback Facilitation
Background/Expertise: A seasoned healthcare leader, Charles has a wide range of experience spanning clinical operations, health policy, and HR strategy. As VG’s Senior Manager of Culture and Performance, he champions the idea that employee experience, wellbeing, and strong team dynamics are the keys to driving business success. He also works as an executive coach, helping individuals accelerate towards their full potential. Outside of work, Charles enjoys trail running, pickleball, and hanging out with family and friends.
Joanne Austin, MHA
Education: Master’s in Healthcare Administration; Bachelor’s in Speech & Hearing Sciences and Community Health
Other Credentials: Green Belt Lean Certification for Healthcare, Certified Kaizen Facilitator (CKF)
Background/Expertise: With a master’s degree in healthcare administration, Joanne’s career path shifted from audiology to her passion for continuous improvement that helps patients and healthcare workers. As the Project Management Office Lead at Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center, she helps oversee the organization’s strategic initiative portfolio and continuous improvement efforts. She is dedicated to finding practical solutions, leading in service to her team and organization, and fostering a culture of respect for people.
Amber Bruner, SHRM-CP, PHR
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Communications
Other Credentials: SHRM‑CP, Professional in Human Resources
(PHR®) certification, Change Management Certificate, CAP Change Agent, ISOC Internal Communications, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (Healthcare), Lean Green Belt (Healthcare), Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
Background/Expertise: Amber Bruner is a seasoned organizational effectiveness and human resources professional with over 16 years of experience. She specializes in supporting leaders with strategic planning, change management, process improvement, and project management. Amber’s extensive background is further strengthened by her current pursuit of a Master’s degree in Organizational Communication and multiple professional certifications. Her passion for public speaking and coaching empowers her to guide teams and leaders through complex organizational challenges, helping them communicate effectively and achieve their strategic goals.
Madison Jackson
Other Credentials: Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (ICBB), Certified Kaizen Facilitator (CKF)
Background/Expertise: Madison Jackson, a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Kaizen facilitator with a background in Public Health and Health Management & Policy, applies a process improvement mindset to mentoring and facilitation. As Workforce Development Program Manager at Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center, she leads initiatives that create accessible healthcare career pathways. Passionate about reducing barriers, addressing workforce shortages, and advancing economic stability, she champions opportunities for underrepresented communities. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, cooking, reading, thrifting, and exploring new places—especially those known for their great food and wine.
Heidi Lee, MEd
Education: Master’s in teaching and Curriculum from University of Oregon; Bachelor’s degree in Educational Foundations from University of Oregon
Background/Expertise: Heidi brings extensive administrative expertise and a strong passion for education and personal growth. Grounded in a growth mindset, she is dedicated to continuous learning and supporting others to succeed. As an Executive Assistant, Heidi ensures seamless operations and provides vital support to leadership in achieving organizational goals. She values building collaborative relationships and fostering environments where teamwork and trust thrive, contributing to both organizational success and the growth of those she works alongside.
Rachel Li, M.Div
Education: Master of Divinity from Marylhurst University
Other Credentials: Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP); Certified Professional Coach (University of Miami); Embodied Leadership Training (Strozzi Institute), DISC Certification, KF360 Assessments and Feedback Facilitation, Change management (Prosci)
Background/Expertise: Rachel Li is Chief People & Strategy Officer at Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center, providing executive oversight for HR, marketing, learning and development, project management, organizational effectiveness, government affairs, and analytics. With a background across healthcare, academia, and research, she applies a systems-thinking approach to align organizational strategy, culture, and talent. Rachel is recognized for expertise in leadership development, change management, and workforce planning, and she sponsors enterprise initiatives in strategic planning, wellbeing, and leadership coaching.
Fernando Lira, MBA
Education: MBA from Pacific University; BBA in Finance & Marketing with Minors in Spanish and Linguistics from Pacific University
Other Credentials: Prosci Certified Change Practitioner, Agile Change Management Certified, Certified Kaizen Facilitator (CKF), Lean Six Sigma Certified
Background/Expertise: Fernando is a highly experienced subject matter expert with over 10 years in change management, project management, entrepreneurship, and strategic planning. As a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner and Certified Kaizen Facilitator, he excels at uniting people, processes, and purpose to achieve impactful results. Known as the “King of Reminders,” he ensures follow-through with deliberate planning and a people-first, relationship-driven leadership style. He creates collaborative spaces where every voice is valued, helping others achieve their goals and strategic priorities.
