About Us
Fostering growth for people and the planet.
The Future Belongs to All of Us
At Anavah, we believe that our future depends on the relationships we build with people and our reciprocity with nature.
Lives are lived more fully when we foster great relationships with ourselves, others, and special places. Through these
connections, we are nourished by the exchange of gifts between humans and the Earth.
Our Mission
Anavah Consulting is dedicated to promoting personal wellbeing and creating people-centric, sustainable workplaces. Our goal is to help individuals and communities grow, and ensure that Mother Nature flourishes.
Our Approach
We understand that growth requires learning, encouragement, and the courage to adapt. Change can be overwhelming and sometimes downright scary, and we are here to guide you through it. Whether you are looking to evolve personally, or facilitate growth within your group or company, Anavah serves as a compass to help you navigate the process.
Guiding Principles
Strength
Using inner courage to
overcome challenges.
Curiosity
Listening closely and
seeking understanding.
Humility
as a path to learning.
Authenticity
Being genuine and
vulnerable to accelerate
results.
Connection
Building deep bonds to
create energy.
Our Services
Workshops
I offer customized workshops that address wellbeing in life and work for conservation-focused groups and organizations.
Coaching
Unlock your potential for deep growth and strong connections through my personal and executive coaching services.
Speaking
With experience speaking at events in the conservation, education and business communities, I am available to speak on a variety of topics.
Experience and Credentials
Our expertise is backed by extensive experience and recognized qualifications:
- 5 years working in human-wildlife conflict in a state agency
- 14 years in outdoor recreation and education
- 5 years as National Faculty for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
- 3 years as Adjunct Professor at Adler Graduate School teaching human-nature connection
- Certificate in Executive Leadership from Cornell University
- Advanced Adlerian Courses on Facilitation, Conflict Resolution, Human and Organization Development
- Certificate in Wellness Coaching from Adler Graduate School
- Certificate in Advanced EcoTherapy from Pacifica Graduate Institute
- Completed the InnerMBA by LinkedIn and SoundsTrue
- Certificates in Trauma-informed Leadership, Trauma-informed Leadership for Women and Polyvagal Theory in Yoga
- Graduate of the National Conservation Leadership Institute
Join Us
If you are ready to embrace change and enhance your personal or organizational wellbeing, get in touch with us. At Anavah Consulting, we are committed to helping you make your human and nature relationships matter. We look forward to connecting with you and exploring how we can support your journey toward growth and sustainability.
Our team
Michelle Doerr
Founder, Anavah Consulting LLC
Breanne Hiivala Cahoy
EcoWellness Career Consultant
Jyo Maan
Enterprise Wellbeing Leader and Culture Consultant
Breanne Hiivala Cahoy
EcoWellness Career Consultant
About:
“To love a place is not enough. We must find ways to heal it.”
― Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass
My name is Bre (she/her), and I’m a clinical faculty member in a counseling program at a small private non-profit college. Previously, I served as the assistant director of career development at a large public university, a career counselor at a mid-sized public university, an employee assistance program (EAP) solutions coordinator, and a sexual assault victims’ advocate within a university gender violence prevention program. In recent years, I have collaborated with Michelle to develop workplace health and wellbeing programs for conservation, mental health, education, and corporate sector professionals.
Why does the work we do in partnership matter?
Michelle has a wildlife biology and conservation background, and I have experience in career counseling and education. We believe that people’s mental health and the planet’s health are interconnected.
We blend conservation concepts, regenerative leadership, and planetary wellbeing throughout our work together. We hope the collaboration between natural sciences and mental health communities will continue to grow in coming years.
Favorite Outdoor Activities: When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll usually find me with my family enjoying a walk, a good book, or a game of fetch with our Labrador Retriever, Lemon.
Massage to Clients
My approach combines mindfulness, ecological systems, narrative, and strengths-based consulting.
When we work together, we will focus on your self-defined goals. Every person (or group) brings innate wisdom and strength to the relationship, so the path forward should be guided by you, with my support. My goal is to collaborate with clients to identify their strengths and develop a personalized approach to holistic wellness. Throughout the process, I encourage individuals to honor their narratives and embrace their whole selves with compassion and mindfulness.
I approach this work with cultural humility, continuously growing as a healer, like a ball gathering moss, drawing wisdom from the narratives shared by others throughout my years as an educator.
We celebrate diversity. That being said, the personal growth process should be grounded in mutual respect. Keeping this in mind, we strive to create an emotionally and physically safe environment for people of all identities and abilities throughout our consulting programs.
Jyotsna (Jyo) Maan
Enterprise Wellbeing Leader and Culture Consultant
Areas of Expertise:
Self-esteem/self-worth/identity, career counseling, college student development, life transitions, quality of work-life, addiction and trauma, stress management/coping skills, spirituality, burnout, mindfulness, nature-based healing (Ecotherapy/Ecowellness), LGBTQIA2+ affirming, & BIPOC allied.
About:
Jyotsna (Jyo) Maan is a certified Enterprise Wellbeing Leader and Culture Consultant who brings warmth, creativity, and a deep sense of purpose to her work. With a passion for building communities and fostering genuine connections, Jyo believes in leadership as a form of hospitality, where creating safe and welcoming spaces allows people to grow, collaborate, and thrive. Her approach combines over a decade of experience in organizational coaching transformation, and facilitative leadership, alongside a personal commitment to holistic wellbeing and social impact.
Outside of her professional life, Jyo is an advocate for personal discovery, self-care, and inclusive community practices. She enjoys creating supportive environments both at work and in her community, where people feel empowered to bring their whole selves to the table. Whether she’s guiding teams through complex changes or facilitating group dialogues, Jyo leads with a grounded spirit, a joyful heart, and a dedication to uplifting those around her.
Why does the work we do in partnership matter?
Michelle and Jyo share a passion for creating cultures rooted in courage, collaboration, and celebration. Together, they’ve coined numerous quotable frameworks and phrases, inspiring others to lead with intention and authenticity. As national faculty members for the Management Assistance Team, an affiliate of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, they find joy in their collaborative work, crafting programs that empower leaders to connect deeply with their teams and purpose.
Recently, they launched the Leadership Launchpad Program for state agencies, a cohort-based experience delivered through live Zoom sessions and an asynchronous Moodle platform. This program invites participants to explore their leadership strengths in relation to self, others, and the organization, while advancing their ability to nurture supportive relationships and create environments of celebration and appreciation.
Beyond Leadership Launchpad, Michelle and Jyo also developed Creating Brave Spaces, a three-part series offering practical, hands-on approaches for fostering facilitative leadership within agencies.
Another standout initiative, Power of Inclusion, is designed to flatten organizational structures by helping teams understand archetypal behaviors, align with strategic objectives, and create action committees that elevate innovation from within directly to senior leadership.
Favorite Outdoor Activities: Jyotsna (Jyo) finds joy in sketching—especially drawing eyes—playing the flute, and creating soothing sounds with gongs at her community center and has a passion for cooking intuitively.
In her free time, she’s drawn to the mountains and parks, often hiking, taking long drives, and exploring new places for their culture, cuisine, and the beautiful details of everyday human life. As a neurodivergent individual, Jyo embodies a blend of creativity and insight, balancing her self-expression with a curious mind and a compassionate heart.
Message to Clients
“I believe that real transformation begins with people. It starts when we foster environments where trust, courage, and curiosity are welcomed—and where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to lead. My approach is rooted in the idea that leadership is a shared journey. Together, we can build communities that thrive on collaboration and create meaningful change that resonates deeply within and beyond your organization.
My mission is to co-create pathways for growth, innovation, and wellbeing by blending proven strategies with a human-centered approach. Through transformational regenerative leadership, and community-driven practices, I am passionate to help leaders and teams navigate complexity and embrace change with resilience and purpose. Working together, we’ll uncover your unique strengths and shape a culture that not only meets your goals but inspires you and those around you to reach even higher. Let’s create the impact that will resonate for years to come – together.”
Warmly,
Jyotsna (Jyo) Maan
Michelle Doerr
Founder & President
Areas of Expertise:
Well-being in conservation, regenerative leadership, ecogrief, workplace health, conflict resolution, cultural humility, community-building, adaptive leadership with heart, nature mindfulness, trauma-informed care, connection to self/others/Earth, and encouraging thriving conservation communities.
About:
“Connection is at the heart of thriving—within ourselves, with one another, and with the Earth.”
My name is Michelle Doerr (she/her), and I am passionate about fostering connection—to oneself, to others, and to the Earth. My background in wildlife biology and conservation, combined with my work in mental health and leadership development, gives me a unique lens to support individuals and organizations striving to balance professional success with personal and planetary well-being.
I founded Anavah Consulting LLC to create programs and workshops that inspire conservationists, educators, and leaders to embrace holistic wellness. My work integrates principles of Adlerian psychology, regenerative leadership, and ecowellness, helping clients navigate challenges like burnout, grief, and high-stakes public conflicts. Together, we cultivate the resilience and creativity needed to thrive in complex systems.
Why does the work we do in partnership matter?
The conservation community faces unprecedented stressors—personally, professionally, and environmentally. I believe that by prioritizing well-being and connection, we can create a ripple effect of positive change for individuals, communities, and ecosystems. Through this work, I hope to foster a future where conservationists not only succeed in their missions but also feel supported, inspired, and whole.
Beyond Leadership Launchpad, Michelle and Jyo also developed Creating Brave Spaces, a three-part series offering practical, hands-on approaches for fostering facilitative leadership within agencies.
Favorite Outdoor Activities: When I’m not facilitating workshops, you’ll find me exploring new trails, kayaking, or simply enjoying the solace of nature. I love all things water! I’m also an Enneagram Type 7, which means I find joy in spontaneous adventures and connecting deeply with the natural world.
Message to Clients
My approach centers on connection, encouragement, and thriving. Whether you’re an individual seeking guidance or a team navigating complex challenges, I believe in co-creating spaces where every voice is valued, every story matters, and every goal is honored.
I aim to meet you where you are, integrating mindfulness, ecological systems thinking, and a strengths-based perspective into our work together. By blending conservation science with heart-centered leadership, I strive to help you build resilience, embrace growth, and thrive in your unique journey.
We honor diversity and prioritize emotional and physical safety for all identities and abilities in every program we offer to the best of our ability. With humility and gratitude, I continue to learn and grow through the shared stories of the incredible individuals I’ve had the privilege to support.
Warmly,
Michelle Doerr