I am…

I’m a Board Certified Coach (BCC) with graduate-level coach training through Rider University and a PhD in Science Education from Temple University. I also hold an M.S. in Computational Science and a B.S. in Biology from Stockton University.

My background spans science, education, research, athletics, and coaching. I bring more than a decade of high school teaching experience across three NJDOE science content areas, along with 12+ years as a university adjunct professor. I’ve also spent much of my life as an athlete, competing in track and cross country through high school and college and training as a competitive Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner for more than six years.

Research and problem-solving have been central to my career. I’ve contributed to the academic community through publications, presentations, student mentorship, and ongoing research projects. These experiences have shaped how I approach coaching: with curiosity, thoughtful questioning, evidence-based strategies, and an appreciation for how different parts of our lives influence one another.

People are complex systems. Our experiences, thoughts, behaviors, relationships, environments, goals, and responsibilities all interact. Sometimes we know what we want to change but have difficulty understanding what is getting in the way. Sometimes a pattern that once worked for us simply no longer fits where we are.

I don’t believe coaching is about giving people a list of things they should do. It’s about creating a space where you can be honest about where you are without fear of judgment. We can talk about the things that feel difficult, uncomfortable, confusing, or hard to put into words. We can look at patterns honestly, explore what may be holding you back, and consider what might work differently.

My role isn’t to judge your choices or tell you what your answer should be. It’s to listen, ask thoughtful questions, offer perspective, and help you make sense of what you’re experiencing. Sometimes that means working through something difficult. Sometimes it means breaking down a practical problem or figuring out what to do next.

My own experiences have also shaped how I coach. I know what it is like to have accomplishments, responsibilities, and goals and still feel like something is missing. I know what it’s like to constantly strive for more while trying to figure out what more is actually supposed to mean.

I want Tidal Flow to provide the space and perspective I once wished I had—a place where you can be honest about where you are, work through what’s difficult, understand what’s holding you back, and move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and intention.

Tidal Flow LLC is owned and operated by Dana Christensen, M.S., PhD, BCC.