View of ocean waves crashing against a rocky shoreline on a cloudy day.

Dana Christensen, M.S., PhD., BCC

Meet Your Coach

I am…

a Board Certified Coach through a graduate program at Rider University and hold a PhD in Science Education from Temple University, along with advanced degrees in Computational Science (M.S.) and Biology (B.S.) from Stockton University.

I bring over a decade of high school teaching experience across three NJDOE science content areas and 12+ years as a university adjunct professor. My background also includes athletics, coaching and competing in running and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I competed in track and cross country through high school and college and have trained as a competitive Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner for over six years, maintaining a strong commitment to physical health.

I have contributed to the academic community through publications, presentations, and student mentorship, and currently lead multiple active research projects. With expertise in secondary and postsecondary education, the scientific research process, and athlete-specific training, I bring skills in research, analysis, problem-solving, and strategic thinking to coaching. I help clients set goals, recognize patterns, and create actionable plans for growth while building confidence, skills, and sustainable habits.

Grounded in personal experience with mental health and self-reflection, my coaching is holistic, compassionate, and individualized, offering clients the empathetic space and guidance I once wished for.

Qualifications:

Academic

  • B.S., M.S., & PhD

  • 3 NJDOE Science Teaching Credentials & Supervisor Certification [pending]

  • Board Certified Coach (BCC) through Center of Credentialing & Education, Inc.

  • 8 Academic Peer Reviewed Publications

  • P.I. for Multiple Ongoing Research Projects

Athletic

  • 2x IBJJF No-Gi Pan Am Division Medalist

  • 3x IBJJF No-Gi World Division Medalist

  • Top 3 Female Placer in 5 Local Half Marathons

A woman with blonde hair, wearing sunglasses, a navy blue tank top, and black shorts with orange trim, holding a small shark on a boat with a blue ocean and cloudy sky in the background.
A woman with long blonde hair wearing a navy cap, black jacket, black shorts, and athletic shoes stands on a rocky shoreline covered with green algae, overlooking the ocean with waves and blue sky.
Three people in the water pulling a large fishing net, with a rocky pier and boats in the background
A female martial artist in black martial arts pants and sports bra standing on a mat in front of a geometric wall, with a martial arts belt on the floor in front of her.
Two women engaged in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu match on a mat, one woman in black and blue uniform and the other in red and black uniform, with an audience in the background.

Contact Us to Schedule your Free 20 Minute Consultation

Interested in hearing about how coaching can support you? Please fill out the form and we will reach out to schedule a 20 minute free phone call consultation. We can’t wait to hear from you!