Meet Our Amazing Team of Virtual Expert® Coaches
Two decades ago, our Founder decided to quit her job and go out on her own.
Today, that little business is on the cusp of earning a million dollars, has thousands of members, a team of coaches leading the troops, and new students enrolling in the program every day.
Our purpose is to help YOU create a successful business as a Virtual Expert®.
Kathy Goughenour
Head Coach & CEO
When Kathy walked out of her career in a fortune 500 company in 1997, she didn’t even know what a Virtual Assistant was – and neither did the rest of the world. Now, she’s a global leader in the industry. She’s the queen of Expert VAs® and Virtual Experts® and built her empire from the ground to nearly $1M. She reigns with sass, grace, heart, and a whole lot of good business acumen. She wants her mentees to fast track their success without having to hurdle through costly mistakes like she did.
The corporate world didn’t know what to do with Kathy’s energy. She “laughed and smiled, too much” they said. And they certainly didn’t value her range of capabilities. She had a lot more to offer than generating mass amounts of Excel reports. So, when she walked out of her J.O.B., turning her back on the boss who criticized her and who told her she would never make her salary amount anywhere else, Kathy promised herself she would double it. And she did. Within her first three years, she earned six-figures, crushing the salary she had made. (She still likes to imagine that boss picking his jaw up off the floor.)
By 2008, Kathy had not only experienced repeated success with her VA business, but she discovered she loved training other women to also attain their goals. A series of events led her down the path to creating the Expert VA ® and Virtual Expert® Success System. Her first group of trainees totaled 4 and two of them are still active within the community (Joyce Wright and Mary Hanley). Read more
Nineteen years later and she’s on the cusp of earning a million dollars, has over one thousand members in her closed Expert VA ® group, 200+ Alumni in her private group, thirteen coaches leading the troops, and new students enrolling in the program every day.
In 2019 she was featured in Forbes. Kathy participates in several women’s masterminds. She rubs elbows with some of the best and most brilliant leaders, thinkers, and visionaries across the globe and within a variety of industries, working to matchmake them to their perfect Expert VA® and Virtual Experts®.
While Kathy runs her virtual empire, she’s actually living in a tiny home in the middle of the Missouri Ozarks wearing pjs (not gowns). But the crown is a very real part of her ensemble. Kathy can be found sporting a tiara 98% of the time. Yes, you got it. Pjs and tiaras because that’s the type of kingdom she’s ruling. And why not? She gets to make the rules.
Apart from loving the business she created and the life she’s made, Kathy’s also a big fan of her family, her golden retrievers, Thursday’s off to enjoy going into to town for self-care activities and lunch with girlfriends, mystery novels, and romantic comedies.
Most importantly, what you need to know about Kathy is that more than anything else, she believes, sees, feels and models that what one woman can do, another can do. And if you talk to anyone in the program, they will agree. It’s true. They’ve seen it. They’ve become the “another woman” Kathy talks about.
Location | Time Zone: Missouri | Central Standard Time
Joyce Wright
Head Coach
Joyce Wright, the owner of Accomplish More Today, specializes in getting membership websites launched, as well as ongoing updates and member support. Her dedication to guiding her clients through the arduous undertaking of launching a membership website has garnered her loyal customers.
She started her virtual assistant business in 2009 after completing the very first Expert VA® Training program. In addition to being a Virtual Expert™ coach, she is the facilitator of the monthly Virtual Expert® Q&A sessions.
After a career in the telecommunications industry she was able to move to the country with her husband and work from their home in the woods. Their property seems to be on the trail of lost animals so she currently has 3 dogs and 2 cats who were in need of a home. She is a people person and enjoys taking time to make contacts and socialize at business networking events. Joyce also finds participating in a variety of volunteer activities very rewarding and a way to help her community and society in general.
Joyce’s nickname in the Expert VA® Community is “Saint Joyce!”
Location/Time Zone: Missouri / Central Time zone Niche(s): MemberGate membership websites, 1ShoppingCart, AWeber, iContact Fun Facts: Favorite success quote: "All progress takes place outside the comfort zone." -- Michael John Bobak Hobbies/Pets: Reading, jigsaw puzzles, walking in the woods, volunteering / 3 dogs – Buddy, Charlie and Lulu; 2 cats – Mama and Boo Hidden Talent: I can read a map and have a good sense of direction. Expert VA® Directory Link: https://expertvatraining.com/staff/joyce-wright/ Read more
Mary Hanley
Mastermind Coach
Mary J. Hanley has been exactly in your shoes. Ten years ago she was making $11/hour in the real estate industry, wishing for another path in her professional life. Onto the scene popped Kathy and the VA program and Mary’s wishes came true. After finishing the program, Mary’s business skyrocketed. Now, not only is she the Head of VA Coaches and about to start leading the Diamond’s Group, Mary now makes $250/hour as a social media consultant.
While Mary is one hell of a social media consultant it was when she started coaching VAs that she realized her true passion: you. Yup. Training up-and-coming VAs to assist them in reaching their goals and growing their businesses. Asked what she loves about coaching, Mary said:
My favorite part is watching a VA become the person they are supposed to be, using their talents they were born with. I enjoy being a part of changing people lives. I love all the successes in the growth process. From making a commitment to the training, to getting their first paying client, to leaving their J.O.B. ...
Most importantly, Mary is one fun, energetic, and loving person. From life to family to the foster pups she sometimes adopts, her heart is massive. She’s a mama bear whose youngest daughter is the #1 thing that makes her laugh. With a proclivity for food and a knack for baking, you’ll likely find Mary enjoying amazing food with family. But you won’t find her with people chewing with their mouths open, biting their fingernails, or dragging their feet the whole way to the table. You know, ‘cause she has standards. If she’s got a book in her hand, it’s probably the latest Jen Sincero book, because Mary is a badass. Obviously. Niche(s): Expert VA® Training Head Coach/Exclusively coaches Diamonds Mastermind/ Social Media Consultant Fun Facts: Favorite success quote: “If you want to live a life you’ve never lived, you have to do what you’ve never done.” ~ Jen Sincero Hobbies: Family; Foodie; Fostering puppies; Baking Hidden Talent: Amazing Burps. My grandson tells me that they are “daddy dragon” burps. Everyone is shocked that sound can come out of my petite body. I have to know you very well to share this hidden talent. Directory Link: https://expertvatraining.com/staff/mary-j-hanley/ Read more
With Mary as your coach you’ll be in loving and capable hands, destined to have a great time, receiving the support you deserve, learning like crazy, and well on your way to achieving your own greatness. She’s coach, team mate, and cheerleader all in one. She’ll empower you, inspire you, and set you up for the win. Mary’s been there. She gets it. And she can get you where you want to go.
Location/Time Zone: Chicago, IL | Central
Jennifer Tamborski
Mastermind Coach
I started as a VA in 2004, as the VA industry was just getting started. I wanted a job where I could work from home and raise my 3 kids. And I found that in the VA world.
As I look back I see that what I created was a job and not a business. In 2014, my kids had reached an age where I felt I could really focus on my business. So I started to grow rapidly. I developed a team and began taking on clients in all different industries. I struggled for 2 years trying to create a profitable business. What I learned was that I needed help! I needed a coach that had been there and done that, someone who could show me the way to get to 6 figures and beyond that I wanted.
I came across Kathy and her Expert VA program in 2017. After one conversation I decided to jump in and really focus on how to grow my business. Because of that decision, my business went from making $20/hr with a team, not really making a profit. To a multiple 6 figure business.
Now I focus on Digital Marketing to coaches, consultants and course creators. I'm able to choose the clients I want to work with, I get to have a team of amazing Va's behind me. The best part is that I still get to make my business fit my life. My family is still the most important thing in my world and because the growth of my business I'm able to do amazing things for them.
The Expert VA® program gave me not only the education I needed on how to develop a successful business but also gave me a community of people that get me. Because I truly believe in Kathy's saying "What one woman can do, another woman can do" I decided to start coaching for the Expert VA/Virtual Expert program. I'm passionate about helping VA's reach that next level of business. Whether they are starting from scratch OR have been in business for a while and trying to make it to that next level. Niche(s): Primarily coaches Fun Facts: Favorite success quote: Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History ~ Eleanor Roosevelt & Do not go where the path may lead; instead go where the is no path and leave a trail! ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson Hidden Talent: I'm not sure how hidden it is. But often I have more information in my head about random items than Wikipedia :) Directory Link: https://expertvatraining.com/staff/jennifer-tamborski/ Read more
As a coach, I will tell you, I don't coddle. I will help you with your mindset and any questions you might have about the logistics of your business and the program. I will be an accountability partner for you, but I won't be a babysitter. I believe that this is your business and you either want to do the work to build it or you don't.
Location/Time Zone: Missouri | CST
Hobbies/Pets: I love reading, baking & crocheting. Basically, I'm a 1950's housewife :) We have 2 dogs, a turtle & a bearded dragon
Cindy Winslow
Mastermind Coach
Cindy Winslow specializes in real estate support services for the busy real estate agent. She is an experienced real estate agent, trainer and real estate virtual assistant. Cindy has been working over 20 years in the real estate industry. She started her virtual assistant business in January of 2013.
Believing that education is the key to success, Cindy has taken many real estate courses and continuing education classes. Maintaining an active real estate license, Cindy takes advantage of the educational opportunities offered through her local real estate office, national real estate company and Board of Realtors. Keeping up to date on regulations and trends in the real estate industry is important to properly assist her clients. Education in the Virtual Assistant Industry is also very important to her. Cindy is Certified Virtual Expert®. She has also attended courses through International Virtual Assistant Association, and several other virtual assistant related platforms.
Cindy is a wife, mother and grandmother. She has two daughters, 4 step-children and 10 grandchildren. Her two dogs, Ella and Callie, keep her busy now that her kids are grown and on their own. Location/Time Zone: Pittsburgh, PA / Eastern Time Niche(s): Real estate Fun facts: Favorite success quote: "Make sure everyone who works with you or for you, feels the need to tell others about the incredible experience." Chris Murray Hobbies/Pets: Sewing, crocheting, playing with grandchildren. Pets - 2 dogs Ella & Callie Hidden Talent: Can twirl a baton Expert VA® Directory Link: https://expertvatraining.com/staff/cindy-winslow/ Read more
Carrie Wulf
Coach
I was that crazy kid that always loved school and got really excited when the school supplies hit the store shelves. Especially the planners, colored pens, highlighters and sticky notes! I couldn’t wait to label my stuff with that sharpie marker and start color coding my folders with my classes. Don’t even get me started on how I set up my planner!
I live in a quiet New England Town with my husband, daughters, and fur babies. We love being able to take walks around our quiet neighborhood and tend to my gardens (flowers and veggies). We like to spend our summers going to the beach and supporting local businesses by frequenting our town’s farmer’s market. I even work from the beach at least once a week all summer long. There are so many areas that are just a daytrip away (Red Sox or Patriots games, Cape Cod, NYC) and my business has allowed those trips to become a reality for us.
I have spent the last 20-odd years as a military spouse and full-time professional volunteer. I’ve fulfilled many years supporting my husband on a number of different military posts while he was on active duty until he retired from the service. I have taken my love of order, organization and systems, and the knowledge of Kathy’s incredible program and turned those skills into a thriving business for myself. My brain organizes and compartmentalizes information and I have taken that natural skill and turned it into my niche.
Choosing to coach with me means choosing skill, enthusiasm, commitment, and dedication to your success. I believe in Kathy and her Virtual Expert system 100%. I would not have found the success I have today if I had not trusted the program and the system that this lady in a tiara and PJ’s was teaching me. I have had many of my own moments of frustration, wanting to pull my hair out, and breakdowns of “I don’t think I can do this.” My coach got me through those moments, and I can get you through them too. I love to help new Virtual Assistants become Virtual Experts and discover their zone of genius. Everyone needs someone to support them, believe in them and show them how to believe in themselves. I can meet you where your needs are and help you find the best way to fit this amazing program into your schedule. If that means that we need to revamp your daily schedule or create one, I’m here to help you do that. If you need someone to hold you accountable, and make sure you have your goals and priorities set for success, then I’m your coach. I’m not going to do the work for you, I expect you to put in as much work on your success as I do in coaching you to reach that success. I don’t accept excuses and I will hold you accountable for what you say you will get done, whether that’s through a simple reminder or asking you if it just wasn’t important enough for you to do the work. I want to celebrate your successes with you and turn your challenges into learning opportunities. I strive to provide top quality professional results for each and every client; your success is my priority! Location | Time Zone: Connecticut, Eastern time zone Niche(s): GSuite, Email & Schedule Management, Project Management Fun Facts: Favorite success quote: I will believe in you until you can believe in yourself. ~Kathy Goughenour Hobbies/Pets: We have 2 cats; a Maine Coon mix named Bubba and a short hair rescue named FatCat (that’s really her name). We also have a daschund mix named Dixie and a giant spoiled rotten Neufoundland named Frejya. Frejya weighs in at a whopping 150-160 pounds and still thinks she’s a lap dog. Dixie is my head of security and keeps all the mice and rats out of the house, frequently earning her Employee of the Month Status. Hidden Talents: I am pretty crafty and enjoy everything from sewing and crochet to quilting. I also love to cook and bake but what people seem to find fascinating is that I also preserve food like my Grandma used to. I make everything from jams and jellies to broth, pie filling and veggies. I feel like food preservation is a lost art and my girls learn a lot from helping me do it. I also live in New England where the winter can be super cold, and a good Nor’Easter can leave you stuck in your house for a few days so I want to make sure we are well supplied! Expert VA® Directory Link: https://expertvatraining.com/staff/carrie-wulf/ Read more
Eva Harster
Coach
Hello! I am Eva “the Certified Virtual Expert® Diva”! I believe in Kathy and this Virtual Expert® training program. I see every day how it changes the lives of women across the country. It’s incredible to be a part of such an amazing team. I’m blessed to have the ability and opportunity to help those just joining our program to navigate through the lessons, give them the confidence, support, and guidance they need to become successful business owners.
I find humor is the best cure for many things. If you can’t laugh… at least at yourself… then you’re making life waaay too hard. We have a lot of fun in this group. However, there are frustrations, ups and downs and even “AARRRGGHHH… throw your hands in the air” moments during which you’ll be so thankful you work at home, and no one can see you! Ha Ha. It isn’t always easy nor is it always fun – but it’s YOURS and that is super empowering.
You joined this program to become a Virtual Expert®, to be your own boss, to have flexibility and make your own decisions. Congratulations! You have surrounded yourself with a group of professional, successful, supportive, and overall happy group of business owners. Everything here is designed to set up conditions for your inevitable success.
My philosophy: Get out of your own way! I learned the hard way when I joined the program in January 2018 that I was my own worst enemy! Sound familiar? It’s SO easy to do… but I won’t let you be me! LOL! I care about you and your success. So, whether you need your hand held, threatened with my bat, or a swift kick in the rear, I am looking forward to coaching you on your Virtual Expert® journey. Location | Time Zone: Rural St. Louis, MO | Central Time (CT) Niche(s): Sales, Sales Support, Client Onboarding, Client Concierge Fun Facts: Favorite success quote: Get OUT of your way so you can get ON your way! Hobbies/Pets: My office mates are my cats – Sophie – aka Squirrel and Owen – aka NOwen (because I’m always telling him NO!) I love creepy, supernatural books and movies (not slasher films!), riding horses and four wheelers and hanging out in the great outdoors – However, I do NOT love spiders! I believe NOTHING should have more than 4 legs! Hidden Talent: I was Class Clown 1984… still funny after all these years! Expert VA® Directory Link:Read more
Kate Wiley
Coach
Kate Wiley is a multi-talented professional and Certified Virtual Expert® / Virtual Assistant. Coming from a varied background which includes being a school teacher and music educator, a math tutor, a chemical engineer, an insurance agent, and a real estate agent, Kate has worn many hats. She is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Akron.
As a coach, Kate brings her vast understanding of how to reach and educate her students and marries it with experience and a great understanding of the business. She has a unique ability to discover the best ways to reach her students and presents that information in a challenging yet low-stress delivery. Music students have said, “I never thought anyone could ever teach me how to do this!” Her goal, as your coach, is to help you achieve the best business you can create and attain the success you desire.
Location | Time Zone: Ohio | Eastern Time Zone Niche(s): Technology, CRMs, and building/maintaining WordPress websites Fun Facts: Favorite success quote: What matters most is how you see yourself. Hobbies/Pets: My hobbies include knitting and playing instruments. I have 3 dogs, 1 cat and 8 chickens. Hidden Talent: I can milk a goat in less than 5 minutes. Expert VA® Directory Link: https://expertvatraining.com/staff/kate-wiley/ Read more
Melissa St. Clair
Coach
Certified Virtual Expert® Melissa St. Clair, is the Chief Worker Bee at Paper Chaser Biz LLC, a virtual-based company established in 2006 providing a wide array of online office support services for small business owners with a focus on communications, operations, and administration. She made a beeline to entrepreneurship to thrive professionally alongside her active-duty service member, then made a seamless transition as a USMC retiree spouse. Melissa has shared her small business expertise on multiple media platforms, was quoted in Julie Perrine’s book, Become a Procedures Pro™ and is the author of Home Work A Collection of Poems Sparked by One White Woman’s Journey on the Matter of Race©.
Working as a Virtual Assistant (VA) has been the ideal portable career for me as I wanted to thrive professionally alongside my US Marine during his 30 years of active duty service. Moves from duty station to duty station were seamless for my clients, enabled me to earn a consistent income, afforded an opportunity to build and diversify my professional network, and make a ton of long-lasting friendships. Along the way, my mission has been to mentor military spouses and prospective entrepreneurs about small business startup.
Coaching style: I am a Virgo so I am very methodical, process-oriented, and will be your biggest cheerleader. Location/Time Zone: Greenville, SC | EST Niche(s): Small Business Operations, Communications, Executive Office Fun Facts: Favorite success quote: “Value YOUR time so you can spend time doing what you value.” -Melissa St. Clair Hobbies/Pets: health-conscious foodie, yogi, 2 indoor cats Hidden Talent: knack for finding 4-leaf clovers Expert VA® Directory Link: https://www.virtualexpertmatchmaking.com/blog/melissa-st-clair Read more
Patricia Taylor
Coach
I firmly believe each one of us is unique and together we create a wonderful mosaic. I love (and share) Kathy’s philosophy that we are a family that will never let each other fail. That is why being an Expert VA® Coach is such a wonderful “niche” for me.
I joined this family late in life, after 30+ years in corporate America, where, quite honestly, it was more like “the-last-one-not-laid-off is the winner” mentality
The part of my corporate life I loved the most was when I was a Coach/Trainer. My philosophy was to “Teach, Train, Coach, and Encourage” because we need each of those aspects of coaching to succeed. Don’t worry, I also believe in deadlines and accountability, but a little encouragement at the right time can work as well as a little kick.
Just like you, I want to be in control of my destiny. I want to be in control of my time. I also want to travel often, and for extended periods of time, and now I can.
Because now I am a Certified Virtual Expert® and owner of Taylor Virtual Group. Our stories of how we got to Expert VA® are unique to each of us, but the results are the same. We got this! This is the philosophy that has taken me decades to finally learn: “Overthinking is the art of creating problems that don’t exist.” Location/Time Zone: Zephyrhills, FL| EST Niche(s): Expert VA® Training Coach / Problem Solver / Owner of Taylor Virtual Group, a team of Super Star VAs / VEs Fun Facts: Favorite success quote: “Don’t let someone who gave up on their dreams talk you out of yours.” Hobbies/Pets: My grandkids are my hobby. My pet is a very spoiled dog named Sandy. My “Full” Time (51 years & counting) job is my husband, Bob. My passion is to help soon-to-be Virtual Experts find their first clients. Hidden Talent: I have packed 6’ of attitude into a 4’11” body. Expert VA® Directory Link: https://www.virtualexpertmatchmaking.com/blog/patricia-taylorRead more
Check out these success stories!
LaRinda Lollis
"Usually if you get into a program it’s like they’ll take anyone and everyone that applies…Kathy’s not like that. She wants people who are excited about the program, about starting their next phase of life, and who want to better their life. And she’s there every step of the way as our cheerleader."
Larisa Banta
"I am still making up my mind on what my business is going to be but I'm tossing around some options with Kathy's help.
I have a better idea of what my business is going to be, how I am going to work my business, and what kind of a business I can have that works for me. Not just work my business but work for me."
Dan Rondeau
"I have gone from having no clients to about five and I have left my full time job. So, if you really want to dive into becoming a virtual assistant and being in the virtual assistant business, take the time to sign up for Kathy Goughenour’s program!"
