About Dr. Kinzer

Whether you are thriving in your current role or want to try something new, I can help you become a better leader.

I serve leaders who aim to provide the very best possible outcomes for individuals, teams, organizations, and communities — leaders who care as much about people as performance.

With over more than thirty-three years working in public and private organizations across the United States and Asia, I've built a career around one belief: people do their best work when they're supported in becoming their best selves — at work and at home. That belief led me to co-found the West Coast Center for Emotionally Intelligent Leadership and build Kinzer Consulting, where I help leaders strengthen emotional intelligence for themselves and their teams.

Beyond my coaching practice, I stay close to the work through teaching and service — leading university and corporate courses on emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, team building, and emotional resiliency, and contributing to organizations doing work I believe in: serving on the board of The Center for District Innovation and Leadership in Early Education (DIAL EE), Access Montessori, volunteering with Generation Joy supporting teacher development in South Africa, and contributing to the P-3 Collaborative for Holistic Education and the Literacy Design Collaborative.

When I really think about it, I probably conducted my first coaching session when I was 12.

I was flying from Seattle to California and sat next to a woman on the plane who was quite talkative. She shared her life story with me, asked me what I thought about her daughter getting married at 18, and whether or not she was making a good choice moving to Seattle. Additionally, she felt that she hadn’t advocated enough for herself in her current role at work. Phew!

When we landed she met me at the baggage claim, hugged me and handed me her phone number. My mother looked at her and then at me and asked who was that woman?! I simply looked at her and said, oh, that is Sarah, she is from Alaska, she is looking for a new job as an accountant, she is passionate about working with others and likes to read. 

I think this was my first coaching session.

As an executive coach, I help you tap into your deepest wisdom to keep equity, inclusion, and excellence at the forefront of your work — whether you're thriving in your current role or ready to try something new.

I bring an insatiable curiosity about what makes people tick, and a real passion for what's possible. I'm collaborative, kind, and a strong accountability partner — someone who will help you set clear, attainable goals within reasonable timeframes.

 

Areas of expertise:

  • Organizational change and leadership transition

  • Strategic planning and goal execution

  • Inspiring and leading others

  • Distributive leadership

  • Navigating conflict and workplace dynamics

I also bring a decade of training in health and wellness and can help you find a bit more sanity in a busy life.

I speak professionally on leadership, emotional intelligence, health and wellness, educational pedagogy, and organizational culture — how to build workplaces people genuinely want to be part of.

Dr. Kinzer holds a B.A. and Ed.D. from the University of Washington, an M.I.T. from Seattle University, and a Health and Wellness Certificate from Vera Whole Health.

Education and Advanced Certification

  • Doctor of Education: Leadership & Policy

    University of Washington, Seattle, Washington

    Dissertation: Leading for Equitable Systems: Principals Leading Their Own Learning

  • Master in Teaching

    4-12 Washington State Teaching Certificate

    Seattle University, Seattle, Washington

  • Bachelor of Arts: English Literature

    University of Washington, Seattle, Washington

  • Superintendent Certification

    University of Washington, Seattle Washington

  • Administration Certification: School Leadership

    Danforth Educational Leadership Program, University of Washington, Seattle Washington

  • Leadership Health and Wellness Coaching, Certification

    Vera Whole Health, Seattle Washingto

  • Star Factor Coaching, Certification

    Star Factor, New York

  • RULER Coaching Certificate

    Seattle Public Schools/Highline Public Schools, Seattle Washington