Dave Wheitner is a life coach based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who welcomes clients from around the world.
Hobbies and Interests
I love learning, growth, and creativity; and I enjoy seeing these processes reignite in others. Alongside reading many psychology and personal development books, I enjoy music composition, writing, beat-boxing (vocal percussion emulation), cycling, camping, hiking, gardening, vegan cooking and landscaping. My life partner Jen and I host what is thought to be America’s longest-running annual waffle party, and are currently the only home in our neighborhood with a homemade six-rainbarrel irrigation system. In addition to coaching many amazing people toward creating the lives and world they envision, my own future intentions include completing a book that will enhance the lives of many idealists, creating at least two music albums, and co-creating a home in an ecologically friendly, nearly-off-the-grid, diverse urban housing establishment.
Education and Training
While many coaches bring strengths from a specific discipline, my techniques are influenced by combined training in management, counseling psychology and coaching. I am fortunate to have lived, studied and worked in a diverse range of settings. After growing up in a low-income environment, I attended Phillips Andover Academy and earned my B.A. in Psychology from Yale University, my M.S. in Public Policy and Management from the Carnegie Mellon Heinz School, and my M.A. in Counseling from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. The Institute for Life Coach Training’s coaching fundamentals program helped me to blend these disciplines.
Highlights from Prior Experience
I have worked in a range of settings, which helps me to relate to others with questions like, “I’m interested in several things, but I’m not sure which way to go.” I love working with people to increase their fulfillment, I have a “techie” side, and I also have a very artistic and creative side. My past experience includes the following:
- Designed and taught a graduate self-development class for community leadership students entitled Leading Self and Others through Purposeful Creating. This incorporated many coaching-related concepts.
- With leadership consulting firm DDI, observed managers’ behavior, communications, and personality profile data, and crafted developmental feedback messages for them.
- Counseled men recovering from addictions and criminal behavior, incorporating coaching-based approaches.
- Managed the Baltimore City Data Collaborative, a multi-agency initiative on maternal and child health and well being.
- Conducted research and evaluation activities in such areas as regional environmental public health, the well-being of families leaving the public assistance rolls, youth civic participation, and urban economic development.
- Presented at academic/professional conferences on topics linking the realms of leadership, psychology and social responsibility.
Select Activities and Memberships, Past and Present
- Pittsburgh Coaches Association (local chapter of the International Coach Federation)
- North American Vegetarian Society
- Co-op America Green Business Network
- Cross-Continental Cyclist, Habitat for Humanity Bicycle Challenge
- Diversity Committee member, Carnegie Mellon Heinz School of Public Policy and Management
- Lead organizer, Rainbow Ride public education event on issues facing same-sex families
- Prospective student interviewer and Governing Board member, Yale Club of Pittsburgh
- Student mentor, Carnegie Mellon Heinz School of Public Policy and Management
- Vice-President of Community Service, Yale Club of Maryland
- American Counseling Association, including Counselors for Social Justice
- Bike Pittsburgh
- Highmark Subcommittee on Obesity and the Built Environment
