Team

All of us are always working together towards achieving dedicated goals and delivering measurable results in time-boxed increments. Starting from the idea to ‘practice what you preach’, our trainers and consultants maintain active roles in the corporate world, each bringing their unique experience with them in trainings and on assignments.

Miranda Goossens

Chief Executive Officer
Miranda Goossens is the CEO of Gladwell Academy. In her career, she has worked for several training organizations. Miranda has over 15 years of experience in developing training programs, fulfilling a wide range of educational needs. She is further specialized in consulting, as well as setting-up and implementing internal and external educational academies. Miranda’s main focus is in the area of business and IT. Gladwell Academy emphasizes the role of people within organizations. This, in combination with entrepreneurship and the everlasting challenge to try to stay one step ahead of new training demands, is what makes Gladwell Academy the perfect working environment for Miranda. As CEO, Miranda links present-day topics to new training offerings for clients. Miranda is a naturally active and interested listener, and she is at her best when setting up new initiatives and motivating people to achieve. Besides her work as CEO, Miranda is a passionate runner.
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Ankie Timmermans

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Ankie Timmermans is CFO of Gladwell Academy.
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Anand Murthy Raj

Associate Partner Asia
Anand Murthy Raj is Director at Gladwell Academy Asia and SAFe Fellow. He is a certified SPCT (SAFe Program Consultant Trainer) and a leader with a vision to bring in great difference and excellence into the organization by multiplying business/value to achieve greater heights. He has 19 years of experience in the IT industry, as well as a strong management background and versatile experience in Agile Coaching. His specialties are Software Project Management, Support, Operations Management, Customer Management, Process Management, People Management, and Vendor/Partner Management. Anand has been conducting the SAFe Agilist certification training globally to more than 500 professionals in the last several years, with a pass rate of 99%. He received the Agile Product of the Year 2015 in ''IT products'' category, organized by Unicom. Anand has experience as an Enterprise Agile Coach, and he helped Philips Inc. bring SAFe into their own organization.
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Eduardo Alvim

Trainer
Eduardo Alvim is a Trainer at Gladwell Academy. Eduardo is the first and (thus far) only Spanish & Portuguese speaking qualified SPCT in the world, also delivering trainings in English and French. Prior to becoming SPCT, Eduardo gained extensive working experience in the areas of software development, IT, and team management. Eduardo has implemented Agile ways of working in industries as diverse as aviation, healthcare, pharmaceutical, banking & insurance, media, and IT. This has led to extended practical knowledge of the need for Agile ways of working and firsthand examples of the benefits of implementing SAFe. Eduardo strongly believes in extending transformation processes companywide to stay at the forefront of our post-digital economy. As SPCT, he emphasizes strategic approaches, measurable business objectives and outcomes, and a clear purpose. He holds certifications as CSM, PSMI, PSMII, CSPO, CSP-SM, CSP-PO, SA, SPC, RTE, LPM, and several others. Eduardo’s motivation as a coach is edged in providing organisations the right framework to structurally improve and give individuals the tools to thrive in their respective roles, which is why you’ll see him performing as speaker in the most prestigious events about Agile and Agility around the world.
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Raul Barth

Trainer
Raul Barth is a SAFe Program Consultant (SPC) and certified Release Train Engineer (RTE). He has a Green Belt in Lean, also holding Professional Scrum Master I & II (PSM) and Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO) certifications.
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Marijt Weerts

Trainer
Marijt Weerts is a certified Senior Agile coach and Release Train Engineer (RTE). She has a Black Belt in Lean and, she is a Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO). She is also a Validated SPC Co-Trainer, with more than 10 years of experience in implementing Agile and Lean at complex international organizations. Marijt felt inspired to become a transformation coach/leader after seeing a lot of companies struggle to keep up in the contemporary Digital Age. She noticed them struggling particularly with issues such as late delivery or delivery of incorrect items. Marijt understands that a lot of companies find it difficult to be Agile or use Agile in the right way, and she loves to help these organizations overcome their problems by restoring a sense of entrepreneurship within the employees. Marijt combines a results-driven mentality with the ability to motivate people to adjust to change. Her creative attitude often leads to unexpected results. She coaches and motivates teams to be successful and to achieve maximum results. She has a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration (Leeuwarden, the Netherlands). She is incredibly passionate about her job, and she believes that all frameworks and mindsets are only effective if individuals understand the 'why' behind what they do, and if they trust in their common sense. Marijt is decisive, enterprising, has a results-oriented approach, and is socially skilled and involved. Outside of her work, she loves to go out and explore with family and friends. Past project work of Marijt's includes, but is not limited to, work in the Government, Bank and Insurance companies, small non-software-related companies, and an Agile Lifecycle Management company.
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Renate Cremer

Learning expert | Transformation Coach & Trainer
Renate Cremers’ interest in learning and growth is rooted in her background as a labor and organisation psychologist. She specialised in Training & Development and has been actively involved in innovating HR processes as an HR Business Partner for companies operating globally.
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Marina Voropaeva

Trainer
Marina Voropaeva is a trainer and SPC at Gladwell Academy. With a background in strategic management and professional experience in different companies (ranging from major corporations, to start-ups, to non-for-profit organizations), Marina brings an insight into the adoption of the Agile way of working and successful transformation processes, regardless of company nature. Her international experience, combined with her natural servant leadership capabilities, allows her to coach teams to inspire, unite, energize, and drive them towards achieving a common goal. Marina is a quick learner, has a strong empathetic nature, and multicultural experience. She speaks four languages and enjoys learning about new cultures. As a trainer, Marina brings the gift of simplicity, presenting information in a relevant manner by breaking complex notions into their simplest components. Marina believes that teams should master customer-centricity, whether they serve internal or external customers, and she has been putting that belief to practice for over 15 years. Her certifications include SAFe Program Consultant (SPC), SAFe Product Owner and Scrum Master, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (ICGB), and Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO).
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Brendan Mulholland

Agile coach and Scrum Master
Brendan Mulholland is a certified Agile coach and Scrum Master at Gladwell Academy. His certifications include SAFe Program Consultant (SPC), Release Train Engineer (RTE), Product Owner Product Manager (POPM), Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO II), Professional Scrum Master (PSM II), Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Professional Agile Leadership - Evidence Based Management (PAL-EBM), Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) and ITIL v3. Brendan holds a Master in project management and a BSc in Land Economics (Scotland).
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Julia Heuritsch

Agile Coach & Trainer
Julia Heuritsch is an Agile Trainer/Coach at Gladwell Academy. Her certifications include Professional Scrum Master (PSM I), Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO I), SAFe Program Consultant (SPC), Professional Agile Leadership - Evidence Based Management (PAL - EBM & PAL I ). Julia is holding a Master in Astrophysics in Austria, Australia and the Netherlands.
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Cor Boutkan

Assistent Controller
Cor Boutkan is a Controller at Gladwell Academy and responsible for all creditors. Cor is an experienced Senior Finance Manager with 14 years of experience within a large corporate services organization. He has been active in different roles focusing mainly on accounting, cash management, and treasury. Cor is a reliable partner, is internationally oriented, and has strong analytical skills. In his spare time, he likes to play indoor soccer and, as a PADI Divemaster, is very passionate about introducing people to recreational diving.
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Joost Brugman

Global Business Development Manager
Joost Brugman is a Business Development Manager at Gladwell Academy and is responsible for the worldwide applications of the open enrollment training programs. Joost has a sophisticated background in working in an international environment and across different cultures. His goal is to provide Gladwell customers with practical advice and tailor-made solutions. Within the Gladwell Academy team, Joost is solution-oriented, as he tends to think outside the box. He is a real team player. In his spare time, Joost can be found planning his next trip or adventure, playing on the tennis court, or enjoying a major sports event.
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Florence Colonne

Global Business Development Manager
Florence Colonne works for Gladwell Academy as the Global Management/Operations Director France. Growth and development of organizations are central topics in her work. With over 13 years of hands-on experience in consulting and delivery of IT business expertise, Florence helps companies increase their revenue by enabling them to become Lean and Agile at every level. Graduated with a Master’s Degree in Business from the Paris Business School, Florence has a strong background in Business Management, Consulting, and deep experience working on the business side to ensure an integrated approach to transformation programs.
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Maarten Dannenberg

Marketing Director
Maarten is the Marketing Director at Gladwell Academy. Maarten has a background in Marketing Communications, International Relations and Business Development, with extensive working experience as freelance consultant in international teams. An engaged team-leader with demonstrated strong suits in the areas of branding, marketing and communications strategies, Maarten is passionate about unlocking growth potential and the organizational structures to support durable growth. Maarten calls Amsterdam and Madrid his homes, has a strong affinity with sports and film as a creative outlet and considers himself to be a business creative. He is thrilled to be a part of the Gladwell Academy team and to apply his knowledge to the continued and structured growth of Gladwell Academy.
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Sabine Droog

Development Manager
Sabine Droog is the Head of Operations at Gladwell Academy. She is involved in developing various training programs and several other projects within Gladwell Academy. In doing so, she is responsible for every phase of the process, from the start-up phase to evaluation. Through open communication with clients, participants, and trainers, she ensures a smooth flow of projects. Sabine is enthusiastic, responsible, and likes to take initiative. She has a can-do mentality, and her strength lies in signaling needs and involving people in an effective way. Sabine also has a lot of experience in organizing domestic and foreign events. In addition to her work at Gladwell Academy, she loves fashion and helps her boyfriend with his multi-brand store for men. For this, she regularly visits fairs both in the Netherlands and abroad, and she is also regularly attending buying appointments.
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Sacha van Drunen

Event manager & Project coordinator
Sacha van Drunen is the Event Manager at Gladwell Academy. She is responsible for the organization of the Gladwell Academy Events.
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Rosalie van Hall

Graphic Designer
Rosalie van Hall is a Graphic Designer at Gladwell Academy. After years of working as a freelancer for major brands and companies, Rosalie decided to stay at Gladwell Academy as a part-time Graphic Designer. Her activities include designing online communication materials, White Papers, and Case Studies. She creates all of the kinds of fantastic visual expressions that Gladwell Academy is looking for. Rosalie has also recently developed a Course Guide for Gladwell Academy, which contains the entire learning range offered by the organization. It is every time a challenge to create something beautiful with the input provided, but Rosalie never disappoints.
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Verena Hopf

Project Coordinator
Verena is a Project Coordinator at Gladwell Academy and is responsible for the coordination of the training courses in the DACH region. Verena has a professional and academic background in International Hospitality & Service Management. With her management experience in an international industry, she knows how to adapt to different cultures quickly and to get things done while putting the customer first. When coordinating the training courses, Verena uses her organizational skills and accuracy to always ensure a smooth process from the beginning until the end. As a native German, she easily connects with Gladwell Academy customers from the DACH market and provides the necessary assistance and preparation for a successful training. Outside of work, Verena likes to be active. You can find her either on horseback, working out, or enjoying a glass of wine with her friends.
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Geertje de Jong

Global Business Development Manager
Geertje is the Global Business Development Manager at Gladwell Academy and is primarily responsible for setting up in-company trainings. Geertje has a background in hospitality management and in working in an international environment. She is a great listener with an ability to quickly connect and establish rapport with potential partners. She brings a great amount of energy to her work and uses her creativity and commitment to consult clients in the best way possible. Her original way of thinking results in a continuous stream of ideas. In her spare time, Geertje loves playing volleyball. When the sun is out, you will most likely find her in her garden or on a terrace in the city of Utrecht.
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Narges Kolahdouz Moghaddam

Training Coordinator
Narges is a Training Coordinator at Gladwell Academy and is responsible for the coordination of open enrollment courses in the Benelux market. She has a professional background and extensive experience in the hospitality industry, which she uses to get things done without losing sight of participants’ wishes. Using her accuracy and organizational skills, Narges coordinates the courses from start-up until evaluation and ensures a smooth process. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, listening to music, or traveling.
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Ingeborg Lieverse

Training Coordinator
Ingeborg Lieverse is a Coordinator of Training & Education at Gladwell Academy. She is responsible for the coordination of all open enrollment and in-company training sessions at Gladwell Academy. This means that Ingeborg organizes, coordinates, and evaluates all of the training programs. Ingeborg acts as a point of contact for Gladwell Academy customers. In the role of the advisor, Ingeborg assists customers with practical questions about the training and/or education programs. Ingeborg has a proactive approach and is result-oriented. Ingeborg is, due to a great deal of experience as a coordinator, able to manage projects smoothly. She has a no-nonsense mentality and makes sure everything is well organized. Besides her work at Gladwell Academy, Ingeborg enjoys athletic activities and can often be found enjoying walks on the beach.
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Isabelle Berkhout

Training & Development Advisor
Isabelle started as a Training Coordinator at Gladwell Academy and is now a Training & Development Advisor. She is responsible for the open enrollment Sales of the Benelux in combination with coordinating in-company trainings for the Benelux region. Isabelle is an experienced meeting and training organizer with a professional history of working in the international hospitality industry. Her experience allows her to be very flexible and able to adapt to every situation in order to keep the clients' and participants’ needs and wishes as her top priority. She always has ideas on how to make every training successful. Isabelle is very customer-centric and believes in the power of personal touch. The word “problem” is not in her vocabulary, as she sees every challenge as an opportunity. In her free time, Isabelle enjoys the beach, traveling, sports, and spending time with her friends and family.
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Martijn Mallekoote

Assistent Controller
Martijn Mallekoote is the Assistent Controller at Gladwell Academy.
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Lina De Meyer

Trainer
Lina De Meyer is a SAFe Program Consultant (SPC) and certified Product Owner (PO) and Release Train Engineer (RTE). Lina has a background in Commercial Engineering with a focus on organizational strategy and design, and she strongly believes that the way that leadership empowers teams for decision making and self-organization leads to a happier and more productive work environment. Her practical Agile experience goes from team member, Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Agile Coach & Consultant, which sums up the work she has been doing for the past 4 years. Lina is passionate about changing people's mindset and way of working, as well as about coaching and training teams for Agile adoption. Lina is currently acting as an Agile coach for the Gladwell Coaching Practice, and she offers trainings in a number of languages (English and Dutch/Flemish), helping Gladwell's partners to succeed in achieving their goals through Agile and digital transformations. Prior to joining Gladwell Academy, Lina worked as a consultant in the Business Agility domain and achieved a better understanding of the challenges of the C-level and their teams during her time at Gartner, market leader for Technology Research. This experience allowed her to acquire hands-on experience with Agile transformations, which in turn allowed her to better understand the pitfalls and success factors for Agile transformations. Lina's past project work for Agile transformations and Agile coaching includes, among others, work with the Government, Bank & Insurance companies, Software Development companies, and Engineering companies (manufacturing & electrical engineering).
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Vaibhav Patki

Trainer
Vaibhav is a SAFe Program Consultant (SPC) and an Enterprise Agile Coach. He brings a wealth of experience in coaching and training multiple corporates in diverse domains of Cloud Native Data Protection, Banking, Finance, and Healthcare in their Lean Agile transformation journeys. He has shepherded entire teams of multiple Product lines of a SaaS start-up in their Agile transformation journey to be a successful Cloud Data Protection and Management Unicorn. He feels blessed to witness empowering of a complete Service Line of one of the biggest Global Banks he coached to thrive with a Lean Agile mindset. Vaibhav is a Qualified Flight Test Engineer (Avionics) from Air Force Test Pilot School. He holds an M.S in Software Systems from BITS Pilani, a Nuclear Science qualification from BARC, Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Certified ScrumMaster, and SAFe RTE. His quest for continuous learning is exemplified through Design Thinking and Cloud (Azure and GCP) certifications. An Air Force Veteran with three decades in Program Management, his zeal and passion has driven several Aerospace and Cyber-physical System Programs to success by continual delivery of great business value. He has flown fighters, transport and helicopters of Western and Russian origin to test the systems designed and developed iteratively and incrementally. Having coached budding Test Pilots and Flight test Engineers, he harnesses those very unique skills from the trenches for coaching teams, change agents and leaders in corporates to adopt a Lean Agile mindset and inherit a learning culture. Consulting as an Enterprise Coach and Trainer is his forte. He is ever enthusiastic about learning and learns from every Agilist he trains through engagement and fun. Back home, he enjoys long-distance running in the pleasant weather of Bangalore. He believes in Yoga for mindfulness every day, and embracing agility holistically.
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Marion Pequignot

Marketeer
Marion Péquignot joined Gladwell Academy in November 2020 as the Marketing Manager for France. Marion has more than 8 years of experience in communications and marketing, having worked in large Parisian communication agencies both on national and international levels. She moved to Amsterdam in September 2020 with the ambition of joining a company with an international dimension. Her role at Gladwell Academy is to ensure the brand visibility and growth on the French market. Her superb knowledge of the French market is an asset in her missions within Gladwell Academy. She is also the Scrum Master of a team of 6 people. Marion speaks fluent English. In her spare time, Marion likes to travel, take care of pets, and get new tattoos. You can also find her enjoying cocktails in beautiful, sunny Amsterdam.
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Tobias Schönhaar

Global Business Development Manager
Tobias Schönhaar works as a Business Development Manager DACH at Gladwell. Tobias Alexander Schönhaar is looking out for growth in the DACH market for Gladwell. He is open to engage on every digital change topic in which Gladwell can add value through consulting, coaching, and training. "Be better than yesterday" is the slogan of Gladwell Academy, and it’s something that Tobias carries close to heart in his day-to-day work. As an SPC-to-be, Tobias is an open partner for appreciative exchange. Experienced in developing new markets, organizing and overseeing business transformations, and achieving ambitious objectives, Tobias’ focus lies on continuously pursuing undiscovered business potential. Focusing on individuals, as well as processes and organizations that create the environment for successful people, is one of his personal strong suits. His work is characterized by curiosity, quick understanding, and an evolving solution-oriented approach. Tobias Schönhaar is a morning person, as well as a culinary and CrossFit enthusiast. With roots in the Black Forest, and stations in Paris, London, and Istanbul, he now calls Amsterdam his home and is learning Dutch.
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Marjolein Straathof

Global Business Development Coördinator
Marjolein Straathof is a Project & Training Coordinator at Gladwell Academy. She organizes and coordinates all open enrollment trainings within the Netherlands for Gladwell Academy. She also coordinates the in-company trainings for ASML. With her broad work experience in the Hospitality Industry, Marjolein knows thoroughly what hospitality entails. She uses her experience to put the customer first during the coordination of the training sessions. In her spare time, Marjolein enjoys the company of her family and friends. She can be found at one of the many festivals during the festival season.
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Hans Rigtering

IT Manager
Meet Hans Rigtering, Head of IT and Infrastructure at Gladwell Academy and Blinklane. Before Hans held positions as Product Owner and Project Manager. His continuous dedication to grow is showcased by his array of certifications including PMI/PMP, IPMA C, SAFe Agilist (SA), CSPO I, PSPO II, Management Development I and II. Hans holds a bachelor’s degree in business informatics and a master's degree in AI and Knowledge Engineering.
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Freek Vonk

Marketing Automation Specialist
Freek is Marketing Automation Specialist at Gladwell Academy.
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Carolien Wiltink

Partnership Marketer
Carolien Wiltink is the Partnership Marketer at Gladwell Academy.
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Kiran Kaur Singh

Marketing Manager Benelux
Kiran is Marketing Manager Benelux at Gladwell Academy. Kiran started her journey as an intern at Gladwell Academy in 2018. Over the years, she climbed up to the position of Marketing Manager India and Squad Lead India. Although she is based in the Netherlands, she had a continuous and clear communication with the team in. After three years, Kiran took a break and went back to the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam to do her Marketing Master. After achieving her Master’s degree, she came back to Gladwell Academy to a new position: Marketing Manager Benelux. Besides that, she is also the Scrum Master of team Benelux. Outside working hours Kiran loves to travel and to spend time with her family.
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Marie Potel

Business Development Advisor France
Marie Potel is Business Development Advisor at Gladwell Academy.
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Mirna El Hayoubi

Training Coordinator
Mirna is a Training Coordinator at Gladwell Academy.
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Dennis van de Rieth

Senior Agile coach
Dennis van de Rieth is Senior Agile coach, Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO), certified SAFe Program Consultant (SPC) and Obeya coach at AgilityMasters.com. Dennis has a bachelor's degree in Policing, the 'Intervention Science' course and the 'Coaching and Guidance Science' course. Dennis has also followed various professional training courses, including in the field of communication and team coaching.
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Wibke Sandau

Agile Coach
Wibke Sandau is Agile coach, Process and Design Thinking Facilitator and Scrum Master (CSM) at AgilityMasters.com. She has a Master in Social and Organizational Psychology and has followed the Design Thinking training at the HPI School of Design Thinking in Potsdam.
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Carolina Vivan

Scrum Master
Carolina Vivan is a certified Professional Scrum Master (PSM II), SAFe Agilist (SA), and SAFe Program Consultant (SPC) at AgilityMasters.com. She holds a bachelor degree in business administration and management. Carolina is experienced in coaching, change management, Scrum, Lean Thinking, and process design. Carolina has been exploring and implementing the Agile principles since her early years of University.
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Alexander Wierstra

Senior Agile Coach
Alexander Wierstra is Senior Agile coach, SAFe Program Consultant (SPC) and RTE at AgilityMasters.com. He has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration.
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Ashley Poelhuis

Agile Coach
Ashley Poelhuis is a certified Agile coach, Professional Scrum Master (PSM II) and Certified SAFe Program Consultant (SPC) at AgilityMasters.com. She has a bachelor's degree in psychology (Indiana University, USA). She is also a certified nutrition coach, nutrition specialist, health coach and personal trainer.
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Dennis Mansell

Senior Scrum Master & Trainer
Dennis Mansell is a certified Professional Scrum Master (PSM III), SAFe Program Consultant (SPC), Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO) and Professional Scrum Trainer (PST)- candidate for Scrum.org. As an Agile Coach, Dennis specializes in team performance, whether it concerns product innovation and development, business operations or operations.
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Gaby Montens

Agile Coach
Gaby Montens is Professional Agile Coach (ICAgile, agile coaching ICP-ACC), SAFe Program Consultant (SPC) and certified Professional Scrum Master (PSM II) at AgilityMasters.com. Gaby has a bachelor's degree in PABO and in Interpreting and Translating. She is a sworn translator of French.
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Roel de Ponti

Senior Agile Coach & Trainer
Roel de Ponti is Senior Agile coach, Release Train Engineer (RTE), SAFe Program Consultant (SPC), Professional Scrum Master (PSM I) and Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO I) at AgilityMasters.com. Roel has a bachelor's degree in Business Economics and in International Management.
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Annemieke Nulkes-van Steijn

Executive Assistant
Annemieke Nulkes-van Steijn is Executive Assistant at AgilityMasters.com. She supports the management, employees and coaches in the broadest sense. She scales every obstacle and uses her calm and perseverance to set up every project to the full satisfaction of client and coach, and to allow it to run smoothly. She has a lot of experience dealing with different levels of management at various previous employers. They include a large consultancy organization, an investment firm in ICT and solar energy, and an import/export company in fruit and vegetables. Annemieke is driven, honest, creative and loyal. In addition to her work, she enjoys being with her family and children, use her creative skills, loves being in nature and doing some gardening and reading.
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