OUR STORY
Devoted to the study and practice of leadership
Our journey began when we met in the Santa Cruz Mountains of Northern California in 1999, while engaging leadership development training in the early stages of our careers. We learned from the context of the forest. Enamored by the beautiful redwood trees, some of which are 3,000 years old—we drew inspiration from their vitality and strength.
We have devoted ourselves to the study and practice of leadership. Through 10 years of creating a community of leaders while training and supporting volunteers in a nonprofit setting—we experienced the complex joys and challenges of leadership first-hand. We've learned from our own missteps and have benefited from mentorship. We have pursued education and research to ground our understanding of social sciences and practical, effective practices.
In 2012, we started Sequoia Leadership Group taking into consideration the lessons that nature offers us. Giant Sequoia’s don’t become giant in a day, just as great leaders don't emerge overnight.
Through Sequoia, we have the great privilege of coaching and consulting leaders in various contexts. We love learning with people on that journey.
Abigail J. Veliquette, PhD, PCC
I am honored that my work allows me to come alongside others, supporting them in achieving their full potential. I began coaching and consulting others in leadership and volunteer development in 2009 out of a dynamic history of work in the nonprofit sector and higher education, including managing volunteer training, recruitment and retention.
I earned a Ph.D. in Organization Learning, Performance, and Change from Colorado State University, building on my Master's in Communication Studies also from Colorado State University. My scholarship includes six peer reviewed journal publications covering topics in human resource development, strategic planning, and team building. In 2017, I earned one of Colorado State University’s Best Teacher awards for teaching excellence.
I have served as a Special Assistant Professor in Communication Studies at Colorado State University, specializing in Organizational Communication since 2007. I teach courses spanning basic communication skills, professional development, and organizational leadership development.
In 2014, I completed Blue Mesa Group’s Transformational Coaching Program and earned my Professional Certified Coach designation through the International Coach Federation. I have worked with clients at the University of Colorado ECHO, DanoneWave, United Way, The Matthews House, and The City of Fort Collins. I am also a Wiley Everything DiSC certified facilitator.
My most important roles are getting to be a wife and mother to a beautiful family. I love yoga, running, enjoying Fort Collins, and traveling.
Jason P. Veliquette, MA, PCC
I love my work as an executive leadership coach and consultant. I find joy in helping leaders and teams identify their strengths and gaps as they discover how they can positively impact the world. I bring energy to my work with leaders.
I spent 10 years leading volunteer teams in a large non-profit organization where I developed skills of leading, coaching, teaching and speaking. While in this organizational setting, I gained local and international leadership experience, leading teams throughout the United States and abroad. I pursued a Masters from Denver Seminary and earned a Master of Arts degree in 2012.
I earned my first coaching certification in 2013 and a Professional Certified Coach designation from the International Coach Federation (ICF) in 2016. In that time I’ve had extensive experience coaching senior executives in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and technology industries. I’ve coached leaders within several organizations including Trinity Health, Yale New Haven Hospital, Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Providence Health System, UC Health, Tolmar Inc., and Visage. I work with teams to find solutions that unlock peak performance and sustained results.
I enjoy being a facilitator, trainer, teacher, speaker, and writer. I am senior faculty for an ICF approved coach-training program. I’ve served as a guest lecturer at Colorado State University in the Communication Studies Department.
My first priority is my family. I enjoy playing baseball with my son, Jack (10) and hiking with my daughter, Kate (7), and serve as a volunteer coach for youth baseball and basketball teams. I find restoration and inspiration in the Rocky Mountains running ultra marathons, hiking, and camping.
"The heart behind Sequoia Leadership Group is the dynamic resilience
of evergreen trees.
They grow with incredible strength while being responsive to changing seasons and weather.