Andora Gandy Hinton

Andora Gandy Hinton founded Willow North Growth Partners with a goal to help professionals transform both their professional and personal lives in a way that would make a monumental difference in their holistic work.  Andora’s extensive knowledge of game-changing strategies and proven techniques for their implementation combine in a one-of-a-kind approach that has informed and transformed the lives and careers of individuals all over the country.

She knows the power of positive habits, and that an effective development strategy must include practical steps toward their full realization in the life and work of each individual.

Andora wanted to ensure that whether a team is full of new graduates or seasoned veterans,  development strategies would be tailored to an individual’s strengths, goals, and growth opportunities.

Andora helps clients begin their journey to excellence, so they can find the answer to getting their teams to work collaboratively and communicate with ease.

Andora has a degree in Communication from The University of Alabama. She is a member of the National Association for Talent Development (ATD), National Association of Women Business Owners, Association of North Carolina Executives, a board member for the National Sales Network, a member of the Cary, NC Chamber and a Make-a-Wish Wish Granter.

Andora’s top 5 strengths from CliftonStrengths are Learner, Includer, Input, Belief, and Positivity.

Amanda Chay

Amanda’s professional experiences include 15 years in marketing, sales, and sales management primarily in the healthcare industry. Amanda manages programs and client engagement and she also focuses on developing new opportunities with our future clients.  Having recovered from her own ill-health, Amanda is passionate about using the knowledge and tools she has acquired to help companies and teams take steps toward healthier, less stressful, and more productive work. 

Lena Anderson

Lena is an innovative global brand strategist who uses creativity and 10 plus years of experience in media to ensure that individuals’ brand messages are meaningful and potent.

Admired for her congeniality and integrity, Lena exhibits a level of approachability that produces opportunities for people to share their truth, reshape dialogue and turn their knowledge and experiences into tangible results.

Kyisha Gandy

Kyisha Gandy is all things creative and operations. With 10 years of experience in graphic design, Kyisha is able to offer creative solutions that enhance participants’ learning experience.

Stacy Edwards

Stacy Edwards is our Business Manager and scheduling extraordinaire. Stacy is always ready, providing the necessary support and resources for the Willow North team and our clients on the other side of the camera. Stacy’s unruffled demeanor, systematic approach, and thorough attention to detail allow us to deliver a highly professional service level to every client.

Brien Piotrowicz

Daphne Valcin

As a certified facilitator, Daphne Valcin has over 20 years of experience speaking and training for audiences from small groups to audiences as large as 6,000. As a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coach Federation, Daphne has personally coached hundreds of rising and senior leaders in 20 states as well as in Canada, the UK, and China, towards their career advancement and business growth goals.

Sara Russell

Described by many as a “unicorn” – Sara has mastered content creation that connects her client’s objectives with the hearts and minds of the audience by going an inch wide and a mile deep.

As a speaker, she leverages her oh-so relatable style with her intuitive nature as a facilitator in order to first connect with them as a “person in the position” and then to lead them to the promised land of purpose and breakthrough ah-ha’s.

Stephanie Markovic

Cara Cartee

Cara manages our virtual programs and Growth Partners program. She has over seventeen years experience with global event planning and management for corporate, incentive, social events, and leisure travel. She is well versed in all components of creating a learning environment that is fun, interesting, and engaging. 

Greg Ring

Greg Ring is an accomplished executive-level professional with experience in organizational development, corporate sales, management, public speaking, and leadership.

He has worked with all levels of organizations, including C-Suite Executives at Fortune 100, 500, and privately held companies, helping them secure essential business and development goals. He is equally effective in working with new leaders by providing coaching, mentoring, and development support, assisting them in their professional journey.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and business from Bluffton University and enjoys traveling the world with his wife, reading, running, hiking, and golf.

Katherine Gilliland

Katherine taps into over 20 years’ experience as a change management consultant, Human Resources executive, facilitator and business coach for every engagement. As a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coach Federation, Katherine brings curiosity and exploration into each session, whether with groups, teams or individuals. With kind accountability, grounded presence, and a dash of humor, Katherine helps her clients achieve increased awareness, greater clarity, and renewed commitment to action… all leading to improved performance.

Katherine is certified in the character-based Tilt 365 suite of tools and DiSC.

Carrie Stafford