About Alissa

Photo pf Alissa Thornton, Career Counselor

Alissa is an insightful, ICF-credentialed (ACC) coach and consultant for leaders and professionals in the private, public/federal, and non-profit sectors. She has facilitated hundreds of career development- and leadership-focused courses and worked with 1,100+ clients from the private sector, non-profit space, and 3+ federal agencies. Her approach involves the power of momentum, as she positively challenges and encourages clients. Alissa also has a penchant for writing and communications, and she is a twice-certified résumé writer (ACRW and CPRW) experienced in business and professional marketing materials, including bios and LinkedIn profiles. She has worked with clients to develop into more effective leaders and to transition successfully into new careers and roles. Additionally, Alissa is highly knowledgeable about the federal résumé and application process as well as career strategy. She regularly partners with other consultants as well.

When Alissa stepped away from traditional Human Resources in 2007 to focus on career management and development, she began a coaching program, received her MBTI certification, and completed other professional development courses – all in the first two months. She also began working in outplacement services as a career transition consultant and immediately felt connected to the clients and the work. In outplacement, Alissa consulted with and coached diverse clients from all organizational levels and industries, facilitating their growth and helping them transition professionally and as leaders. She still does this work today. In addition to working in outplacement, Alissa spent six years providing career advisory services to graduate and advanced-studies students from The George Washington University and the Flatiron School. 

Prior to focusing on career and leadership development, Alissa spent ten years in Human Resources management and development with global and national organizations – Marriott International, HMSHost, and Chevy Chase Bank (now Capital One Bank). She has an M.A. in Human Resources Management.

 

Professional Affiliations

  • International Coach Federation (ICF)
  • Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Career Coaches (PARW/CC)

Certifications

  • Associate Certified Coach (ACC)
  • EQ-i 2.0 and EQ 360 Certification (Emotional Intelligence Assessments)
  • California Psychological Inventory Certification (CPI 260)
  • Academy Certified Résumé Writer (ACRW)
  • Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW)
  • Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Certification (MBTI)

Education

  • M.A., Organizational Sciences/Human Resources Management, The George Washington University
  • B.S., Art and Art History, James Madison University

How Alissa’s clients describe her:

"Thoughtful"

"Fully engaged"

"Honest"

"Insightful"

"An active listener"

"Integrity-focused"