Our Team

What does she do at Riverbend?

Doreen Linneman is the founder and leader of The Riverbend Group, LLC, a people and organizational development company focused on management consulting, professional development and teambuilding. Doreen is passionately dedicated, both professionally and personally, to inspire people who want to courageously find and live their best life. Doreen specializes primarily in the healthcare and sports industries.

What did she do before joining #TeamRiverbend?

Prior to founding Riverbend, Doreen was the co-founder and CEO of iShake, LLC, an info-tainment company that developed software applications for the iPhone and the web. Both 12thNight Mobile, a mobile consulting firm, and Leadership Game Changer, in partnership with IMG, round out her start-up portfolio. Pre-entrepreneur life, Doreen held leadership positions in consulting, marketing, sales, and operations at such companies as Johnson & Johnson, SmithKline Beecham, and SYNAVANT.

Where did she study?

Doreen holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School and a Bachelor of Arts with pre-Med and Chemistry concentrations from Vanderbilt University. She is a Master Trainer in LIFO Behavior and Communication Styles, a certified Mental Toughness facilitator and trainer, and has completed the Navy SEALFIT Leadership Academy.

What does she do other than Riverbend?

She is an alumnus of Atlanta’s “40 Under 40” and is an international keynote speaker at universities and conferences. In addition to being a 3-time Ironman Triathlete and certified professional tennis instructor, Doreen is an adventure-holic and has a serious case of wanderlust. Doreen has paraglided off a mountain in Venezuela, lived with and taken care of lion cubs in South Africa, climbed an ice-covered volcano in Chile, rappelled a cliff and scaled underground waterfalls in the caves of Belize, trekked Silverback Gorillas in the mists of Rwanda, zip-lined and rafted her way across Costa Rica, boated on the Panama Canal, came face to face with Great White Sharks off the coast of Africa, and has completed sugar-cookie surf torture and log evolutions led by mighty and inspiring Navy SEALs.

What’s her favorite Riverbend workshop or experience?

Definitely nothing tops Prepare to Roar for Doreen…. But Leadership Legacy is a close second. As for workshops, she is passionate about Change Management and has a blast with Presentation Skills.

What does she do at Riverbend?

Cece Berger Sharp is the President and Chief Operating Officer of The Riverbend Group. Cece is charged with making sure all the behind-the-scenes activities for Riverbend internal run smoothly so that Riverbend can concentrate and deliver meaningful experiences that help inspire and equip our clients to be greater. In addition, Cece gets to step into the role of Executive Client Advisor to deliver those programs. She loves to pour into organizations and people. Her background in Sales Training and Sales Force Effectiveness means that she is also constantly focused on continuous improvement- for Riverbend and for Riverbend clients.

What did she do before joining #TeamRiverbend?

Prior to joining Riverbend, Cece worked for Kimberly-Clark and Molnlycke Healthcare. Cece held roles across various functions. She started her career in Research and Engineering and then progressed through Creative Innovation, Marketing, Sales Training, and eventually to overall Commercial Excellence. She loves to apply her engineering thought process to commercial problems to help efficiency and effectiveness.

Her last role before Riverbend as VP of Commercial Excellence for Molnlycke Healthcare allowed her to solve problems to improve sales and marketing performance through leading the sales training, marketing communications, and CRM teams.

Cece was also recognized in 2016 by the Association of Training and Development for a Best Award for her work on improving sales effectiveness through onboarding and certification processes that increased sales output over 30% in new hires first six months on the job.

Where did she study?

Cece holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University, where she graduated summa cum laude in Chemical Engineering.

What does she do other than Riverbend?

Outside of Riverbend, Cece spends time with her husband and three girls- hopefully outdoors or at a family movie night. Along with their three pets, they live an active lifestyle of school, extracurricular activities, and travel. They love adventuring to new destinations. Cece and her husband once quit their jobs and traveled the world for 6 months visiting over 20 countries. The whole family also has the travel bug. They have visited over a dozen National Parks and once lived all together in a 27-foot RV for the summer!

Cece can also be found exercising or her favorite activity- dancing! If there is a dance floor, make room, she will be on it.

What does she do at Riverbend?

Haley O’Brien, MEd, joined Riverbend in 2010 and the organization cannot run without her! As Leader of Creative Design and Logistics, Haley ensures engagements are delivered with excellence down to the last detail. She is the mastermind behind many of Riverbend’s Action-Based Learning® materials. Haley’s Masters in Educational Leadership, and her teaching background brings expertise to creative learning design, adult learning principles, and efficient organization to programming.

What did she do before joining #TeamRiverbend?

Prior to joining Riverbend, Haley taught nine years in the secondary educational setting, across many subjects. While teaching across the state of Georgia, in various teaching settings and socioeconomic statuses, she was honored with being nominated for Teacher of the Year three times.

Where did she study?

Haley holds a Masters Degree of Education in Educational Administration/Supervision/Leadership from Albany State University, as well as a Certification for Interrelated Special Education from Georgia State University. She earned a BS in Education at the University of Georgia (Go DAWGS!).

What does she do other than Riverbend?

Haley served as Chairpersons on the SACS committee, Talented and Gifted Selection Committee, and 504 Committee. She was an Ambassador and Advisor to many student clubs and activities, actively involved with young people making lifetime decisions to guide their future in a positive light. She is the sole creator of an Outdoor Classroom Arena and Curriculum that incorporates Action Based Counseling into the Interdisciplinary program for students in Fulton County Schools.

The greatest joy of her life comes from her family – husband, two daughters, and of course the family dog, Charlie! Haley is an active member at Hillside UMC in Woodstock, GA where she serves on varying committees. She is actively involved in her community, specifically working with young people within the local high school and her church. She loves to compete on the tennis court, and dig her toes in the sand while relaxing on the sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast.

What’s her favorite Riverbend workshop or experience?

Haley has many favorite Riverbend moments, but the Amazing Race in San Diego, where she was dressed up as a clown… may take the cake. She sees that specific engagement as a great example of how we incorporate fun with learning, and when those two go hand in hand it is guaranteed the new learning will be retained and applied to our clients’ business.

What does she do at Riverbend?

Sara is a Senior Client Advisor who brings experience as an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist and Leadership Development Consultant to the Riverbend team of Client Advisors. She has dedicated her career to helping individuals and teams unleash their potential by becoming increasingly more grounded in who they are and who they want to be.

By combining her experiences as a counselor, consultant and coach, Sara brings a special ability to meet others where they are and help them get to where they want to go. Leveraging decades of research and proven practices of adult development, Sara has helped thousands of leaders and teams identify growth opportunities and create development plans that result in accelerated growth and increased effectiveness. Her dedication to improvement, excellence, and integrity make her a valued partner to everyone she works with.

What did she do before joining #TeamRiverbend?

Prior to joining Riverbend, Sara served as a leadership development consultant in both internal and external roles. Her work has involved program creation and delivery, one-on-one and team coaching, research, and writing. She has worked with leaders in corporate, government, higher education, and non-profit organizations. To continue to invest in the development of others during the COVID-19 pandemic, she co-founded and hosted the Growing as Grown-Ups podcast and online development platform.

Where did she study?

Sara received her Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology at the University of Georgia where her research was published and been presented at several national and international conferences. Sara also has a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Her experience listening to clients and taking into consideration surrounding factors has uniquely prepared her to collaboratively help clients find the best solution to their problems. This experience has taught her the value of taking a systemic approach to situations and viewing the role of consultant as one of a helper.

What does she do other than Riverbend?

Sara loves to spend time with her husband, Bryan, traveling, playing games, seeing Broadway shows, and creating memories with her step-kids Reid and Addie. Her two dogs, Rusty and Simon, are her dearest friends and often make appearances on video calls. When she has time, she loves to dance (West Coast Swing), cook, and eat Mexican food.

What does she do at Riverbend?

Melody Ridley joins Riverbend as a Senior Client Advisor, bringing with her a rich background in Human Resources, organizational effectiveness, and leadership development. Throughout her career, she has focused on helping leaders and teams not only achieve their goals but also create workplaces where people feel seen, supported, and able to thrive.

Known for her ability to design impactful leadership programs, coach with clarity, and foster cultures of belonging, Melody blends practical expertise with a deep commitment to inclusion. She has a gift for meeting people where they are, unlocking their potential, and guiding them toward meaningful growth. Her decades of experience and dedication to empowering others make her a trusted partner for leaders and organizations ready to take their next step.

What did she do before joining #TeamRiverbend?

Prior to joining Riverbend, Melody served as Director of Workplace Culture and Belonging at Emory University, where she launched the institution’s first centralized office for inclusion education. She led innovative programs for leaders and faculty, including an inaugural 8-month inclusion program, and developed curriculum that reached more than 3,000 participants with consistently high ratings. Melody also provided intercultural coaching, career coaching, and team interventions across divisions and schools.

Her earlier career includes roles as Manager of Training at Emory, Learning & Organizational Development Consultant at Northside Hospital, Global Training Consultant at Stiefel Laboratories, and Senior Consultant of Organizational Effectiveness at Solvay Pharmaceuticals. In these positions, she managed cohort-based leadership programs, facilitated soft-skills and executive coaching, and designed global learning solutions that equipped leaders and teams for success.

Where did she study?

Melody earned her Executive MBA from Wesleyan College in 2019 and her B.S. in Business Management from Shorter University in 2006. She also holds a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University and is certified in multiple leadership and assessment tools, including the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), DiSC, Birkman, Crucial Conversations, and Franklin Covey programs.

What does she do other than Riverbend?

Melody serves on the Board of Directors for the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, a role that holds deep personal meaning since her mom was diagnosed with MS more than 20 years ago.

A lifelong learner and avid reader, she enjoys diving into about 60 books each year. In her free time, you can often find her curled up with a good book or working on a jigsaw puzzle.
Melody is also a passionate sports fan and proudly touts her status as an Atlanta Falcons season ticket holder—through both the good seasons and the tough ones.

What does she do at Riverbend?

Evan joined Riverbend’s Creative Design & Logistics team in January of 2022. Evan develops, organizes, and fulfills materials for our clients across a variety of engagements. With her strengths of communication and leadership, Evan sees to every detail in a project, ensuring success. Partnered with her passion for connecting with people from various backgrounds along with her unique talent for creating memorable learning experiences, Evan promises our clients are inspired and equipped following an engagement with Riverbend.

Where did she study?

As a recent graduate of Kennesaw State University, with a major in Public Relations and a minor in Leadership, Evan is excited to kick-start her career at The Riverbend Group. She is committed to excellence and honesty. You can see her heart shine through her beautiful smile; Her enthusiasm is infectious.

What does she do other than Riverbend?

Outside of being a Riverbender, Evan loves to spend her time working out, reading, and planning her upcoming adventures. As a former cast member and skipper, Evan loves to nerd out on all things Disney, specifically the World Famous Jungle Cruise. She spends her free time volunteering with Agape Hospice Care and Wellspring Living, along with serving as a door holder at Passion City Church. Evan is enthusiastic about being outdoors, seeing the world, and connecting with people.

What does she do at Riverbend?

Lauren has been a Client Advisor and Facilitator with Riverbend since 2007. Her 16-year expertise as a Licensed Professional Counselor has been maximized in a wide variety of Executive and Professional Coaching engagements. When it comes to client’s National Sales and Product Launch Meetings, her versatility puts her either running a breakout room, leading an Action-Based Learning® activity, or ensuring any behind-the-scenes initiatives are running smoothly. She is also one of our certified LIFO® facilitators. In addition, Lauren can be found from time-to-time supporting our Creative Design & Logistics team efforts. Her all-in, well-rounded mindset and skills make her a huge asset to any client engagement.

What did she do before joining #TeamRiverbend?

Prior to joining Riverbend, Lauren worked in a variety of mental health settings. Lauren’s experience includes private practice, school, and agency settings. She has worked as a mental health consultant, for both private organizations and schools, working to strengthen relationships with faculty and students.

Where did she study?

Lauren holds both a Specialist (EdS) Degree and a Master of Science (MS) Degree in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University, and a Bachelor Science (BS) Degree in Psychology from the University of Georgia. Lauren is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the States of Georgia and North Carolina, and is a National Board Certified Counselor. Lauren additionally has extensive training in forensics and earned status as a Registered Play Therapist (RPT), which comes in handy working on Riverbend’s Action-Based Learning® events! As previously mentioned, she is also certified in LIFO®.

What does she do other than Riverbend?

Lauren loves being with her husband, James, and daughter, Halle. She is passionate about continuing to grow as a therapist and pursues regular trainings and continuing education in mental health and coaching. Lauren can also be found exercising, mentoring, traveling, and serving in her church.

What’s her favorite Riverbend workshop or experience?

Whether it is hiding apples IN the “Big Apple” for an Amazing Race themed client ABL® or seeing a client breakthrough in a one-on-one coaching setting, Lauren loves all aspects of Riverbend! Having a sideline view observing the clients learn while running down a football field, watching teams come together to solve a problem, or practicing a new technique role-playing for a clue to solve a mystery is what she loves most. Lauren enjoys the unique ways Riverbend meets the individual needs of each client they serve!

What does she do at Riverbend?

Allison Guyton has been with Riverbend since 2007, both as a facilitator and as a content developer. Allison excels at customer satisfaction.

Allison brings 20 years of operations and project management, as well as meeting and event planning expertise to Riverbend. Her experience is especially leveraged at National Sales Meetings and Product Launches, while she also brings fresh perspective to professional development workshops as well. Allison is a Certified LIFO Trainer, the behavior styles theory The Riverbend Group utilizes in many of their trainings.

Allison’s reputation for interpersonal skills and relationship management, contingency planning and crisis management, as well as time and detail management make her an incredible asset on the Riverbend team.

What did she do before joining #TeamRiverbend?

Prior to joining Riverbend, Allison led a cross-functional team at Maas Companies, Inc, an international consulting and marketing company specializing in industrial, commercial, and real estate liquidations and auctions. Her team managed event design and implementation, budget oversight, sales and marketing programing, internal controls, and creative design.

Where did she study?

Allison holds a Bachelor of Arts from Vanderbilt University.

What does she do other than Riverbend?

Spending time with her family is top on Allison’s list of fun things to do! When not playing the role of “Mom,” Allison loves to travel both domestically and abroad, especially Africa and Europe. Many times these trips are with Doreen – make sure to ask her about some of their favorite travel memories. She enjoys reading, cooking, and many of the sports Colorado offers.

What’s her favorite Riverbend workshop or experience?

“It is hard to top our time in Africa [Prepare to Roar May 2013] surrounded by the majesty of the Serengeti, but I love working on ABLs …The “Amazing Race Las Vegas” we designed is memorable to me…. We had a blast watching teams sprint into the home stretch.”